Rons Bantwal

Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Nov 28: Model Co-operative Bank Ltd along with The Mangalorean Catholic Education Credit Co-operative Society Ltd jointly organized an Educational Prize Distribution Programme for meritorious children of its shareholders.

It is an annual affair for students who have excelled in the board/degree exams. This year the Educational Prize Distribution Programme was held recently at Xavier Institute of Engineering, Mahim. 70 students were felicitated and the chief guest for the function was Sr Romana Fernandes, principal of St Thomas Academy, Goregaon (west). Sr Romana is on the Board of Education of the Poor Sisters of Our Lady and is on the council team of her congregation of the Poor Sisters of our Lady.

Albert W D’Souza, chairman of the bank, welcomed the gathering to the function and congratulated the meritorious students. In his speech he said, “Knowledge is power.” He encouraged the students to take up higher education by availing educational loan from the bank at a concessional rate of interest. The chairman expressed his appreciation to the students who excelled in the field of chartered accountancy and company secretary and stated, "Everything is difficult if we do not want to do it and everything is easy if we want to do it."

Director Thomas Lobo congratulated the students and advised them to sum up all the small obstacles in order to reach their goals.

The chief guest Sr Romana congratulated the students and encouraged them to join the civil services and armed forces as there are very few people from the community in this field. Sr Romana also stated that Cardinal Oswald Gracias has specially motivated the Catholics to give back to society what they have received.

The directors of the bank present were Paul Nazareth, Pius Vas, Thomas Lobo, Ancy D'Souza, Benedicta Rebello and Marita D'Mello.

Harold M Serrao, additional general manager was also present. The programme was conducted by Beata Furtado, manager of the bank. Zenon D'Cruz, senior manager of the bank proposed the vote of thanks. The programme concluded with singing of the National Anthem followed by refreshments.