Course Inauguration and Blessing of New Pharmacy Building FMCOPS
07.10.24, Derlakatte: The Father Muller College of Pharmaceutical
Sciences (FMCOPS), Deralakatte, Mangalore, a unit of Father Muller Charitable
Institutions, marked a significant milestone on Monday, 7th October 2024, with
the inauguration of its 2024-25 academic year and the commencement of its 1st
batch of Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) students. The grand event took place in
the new auditorium within the newly constructed FMCOPS building.
The ceremony was initiated with a
solemn blessing of the new academic building, led by Rev. Fr. Faustine Lucas
Lobo, Designate Director FMCI and Administrator, FMHMC&H & FMCOPS, and
presided over by Rev. Fr. Richard Aloysius Coelho, Director, Father Muller
Charitable Institutions (FMCI). The prayer-filled event saw the building Blessed
with holy water, an age-old tradition symbolizing sanctity and protection by
the Director FMCI Fr. Coelho and Rev. Fr. Nelson Dheeraj Pais Administrator
Father Muller Homeopathic Production Division, alongside other esteemed members
of FMCI's clergy and management.
The event proceeded with an inaugural ceremony to formally launch the B.Pharm
program. A heartfelt prayer song by the students of Father Muller Homoeopathic
Medical College set the tone for the proceedings.
Dr. Satish S, Principal FMCOPS,
welcomed the gathering with insightful remarks about the ever-growing
pharmaceutical sector in India, which is ranked third globally. He emphasized
FMCOPS's unique advantage of hands-on experience for the new students in pharmaceutical
production through the institution's Homeopathic Production Division, making it
a pioneering initiative in South Canara.
The ceremonial lighting of the lamp symbolized the commencement of the journey
of enlightenment for the new students, followed by the playing of the
Institutional Anthem, instilling pride in the hearts of all attendees.
The Chief Guest, Dr. Padmaja Udaykumar, Professor & HOD, Department of
Pharmacology, Father Muller Medical College, Mangalore, in her address, praised
the relentless efforts of Dr. Narayan Swamy and Dr. Rajesh were instrumental in
turning the dream of the pharmacy college into a reality. She encouraged the
new batch of students, expressing that being part of the first cohort was a
rare privilege and an opportunity to lay the foundation for a legacy. Her
message to parents was one of reassurance, emphasizing that their children were
on the right path and would flourish in the hands of Father Muller's
educational framework.
Fr. Faustine Lucas Lobo, in his message as the Administrator of FMCOPS began
with the quote "One more feather to the illustrious institution" and
highlighted the journey of FMCI as one focused on value-based education,
forming individuals for India and the world. He urged the new batch to carry
the values of brotherhood, compassion, and peace and to become global citizens
who can lead lives of purpose and integrity. Fr. Lobo also expressed his
appreciation for the vision of FMCI's Fr. Coelho in making the dream of a
pharmacy college come true and Dr Padmaja's efforts for networking with the
right people for the completion of this dream turned to reality.
Reflecting on the long journey to establish the institution, Rev. Fr. Richard
Aloysius Coelho shared that the idea of FMCOPS was conceived six years ago but
was delayed by restrictions imposed by the governing body for pharmaceutical
institutions in India, which had placed a moratorium on new pharmacy colleges
for five years. With the intake of 60 students and the full infrastructure
expected to be completed by March 2025, he expressed optimism about the
college's future. He assured parents that their children were in capable hands,
with experienced faculty and well-equipped laboratories already in place. Fr.
Coelho emphasized the values of love and unity, hoping to instill a sense of
brotherhood in students, reflecting Mangalore's cultural heritage.
As the inaugural event drew to a close, Mrs. Janice Leedle Crasta, Assistant
Professor at FMCOPS, delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the
Chief Guest, dignitaries, faculty, and students for making the day memorable.
The event was beautifully emceed by Mrs. Nishmitha Gretta Dsouza and Mrs. Fmith
Celvia Miranda, both Associate Professors at FMCOPS.
A Promising Future : FMCOPS, Affiliated to Rajiv Gandhi University of Health
Sciences, Bengaluru & Pharmacy Council of India, New Delhi, has made
significant investments in creating a state-of-the-art academic facility,
including a six-story building equipped with advanced pharmaceutical
laboratories, digital teaching aids, and a well-stocked library. The serene
campus provides separate accommodations for male and female students, ensuring
a conducive learning environment. The B.Pharm course offers diverse career
opportunities in retail, hospital pharmacies, research, clinical trials, and
entrepreneurship, with pharmacists playing a critical role in public health and
patient care.
With admissions now open for the first batch till the end of October 2024,
FMCOPS is poised to become a premier institution in pharmaceutical education,
providing high-quality education and producing future leaders in the
pharmaceutical industry. Scholarships for meritorious students further enhance
the institution's appeal, making it a beacon of opportunity for aspiring
pharmacists.
With October 30th marked as the last date for admissions, the event not only
celebrated the launch of a new academic year but also ushered in a new chapter
for Father Muller's legacy in healthcare education. The first batch of B.Pharm
students now embark on their journey, one that will shape the future of
pharmaceutical sciences in the region and beyond.
