FOCUS 6: Two-Day Conference on Swallowing and Vestibular Sciences at Father Muller
Father Muller College (Speech and Hearing) organised a two-day conference on “Swallowing and Vestibular Sciences” at the Decennial Memorial Hall, Knowledge Centre, on Friday, September 11. The conference brought together professionals, faculty members, researchers, and students to explore recent developments and emerging evidence in the fields of swallowing and vestibular sciences.
Dr B. Rajashekar, Founding Dean, Manipal College of Health Professions, Manipal was the Chief Guest, while Rev. Fr. Faustine Lucas Lobo, Director FMCI presided over the inaugural ceremony.
The ceremony commenced with an invocation, followed by the welcome address delivered by Prof. Cynthia Santhumayor, Principal, Father Muller College (Speech and Hearing), and Organising Chairperson. The dignitaries on the dais then ceremonially lit the lamp, with Prof. Akhilesh P. M., former Principal, Father Muller College of Speech and Hearing, also joining the lamp-lighting ceremony.
The dignitaries subsequently officially inaugurated the RCI-approved Continuing Rehabilitation Education (CRE) Conference.
In his inaugural and keynote address, Dr B. Rajashekar highlighted the importance of creating a bridge between knowledge and its practical application. He noted that although swallowing and vestibular sciences represent distinct areas, bringing them together provides an opportunity to broaden perspectives and strengthen interdisciplinary learning. He appreciated the initiative of the organising team in creating a platform that bridges scientific knowledge with clinical practice in swallowing and vestibular sciences.
He further outlined the three key themes of the conference, Discover, Develop, and Disseminate. He encouraged participants to discover new evidence, develop innovative approaches, and disseminate knowledge for wider clinical and societal benefit. He also appreciated the opportunities provided for paper presentations, encouraging participants to actively engage in academic and research activities.
A token of appreciation and a memento were presented to Dr B. Rajashekar in gratitude for his valuable presence, keynote address, and inspiring contribution to the conference.
In his presidential address, Rev. Fr. Faustine Lucas Lobo reflected on the 146-year legacy of Father Muller Charitable Institutions and spoke about the institution’s growth and evolution into its present stature. Drawing an analogy from the concept of a vestibule, the transitional space that one encounters upon entering a house, he emphasised the significance of the ear, nose, and mouth as important “vestibules” of the human body.
He stressed the importance of maintaining the health and function of these structures, noting that the mouth enables the intake of food, the nose facilitates smell, and the ear enables hearing and balance. He highlighted how difficulties affecting these functions can significantly influence an individual’s overall well-being.
Reinforcing the themes of the conference, Discover, Develop, and Disseminate, Fr. Faustine encouraged participants to develop themselves as researchers, innovate, and contribute meaningful solutions to challenges encountered in clinical practice. He emphasised the importance of translating knowledge into meaningful contributions to society and wished the participants a fruitful and enriching two-day conference.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by Rev Dr Michael Santhumayor, Administrator, FMMC, FMCOAHS & FMCOP; Fr George Jeevan Sequeira, Administrator, FMMCH; Prof. Cynthia Santhumayor, Principal and Organising Chairperson; and Ms. Susmitha C. G., Associate Professor, Unit of Audiology, and Organising Secretary. Principals of various units of Father Muller Charitable Institutions and Ms. Jyothi Pinto, Manager, HRD, were also present on the occasion.
The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Ms. Susmitha C. G., who expressed gratitude to the management, dignitaries, faculty members, students, delegates, and all participants for their active involvement and support in making the conference a grand success.