FMMC of Allied Health Sciences host ‘Kwanzaa 2020’- their First & Very Own Cultural Event
Father Muller Medical College of Allied Health Sciences, Mangaluru host ‘KWANZAA 2020’-their FIRST and Very Own Cultural Event- a thrilling three-day Fiesta starting from 20 January till 22 January 2020.
Mangaluru: Some good and unique FIRST of its kind things are happening at Father Muller Medical College of Allied Health Sciences, because not long ago FMMC-AHS inaugurated their FIRST students Council 2020-21, and now they have come up with yet another maiden event- KWANZAA 2020, their Very Own Cultural Event- and the credit should go to Fr Ajith Menezes, the Administrator of FMMC, who comes up with all these initiatives, and materializes them with the support of the students. Ar Kwanzaa, it will be a time of rejoicing, reassessment and re-commitment, where everyone will enjoy three extravagant days, to unleash their best talents, keep their spirits going high, on all the healthy competitions, and not to forget ‘Eyes on the Price’!
The inaugural ceremony of “KWANZAA 2020” was held on Monday, 20 January 2020 at 5 pm at the FMCI- Academy Hall. The ceremony began with a prayer invoking God’s blessings, followed by welcome address by Ms Ashmita Patrao- the Cultural Co-ordinator. The meaning of “Kwanzaa” was briefed to the audience by Ms Ms Asifa Sheik-the Cultural Secretary, where she said, “Kwanzaa is a Swahili word meaning First Fruits of the Harvest, just like the First fruit of our AHS. Working towards a successful harvest is a communal effort, as is the celebration. Its that time when we reflect on our use of basic principles, share and enjoy the fruits of our labour. Thus Kwanzaa has basic principles which represents values and concepts that I believe that everyone during cultural would follow it-to strive for and maintain unity; to define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves and speak for ourselves”.
The inauguration of Kwanzaa 2020 was done by unfurling the ‘KWANZAA 2020’ banner, which was done by the chief Guest Sanjay Rodrigues- a professional Music Composer and Producer, along with other dignitaries on the dais, namely- Fr Richard Coelho-the Director of FMCI; Fr Ajith Menezes- Administrator, FMMC; Fr Rudolph Ravi D’sa- Administrator, FMMCH; Dr Jayaprakash Alva- Dean, FMMC; Dr Padmaja Udayakumar-Vice Dean, FMMC; Ms Ashmita Patrao; Ms Asifa Sheik; and Ms Khezia Pinto- President of AHS Students Council.
Addressing the audience chief guest Sanjay Rodrigues said, “Music can heal wounds, that medicine cannot even touch-this can be a very risky thing to say, standing at one of the premier medical institution in Karnataka, but, it surely is True. Today, 20 th January, marks two unique and happy occasions for me- firstly, being the chief guest for the very first edition of Kwanzaa, and secondly today was the very first time I heard my first cry, 28 years ago. Maybe you could call it my first encounter with my original music. My excitement for this fest is linked to the fact that most of the events today are directly linked to the entertainment industry and to music. With so many of these fields being underrated by society, I can only thank the dept of AHS for nurturing art in their budding students and thereby emphasizing the higher and the finer aspects of life”.
“Music has helped reach places and experience events I’m sure I wouldn’t never had otherwise. Through music I have met known personalities, earn my livelihood, gained recognition and respect, realized my best self, and today stand in front of an audience like this. Being in front of you all hasn’t just been a privilege to me but a part of my profession, and I don’t think life would get any cooler for me. Priests have been one of the front runners of music, and have contributed in bringing western music to Mangaluru, let alone quality education, the press, the medicine, and a lot more. This very institution is the proof to that, I congratulate Fr Richard Coelho and Fr Ajith Menezes for this committed contribution to the City of Mangaluru and also for having me to grace this occasion. To you all students, I say -Do what you are best at-And the best will happen to you” added Sanjay Rodrigues.
In his presidential address, Fr Richard Coelho said, “First and foremost I advise all you students of AHS to maintain discipline, respect, be dignified and culture oriented, and thereby make a difference. Avoid Envy and Jealousy far away. God has taught each one of us what is best for us. Let us not resent the success of others but rejoice with them in it. Have an obedience mentality, if so if others gain more than us, still be blessed. Have team spirit, try to win and bring glory to you and your institution.I am overwhelmed with this unique event, and I wish all the participants all success”.
Prizes were distributed to the winners in the various competitions held during the day. There was a special music performance by the chief guest Sanjay Rodrigues on the keyboard, joined by his friends, Melroy Furtado on rhythm guitar and Reynel Sequeira on vocals, who enthralled the audience with the Bollywood song “Humma Humma”, and also a medley of Hindi oldies, which received loud applaud from the young audience. The vote of thanks was proposed by Ms Anvitha Feroz- the general secretary of AHS Student council, and the programme was meticulously and professionally compered by Ms Rochelle D’souza, and Ms Jonica Johny, both AHS students.
