Hail Fr Muller! Congrats to 294 Graduates of FMMC and FMCOSH
Mangaluru: A graduation ceremony is a pageant celebrating the transition from student to graduate and marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter in their life. On Saturday, 1 April 2017, 294 graduates belonging to Fr Muller Medical College and Fr Muller College Of Speech and Hearing all dressed to thrill in their graduation gowns, and who were about to receive their certificate and medal were all beaming with smile and pride as they were ready to enter the hall of Fr Muller Convention Centre for the big celebrations, amidst their teachers, parents and college-mates.The function commenced with the entry of graduates in a beautiful “Graduation March” by the way of traditional pattern with flowers and balloons all around followed by the dignitaries of the occasion, to the tunes of the Fr Muller College of Nursing brass band. And now as these graduates emerge out of the campus and look forward to serve the community, they will be a great asset to the needy patients who are anticipating their dedicated and professional services.
The programme commenced with an invocation prayer song by a batch of MBBS students, followed by a heart welcoming speech delivered by Rev Fr Richard Coelho- In-Charge Director of Fr Muller Charitable Institutions. The Annual report of both the colleges, FMMC and FMCOSH were read by Dr J P Alva-Dean of FMMC, and Prof. Akhilesh-Principal, FMCOSH respectively. The dignitaries seated on the dais were-The chief guest of the occasion was Dr G K Prabhu-Director, Manipal Institute of Technology, and Pro-Vice Chancellor, Manipal University, guest of honor- Rev Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza-Bishop of Mangaluru Diocese; Fr Richard Coelho- In-charge Director-FMCI; Dr JP Alva- Dean, FMMC; Prof. Akhilesh-Principal, FMCOSH; Fr Rudolph D’Sa- Administrator, FMMC; Fr Vincent Saldanha- Administrator, FMHMCH and HPD; Fr Roshan Crasta- Administrator, FMHT; Fr Sylvester Lobo- Asst.Administrator, FMHMCH and HPD; Fr Ajith Menezes- Asst. Administrator, FMMCH; Dr Sanjeev B Rai-Chief of Medical services and Dr Uday Kumar K- Medical Superintendent, FMMCH.
The Annual Reports of FMMC and FMCOSH were read by Dr JP Alva and Prof. Akhilesh respectively, which was followed by the award of certificates and medals to the proud 294 graduates of College of Speech and Hearing; Bachelor of Physiotherapy-BPT; Allied Health Science Courses; Medical College-MBBS and PG’s. Dean Dr JP Alva and Prof. Akhilesh recited the ‘Oath Taking’ words and the graduating students repeated after them, and recapitulated it, committing themselves to their respective noble professions. Addressing the graduates Chief guest, Dr GK Prabhu Chief enlightened the graduates that they are the true ambassadors of Fr Muller institution to alleviate suffering, inspire and innovate their service through integrity, compassion and loyalty.
Dr Prabhu further speaking said, ” Here are five points you need to follow-they are Teaching, learning and Evaluation; Lesson and Test; Syllabus and subject; Passing; and Sympathy Vs Empathy. All of you full-fledged graduates in your respective profession who have now stepped into your fertile and promising various fields, as full-fledged professionals would be competent to provide professional care to the sick and needy. You are willingly embracing this dedicated profession which has its branches rooted in service to humanity from time immemorial. Now that you are moving out of the college and will be serving those patients in needs, you should be an asset to the community through your dedicated services. Utilize your talents and knowledge that you gained from your institution. Wherever you are don’t forget your Alma Mater and the teachers who gave you the best education. Also be grateful to your parents because they supported your education”.
On behalf of the graduates, Dr Sahana P spoke a few words of wisdom and encouraged the fresh graduates not to loose hope and instead look for the best in their careers that they had chosen. Awards to the students in various academic and co-curricular activities were presented by the chief guest and the Bishop. Dr Sahana P was presented with the Gold Medal by the Bishop, for her great achievements in her academics. The Chief guest Dr Prabhu was felicitated during the occasion, for being recently appointed as the Pro-Vice Chancellor of Manipal University- he was also joined by his wife during the felicitation.
Bishop Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza in his speech said, “Graduation is only a stepping stone, but to keep continuing your profession you need thorough knowledge. You need to upgrade your knowledge frequently, if not you’ll be stagnant. Be sincere, dedicated and committed to your work-try to learn more and be a good and responsible citizen of India, serving our Nation and also abroad. No matter how old you are, where you’re from or what you do for a living, we all share something in common—a desire to be successful. Each person’s definition of success is different. We all want to achieve success so we could live a comfortable life—have financial freedom, drive a nice car, and live in a beautiful house. However, although success can be achieved, it does not come easy. We need to work hard with dedication, commitment and sincerity. Quoting Helen Keller, “We can do anything we want to if we stick to it long enough.”- so you should have values in your career, and Fr Muller institution stands for values, character, professional knowledge. And you all joined a great institution, and now you are leaving this institution to serve the community through your profession. May God bless you all”.
The vote of thanks was proposed by Fr Rudolph D’Sa, and the programme was compered by Prerana Bellary and Asmin D’Souza- of III MBBS and II BPT respectively. The formal function was followed by a cultural programme performed by the students of FMMC and FMCOSH. In conclusion, to all you graduating students quoting Mahatma Gandhi’s words, ” Your beliefs become your thoughts, Your thoughts become your words, Your words become your actions, Your actions become your habits, Your habits become your values, Your values become your destiny.”, -so go and move into the society and follow these words of Gandhi, and be good doctors and other professionals in your medical field, and serve the patients with dedication and sincerity and bring joy and smiles on their faces.
And as you prepare to launch into the real world beyond college, let me take a moment to congratulate each and every one of you. No matter what your circumstances in life — where you live, the family you were born into, what happened to you as a young child or a college student that was beyond your control, but now is the time to step forward into your own true self and begin the chapter of life that is truly yours for the making. Congratulations, graduates! In honour of this exciting time, I wanted to share with you some of my favourite quotes that have inspired me. May these words inspire you as you begin your own new chapter in the book of life:
“What lies behind us, and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
“The future depends on what you do today.” -Gandhi
“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. You are the person who’ll decide where to go.” – Dr. Seuss
“We do not need magic to change the world, we carry all the power we need inside ourselves already: we have the power to imagine better.” – JK Rowling
“Do not follow where the path may lead. Go, instead, where there is no path and leave a trail.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.” -Henry David Thoreau
“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition.” – Steve Jobs