Media release
Mangaluru, Nov 24: MCC Bank Ltd has expanded its reach with the inauguration of its 18th branch in Belthangady on Sunday, November 24. The new branch is located at Vaibhav Arcade, near Church Road on Belthangady Highway.
The inauguration was led by MCC Bank Chairman Sahakara Ratna Anil Lobo, who officially opened the branch, while Fr Walter D'mello, parish priest of Holy Redeemer Church, Belthangady, blessed the new premises.
The safe room was inaugurated by Fr Abraham Patteril, procurator of the Belthangady Diocese, and the e-stamping facility was launched by Henry Lobo, chairman of the Belthangady Credit Catholic Co-operative Society. Anil A J, president of the Syrian Catholic Multipurpose Co-operative Society Ltd, Belthangady, was the guest of honour at the ceremony.
The programme began with a prayer song by the bank staff, after which chairman Lobo thanked local institutions and the public for their cooperation during the branch’s marketing efforts.
“I seek your continued support to help the branch grow and start earning profits within a year of its opening,” Lobo said. He also informed the gathering that MCC Bank offers services comparable to those of other private and public sector banks, with deposit accounts guaranteed by DICGC and regulated by the Reserve Bank of India.
“We will soon introduce digital banking services such as Google Pay and UPI. We also offer NIL service charges for account holders with an average balance of Rs 1 lac,” he added.
Fr Walter D'Mello congratulated the bank on its customer-friendly approach and invoked blessings for the success of the new branch. He expressed hope that the bank would be a boon for the local community, especially the underprivileged. “I wish that this branch becomes a pillar of support for society’s most vulnerable,” he said.
As part of its community outreach, MCC Bank made donations from its charity fund to two local organisations:
- Seon Ashram Trust, Gandibagilu, which cares for the mentally and physically challenged and orphans.
- Fr L M Pinto Healthcare Centre and Charitable Trust, known for providing affordable healthcare services.
Fr Abraham Patteril praised the bank for supporting noble causes, setting it apart from other local banks. “MCC Bank is truly unique in supporting institutions that serve humanity,” he said, urging the public to continue supporting the bank’s growth. He also wished for the bank’s continued success and social contributions.
During the event, the bank honoured several local achievers for their outstanding contributions to society:
- Charmady Hasanabba for his social service, particularly helping victims of accidents and natural calamities.
- Cashmir Menezes for his innovations in agriculture and education.
- Dr Venugopal Sharma for providing medical care at a nominal cost of Rs. 10.
- Sabitha Monis for her academic excellence despite physical disabilities.
Sabitha Monis, one of the award recipients, thanked the bank for the recognition and wished the institution success in the future. “It is a great honour to be recognised, and I am grateful to the bank for their support,” she said.
The ceremony also recognised Seethram Shetty, owner of the premises, and Karthik Kiran, the civil engineer, for their contributions to the successful establishment of the new branch. The first customers of the branch were also honoured, with a special birthday celebration for Savitha Byaptist, one of the branch’s first account holders.
In addition, Anil Lobo presented mementos to the vice presidents and secretaries of Parish Pastoral Councils from various churches in Belthangady for their help in promoting the branch.
The new branch staff was introduced to the audience by Sunil Menezes, general manager of MCC Bank, and the chairman, Anil Lobo, presented mementos to the chief guests as a token of appreciation.
Prominent attendees included Jerald Jude D’silva, David Dsouza, Melwyn Vas, J P Rodrigues, Anil Patrao, Roshan D'Souza, and others.
Vincent Lasrado, director of the Bank, welcomed the guests, and Sharun C Pinto, branch manager, delivered the vote of thanks. The event was compered by Avil Moras, and the Blue Brass Band, Badyar, added a festive touch to the celebration.