Media Release
Mangaluru, Sep 6: It was raining ethnicity at Father Muller Charitable Institutions at UTSAV-2022, its first-ever ethnic day celebrations. The two-year lull in the 'greatest ever student' show ended with a traditional show of Indian multicultural strength on September 6. On this day, the colour of one nation came true through the Utsav.
The occasion also summarised the events that took place or would be around the week, namely, Teachers Day, Ganesh Chaturthi, Onam And Monthi Feast. The guests were led by a boisterous band playing the traditional rhythms.
The tradition spread its light with the inaugural through the 'pingara arisidhu' or the opening of the areca pod releasing the flower-filled segments, reminding all of the bounty of the earth. The invocation was rendered with a dance with a next gen twist. Cristine, coordinator of the event, welcomed the gathering.
The remembrance of the 25th year of demise of Mother Teresa who took part in the celebration of the centenary year was done through a floral tribute in the beginning. Her words of encouragement to the Institutions have been written in our history "Works of elevating the suffering with love and compassion is through the hands of Father Muller."
Kshamya Adkar, an alumna of the department of Physiotherapy, FMMC and Miss Karnataka runner-up, was the chief guest. She felt nostalgic on her visit to her Alma Mater. A 2015 batch BPT student, she had never dreamt of being on stage. Lauding the college, she said, "I have learnt a lot of things from this college. The college also supported me to go forward with my passion and talent. Each individual has a unique talent. You should mould your passions from your college days."
Fr Richard Aloysius Coelho, director of FMCI, in his presidential address, commended the efforts of the staff and students and said, ""Diversity makes the world beautiful. Unity makes the world strong. Ethnic Day is a day to celebrate the rich heritage of civilization and art and culture of the country. The beauty of Father Muller is that it looks like the whole country is represented in one campus." He reminded that the festive season around the week bore diversity with inclusion. The celebration of Monthi Feast around the coastal region with a new corn and the ending of Ganesh Chaturthi festivities seemed fit to conduct the event, he added. He concluded by saying, "Ethnicity should enrich us. It is not to divide us but to unite us more and more."
Student Gaurav wished all the teachers on the occasion of Teachers' Day. He spoke on the life of Dr Radhakrishnan in whose remembrance the day is celebrated.
An ancient traditional dance of Kerala, Triruvatira was performed with a circle of splendidly dressed women around the fire, which is a precursor to the Mohiniyattam, arranged by the students of MBBS.
The unity in diversity was well conveyed in the dance performances by the students of the College of Allied Health Sciences.
A surprise flash mob by different batches of the medical college students dressed in traditional attire dancing to the beats of the Bollywood numbers was transcendental.
The New Age rock band of FMMC mesmerized the audience by singing, "Illahi jee aye" and a Konkani number "ding dong diga diga."
A ramp walk by the faculty glammed up in traditional wear, was the highlight of the day . The students followed suit with the sarees, dupattas and lungees draped in different ways.
The Tiger dance troupe electrified the crowd with a stunning performance
The event began at 1:30 PM with a procession from the Academy Hall, with different assemblies of drummer bands. The programme commenced at 3 PM and went on till 7:30 PM in the Convention Centre.
Fr Ajith B Menezes orchestrated the whole event with a keen vision and clarity. The whole event showcased the greatness of the Institutions with bold and bigger and larger than life event.
Dr Reshma Kini (pathologist) and Dr Abhishek hosted the event with their quick thinking and shayaris.
Members of the management, faculty and staff participated in the event along with students of the Institutions.
The event was held in the 1750-seater Father Muller Convention Centre. The hall brimming to the full displayed the bright and beautiful colors of the rainbow.