It’s a Hall, It’s a Centre – No, It’s State-of-the-Art Fr Muller Convention Centre
Mangaluru: Fr Muller Charitable Institutions popularly known as Fr Muller Hospital, at present also known for Medical and Allied Health Colleges; Simulation Centre; Fr Muller Hospital in Thumbay; Homeopathic Medical College and Hospital along with a Pharmaceutical Division in Deralakatte, in the outskirts of Mangaluru- has now added yet another feather to its cap- a State-of-the-Art spacious 38,750 sq ft “The Father Muller Convention Centre”, which was inaugurated on Sunday, 12 March 2017 at 10:00 am. The Centre has been constructed at a whopping cost of Rs 50 crore plus. This convention centre is the largest in DK, as well as state, and will cater to the needs of the citizens in having their seminars, conventions, events and other occasions. And the brain-child of this project is Fr Patrick Rodrigues- the Director of FMCI. Kudos to Fr Patrick on this magnificent project, which will surely be a landmark in Mangaluru.
Prior to the inauguration of the mega convention centre, a Eucharistic celebration was held this morning at 8:00 am at the St Joseph Chapel in Father Muller campus, where a con-celebrated mass was offered by Dr Bernard Moras- Archbishop of Bengaluru, along with Bishop of Mangaluru Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza; Director of FMCI Fr Patrick Rodrigues, Administrator of FMMCH Fr Richard Coelho; Assistant Administrator of FMHMC & H Fr Vincent Saldanha; Assistant Administrator of FMMCH Fr Ajith Menezes, Fr Rudolph Ravi D’Sa- Administrator, FMMC; Administrator of Fr Muller Hospital-Thumbay; Fr Roshan Crasta; Asst. Administrator of FMHMC & H Fr Sylvester Lobo and other clergies.
Father Muller Convention Centre at Pumpwell was inaugurated by cutting the ribbon by Dr Bernard Moras-Archbishop of Bengaluru, along with other dignitaries namely Dr Aloysius Paul D’souza- Bishop of Mangaluru Diocese; Minister Ramanath Rai; Rt Rev Msgr Denis Moras Prabhu- Vicar General and Vice President of FMCI; MLA J R Lobo; Congress Chief Whip Ivan Lobo among others. The inauguration was followed by a prayer led by Bishop Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza. Addressing the gathering, Dr Bernard Moras said, “This unique project is yet another feather to FMCI cap, a institution which has reached to greater heights and has provided shelter to a large number of students and patients. My close bonding with this institution started from 1991 when I was the assistant director there. I owe my sincere and heartfelt gratitude to this institution for making me the person as to what I am now”.
He further said, “This 38,750 sq ft state-of-the-Art convention centre will truly be a landmark of this City. Compliments to Fr Patrick Rodrigues for being the brainchild of this unique project. This convention centre will surely give a big boost to the institution since it is available not only for socio-cultural programmes but also for academic events. Strictly following its motto of ‘ To heel and comfort’ in all aspects until now, where FMMC has heeled the individuals spiritually, physically and mentally,”. Also speaking during the occasion, Bishop of Mangaluru Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza said, “As a president of FMCI, I am really overwhelmed at this magnificent structure, and all the credits should go to FMCI Director Fr Patrick Rodrigues. I still remember the day in the year 2012 when the foundation stone was laid for this project, and today we have the full-fledged convention centre, a one of its kind in the State and DK. . FMCI caters to the needs of the People who come to the institution with great hopes and they go back after being treated well. God has showered his blessing on this institution and has enabled it to grow to a greater height”.
Also speaking MLA J R Lobo said, “On the outset let me congratulate Fr Patrick Rodgiues and Bishop of Mangaluru for constructing this Smart Convention Centre for our Smart City-Mangaluru, which will surely be marked in the history of Mangaluru on constructing such a huge convention centre and on the contribution towards development of Mangaluru. This institution which was started by Fr Augustus Muller, a German Jesuit priest who dispensed homeopathic medicines under a banyan tree, has now after a span of 137 years has grown tremendously serving those in medical needs. The dedication and commitment of the management and staff has made it happen. My sincere congratulations to the present administration of Father Muller Charitable Institutions for dedicating this convention centre to Mangaluru.”
MLC Ivan D’Souza said, “It’s indeed a pride to note that Father Muller institution has been serving the society from the past 137 years in the field of education and health, and has also treated a large number of patients. Lots of patients have come to Father Muller and been cured of their diseases. We need to also compliment the Bishop of Mangaluru Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza because during his tenure he has given us Father Muller College, St Joseph Engineering College to serve the community, and he has been constantly working for the people. This project is yet another feather to its and I am sure it will cater to the needs of the citizens”.
During the occasion, Fr Patrick Rodrigues was felicitated by Bishop of Mangaluru along with other dignitaries on the dais. The contractors of this Convention Centre were also felicitated, along with Building Engineer Diwakar and Architect Christopher Noronha. The vote of thanks was delivered by Fr Richard Coelho, while the entire formal function was professionally choreographed by Preeti Jain and Nicole Pereira. Blossom Fernandes-wife of MP Oscar Fernandes, Vicar general Msgr Denis Moras Prabhu, other board members of FMCI also graced the inauguration ceremony. The hall was packed with guests, donors and well-wishers.
About 38,750 Sq Ft Fr Muller Convention Centre- a ‘Smart Centre’ for ‘Smart City’:
The Convention centre has three skillfully designed halls under one roof namely- ‘ ‘The Muller Auditorium’, with a seating capacity of 1750 people at a time, has a 3500 sq ft artistically designed stage, a spacious green room, wash room facilities, state-of-the- art synchronized illumination systems and sound system by Bose. The Muller Mini Hall’- a 5600 sq ft spacious hall with a seating capacity of 500 people at a time. And ‘The Muller Dine’- which has access both to the Muller auditorium as well as the Muller Mini Hall is 25,700 sq ft area and can accommodate over a 1000 people at a time.
This Hall can be used as a Dining area along with other halls or separately to host any event with enough space to serve food. The unique features which event organizers are going to find exceptional is the exquisite landscaping for Photo shoots and video shooting. The Centre has high capacity lifts and escalators for easy access, fully integrated audio visual and IT equipment, Wi-Fi Connectivity, emergency exits as per the best standards in the industry, Smoke detectors, fire alarm system and the well arranged parking facility- an ample space for nearly 700 vehicles to park. The entry for this Convention Centre is from the Kankanady Pumpwell side- NH 66.
This is the biggest and unique project that Fr Mullers had taken up so far, which is probably the biggest project of the Diocese of Mangaluru. This Convention Centre located in the heart of the City will be an added boon to the Citizens of Dakshina Kannada and Mangaluru, which is going to be a “:Smart City”. The Centre is available not only for socio-cultural events but also for academic events. With the increasing student population of around 3000 plus, this Centre will be ideal for college functions. The Muller family is extremely proud of this acquisition and I would like to extend a cordial welcome to all for the inauguration ceremony”.
