Father Muller College of Nursing Signs Four Strategic MoUs to Enhance Academic Excellence and Research
Mangaluru, July 16: Reinforcing its commitment to academic excellence, interdisciplinary research, innovation, environmental sustainability, and holistic wellness, Father Muller College of Nursing (FMCON), under the aegis of Father Muller Charitable Institutions (FMCI), signed four strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with leading institutions over two days to strengthen academic collaboration, research, faculty development, and student learning.
The collaborations were established with Avishkar Yoga & Holistic Health Center, the Department of Food Science, St. Aloysius (Deemed to be University), St. Aloysius College of Engineering, and the Centre for Environmental Studies, Yenepoya (Deemed-to-be University), reflecting FMCON’s vision of preparing future-ready nursing professionals through multidisciplinary engagement and collaborative learning.
The first MoU, signed on 15 July 2026, formalized a partnership with Avishkar Yoga & Holistic Health Center to promote wellness, holistic healthcare practices, faculty and student development, academic collaboration, and research in integrative healthcare.
The agreement was signed by Rev. Fr. Faustine Lucas Lobo, Director, Father Muller Charitable Institutions, and Mr. Kushalappa Gowda, Director, Avishkar Yoga & Holistic Health Center, in the presence of the FMCI Management Committee and members of the Avishkar Yoga Trust.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Kushalappa Gowda expressed his happiness at partnering with one of the region’s most respected healthcare institutions. Recalling his personal experience at Father Muller Hospital nearly twenty-seven years ago, he remembered the compassionate care, supportive nursing staff, and healing environment that inspired confidence even before treatment began. He said that experience motivated him to collaborate with the institution in promoting wellness and holistic healthcare.
Rev. Fr. Faustine Lucas Lobo expressed confidence that the collaboration would pave the way for meaningful academic partnerships, interdisciplinary research, and practical wellness initiatives that would enrich nursing education and patient-centred care.
Dr. Shycil Mathew, Professor, Department of Community Health Nursing, outlined the objectives of the collaboration, while Dr. Kelvin Peter Pais, Liaison Officer, FMCI, welcomed the gathering, compered the programme, and coordinated the proceedings.
Later the same day, Father Muller College of Nursing entered into two landmark collaborations with St. Aloysius (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru, signing separate MoUs with the Department of Food Science and the St. Aloysius College of Engineering.
The agreements were signed on behalf of FMCON by Rev. Fr. Faustine Lucas Lobo and Rev. Sr. Dr. Dhanya Devasia, Principal, Father Muller College of Nursing. Representing St. Aloysius University were Rev. Fr. Dr. Praveen Martis SJ, Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Daniella Chyne, Head, Department of Food Science, and Dr. Ruban S., Dean, School of Engineering.
The collaboration with the Department of Food Science will focus on nutrition education, public health, food science research, faculty and student exchange, joint research, community nutrition programmes, workshops, seminars, skill development initiatives, and extension activities. The partnership is also expected to contribute towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through evidence-based nutrition practices.
The MoU with the St. Aloysius College of Engineering seeks to integrate engineering innovations with nursing and healthcare through collaborative projects in healthcare technology, biomedical innovations, digital health solutions, simulation-based learning, research, entrepreneurship, and capacity-building programmes.
On 16 July 2026, FMCON further expanded its academic network by signing another MoU with the Centre for Environmental Studies, Yenepoya (Deemed-to-be University) at the Yenepoya University campus.
The agreement was signed by Rev. Fr. Faustine Lucas Lobo and Rev. Sr. Dr. Dhanya Devasia on behalf of FMCON, while Dr. Aswini Dutt R., Registrar, and Dr. Bhagya Sharma, Deputy Director, Centre for Environmental Studies, represented Yenepoya (Deemed-to-be University).
The programme commenced with Rev. Sr. Dr. Dhanya Devasia felicitating Dr. Aswini Dutt R. in the presence of Dr. K. S. Gangadhara Somayaji, Vice-Chancellor of Yenepoya (Deemed-to-be University).
A technical discussion followed between Dr. Bhagya Sharma, Rev. Sr. Dr. Dhanya Devasia, Dr. Agnes E. J., Vice-Principal, FMCON, and Dr. Shycil Mathew, exploring opportunities for collaborative research, environmental health education, student internships, faculty exchange, community outreach programmes, and capacity-building initiatives aligned with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
Representing Father Muller College of Nursing during the series of MoU signings were Rev. Sr. Dr. Dhanya Devasia, Dr. Agnes E. J., Dr. Kaini Cecilia, Professor, Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing, Prof. Ashwin Bromeo J., Head, Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing, and Dr. Shycil Mathew.
The four strategic collaborations reaffirm Father Muller College of Nursing’s commitment to nurturing competent, compassionate, and future-ready nursing professionals by promoting excellence in education, interdisciplinary research, innovation, environmental stewardship, and holistic healthcare, in keeping with the institutional motto, “Heal & Comfort.”
