Mangaluru: The Father Muller Charitable Institutions (FMCI) conducted its annual scholarship disbursement ceremony at the Decennial Memorial Hall, providing ₹25 lakh in scholarships to meritorious and economically disadvantaged students. The event was graced by Mr Stany Alvares, President of the Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy, as the chief guest, with Rev. Fr Richard Aloysius Coelho, Director of FMCI, presiding over the ceremony.
In his heartfelt address in Kannada, Mr Stany Alvares highlighted the importance of education in social transformation and empowerment. He invoked the words of Dr B.R. Ambedkar, stating:
“Education is the milk of a lioness, and whoever drinks it will roar like a lion.”
Emphasising Ambedkar’s vision, he urged students to embrace the motto:
“Be educated, be organized, be agitated.”
Alvares also reflected on Swami Vivekananda’s philosophy, stressing the transformative power of education in character-building, self-reliance, and societal upliftment. He quoted:
“Arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is reached.”
Highlighting the role of scholarships in shaping future leaders, he called for continued student welfare initiatives to empower underprivileged youth.
Rev. Fr Richard Aloysius Coelho, in his presidential address, recounted the inspirational story of Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. He shared how Kalam, despite facing financial hardships, received a scholarship from Rev. Father Sequeira at Schwartz High School, enabling him to pursue his education. Later, as President of India, Kalam revisited his school, only to learn of Fr. Sequeira’s passing. In a moment of deep gratitude, he visited the priest’s grave and humbly said:
“Fr., your boy Abdul Kalam has come.”
Encouraging students to follow Kalam’s example of humility and generosity, Fr. Coelho urged them to give back to society by supporting future students in need. He reassured parents that FMCI remains dedicated to providing both academic excellence and practical training, ensuring the success and growth of its students.
The FMCI Scholarship Programme aims to create skilled professionals in the healthcare sector, particularly by supporting students from socio-economically weaker backgrounds. Through this initiative, FMCI seeks to empower aspiring medical and healthcare professionals to pursue their dreams without financial constraints.
The event witnessed the presence of esteemed FMCI administrators and faculty members, including:
Rev. Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo – Designate Director, FMCI & Administrator, FMHMC&H, Deralakatte
Rev. Fr Ajith B. Menezes – Administrator, FMMC, FMCOAHS, FMCOP
Rev. Fr Sylvester Vincent Lobo – Administrator, FMHT, FMNCT, Thumbay
Rev. Fr George Jeevan Sequeira – Administrator, FMMCH
Rev. Fr Donald Nilesh Crasta – Assistant Administrator & Chief Nursing Officer, FMMCH
Dr Antony Sylvan D’Souza – Dean, FMMC
Dr Venkatesha B.M – Vice Dean, FMMC
Dr Hilda D’Souza – Principal, FMCOAHS
Prof. Cherishma D’Silva – Principal, FMCOP
Sr Dhanya Devasia – Principal, FMCON & FMSON
Dr ESJ Prabhu Kiran – Principal, FMHMC, Deralakatte
Dr Vilma Meera D’Souza – Vice Principal, FMHMC, Deralakatte
Prof. Cynthia Santhmayor – Principal, FMC (Sp. & Hg)
Dr Satish S. – Principal, FMCOPS, Deralakatte
Dr Shivashankara A.R. – Principal, FMAHSC, Thumbay
Dr Rashmi Ramesh (final-year MBBS) anchored the event.
Ms Chrisbel Rodrigues (physiotherapy student) delivered the vote of thanks.
Ms Ida Sequeira (Office Superintendent), Mrs Meena D’Souza (Assistant Office Superintendent), and Ms Jennifer (Secretary to the Dean, FMMC) announced the names of the scholarship awardees.
The event concluded with words of gratitude to all stakeholders, reinforcing FMCI’s commitment to nurturing future healthcare professionals through continuous support and encouragement.
