Pics: Spoorthi Ullal

Daijiworld Media Network—Mangaluru (CLP)

Mangaluru, Jun 22: In what can be seen as a giant and revolutionary step by women in the co-operative sector, the Christian Minority Women’s Multi-purpose Co-operative Society and Community Development Centre was inaugurated at St Joseph College Auditorium, Jeppu Workshop Campus, by Aloysius Paul D' Souza, Bishop of Mangaluru on Sunday June 21.

The Society was inaugurated by lighting of the lamp by the Bishop and Oscar Fernandes, MP and founder president of Catholic Sabha inaugurated the Community Development Centre.

In the inaugural address, the Bishop said, “It is indeed a happy day for all of us as the minority women have come together to start a co-operative society. Today, a baby is born in the form of this society. It is the responsibility of the women to take care of and grow the child in the coming years. It is amazing to see that women have come forth to showcase their abilities in a male dominated society. Women are hard workers, they have a lot of patience, and have the ability to multitask. I wish all success to the Society and the Centre.”

Speaking on the occasion, MP Oscar Fernandes said, “It is a big achievement by the Christian minority women. I know about the difficulties involved behind setting up a co-operative society as my mother was the founder and president of a co-operative society. I kindly request involvement of Udupi district also as it has also been a mother to many co-operative societies. I wish all success to the Christian Minority Women's Multi-purpose Co-operative Society and Community Development Centre.” Addressing the gathering, district-in-charge minister Ramanath Rai said, “This is a male dominated society but the Christian community has always given importance to women over the years. Men always consult women in any decision they want to take. Women are more trustworthy worthy than men; women do not wish to spoil their image in society and thus, they are accurate in every job.”

Speaking on the occasion, J R Lobo, MLA, Mangaluru South, said, “Women of the Christian community are one step ahead of men. Women enjoy equal opportunities in the community. They perform every job with dedication and quality. Christian minority women need to make efforts to spread the branches of the co-operative society to other districts also. I wish all success to the Co-operative Society and Community Development Centre.” The MLA also launched the emblem of the Society.

Jacintha Alfred, Mayor Mangaluru City Corporation, Roy Castelino, president, Karnataka Konkani Sahithya Academy, Veronica Carnelio, chairperson, Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited, Rajendra Kumar, president, SCDCC Bank, B K Saleem, district registrar, Co-operative Societies, Dakshina Kannada district, Lancy D’Cunha, national vice-president, All India Catholic Union, and Flavy D’Souza, president, Catholic Sabha Mangaluru Pradesh, and others were present as guests of honour. Hilda Alva, president, Catholic Sabha, Julia Crasta, vice-president, and Benedicta D’Souza, secretary, CMW Society, and the office-bearers of the Society, were present on the occasion.

The facilities of the Co-operative Society will include:

Different deposits, special facilities for senior citizens, special schemes, and facilities for women,cash letters, loan facilities for purchase of vehicle, pledging of jewellery, small business, construction of house, renovation of kitchen, overdraft, purchase of household items, national savings certificate, house repairs, and loans for agriculture. Help to self-help groups, co-operation, and loan facilities, pygmy daily deposits, and e-stamping decision to provide a good dividend to shareholders, and a special package for repayment of loans.

Lancy D’Cunha was felicitated on this occasion for his initiative and hard work in making the co-operative society, a reality.

The 74th birthday of Bishop Aloysius Paul D’Souza was also celebrated on the occasion by cutting the cake.