By Violet Pereira, Team Mangalorean

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Mangalore :  The valedictory of the centenary celebration of Mangalore Catholic Co-operative (MCC) Bank was held on a successful note, with union minister of corporate affairs Dr Veerappa Moily as chief guest, on Milagres College grounds here on May 6.

Bishop of Mangalore Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza concelebrated the Holy Eucharist in thanksgiving in the Milagres church at 4.00 pm.

At the centenary celebration held on the college grounds, all the 16 branch managers carried the flags  and marched towards the dais in a procession and placed them near the dais. The programme began with a prayer dance by Sr Noel and team.  Chairman of MCC Bank Melwyn D'Cunha welcomed the gathering. Vice-chairman Dr Edward Nazareth read out a report on the bank's progress from its inception.

Moily released the souvenir brought out on the occasion. In his address, Moily said that tsunamis might have hit the MCC bank in the form of crises but still it has survived all the tsunamis. In USA and Europe,  banks have faced losses and have almost closed down. When the crisis hit the entire world, Indian banks were safe because forty years ago the banks had been nationalized and there was not much effect on the Indian banks.  Further he said that in 2002 when MCC bank was about to close down, Melwyn and his team stood firm and today it has grown to great heights.

He further lamented that in another 25 years of time MCC bank should stand number one in the country as well as in the world.  He said Catholic community has good entrepreneurship but there was not much growth in the case of MCC bank compared to other banks. he opined that the bank should appoint a CFO and CEO to map out a strategy for its financial growth. While concluding he urged the bank to adopt the qualities of expansion, inclusion and excellence in banking.  He also urged the NRIs to transact money through MCC Bank and help in making the bank reach every household.

NRI entrepreneur from Bangalore Ronald  Colaco handed over the keys to the beneficiaries on the occasion.  In his speech he said, "Four days ago when Veerappa Moily asked about the growth of MCC Bank and compared the growth of other banks. I replied that we have followed our teachings and helped others to come up in business by neglecting our own bank."  

He further said, "When we earn Rs 100, we have to keep Rs 2 aside to give as charity. In a year we can save Rs 730 and help 2 poor students in education.  It gives pleasure to the person who donates. MCC bank is the largest urban co-operative bank in Udupi and Mangalore districts and the second largest urban co-operative bank in the state.  This is the only urban co-operative bank to celebrate the centenary celebrations."

NRI entrepreneur from Dubai Ivan Fernandes released a booklet published on the occasion. He too spoke on the occasion.  Bishop felicitated former chairmen Valentine D'Silva and M P Noronha with shawl, garland, fruits, memento and citation.  Bishop also felicitated advocate Chevalier Clarence Pais on the occasion in recognition to his contribution to the bank.

Bantwal MLA and former state minister released a documentary. In his speech, he complimented the bank and wished it further success.

The Bishop said, "The MCC bank is our community bank and we all should support it." Congratulating the entire team of the bank he said that since the present world was moving further with galloping speed,  the staff should see that the bank would also grow at a galloping speed.  

General manager Joseph Quadros delivered the vote of thanks.  Mallika from Sandesha Foundation compered the programme. It culminated with the screening of a documentary on the bank, a music programme led by Joel Pereira, followed by dinner.

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