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Celebration of 25-Year Reunion and Guruvandana of MBBS Batch ’99 at Father Muller Medical College

Mangalore, 04.05.24: The Muller Mini Convention Centre was abuzz with nostalgia and celebration as the esteemed Father Muller Medical College commemorated the 25th reunion and Guruvandana of the pioneering MBBS Batch ’99, the college’s first MBBS batch. Organized with meticulous care and reverence, the event was a testament to the bonds forged and the journey shared by these esteemed medical professionals.

The day began with a soulful Thanksgiving Mass at the Fr. Muller Chapel, celebrated by Rev. Fr. Ajith Menezes, the Administrator of FMMC. The atmosphere was uplifted by the melodious choir sung by the Alumni of Batch ’99, filling the air with a sense of reverence and gratitude. After the mass, the batch of MBBS ’99 gathered in their classroom to attend a class taken by their teacher, Dr. Hilda Pinto, retired professor from the Department of Microbiology, to relive their student days.

Following the Mass, the official program commenced at the Muller Mini, 2nd-floor Convention Centre, with the 25-year reunion celebration of the MBBS Batch ’99. The event commenced with a soulful prayer song by Dr. Jermine Harriet and team, setting the tone for the evening’s festivities. The event was graced by esteemed personalities including Chief Guest Dr. Sanjeev Rai, former Dean of FMMC, and Guest of Honour Fr. Dennis D’Sa, former administrator of FMMC. Other dignitaries on the dais included Rev. Fr. Richard Coelho, Director FMCI; Fr. Ajith Menezes, Administrator FMMC; Fr. Valerian D’Souza & Fr. William Menezes, former administrators of FMMC; and Dr. Antony S. D’Souza, Dean FMMC.

The programme was anchored by the alumni of FMMC, Batch ’99, Dr. Gladys Rodrigues, Consultant Vitreo Retinal Surgeon and Associate Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology at KMC Mangalore, and Dr. Kusuma Sachin, Physiologist, and family practitioner in Mangalore. Dr. Archana Bhat, Professor of Medicine at FMMC and President of the Alumni Association, delivered a warm welcome speech, acknowledging the significant contributions of the alumni to the field of medicine and society at large. The ceremonial lighting of the lamp, a symbol of enlightenment and auspiciousness, was performed by all the dignitaries, accompanied by the class representative, Dr. Thomas John, a Consultant in Internal Medicine from London, UK.

In his address, Dr. Sanjeev Rai praised the growth and impact of the batch, highlighting their vital role as doctors in society. He reminisced about their humble beginnings at Father Muller Charitable Institutions, acknowledging the journey that has led them to success today.

Fr. Dennis D’Sa emphasized the importance of introspection and service, urging the alumni to remain grounded and compassionate in their practice. He expressed gratitude for the education and values instilled by their gurus, noting the balance between technological advancement and humanistic care.

Director Rev. Fr. Richard Coelho commended the batch for their hard work, dedication, and perseverance in serving humanity. He emphasized the importance of the art of medicine and the love of humanity, encouraging the doctors to go beyond their comfort zones to bring solace to their patients.

The cultural program featured a mesmerizing dance performance by Dr. Aneeshya Prasad, a consultant Oncopathologist from Coventry, UK. The felicitation of teachers and non-clinical staff who contributed to the ’99 batch’s education added a heartfelt touch to the evening.

Slideshows showcasing tributes to departed teachers, campus memories, and video messages from absentees further enriched the event. Dr. Jeedhu Radhakrishnan, Head of the Department of Emergency at KMC Mangalore and Regional Head -Department of Emergency Medicine of Manipal Hospitals (Goa, Mangalore, and Kerala), delivered a gracious vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all who made the event a success.

The reunion concluded with a photo session and a sumptuous lunch along with talks by some of the teachers who fondly remembered the good old days, providing an opportunity for the alumni to reconnect and reminisce. It was heartening to see doctors from around the world come together to celebrate this milestone, showcasing the strong bonds and cherished memories forged during their time at Father Muller Charitable Institutions. The event was not just a celebration of the past but also a reaffirmation of the bonds, values, and shared experiences that continue to unite the MBBS Batch ’99 family.