Father Muller College Inaugurates New Academic Batches and Launches Vicennial Year Celebrations

Mangaluru, July 20: Father Muller College, a constituent unit of Father Muller Charitable Institutions (FMCI), inaugurated the 20th Batch of the Bachelor of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (BASLP), the 7th Batch of M.Sc. Audiology and M.Sc. Speech-Language Pathology, and the first Batch of the Ph.D. in Speech-Language Pathology for the academic year 2026–2027. The inaugural programme was held at the Decennial Memorial Hall, Knowledge Centre, on July 20.

The occasion also marked the Vicennial Opening Year (2007–2027), commemorating two decades of excellence in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences at the institution.

Prof. Cynthia Santhmayor, Principal of Father Muller College of Speech and Hearing, welcomed the gathering and extended a warm greeting to the newly admitted students and their parents.

The Vicennial Opening Year was formally inaugurated by Rev. Fr. Faustine Lucas Lobo, Director, Father Muller Charitable Institutions, along with the dignitaries through a ceremonial digital launch. A specially designed animation depicting the opening of grand curtains officially unveiled the Vicennial celebrations, symbolising the beginning of the institution’s twentieth year. The inauguration was followed by a commemorative audiovisual presentation showcasing the college’s remarkable two-decade journey, highlighting its achievements in academic excellence, clinical services, research, and community outreach, as well as its progression from undergraduate education to postgraduate programmes and now its inaugural Ph.D. programme in Speech-Language Pathology.

The Chief Guest, Dr. Ronald Acquin Nazareth, Registrar, St. Aloysius (Deemed to be University), delivered an inspiring address emphasising the values of compassion, perseverance, integrity, and professional ethics. Through thought-provoking anecdotes, he encouraged students to pursue their profession with humility and a genuine commitment to serving others.

Recalling the life of former President Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, he narrated how Dr. Kalam considered the development of lightweight calipers for children affected by polio—using advanced aerospace composite materials—to be among his most fulfilling achievements, even more meaningful than his contributions to India’s missile programme. He reminded students that knowledge attains its highest purpose when it is applied with empathy, compassion, and dedication to the welfare of society.

As a token of appreciation, the Chief Guest was felicitated by Rev. Fr. George Jeevan Sequeira, Administrator, Father Muller Medical College Hospital.

Presiding over the function, Rev. Fr. Faustine Lucas Lobo warmly welcomed the students into the Father Muller family and reflected on the institution’s remarkable growth over the past twenty years. He highlighted its steady progress in academics, clinical services, research, and community outreach, culminating in the launch of its first doctoral programme in Speech-Language Pathology. He encouraged students to strive for holistic development while remaining firmly rooted in compassion, discipline, ethical practice, and service to humanity.

The vote of thanks was proposed by Mr. Pancham Ponnana, Associate Professor of Audiology and programme coordinator. The programme was compered by Ms. Melicia Shainy D’Souza, Speech-Language Pathologist Grade I, and Ms. Hadline Rechael Noronha, Audiologist Grade I, who conducted the proceedings with confidence and professionalism.

The inauguration marked a significant milestone in the history of Father Muller College, celebrating its twenty-year legacy while opening a new chapter with the commencement of its first Ph.D. programme, reaffirming its commitment to excellence in education, research, clinical practice, and compassionate healthcare.