Father Muller Charitable Institutions Celebrates National Library Week
Mangalore Father Muller Medical College, in collaboration with the Karnataka State Library Association®, Bangalore, observed National Library Week on November 19, 2025, at the Decennial Memorial Hall of the Father Muller Knowledge Centre.
The event commenced at 3:00 PM with an inaugural ceremony. Dignitaries, including Dr. S L Kadadevarmath, President of KALA, Rev. Fr. Faustine Lucas Lobo, Director of Father Muller Charitable Institutions (FMCI), Rev. Fr. Dr Michael Ligory Santhumayor, Administrator of Father Muller Medical College (FMMC), FMCOAHS, FMCOP, Dr. Venkatesha B M, Vice-Dean, FMMC, Dr. Shekara H.P., Librarian, JAIN (Deemed to be University) and General Secretary of KALA, Dr. Mamatha Pramod Kumar, HOD (I/c) and Associate Professor, Department of Library and Information Science, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangalore, Dr. John J.S. Martis, Chairperson, Central Library Committee, and Dr. Janet Dotty Lobo, Chief Librarian, FMCI and Event Coordinator, were escorted to the dais.
Dr. Martis welcomed the attendees and dignitaries. The formal inauguration was followed by the lighting of a ceremonial lamp by the dignitaries.
Dr. Kadadevarmath addressed the gathering, highlighting that National Library Week is an annual celebration observed across India from November 14th to 20th. He engaged with students, sharing his insights on the importance of libraries.
In acknowledgment of his presence and address, Dr. Kadadevarmath received a memento. The Karnataka State Library Association also presented mementos to the Director of FMCI, the resource person, and the event coordinator.
Rev. Fr. Lobo, in his presidential address, proposed a shift from “Library Week” to “Reading Book Week” to foster reading habits among individuals. He encouraged students to commit to reading at least one book per month to expand their knowledge.
Dr. Lobo delivered the vote of thanks, and Dr. Archana Bhat compered the program. The inaugural program concluded with the institutional anthem.
Following the inauguration, Dr. Mamatha Pramod Kumar delivered a guest lecture. Her talk explored the library as a center for spiritual, physical, and mental well-being. A certificate was presented to Dr. Kumar in recognition of her contribution.
The event was attended by principals from various Father Muller Charitable Institutions colleges, HODs, members of the Central Library Committee, students, members of the Karnataka State Library Association, and library staff.
The formal program concluded with the National Anthem, followed by a photo session and refreshments.