Children are the Dream of Every Parent and the Hope of Every Nation; Here, We Ensure That Hope Is Nurtured | Fr. Faustine Lucas Lobo | Director, FMCI |
NV Paulose, Chairman, Global TV +91 98441 82044
Mangaluru, November 10: In just two months since its inauguration in August 2025, the Baandavya Child Development Centre (CDC) at Father Muller Charitable Institutions (FMCI) has already reached more than 300 children. The centre, which focuses on nurturing both the child and the family, has quickly become a trusted space for holistic growth and healing.
The Vision of Dr. Anil Shetty
The centre is the brainchild of Dr. Anil Shetty, Professor and Head of the Department of Pediatrics, who envisioned a single place where all aspects of a child’s development; medical, emotional and social, could be cared together. His dream was to bring different specialists under one roof to ensure that no child is left behind.
Baandavya now brings together experts from paediatrics, psychiatry, psychology, audiology, speech-language therapy, physiotherapy and special education. “Our mission is to treat with compassion and to nurture every child’s potential,” said Dr. Shetty. “We see Baandavya not as a clinic but as a movement towards holistic child development.”
A Message of Hope from Rev. Fr. Faustine Lucas Lobo
Speaking at today’s press conference, Rev. Fr. Faustine Lucas Lobo, Director of Father Muller Charitable Institutions, shared a heartfelt message of hope and inspiration. “Children are the dream of every parent and the hope of every nation; here, we ensure that hope is nurtured,” he said. Fr. Faustine praised Dr. Anil Shetty and the entire team at Baandavya for their commitment to compassionate and integrated care. “The dedication of this team is remarkable,” he said. “They are not only healing children but strengthening families and communities. Baandavya reflects the mission of Father Muller Institutions; to bring healing with humanity.”
Reaching Beyond the Hospital
Baandavya CDC is not limited to hospital-based care. Over the past year, its team has reached about 21,000 school children across 60 schools in the region through early screening and awareness programs. These visits help detect developmental or behavioural concerns early and guide families towards timely therapy and support.
Recognizing the vital role of teachers, Baandavya will hold a special workshop on December 10, 2025, for educators, counsellors and school nurses. The aim is to help schools identify and understand conditions like autism and ADHD early, replacing punishment with empathy and guidance.
A Mission Rooted in Care
For the Baandavya team, every child is special. “We never rank cases as more or less important. Every child deserves equal care and love,” said one of the staff members. Under the leadership of Rev. Fr. Faustine Lucas Lobo and the vision of Dr. Anil Shetty, the Baandavya Child Development Centre continues to build a future where children grow with dignity, families feel supported, and communities become more compassionate.
