A Historic Legacy, A Promising Future | 175 Years and Beyond | Dr. D.S. Shivaprakash | DMO Wenlock Hospital
Mangaluru, Karnataka — September 21, 2025:
The historic Wenlock District Hospital and Lady Goschen Hospital, together with Kasturba Medical College (KMC), are marking a glorious milestone of 175 years of dedicated service to humanity. To commemorate this unparalleled legacy, the Alumni Association (R) of these three prestigious institutions has organized a year-long celebration, inaugurated on Sunday, September 21, 2025, at 2:30 PM at the Father Muller Convention Centre, Kankanady, Mangaluru.
The Inaugural Ceremony
The grand inaugural event will be graced by an esteemed gathering of leaders from politics, healthcare, education, and public life. Chief Guest of Honor: Shri U.T. Khader Fareed, Hon’ble Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly. Inauguration: Shri Dinesh Gundu Rao, Hon’ble Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Government of Karnataka. Presided by: Shri D. Vedavyas Kamath, MLA, Mangalore South Constituency. Special Invitee: Rev. Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo, Director, FMCI Mangaluru
Adding further distinction to the occasion will be the presence of former Chief Ministers, Union Ministers, Members of Parliament, Members of the Legislative Assembly and Council, academicians, healthcare leaders, and heads of cultural and literary academies of Karnataka.
Among the distinguished chief guests are:
- Shri Veerappa Moily, Former Chief Minister of Karnataka & Former Union Minister
- Dr. H.S. Ballal, MAHE
- Shri B. Janardhana Poojary, Former Union Finance Minister & Parliamentarian
- Shri D.V. Sadananda Gowda, Former Chief Minister of Karnataka & Former Union Minister
- Along with many current MLAs, MLCs, and other dignitaries.
Honoring the Legacy
For 175 years, Wenlock and Lady Goschen Hospitals have stood as pillars of healthcare in coastal Karnataka, providing essential and life-saving services to millions, particularly the underprivileged. The KMC Alumni Association recognizes this milestone as not just a celebration of history, but also as an opportunity to renew the commitment to serving society.
The mission of the anniversary committee is clear:
- To strengthen healthcare delivery for the poor with world-class services and infrastructure.
- To act as a bridge between hospitals and the public.
- To recognize and honor doctors and staff who have rendered long-term service to these institutions.
- To inspire philanthropists and donors to partner in this noble cause.
Year-Long Celebrations
The 175th anniversary will not be confined to a single event. Following the inaugural ceremony, a series of community-oriented programs, health initiatives, academic sessions, cultural events, and social outreach activities will be rolled out in phases.
The celebrations will culminate in a grand valedictory ceremony, where major benefactors, patrons, and donors will be formally recognized and honored. A commemorative souvenir will also be released to record the contributions of all those who supported and nurtured the hospitals over generations.
A Shared Commitment
The Alumni Association, hospital administration, government officials, and local community representatives have pledged to work together to ensure Wenlock and Lady Goschen Hospitals continue to shine as symbols of care, compassion, and excellence in public healthcare.
This celebration is not only a tribute to the past but also a vision for the future — a future where quality healthcare remains accessible to every citizen, irrespective of status or background.
A Historic Legacy, A Promising Future — 175 Years and Beyond.
Honoring Service to Healthcare
The 175 Years Celebrations pay tribute to individuals and organizations that have worked selflessly for patient welfare. Among them are Dr. Hima Urmila Shetty, Secretary of the Dr. M.V. Shetty Memorial Trust (R), Mangaluru; Mr. Joseph Crasta of Snehalaya Charitable Trust; and CA Shantharam Shetty, Chairman of the Indian Red Cross Society, Mangaluru, Dakshina Kannada, who also leads the Artificial Limb Centre, Lions Club, Mangaluru. Adding to this distinguished list is Mr. Sujah Mohammad, Working President of M. Friends Charitable Trust, along with the dedicated members of Rotary International, Mangaluru. Their service has extended hope and healing to thousands of patients over the decades.
Celebrating Cultural and Literary Leaders
The celebrations also recognize leaders who have nurtured Karnataka’s literary and cultural heritage. Among them are Mr. Taranath Gatti Kapikad, President of the Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy; Mr. Umar U.H., President of the Karnataka Beary Sahitya Academy; Mrs. Mamata D.S. Gatti, President of the Karnataka Geru Development Corporation; and Mrs. Mala Narayan Rao, President of the Karnataka Fisheries Development Corporation Ltd.. Also honored are Dr. M.P. Srinath, President of the Dakshina Kannada Kannada Sahitya Parishat; Mr. Joquim Stany Alvares, President of the Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy; and Mr. Sadananda Mavaji, President of the Karnataka Arebhashe Culture and Literature Academy. Their leadership has strengthened the cultural identity of the region.
Recognizing Public Service and Governance
Several leaders who played a vital role in governance and development are also honored. These include Mr. Sadashiva Ullal, President of the Mangaluru Urban Development Authority; Mr. H.M. Revanna, President of the Karnataka State Guarantee Schemes Implementation Authority; and Dr. U.T. Ifthikar Ali Farid, Chairman of the Karnataka State Allied & Healthcare Council. Their contributions reflect the deep link between governance and community health.
Honoring Former Legislators and Leaders
The celebration also remembers and recognizes former ministers, parliamentarians, and legislators who served Dakshina Kannada and Mangaluru with distinction. These include Mr. Nagaraj Shetty and Mr. S. Angara, both former MLAs and District In-charge Ministers; Mr. Nalin Kumar Kateel, former Lok Sabha MP; and Mr. J.R. Lobo, former MLA of Mangaluru South. Also acknowledged are Mr. N.M. Adyantaya and Mr. B.A. Moidheen Bava, former MLAs of Suratkal; along with Mr. B.M. Farooq and Mr. Monappa Bhandary, former Members of the Legislative Council. Mr. B. Ramanath Rai and Mr. Krishna J. Palemar, both former MLAs and District In-charge Ministers; Mr. B. Ibrahim, former Rajya Sabha MP; and Mr. Yogish Bhat, former MLA and Deputy Speaker. Mr. Jayaram Shetty, former MLA of Ullal; Mr. K. Vijay Kumar Shetty, former MLA of Suratkal; Captain Ganesh Karnik, former MLC; and Mr. K. Harish Kumar, former MLC, also receive recognition for their service.
