Media Release
Mangaluru, Mar 22: To bring about a change in the mindset of society and to provide a platform for promotion of specially abled children and to integrate them into mainstream society, The department of Physiotherapy Father Muller Medical College (FMMC) celebrated the Father Muller Charitable Institution’s (FMCI) sponsored annual cultural event 'Embolden' on account of World Down Syndrome Day. The programme exhibited the myriad talents of these special children through a cultural bonanza. As many as 18 special schools in and around Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts took part in the cultural event.
Drawing and colouring completions were conducted and the winners were awarded with cash prize. A total of 250 students took part ar various cultural programmes and enjoyed themselves with dance music and a lot of other entertainments. The event was co-sponsored by Mangalore round table 115, Mangalore coastal round table 190 a unit of Round Table India, Mangalore Ladies Circle 82 a unit of Ladies Circle India, Canara Bank, Bharat Gas, Techno Health, Medilife, Venus Diagnostics, Sarvasiksha Abyana, Just Bake and Zuventus Health are.
Valedictory programme began at the Father Muller Convention Centre. The event was presided by Fr Richard Aloysius Coelho director FMCI, Lizba Deepak, international special athlete as the chief guest, Fr Ajith B Menezes administrator FMMC, Dr Antony Sylvan Dsouza dean FMMC, profsor Cherishma D’Silva Head of the department of Physiotherapy, Anupama K organising secretary were the dignitaries on the dias.
Anupama welcomed the gathering, which was then followed by felicitation of the chief guest Lizba for all her national and international achievements and also to be working as a chef in Courtyard Marriot Bengaluru. Lizba addressed the gathering on how she climbed the ladder of success inspite of being a special child with Down’s syndrome, facing all the odds. She mentioned dedication and practising everyday is the key. Director Fr Richard delivered the presidential address and appreciated department of Physiotherapy for this noble event and also appreciated the talents of the children. Father Muller Health card was freely given to all the children present today.
The health card has its benifits of free consultation, 50% discount on all investigations and procedures. Fr George Jeevan Sequeira and Fr Nelson Dheeraj Pais symbolically released the health cards by handing it over to the special children. A token of appreciation was given to all the sponsors, MRT115 chairman Tr Haron Fernandes, MLC 82 chairperson Cr Monisha Lobo, MCRT 190 Tr Vikyat, Bharat gas territory mangaer Bivas and representatives from all the co-sponsors were present. Prof Cherishma delivered the vote of thanks and thanked the management, staffs, all the teachers and children from all the special schools for being part of today’s programme. All the schools were given with mementoes and certificates of participation.
Each child received a school bag that was sponsored by Canara Bank FMCI branch. The bag consisted of books, sketch pens, and many other stationary items along with tiffin boxes that was sponsored by Round Table India and Ladies Circle India. The event was winded with national anthem and refreshments were served to all. Overall it was well appreciated . The emcee for the days were Ancel, Shipali and Pearl the students of physiotherapy department.