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Mangaluru, Apr 2: ‘The world’s big things only can be done by paying attention to their humble beginning’ was the quote which was the background for this year’s grandeur graduation ceremony. The graduation ceremony which was held on Saturday April 2, paid first tribute to the founder Fr Augustus Muller SJ. For the last two years, due to the pandemic, the graduation of each college was done separately due to the public gathering restrictions thus was the reason the graduation ceremony was a subdued affair.

The chief guest of the function Dr Gitanjali Batmanabane, also the pro vice chancellor of GITAM University of Medical Sciences, Vizag and former director, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhuvaneshwar, addressed reminiscing her days as a student, graduate, healthcare practitioner, and so on. The stages of life are to be tasted and relished with love as it makes a person out of you. We fall and get up, that’s the human spirit. She asked the new graduates to be helpful to the society, learners till death, being torches of rightfulness and be passionate in whatever you do. She caught hold the audiences attention with a meticulously written speech, which resounded in a thunderous applause.

Justice John Michael D’Cunha, former judge of the high court of Karnataka was the guest of honour who gave an important message of the world looking at judges, doctors and nurses in the very same way ‘trust’. The trust which the public imposes on these professions is tremendous and there is thus a need to protect it. A judge may be devoid of the results of his judgment the doctors and nurses are not, which is where medical negligence sets in. His meaningful and heartfelt speech pierced the hearts of all gathered.

Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, bishop of Mangalore diocese, president - Father Muller Charitable Institutions in his presidential address focused on the word ‘empathy’ and how it differs from sympathy. He requested that though it might sound as though a pessimist is speaking, the world knows better of a doctor and a nurse. The loss of empathy has derailed the medical and paramedical profession and thus it is up to the new budding doctors to instill the healing and comforting nature of a true healthcare worker in the minds of the public.

As many as 2,500 people consisting of graduates, post graduates, staff, parents, and guests witnessed these celebrations in the Father Muller Convention Centre with aid of 3 giant LED screens in the wings and Muller Mini. Lunch was provided as a fellowship meal in honour of the day.

A total of 615 graduands from various education units of FMCI became graduates and took their oath in their respective professional code of conduct. Degrees were conferred to Father Muller Medical College (FMMC) for 147 MBBS., 82 PG Degree, 1 PhD, I MCh (Urology), 8 MPT, 41 BPT, Father Muller College of Allied Health Sciences (FMCOAHS) 11 Msc MLT 11, MHA 23, BSc MLT 31, BSc Mit 24, BSc RT 7, Father Muller College (Speech and Hearing) 32, Father Muller School of Nursing GNM 54, and Father Muller College of Nursing BSc Nursing 93, PBBSc 51, and MSc Nursing 9.

Director FMCI Fr Richard A. Coelho welcomed the gathering emphasizing that the 615 graduands were keen to serve the society and the institutions was also proud of them. “Since the starting of the educational institutions, we have never compromised with the quality, ethics and ethical practices. That is why we are proud of these graduands who are at the threshold of serving the society in their respective profession. The qualities that are instilled in their hearts and minds will always stand for them in their future endeavours. They are our true ambassadors hereafter, continuing the mission of Heal and Comfort, thus continuing the legacy of Fr Muller.” He also gave a brief report of all the constituents’ schools and colleges that come under the FMCI banner. Booklets of the reports were given to all the gathered for better understanding.

Father Muller Charitable Institutions is in its 142nd year of fruitful service to humanity in the area of Healthcare. The noble cause of serving the sick, the poor and the needy with an emphasis on ‘service with the human touch’ began in a humble way under a banyan tree. Over the years this banyan tree has grown with changing times into a gigantic canopy spreading its copious branches far and wide. With a rich and enviable history behind, Father Muller has emerged as an institution for excellence in the field of healthcare services and health education. Now students from all over the world seek admission to various courses offered at Father Muller Charitable Institutions. Walking in the footsteps of its noble founder Fr Augustus Muller, driven by the mantra of ‘Heal and Comfort’, it continues to serve the suffering humanity with love and compassion.

Convener of the graduation ceremony Fr Ajith B Menezes, administrator FMMC read out elaborately the vote of thanks also announcing the overall winners of the individual educational units and the president’s gold medal 2021 to Dr Mayuri G Bhat. Best outgoing student of FMSON Viola Thomas Fernandes, FMCON BSc Veena Melisha Fernandes, BSALP Kesiya Elsa Varghese, BPT M Jinica Jonny and FMCOAHS Mclyn George Lewis.

In presence was also the administrator of the hospital Fr Rudolph Ravi D’Sa, assistant administrator’s FMMCH, Fr Vincent Sylvester, administrator FMHT, deans and principals of the colleges and school of FMCI, medical and medical superintendents of FMMCH.