Media release
Mangaluru, Apr 5: The Father Muller Convention Centre came alive with pride and promise on the morning of Saturday, April 5, as the Father Muller School and College of Nursing, and the Father Muller College of Speech and Hearing celebrated their graduation ceremony.
This significant occasion, under the aegis of Father Muller Charitable Institutions (FMCI), honoured the academic achievements and professional oaths of the graduating classes, while also recognising exceptional talents across the disciplines of Nursing and Speech & Hearing.
The ceremony was presided over by Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore and president of FMCI. The chief guest for the event was Prof (Dr) P L Dharma, vice chancellor of Mangalore University, who delivered an inspiring graduation address to the young graduates, emphasizing compassion, responsibility, and the noble legacy of healthcare professionals.
The event was graced by the presence of several dignitaries including:
Fr Richard Aloysius Coelho, director, FMCI
Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo, designate director, FMCI
Fr Ajith B Menezes, administrator, FMMC, FMCOAHS, FMCOP
Fr George Jeevan Sequeira, administrator, FMMCH
Dr Kiran Shetty, additional medical superintendent, FMMCH
Sr (Prof) Dhanya Devasia, principal, FMCON & FMSON
Prof Cynthia Santhmayor, principal, FMC (Speech & Hearing)
Sr Nancy Mathais, chief nursing officer, FMMCH
Prof (Dr) Agnes EJ, vice principal, FMCON
Following the grand procession and invocation, Fr Richard Aloysius Coelho delivered a warm and welcoming address. Highlighted the importance of being the hands and feet of God as told by St Teresa of Avila "Christ has no body now but yours, no hands, no feet on earth but yours. Yours are the eyes with which he looks compassion on this world, yours are the feet with which he walks to do good, yours are the hands with which he blesses all the world. He urged the Nursing and Speech and Hearing graduates to be torchbearers of the institutions.
Sr Dhanya Devasia presented the annual report of the School and College of Nursing, while Prof Cynthia Santhmayor reported on the academic year of the College of Speech and Hearing.
Prof (Dr) P L Dharma, vice chancellor of Mangalore University, expressed that it was a privilege to be invited to the graduation ceremony, especially in the esteemed presence of the Bishop of Mangalore. He remarked that what people seek when they come to a hospital is not just treatment but the compassionate touch of a nurse. While the doctor visits the patient briefly, it is the ward nurse who consistently cares for them—leaving a lasting impression through their dedication and kindness.
Prof Dharma shared that he was deeply moved upon hearing the first words — “Amma” — uttered by hearing-impaired children who had just received their hearing aids. He echoed the sentiment expressed earlier by the director of FMCI, affirming that speech therapists bring voice to sound, giving life to the unspoken. His address made a strong impact on both the graduates and faculty.
He emphasised that education today is increasingly competency-based, urging the new professionals to become more skillful, adaptable, and resourceful.
Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha reflected on the profound vocation of nursing, describing it as a journey that intimately touches lives from birth to death. He encouraged the graduates to become soldiers of mercy and compassion, virtues instilled in them by their Alma Mater. He poignantly added, “It’s a vocation, not just a profession.”
A nurse is someone who stands by the patient longer than anyone else, embodying the true spirit of healing and support. Quoting from the new testament, the Bishop referred to Jesus's miraculous healing of a deaf and mute child, saying: 'Ephphatha' — that is, “Be opened.” (Mark 7:34) Jesus, through the power of the Father, restored speech and hearing. In the same spirit, the Bishop urged the graduates to be a light, a source of hope and comfort, and above all, to be the change they wish to see in the world.
The highlight of the ceremony was the administration of the professional oaths for the nursing and speech hearing graduands. These symbolic affirmations underscored their dedication to serve with integrity, compassion, and professional excellence.
The ceremony also featured the presentation of academic and excellence awards, recognising the hard work and brilliance of students across various programmes:
Father Muller School of Nursing
Riya Jovita Dalmeida received multiple awards, including the highest aggregate in 1st year GNM and top scores in Anatomy & Physiology, Psychology & Sociology.
Aakriti Kuncharia A, Lanwin Shawn Sujal Cardoza, Priya Asmi D'Souza, Lanson Sharon Dsouza, Nandana M, and Lobo Reyona Robert were also honoured for academic distinction across subjects.
Father Muller College of Nursing
Glenisha Fernandes and Clerita Joylen Lobo emerged as top awardees, recognised for highest aggregate and academic excellence in BSc and MSc nursing respectively.
