Father Muller Welcomes 33rd Batches of Allied Health and Physiotherapy Students
A new generation of aspiring healthcare professionals began their academic journey at Father Muller as the 33rd batches of Father Muller College of Allied Health Sciences (FMCOAHS) and Father Muller College of Physiotherapy (FMCOP) were inaugurated on Monday at the Father Muller Convention Centre.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by around 500 new students along with their parents and guardians, marking the beginning of an important chapter in their professional education. The programme was presided over by Rev. Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo, Director, Father Muller Charitable Institutions (FMCI), with Dr Abhilash P.V., Member of the Karnataka Allied and Healthcare Professions Council, as the Chief Guest.
The new batch comprises 150 students of the Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT) programme and 250 students across 11 undergraduate Allied Health Sciences programmes. The programmes include Medical Laboratory Sciences, Medical Radiology and Imaging Technology, Radiotherapy Technology, Anaesthesia and Operation Theatre Technology, Dialysis Therapy and Technology, Optometry, Emergency and Trauma Care Technology, Cardiac Care Technology, Neuro Science Technology, Respiratory Technology and Bachelor of Hospital Administration.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Abhilash P.V. the Trustee of the Shri Mokambika Temple, Kollur; PRO of AJIMS & Professor at Laxmi Memorial College of Physiotheraphy encouraged the students to make the most of the opportunities available to them at Father Muller. He described the institution’s contribution to healthcare and healthcare education in the region as significant and appreciated the management’s efforts to promote excellence not only in academics but also in sports, research and cultural activities.
He urged the students to approach their education with commitment and enthusiasm, emphasising that their years at the institution would shape both their professional competence and their contribution to society.
Presiding over the ceremony, Rev. Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo highlighted the rich legacy of Father Muller, which has completed 146 years of service and is moving towards its 150th anniversary.
Referring to the clinical opportunities available through the institution’s 4 hospitals, he said students had access to an environment where theoretical learning could be strengthened through clinical exposure and practical experience. He also highlighted the role of bridge courses in helping students from diverse educational and regional backgrounds adapt to professional healthcare education.
Using the analogy that a horse can be brought to water but cannot be forced to drink, Fr Faustine reminded the students that the opportunities offered by Father Muller could become meaningful only through their own willingness to learn, acquire skills and grow. He also called upon parents to remain supportive and actively involved in their wards’ academic and clinical progress.
A symbolic Course Tree was unveiled and lit by the dignitaries and students, marking the commencement of their academic journey. The tree symbolised growth, learning and shared purpose, with its roots representing knowledge and values, its trunk the institution that nurtures students, and its branches and leaves representing the diverse healthcare disciplines united in service to humanity.
Prof. Cherishma Dsilva, Principal, FMCOP, welcomed the gathering and introduced the Chief Guest, while Dr Shivashankara A.R., Principal, FMCOAHS, proposed the vote of thanks.
The programme was attended by Rev. Dr Michael Santhumayor, Administrator, FMMC/FMCOAHS/FMCOP; Dr Leah Mohandas, First Year Course Coordinator, BPT; Dr Nirmala Kumari, Head, Department of Hospital Administration; and Claudia Johnny, First Year Course Coordinator, FMCOAHS.
Following the inaugural ceremony, Rev. Dr Michael Santhumayor interacted with the students and parents and briefed them on the institutional profile, academic and examination systems, counselling facilities, and sports and extracurricular activities available at Father Muller.
Thereafter each of the Colleges principals briefed on their colleges background and requirements to be adhered to.
The ceremony marked the formal beginning of the students’ journey into healthcare education, welcoming them into the Father Muller family and its enduring tradition of knowledge, service and compassionate care.
