Mangaluru: The celebrations marking the 185th birth anniversary of Augustus Muller and the 146th year of the Father Muller Charitable Institutions (FMCI) reached a vibrant and memorable culmination with a grand Cultural Extravaganza presented by the faculty and staff of the various constituent units of the institution on 13 March 2026.
This unique celebration stands as one of the defining traditions of FMCI. Unlike most academic institutions where cultural performances are largely driven by students, the Father Muller cultural evening is a distinctive platform where faculty and staff themselves step onto the stage, showcasing their creativity, camaraderie, and artistic talents through dance, drama, music, and thematic presentations. The evening transformed into a spectacular canvas of colours, with participants donning vibrant costumes and creative props, reflecting the diverse spirit of the institution.
Earlier that day A Eucharistic Celebration was held in the morning and blessings of the newly renovated wards and newly acquired anaesthesia workstation and anatomy virtual table.
The programme in the evening was graced by Chief Guest Darshan H. V., the Deputy Commissioner of Dakshina Kannada District, Karnataka. He was ceremoniously received and escorted by the resounding melodies of the band from Father Muller Nursing College Thumbay. The band, led by its captain, performed stirring national tunes as they accompanied the chief guest along with the management committee members of FMCI in a grand ceremonial procession.
Upon entering the majestic Father Muller Convention Centre, Shri Darshan H.V. expressed amazement at the sight of the 1,750-seater auditorium filled to capacity, with enthusiastic students lining the corridors to witness their mentors perform on stage. The overwhelming response, he noted, reflected the strong bond and mutual respect between the faculty and student community at Father Muller.
Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Commissioner lauded FMCI for its excellence in education and healthcare, emphasizing that the institution has consistently provided students with outstanding academic opportunities while ensuring compassionate and quality healthcare for patients. He encouraged students to be proactive in their education and personal development, urging them to prepare themselves to serve the nation. He expressed hope that many more civil servants and leaders would emerge from Father Muller, shining as beacons of service and integrity for the country.
In his presidential address, Faustine Lucas Lobo, Director of FMCI, reflected on the humble beginnings of the institution and its remarkable transformation over the decades. From a modest initiative rooted in service, Father Muller has grown into a multifaceted healthcare and educational network that continues to uphold the legacy of its founder.
Fr. Lobo also highlighted the institution’s ambitious vision as it moves forward with preparations to be transitioned into a Deemed-to-be University. This milestone, he noted, would usher in new academic and research opportunities, making Father Muller a destination where students, faculty, and researchers aspire to belong. Looking ahead, he also rang the symbolic bells for the 150th Institutional Jubilee, just four years away, describing it as a momentous celebration that would honour the dedication and service of generations past and present.
Earlier, Michael Sathumayor, Administrator of FMMC, FMCOAHS and FMCOP, welcomed the gathering and presented the biographical sketch of the chief guest. Dr. Sathumayor also played a key role in coordinating the entire event, overseeing the extensive logistics, rehearsals, and the reception of dignitaries to ensure a seamless and memorable celebration. Fr George Jeevan Sequeira Administrator FMMCH gave the vote of thanks.
The cultural segment of the evening witnessed a rich tapestry of performances presented by the various units of FMCI, each bringing a unique theme and artistic interpretation:
The Religious Sisters serving and residing within FMCI offered a soulful worship hymn, expressing gratitude to God for His abundant blessings upon humanity.
Father Muller College (Speech and Hearing) opened the cultural performances with a graceful and captivating welcome dance.
Faculty and staff from Father Muller Medical College, Father Muller College of Allied Health Sciences, and Father Muller College Physiotherapy enthralled the audience with a vibrant showcase of Bollywood through the ages, depicting the evolution of Indian cinema from past to present.
The team from Father Muller Medical College Hospital celebrated the vibrant spirit of South Indian cinema, highlighting the cultural richness of Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, and Malayalam film traditions also the Konkani and Tulu cinema.
Father Muller Homoeopathic Medical College, along with Father Muller Homoeopathic Pharmaceutical Division and Father Muller College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, presented a compelling performance based on the Navarasa, portraying the nine classical emotions of Indian aesthetics through expressive choreography.
The trio of Father Muller Hospital Thumbay, Father Muller Nursing College Thumbay, and Father Muller Allied Health College Thumbay delivered a stirring patriotic performance, depicting the life and sacrifices of a soldier serving the nation.
The evening concluded with a powerful cultural tribute by Father Muller College of Nursing, themed “Tulunadu”, celebrating the rich traditions, folklore, and cultural heritage of the South Canara region.
As the evening unfolded, the Father Muller Convention Centre came alive with dazzling lights, thunderous applause, and the spirited cheers of students and faculty alike. The stage reflected the vivid colours of creativity, unity, and institutional pride, capturing the essence of a community celebrating its shared legacy. Dr. Prashasti P. Poovaiah HOD of Audiology FMC & Cyanna Joseph Dsouza Assist Prof FMCOP compeered the programme eloquently.
The cultural programme also served as a fitting occasion to honour the spirit of sportsmanship among the faculty and staff of Father Muller Charitable Institutions. Trophies were awarded to the winners of the overall group sporting events including Kho-Kho, Kabaddi, Football, Throwball, Tug of War, Volleyball, and Cricket, competitions that witnessed enthusiastic participation exclusively from the faculty and staff of the various units. These sporting events, which began in February and continued until 11 March, fostered camaraderie, teamwork, and healthy competition across the institution. In recognition of their dedication and meticulous preparation of these events, the physical instructors were felicitated with a token of appreciation for their tireless efforts in training and coordinating the participants.
A deeply moving moment of the evening was the presentation of the FMMCH Bravery Awards by Father Muller Medical College Hospital to members of the nursing staff who demonstrated exceptional courage and presence of mind. Their swift and compassionate intervention helped save the life of a patient who had attempted to end his life following the shock of a life-threatening diagnosis. The recognition stood as a testament to the professional vigilance, empathy, and lifesaving commitment of the nursing fraternity, drawing heartfelt applause from the gathering.
The day’s festivities concluded with a grand vegetarian dinner buffet, thoughtfully hosted by the management for nearly 8,000 faculty members, staff, and students. The vegetarian fare reflected the spirit of the Lent, ensuring that the celebrations remained in harmony with the solemnity of the season.
The Cultural Extravaganza thus stood as a fitting and joyful culmination to the Founder’s Day celebrations—a celebration not only of art and talent, but of the enduring legacy, unity, and mission of Father Muller Charitable Institutions.