‘Never Give Up’- Fr Dr Paul Parathazham urge 404 Graduates of FMMC, FMCAHS & FMCS &H at Graduation Day ’20
‘Never Give Up’- Fr Dr Paul Parathazham-Director of St John’s National Academy of Health Sciences, Bengaluru urge 404 Graduates of Father Muller Medical College, (FMMC), Father Muller College of Allied Health Sciences (FMCAHS) & Father Muller College of Speech & Hearing ( FMCS &H) at Graduation Day Ceremony 2020, held on Friday, 24 January 2020 at Father Muller Convention Centre.
Mangaluru : “We come to comfort and to heal, to love and serve in woe and weal; We come to comfort and to heal, to love and serve in woe and weal”- these are part of the lyrics from the Fr Muller’s Institution Anthem- and these words fit for these 404 graduates of Fr Muller Medical college; Father Muller College of Allied Health sciences; and Father Muller College of Speech and Hearing;-who graduated today (24 January) in a glittering and glamorous ceremony at the Father Muller Convention Centre- are now ready to lead the community as responsible and dedicated Doctors/Health Care Specialists, to care for the patients who depend on them, in times of ‘Woe and Weal’ to ‘Comfort and Heal’.
To heal and to comfort the society a large group of students are now Graduates from Father Muller’s Charitable Institutions (FMCI). 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. 404 graduates 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 for the big celebrations, amidst their teachers, parents and college-mates. To love and serve the society with woe and weal, the graduates marched towards the stadium with immense pride and satisfaction accompanied by the faculty who molded them.
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. And now as these graduates emerge out of the campus and look forward to serve the community, they will be of great asset to the needy patients who are anticipating their dedicated and professional services. The graduation ceremony began with a invocation by students of BASLP, followed by Institution Director of FMCI Fr Richard A Coelho. The Annual reports were read by Dr Jayaprakash Alva-Dean of FMMC, and Prof Akhilesh P M – Principal of FMCOSH. presented the annual report.
The dignitaries seated on the dais for the occasion were the Chief Guest Rev Dr Paul Parathazham-the Director of St John’s National, Academy of Health Sciences, Bengaluru; joined by Rev Dr Peter Paul Saldanha-the Bishop of Mangaluru; Fr Richard Coelho-Director of FMCI; Fr Rudolph D’sa- Administrator, FMMCH; Fr Ajith Menezes- Administrator, FMMC; Fr Sylvester Vincent Lobo – Administrator, Father Muller Hospital-Thumbay; Dr Jayaprakash Alva- Dean, FMMC; Dr Udayakumar and Dr Padmaja Udayakuamar- Vice Deans, Dr Akhilesh P M among others.
Now came the prestigious moment of the day, when the graduates who were anxiously waiting to receive their graduate certificates made their dreams come true- the graduates comprised of 25 from College of Speech and Hearing; 37 UG and 8 MPT from Bachelor of Physiotherapy-BPT; 90 from Allied Health Science Courses; 157 from MBBS and 86 from PG, and 1 from Super Speciality- a total of 404 graduates. Also Prizes and Awards were distributed to the graduates by chief guest, guest of honour and Bishop to the graduates for their outstanding performance in academics and also for the graduates who excelled in various co-curricular activities for bringing glory to the institutions. The President’s Gold Medal for the Best Outgoing Student was presented by the Bishop to Dr Shah Nawaz- from MBBS.
The greatest moment of the evening was when the 404 graduates walked up to the stage to receive their medal and certificate of Merit, to the thunderous applaud of the audience. In his elaborate and well-spoken Graduation address chief guest Rev Dr Paul Parathazham said, ” I would like to commend this prestigious institution which has earned the name and fame across the globe founded by Fr Augustus Muller 138 years ago. Today is a historic day for all you graduates, who have been shaped, articulated and chiseled to perfection. You owe your success to your institution, your teachers, your parents and well-wishers. Today is a day where you have make your dreams come true. This country not only needs doctors, but also paramedics, nurses, health care specialists etc- and this institution has produced all of them- and among them you are a bunch here today”
Fr Paul further said, “Success does not comes accidentally- it will call for direction, pursuance, perseverance, determination etc. My wishes to you is that that you may dream of more dreams and make those dreams come true. The future depends on your dreams. The main thing is that NEVER GIVE UP, no matter what circumstance All great people of the world never gave up, and ultimately reached greater heights. Always dare to dream. Be the BEST wherever you go, because you have only one life to live, and one life to love. Once again I say Never Give Up. You need to aim for yourself, because those who aim big, will achieve big. Let the legacy of Fr Augustus Muller make you a better person to serve the society with love and care, and in comfort and heal”
In his presidential address, Bishop Rev Dr Peter Paul Saldanha said, “You graduates have crossed the milestone and even brought glory, laurels, name and fame tom your institution. This is because of your Hard Work, which is a inner code of success. As students of this institution you have inculcated Moral, Discipline, and Character. You should be all grateful that you all belonged to a respectful institution. Many students of different faith and religion have passed through this institution and have become great assets to the nation and the world. Utilize your talents and knowledge that you gained from this prestigious institution.. Be ready to help someone who is in need of medical assistance. Make sure you don’t forget your Alma mater, which has done so much for your career in this nursing field.”
“For 140 years FMCI and since two decades FMMC has served the suffering patients and has gained appreciation and name in the community. Last year FMCI had donated nearly Rs 48 crores on those needy and poor patients. Sadly our country is on a dividing situation-there is hate and killings everywhere, which we need to stop. We also need to stop Death Penalty, since not many countries have that system. We need to promote the Culture of Life and not the Culture of Death. We need to raise our voices, because power of words can save lives. You need to work hard with dedication, commitment and sincerity. 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. Wish you all best of luck and and success in your future endeavors” added Bishop Rev Dr Saldanha. .
The chief guest was felicitated on the occasion, following which the vote of thanks was proposed by Fr Ajith Menezes, the administrator of FMMC. The programme was meticulously and professionally compered by Dr Lenon D’souza- Interventional Radiologist at FMMCH, and Ms Ashmita Patrao- Physiotherapist at FMMCH. Dr Zeena D’souza of MBBS gave her thoughts and experiences being a student at FMMC. Prior to the formal Graduation Ceremony, an thanksgiving Mass was held today morning at FMCI Chapel, concelebrated by Bishop Rev Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, along with a bevy of priests.
I end this report with a few thought provoking quotes which may enlighten these budding doctors when they go out in the society to serve and heal the sick :
“Grant that I may radiate Thy Light, Thy Love, Thy Healing, Thy Joy, and Thy Peace to all those around me and all those in my thoughts this day and ever more.” -Jonathan Lockwood Huie; “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; “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