Father Muller Charitable Institutions Disburse Annual Scholarships for 2025

Mangaluru: The Father Muller Charitable Institutions (FMCI) held its annual scholarship disbursement ceremony for meritorious and low-income students on March 24, 2025, at the Decennial Memorial Hall. Mr. Stany Alvares, President of the Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy, was the chief guest. The event was presided over by Rev. Fr. Richard Aloysius Coelho, Director of FMCI. Scholarships amounting to ₹25 lakhs were awarded by FMCI.

Mr. Stany Alvares, in his heartfelt Kannada address, highlighted Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s strong advocacy for education as a tool for social empowerment. Quoting Ambedkar, he said, “Education is the milk of a lioness, and whoever drinks it will roar like a lion.” Ambedkar, who benefited from scholarships himself, emphasized student welfare and constitutional provisions for underprivileged groups, encouraging students to “Be educated, be organized, be agitated.”

Alvares also reflected on Swami Vivekananda’s belief in education as a transformative force that builds character, strength, and self-reliance. Quoting Vivekananda’s famous words, “Arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is reached,” he stressed the importance of scholarships and student welfare initiatives to empower society.

Rev. Fr. Richard Aloysius Coelho shared the inspiring story of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, who received a scholarship from Rev. Father Sequeira at Schwartz High School, enabling him to pursue his studies despite financial hardships. Later, as President of India, Kalam visited his alma mater. Upon learning of Fr. Sequeira’s passing, he paid tribute at his grave, saying, “Fr., your boy Abdul Kalam has come.”

Fr. Coelho encouraged students to give back to society, support future learners, and emulate Dr. Kalam’s humility. He assured parents that FMCI remains committed to providing academic and practical excellence to students, reciprocating the trust placed in the institution.

This scholarship initiative aims to create more professionals in the healthcare sector. The Father Muller Charitable Institutions have established the Scholarship Programme to help socio-economically weaker students realize their dreams and contribute to the healthcare field.

The event was graced by the presence of:

• Rev. Fr. Faustine Lucas Lobo, Designate Director, FMCI & Administrator, FMHMC&H, Deralakatte
• Rev. Fr. Ajith B. Menezes, Administrator, FMMC, FMCOAHS, FMCOP
• Rev. Fr. Sylvester Vincent Lobo, Administrator, FMHT, FMNCT, Thumbay
• Rev. Fr. George Jeevan Sequeira, Administrator, FMMCH
• Rev. Fr. Donald Nilesh Crasta, Asst. Administrator & Chief Nursing Officer, FMMCH
• Dr. Antony Sylvan D’Souza, Dean, FMMC
• Dr. Venkatesha B.M., Vice Dean, FMMC
• Dr. Hilda D’Souza, Principal, FMCOAHS
• Prof. Cherishma D’Silva, Principal, FMCOP
• Sr. Dhanya Devasia, Principal, FMCON & FMSON
• Dr. E.S.J. Prabhu Kiran, Principal, FMHMC, Deralakatte
• Dr. Vilma Meera D’Souza, Vice Principal, FMHMC, Deralakatte
• Prof. Cynthia Santhmayor, Principal, FMC (Sp. & Hg)
• Dr. Satish S., Principal, FMCOPS, Deralakatte
• Dr. Shivashankara A.R., Principal, FMAHSC, Thumbay

The event was eloquently compered by Dr. Rashmi Ramesh (Final Year MBBS) and Ms. Chrisbel Rodrigues (Physiotherapy Student), who also proposed the vote of thanks. The names of the awardees were read by Ms. Ida Sequeira, Office Superintendent; Mrs. Meena D’Souza, Assistant Office Superintendent; and Ms. Jennifer, Secretary to the Dean of FMMC.

The ceremony reflected FMCI’s unwavering dedication to fostering academic excellence and supporting students in their educational journey.