Teachers, Ethic Day celebrations at FMCI Kankanady Campus
The programme brought together the constituent educational institutions of Father Muller Charitable Institutions (FMCI) for a combined celebration of National Teachers’ Day, Ethnic Day 2026 and Student Achievement Awards on 5 September 2026 at the Father Muller Convention Centre. The participating institutions included Father Muller Medical College, Father Muller College of Allied Health Sciences, Father Muller College of Physiotherapy, Father Muller College of Nursing, Father Muller School of Nursing and Father Muller College of Speech & Hearing. Preside by Rev. Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo, Director, FMCI.
The celebration had three major themes:
- Honouring teachers – commemorating Teachers’ Day and recognising the role of mentors in shaping students’ academic and professional journeys. The programme specifically recalled Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the second President of India and an eminent teacher.
- Celebrating India’s cultural diversity – Ethnic Day brought together celebrations associated with Krishna Janmashtami, the Nativity of Mother Mary, Onam, Eid, Ganeshotsav and harvest festivals, represented through traditional attire, folklore and cultural performances.
- Recognising student excellence – students were honoured for achievements in academics, research, sports and cultural activities, with awards presented across the different FMCI educational institutions.
One of the most distinctive aspects was the symbolic sapling-planting ceremony, curated by Dr Kelvin Pais, Liaison Officer, FMCI & Professor of Dentistry, FMMC.
The symbolism was beautifully institutional: student council heads brought the saplings and handed them to their mentors; the mentors potted them; administrators and spiritual animators provided the soil; and the Director watered the saplings.
This can be interpreted as a metaphor for the FMCI community:
- Students bring the sapling – representing participation, aspirations and the future.
- Teachers nurture it – representing mentorship, guidance and education.
- Administration provides the soil – representing institutional support and infrastructure.
- The Director waters it – representing leadership and collective responsibility.
- The growing plant – representing the continued growth and legacy of the institution.
Thus, the ceremony was not merely an environmental activity; it served as a living symbol of the relationship between students, teachers, leadership and the institution.
Rev. Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo, Director, FMCI, centred his message on “unity in diversity.” He drew a parallel between the diversity of languages and accents and the diversity within an academic community. The message emphasised remaining rooted in one’s culture, keeping traditions and festivities alive, while appreciating the unity that binds the FMCI community together.
He also encouraged students to remember their Alma Mater and, when the time comes, to give back to the institution that contributed to their formation. That gives the entire celebration a stronger message than simply “Teachers’ Day + Ethnic Day + Awards.” The underlying narrative is:
We celebrate our teachers, cherish our diverse cultural identities, recognise our students’ achievements, and together nurture the future of FMCI.
The awards section was extensive, covering achievements from several constituent institutions.
Father Muller College of Speech & Hearing recognised academic excellence among B.ASLP students, including Angeline Biju Thomas, Magrel Leona Fernandes, Sthuthi S. Kotian and Lesha Ancy Lasrado.
Father Muller Medical College presented numerous academic and subject-wise sponsored awards across the MBBS examinations, including recognition for achievements in Anatomy, Biochemistry, Physiology, Pathology, Microbiology, Pharmacology, Community Medicine, Paediatrics, Surgery, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, ENT and Ophthalmology. The Medical College Basketball Team was also recognised for its sporting achievements, particularly its runner-up finish at the Khelo India-related sports competition hosted by the National Institute of Technology, Karnataka, alongside its record of success at RGUHS zonal and inter-zonal competitions.
There was also a Research Award recognising Dhriti Kurian for an international-level research paper presentation at the RCPCH Conference 2026 in Birmingham, UK.
The College of Nursing, School of Nursing, College of Physiotherapy and College of Allied Health Sciences likewise recognised a large number of students for academic excellence, sports and research achievements.
The event concluded with a vibrant cultural showcase involving both staff and students. Performances included:
- Group singing by FMMC staff and students
- Cultural dance by FMCOAHS
- Cultural dance by FMCON
- Cultural dance by Father Muller College of Speech & Hearing
- Group dance by FMMC students
The celebrations were followed by refreshments for approximately 2,000 students and a DJ programme at the Muller Mini Banquet Hall.
The programme records Rev. Dr Micheal Santhumayor, Administrator of FMMC/DFMCOP/FMAHS, as the organising chairman, along with the Deans and Principals of the participating institutions. Dr Sueallen, Assistant Professor of Pathology, and Dr Tanush Shetty, Assistant Professor of Forensic Medicine, served as faculty organising secretaries, while Chandrashekar, Physical Director, FMCI, was the stage manager.
