National Library Day Celebrated at Father Muller Charitable Institutions
Mangaluru: National Library Day was celebrated at the Central Library of Father Muller Charitable Institutions (FMCI) at the Decennial Memorial Hall of the Father Muller Knowledge Centre on Saturday, August 29.
The occasion commemorated the 134th birth anniversary of Padma Shri Dr. S. R. Ranganathan, widely regarded as the Father of Library Science in India.
As part of National Library Day 2026, the Central Library Committee of Father Muller Medical College, Mangaluru, organised Muller Liber 2026, a Health Sciences Inter-Collegiate Undergraduate General Knowledge Quiz. Twenty-seven colleges from Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts participated in the competition.
Dr. Anil Shetty, Professor and Head of the Department of Pediatrics, Father Muller Medical College, served as the quizmaster. Rev. Dr. Michael Ligory Santhumayor, Administrator, Father Muller Medical College, welcomed him by presenting a sapling. Mrs. Jubee Joseph, Associate Professor of Medical-Surgical Nursing, and Ms. N. Sujaritha, Lecturer in Emergency Trauma Care Technology, were the masters of ceremony.
The preliminary rounds were held from 9.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m., following which six teams qualified for the final round.
Muller Liber 2026 Quiz Winners
Father Muller Medical College, Mangaluru
- Mr. Anvith K. P. – IV MBBS
- Mr. Chirag Mudraje – IV MBBS
- Mr. Shashank Shrey – IV MBBS
K. S. Hegde Medical Academy, Mangaluru
- Mr. Sanjit Ganesh Hegde – II MBBS
- Mr. Gaurav R. Gangadhar – II MBBS
- Mr. Nikhil Kamath – II MBBS
Laxmi Memorial College of Physiotherapy, Mangaluru
- Ms. Ritu Ramnath Prabhu – IV BPT
- Ms. Ashni – III BPT
- Mr. Alan Jossy George – IV BPT
Manipal College of Nursing, Manipal
- Mr. Mathew Shijo – IV B.Sc. Nursing
- Mr. Amen Ashfaq – IV B.Sc. Nursing
- Ms. Aarushi Kaushal – IV B.Sc. Nursing
- Mr. Muhammad Mihraj M. – III B.Sc. Nursing
- Ms. Sheba Mary S. – III B.Sc. Nursing
- Mr. Sidharth A. T. – III B.Sc. Nursing
Father Muller College of Nursing, Mangaluru
- Mr. Jason Samuel Pinto – IV B.Sc. Nursing
- Ms. Neoma Saloni Miranda – IV B.Sc. Nursing
- Ms. Sharmila D’Souza – IV B.Sc. Nursing
Father Muller Medical College won the first prize, followed by K. S. Hegde Medical Academy in second place and Laxmi Memorial College of Physiotherapy in third place. The fourth prize was jointly won by Manipal College of Nursing and Kanachur College of Nursing, while Father Muller College of Nursing secured the fifth prize. Cash prizes were distributed to the winners.
Afternoon Programme
The afternoon programme began with a briefing on the life and contributions of Padma Shri Dr. S. R. Ranganathan, followed by a prayer song.
Dr. Manjunath J., Professor and Head of the Department of Nephrology/RDT and Chairperson of the Central Library Committee, delivered the welcome address.
The programme was graced by Chief Guest Sri Raghavendra K. V., Deputy Director, City Central Library, Mangaluru. Other dignitaries on the dais included Rev. Fr. Faustine Lucas Lobo, Director, FMCI; Rev. Dr. Michael Ligory Santhumayor, Administrator, Father Muller Medical College, FMCOAHS and FMCOP; Dr. Antony Sylvan D’Souza, Dean, Father Muller Medical College; Dr. Manjunath J., Chairperson, Central Library Committee; and Dr. Janet Dotty Lobo, Chief Librarian, FMCI and Secretary of the Central Library Committee.
The dignitaries lit the ceremonial lamp and paid floral tribute to the portrait of Dr. S. R. Ranganathan.
Dr. Janet Dotty Lobo introduced the chief guest.
