Teachers’ Day, Ethnic Day and Student Achievement Awards Celebrated at FMCI Kankanady Campus
Mangaluru: The constituent educational institutions of Father Muller Charitable Institutions (FMCI) came together for a grand combined celebration of National Teachers’ Day, Ethnic Day 2026 and Student Achievement Awards at the Father Muller Convention Centre on Friday, September 5.
The participating institutions included Father Muller Medical College (FMMC), Father Muller College of Allied Health Sciences (FMCOAHS), Father Muller College of Physiotherapy, Father Muller College of Nursing (FMCON), Father Muller School of Nursing and Father Muller College of Speech & Hearing.
The programme was presided over by Rev. Fr. Faustine Lucas Lobo, Director, FMCI.
The celebration centred around three major themes—honouring teachers, celebrating India’s rich cultural diversity and recognising student excellence.
The Teachers’ Day celebration recognised the invaluable role of teachers and mentors in shaping students’ academic, professional and personal journeys. The occasion also commemorated the birth anniversary of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, India’s former President, renowned philosopher and eminent teacher.
Ethnic Day showcased the richness and diversity of India’s cultural traditions. Celebrations associated with Krishna Janmashtami, the Nativity of Mother Mary, Onam, Eid, Ganeshotsav and various harvest festivals were represented through traditional attire, folklore and colourful cultural performances.
Students from the various constituent institutions were also honoured for their outstanding achievements in academics, research, sports and cultural activities.
One of the most distinctive features of the celebration was a symbolic sapling-planting ceremony curated by Dr Kelvin Pais, Liaison Officer, FMCI, and Professor of Dentistry at FMMC.
The ceremony beautifully reflected the institutional values and collective spirit of FMCI. Student council heads brought saplings and handed them over to their mentors, who potted them. Administrators and spiritual animators provided the soil, while the Director watered the saplings.
The symbolic ceremony represented the collective journey of the FMCI community—students bringing their aspirations and hopes for the future; teachers nurturing them through mentorship and education; the administration providing institutional support and infrastructure; and leadership ensuring continued guidance and collective responsibility.
The growing plant symbolised the continued growth and enduring legacy of the institution. Thus, the ceremony was not merely an environmental initiative but a living representation of the relationship between students, teachers, leadership and the institution.
In his address, Rev. Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo centred his message on the theme of “Unity in Diversity.” Drawing a parallel between the diversity of languages and accents and the diversity within an academic community, he emphasised the importance of remaining rooted in one’s culture while appreciating the unity that binds the FMCI community together.
He encouraged students to preserve their traditions and keep cultural festivities alive while respecting and celebrating the diversity around them.
The Director also urged students to remember their alma mater and, when the time comes, to give back to the institution that played a role in their education and formation.
The celebration thus carried a larger message: honouring teachers, cherishing diverse cultural identities, recognising student achievements and collectively nurturing the future of FMCI.
The awards section recognised achievements across the various constituent institutions of FMCI.
Father Muller College of Speech & Hearing honoured students for academic excellence in the Bachelor of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (B.ASLP) programme, including Ms Angeline Biju Thomas, Ms. Magrel Leona Fernandes, Ms Sthuthi S. Kotian and Ms. Lesha Ancy Lasrado.
Father Muller Medical College presented several academic and subject-wise sponsored awards to MBBS students for excellence in various disciplines, including Anatomy, Biochemistry, Physiology, Pathology, Microbiology, Pharmacology, Community Medicine, Paediatrics, Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, ENT and Ophthalmology.
The Father Muller Medical College Basketball Team was also recognised for its sporting achievements, including its runner-up finish at a Khelo India-related sports competition hosted by the National Institute of Technology Karnataka, along with its successful performances at RGUHS zonal and inter-zonal competitions.
A Research Award was presented to Ms. Dhriti Kurian in recognition of her international-level research paper presentation at the RCPCH Conference 2026 in Birmingham, United Kingdom.
Students from the College of Nursing, School of Nursing, College of Physiotherapy and College of Allied Health Sciences were also recognised for their achievements in academics, sports and research.
The formal programme concluded with a vibrant cultural showcase presented by staff and students from the constituent institutions.
The performances included group singing by FMMC staff and students, cultural dances by FMCOAHS, FMCON and Father Muller College of Speech & Hearing, as well as a 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.
Rev. Dr. Michael Santhumayor, Administrator of FMMC, DFMCOP and FMAHS, served as the Organising Chairman of the programme, 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 Mr. Chandrashekar, Physical Director, FMCI, was the Stage Manager.