Several students achieved RGUHS subject ranks, showcasing the institution’s consistent academic excellence at the university level.
The following students of Father Muller College have brought glory to the institution through their outstanding academic performance:
Undergraduates
1. Nainika Thomas
Awarded for securing the highest marks in the 1st & 2nd semesters of Bachelor in Audiology and Speech Language Pathology (BASLP) in the University Examinations held in Feb–Mar 2024 / Jul–Aug 2024 under Mangalore University, Mangalagangothri, Mangaluru.
2. Carol Jevita Lobo
Awarded for securing the highest marks in the 3rd & 4th semesters of B.ASLP in the university examinations held in Feb–Mar 2024 / Jul–Aug 2024 under Mangalore University.
3. Jenin D'Souza
Awarded for securing overall highest marks in 1st to 6th semesters and for bagging the 3rd rank in BASLP during the academic year 2020–2024 under Mangalore University.
Postgraduates
4. Hadline Rechael Noronha
Awarded for securing the highest marks in the 1st & 2nd semesters of M.Sc Audiology in the university examinations held in Feb–Mar 2024 / Jul–Aug 2024 under Mangalore University.
5. Neha R Patil Kulkarni
Awarded for securing the highest marks in the 1st & 2nd Semesters of M.Sc. Speech Language Pathology (SLP) in the university examinations held in Feb–Mar 2024 / Jul–Aug 2024 under Mangalore University.
UG Graduands
6. Herlin Meryl Mendonca
Awarded for securing the highest marks in 3rd & 4th semesters of B.ASLP
(Feb–Mar 2023 / Jul–Aug 2023).
Also awarded for securing highest marks in 5th & 6th semesters (Feb–Mar 2024 / Jul–Aug 2024).
Additionally, she is awarded for overall highest marks in 1st to 6th semesters of BASLP during the academic year 2021–2025 under Mangalore University.
PG Graduands
7. A Shivani
Awarded for securing highest marks in 1st & 2nd semesters of MSc Audiology (Mar–Apr 2023 / Aug–Sep 2023).
8. Nikhil P S
Awarded for highest marks in 3rd & 4th semesters of MSc Audiology (Feb–Mar 2024 / Jul–Aug 2024).
Also awarded for securing overall highest marks in 1st to 4th semesters and for bagging the 1st Rank in MSc Audiology during the academic year 2022–2024.
9. Reshmi Sanjeev C
Awarded for highest marks in 1st & 2nd semesters of MSc Speech Language Pathology (Mar–Apr 2023 / Aug–Sep 2023).
10. Elna Anil
Awarded for highest marks in 3rd & 4th semesters of MSc SLP (Feb–Mar 2024 / Jul–Aug 2024).
11. Aparna Krishna V V
Awarded for highest marks in 3rd & 4th semesters of MSc SLP (Feb–Mar 2024 / Jul–Aug 2024).
Also awarded for securing overall highest marks in 1st to 4th semesters and for bagging the 1st Rank in MSc SLP during the academic year 2022–2024.
Best Dissertation Awards – July 2024
12. Nikhil P S, M.Sc. Audiology
Awarded the best dissertation award for the topic: 'Comparison of video head impulse test and vestibular evoked myogenic potentials among moderate smokers and non-smokers'" guided by Jovita Priya Tauro.
13. Midhun Lal B, M.Sc. Speech Language Pathology
Awarded the best dissertation award for the topic:'Profiling of dysphagia patterns in stroke patients: an analysis of type and severity of dysphagia in cortical lesion' guided by Prof Cynthia Santhmayor.
Overall Excellence Awards – 2025
Overall Excellence in B.Sc. Nursing, donated by Fr Denis D Sa in memory of Mary D Sa was conferred on Abel Joseph.
Overall Excellence in GNM founded by Superior General, Sisters of Charity was conferred on Renita D'Souza.
Father Muller College overall Excellence Award – 2025 Best Outgoing Student of the Year 2021–2025 in BASLP was awarded to Roshni D'Silva
The programme concluded with a heartfelt response from a graduate of FMCON, and a touching vote of thanks was provided by Prof (Dr) Agnes EJ.
The institutional anthem rang through the hall post the administration of the oath while the Indian national anthem was sung with great fervour marking the proud culmination of the event.
The ceremony was not just a celebration of academic milestones, but a reflection of the values that Father Muller Charitable Institutions instil in its students — of service, dedication, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. This graduation concluded the 3-day graduation festivities of all the teaching units of FMCI.