In his address, Sri Raghavendra K. V. highlighted the importance of libraries in medical education and healthcare. He spoke about Dr. Ranganathan’s Five Laws of Library Science and their continued relevance to the medical profession. He emphasised the role of libraries in evidence-based medicine, research and continuous learning, and encouraged students to make effective use of library resources and develop the habit of lifelong learning. He described the library as a “compass” for future doctors.
Following the address, Rev. Fr. Dr. Michael Ligory Santhumayor presented a memento to the chief guest.
Library Club Logo and Recognition
The Library Club logo was inaugurated by Rev. Fr. Faustine Lucas Lobo, Director, FMCI. The winner of the Library Club Logo Design Competition and the judges were then announced.
Dr. Sueallen Lorna D’Souza, Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology, was recognised for her valuable contribution to the Library Club.
Prakyath Shetty, Father Muller Medical College, MBBS student, Intern 2021 batch.
- Dr. Daron Mascarenhas, Assistant Professor, Department of Anatomy, Father Muller Medical College
- Mr. Hemanth K., Lecturer and Lab In-charge, Department of Biochemistry, Father Muller Allied Health Sciences College, Thumbay, and Father Muller Hospital, Thumbay
- Ms. Lakshmi S. Kunnath, Assistant Professor, Department of Speech-Language Pathology, Father Muller College of Speech and Hearing
Best Library User Awards
Mr. Aston Gonsalves, MBBS student, 2023 batch
Dr. Amith Venkatesh Bhat, PG student, Pharmacology, 2024 batch
Mr. Deekshith H. N., MHA student, 2025 batch
BMJ Author Recognition
- Dr. Joylene D’Almeida
- Dr. Shannon Fernandes
- Dr. Diya Mathen
- Dr. Vijay Sundarsingh
- Dr. Ariharan K.
- Dr. Prashanth Y. M.
- Dr. Sripathi Kamath B.
- Dr. Akshata C.
- Dr. Shishir D.
- Dr. Ariharan K.
- Dr. Somasree M.
- Dr. Praveen Krishna B.
- Dr. Sweta Shanbhag
- Dr. Divya Vincent
- Dr. Priya Mitali
- Dr. Antony Eapen
- Dr. Lulu Sherif
- Ms. Shruthi B. – Research Centre
- Ms. Billa Grace Olivia
- Ms. Elisuba Johnson
- Ms. Femina Alphons George
- Ms. Hrusvi K. P.
- Ms. Jency Anna Job
- Mr. Joel Patrick
- Ms. Krithika
- Ms. Mary Thomas
- Ms. Raksha
- Mr. Rince Varughese Raji
- Ms. Sharel Joseph Rego
- Ms. Sheetal S. Prabhu
- Sr. Sneha Ouseph
- Ms. Subhashini N. R.
- Ms. Thriveni Devi
- Ms. Tonya Rodrigues
- Ms. Vedakrupa Kattimani
Dr. John J. S. Martis, Professor, Department of General Surgery, who served as Chairperson of the Central Library Committee from 2023 to 2025, was honoured by the Director, FMCI, in recognition of his dedicated service and valuable contributions to the Library.
Following the prize distribution, Dr. Manjunath J., Chairperson of the Central Library Committee, presented saplings to the sponsors as a token of appreciation. A sapling was also presented to guitarist Ms. Chathlyne Shaji Varghese, B.Sc. MIT, 2024 batch student.
Rev. Fr. Faustine Lucas Lobo, Director, FMCI, presided over the programme and addressed the gathering. He spoke about the importance of reading books and making effective use of library resources to gain knowledge and awareness.
He encouraged students to look beyond entertainment and remain informed about current affairs and the world around them. He described books as a rich source of knowledge, bringing together the author’s learning, reflection, analysis and life experiences. He urged students to cultivate the habits of reading and critical thinking.
Prof. Cherishma D’Silva, Principal, Father Muller College of Physiotherapy, proposed the vote of thanks.
The programme was compered by Dr. Sueallen Lorna D’Souza, Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology, Father Muller Medical College, and Dr. Calida Frieda Pinto, Assistant Professor, Speech and Hearing.
The programme concluded with the Institutional Anthem, followed by refreshments.
