Mangaluru: The Father Muller College of Speech and Hearing celebrated their decennial year with pomp and gaiety on January 13.
The celebrations began with a thanksgiving mass at 8 AM in the St. Joseph’s Chapel. Most Rev. Msgr. Denis Moras Prabhu was the main celebrant of the mass. The Director Rev. Fr. Richard Aloysius Coelho and other 11 priests of the management co-celebrated the Eucharistic celebrations.
In the homily, Rev. Msgr. Denis Moras Prabhu said that perfectly abled people had the responsibility to use their intelligence, kindness, empathy and dedication in order to help those who are deprived of hearing and have speaking problems. “Jesus Christ also did this good work and restored sight to the blind hearing to the deaf”, he said.
The formal celebrations commenced at 10 AM at the Father Muller Convention Centre. Dr. N Shivashankar, Professor and HoD of Speech Pathology and Audiology, NIMHANS, Bengaluru was the chief guest of the occasion. Most Rev. Msgr. Denis Moras Prabhu, Vicar General of Mangalore Diocese and Vice President of FMCI presided over the function. Rev. Fr. Richard Aloysius Coelho, Rev. Rudolph Ravi D’Sa, Administrator, FMMCH, Rev. Fr. Ajith Menezes, Administrator, FMMC, Dr. B Sanjeev Rai, Chief of Medical Services, FMCI and Principal Prof. Akhilesh P M were the dignitaries on the dais.
Dr. B Sanjeev Rai welcomed the gathering to the decennial celebrations. Principal Prof. Akhilesh accorded a special welcome to Dr. N Shivashankar by honouring him with a bouquet of flowers. Most Rev. Msgr. Denis Moras Prabhu was welcomed by Dr. Santosh Kumar.
Prof. Akhilesh presented a brief report of the activities of the last 10 years of the college which fell under 5 main heads: Faculty Development Programme, Students Progression and Success Activities, Organising Conference and Seminars, Public Awareness Programme and Research Activities.
In his address to the gathering, Rev. Fr. Richard Aloysius Coelho said that speech was an asset to the human beings and the inability to speak leaves a person in a pitiable situation. “The Father Muller College of Speech and Hearing renders quality, corrective and rehabilitative support to the patients. Well qualified staff and fully furnished labs with modern equipment are used for the purpose”, he said.
The magazine, “Muller Wave” Decennial edition, was released by the chief guest Dr. N Shivashankar. In his address to the gathering, he congratulated and saluted the commendable progress of the college and praised the management for their support. He called upon the students to keep their minds open to learn and amalgamate all information made available by this ever vibrant staff and to always have a questioning mind, which is the gate way of learning.
Most Rev. Msgr. Denis Moras Prabhu acknowledged the contribution of Dr. George Oliver Pinto, the first principal, Shwetha who has contributed to the institutions and has a played a key role in getting the NAAC accreditation and Vibha Kanagokar for her service in the department of Audiology and handed them mementos. In his presidential address, he conveyed the blessings and greetings of His Excellency Rt. Rev. Aloysius Paul D’souza, Bishop of Mangaluru and the President of the Father Muller Charitable Institutions. The Msgr. applauded the staff for the contribution they have made in the remarkable growth of the college. He stressed on the need to make steady progress and help the disabled and make their lives better and happier through the dedicated service and support of this noble profession.
A vibrant cultural programme followed the formal function during which students performed classical and Bollywood dances. Students also sang eastern and western songs during the programme. The cultural programme concluded with the national anthem. A sumptuous meal was served to the participants.
A parent-teacher meeting resumed after lunch, where around 40 parents were present. A short meeting for the alumni was also held where they expressed their gratitude for the time they spent in Muller’s and expressed their willingness to offer support whenever necessary.
