Mangaluru: The inaugural ceremony of the Allied Health Science (AHS) Courses for the 2018-19 academic term was held at Father Muller Convention Centre. A total of 140 students were inducted to the AHS course. The inauguration of the course began by lamp lighting by the dignitaries followed by a welcome address by Dr Jayaprakash Alva, dean, Father Muller Medical College.

Fr Richard Aloysius Coelho, director, Father Muller Charitable Institutions presided over the programme. Welcoming the new students to the Mullerian family, he stated, Father Mullers shall be a home away from home. You have become a part of the Mullerian family, and here, at Muller’s, there will be no differences between any cast, creed and religion. He urged the students to make the best utilization of the Power House (St Joseph’s Chapel). All of us believe in God and he is the one who directs our destiny. At Muller’s, we have all the required infrastructure including hospitals and patients, who are the stakeholders and who will also play a vital role in your overall development. Be humane towards everyone, show empathy and make the most out of every chance. Give first priority to God, then your neighbor and lastly you. You are the core health workers. Do not disparage yourself, he said.

Chief Guest Dr Jayaprakash Shetty K, Vice-Dean, KS Hegde Medical Academy, Deralakatte delivered the inaugural address. While congratulating the parents and students for choosing Father Muller Medical College as their destiny of education, he said, ‘The mission which was begun by Fr Augustus Muller in the year 1880 in the barren land of Kankanady, has grown into a mega medical science institute, catering to the needs of students and patients at large. Since you have chosen a profession, you must accomplish something’. Further, he specified the four essentials for achieving something successfully. ‘Acquiring knowledge is most important when you are an achiever. Yearn for acquiring knowledge, secondly work hard to achieve the goal and persevere to defeat all odds that overcome you and finally you will succeed’. Further, explaining the essence of various professions the students have chosen, he said, you have chosen a field which is unique for you. All students must have a tenacity of purpose. Fr Augustus Muller who was sent to India to teach Mathematics and French to the students of St Aloysius College had the tenacity to serve the poor. The journey which he started under a banyan tree is currently developed into something which is incomparable. ‘You need to emulate all these qualities which will assist you to come out in flying colours’ he further said.

On this occasion, Fr Rudolph Ravi D’Sa, administrator, Father Muller Medical College Hospital, honoured the chief guest with a memento.

Jeswita Dias, a student of Allied Health Science Course-2016 batch recollected her experience during the course of her study which was followed by a self-introduction from the freshers and Parents feedback.

The institutional documentary which reflected the 138 years legacy of Father Muller Charitable Institutions was screened.

Dr Jayaprakash Alva, Dean, FMMC introduced the University Regulations and College discipline to the new batch of students.

Fr Ajit B Menezes, administrator, Father Muller Medical College highlighted the campus life and hostel rules to the new students.

Dr Padmaja Udaykumar, Vice-Dean, heads of various departments, staff, parents and students were present on this occasion.

Dr Sumanth D, course coordinator and professor of Medical Laboratory technology department rendered the vote of thanks. Marilyn Periera, BSC Medical Laboratory Technology compered the programme.

The programme concluded with the singing of the institutional anthem.