Pics : Umesh Marpalli

Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD)

Udupi, Feb 25: The first Catholic entrepreneurs meet of the district was held on Sunday, February 24 in Mandavi Sabha Bhavana in the city.

The programme, organized by Karavali Christian Chamber of Commerce and Industry ( R) and Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh (R ) was inaugurated by Dr Gerald Isaac lobo, bishop of Udupi Diocese.

In his inaugural address Dr Gerald Isaac lobo said, “Catholic Sabha was working to hold this type of Christian entrepreneurs meet from the last five years. Today its dream has turned into a reality. There are many opportunities for business in the district. But proper persons are not venturing into the business field. Educated youths fly abroad for jobs. But today, in many of gulf nations first preference is given to the people of their own country. Hence thousands of youngsters are returning home without jobs. There is need to find some other source than working in gulf nations.”

“We have four cooperative banks in our Udupi diocese. I personally meet staff of these banks very often and discuss about the ways to develop these banks. We are also planning to establish an industry for jasmine growers and coconut growers. Honesty, confined goal and hard work are the key to success in business. Mukesh Ambani had a dream of becoming No 1 businessman in India, and he achieved it. Honesty leads to success,” he added.

Chief guest of the function Ivan D’Souza, MLC and parliamentary secretary, speaking on the occasion said ,"Today I came to know about the number of Christian entrepreneurs. Before that I knew only few names. We had organized Rachana international conference of Christian entrepreneurs in Mangaluru. In that conference, Christian businessman from all over the world shared their business experience. It took me 31 years to enter Vidhana Soudha. Likewise, in business, hard work and commitment leads to success and nothing else. We need to wait for the opportunity. We need to uplift our fellow brothers and sisters of our community in their business. Illegal business is not permitted.”

“Government supports the business. Proper planning is very important in business. There was pressure to form Christian Development Corporation. In the current budget, Rs 200 crore grant was sanctioned. Now it is our responsibility to make use of that money. Next a separate ministry for Christians must be setup,” he said.

IFCKA presented an appeal to Ivan D’Souza about the works to be carried out under Christian Development Corporation.

Joel Mathias, Sharmila Butthello, John R D’Silva were conferred with the first ‘Prerana Award’.

Anil lobo, President MCC bank in his keynote address said, “Christian community is in the business since ages. We are into all sorts of businesses. But gradually gulf lifestyle changed us and we left all our business and industries and went after easy money coming from gulf. We find it difficult to live the same lifestyle here, in our motherland. Let us support our own community people. Mangaluru Catholic Cooperative Bank is always ready to help Christian entrepreneurs in all financial aspects.”

Roshan Belman, Humanity Trust, Jerry Vincent Dias, President, Karavali Christian Chamber of Commerce and Industry ( R) and Ivan D’Souza, MLC, member were honored on the occasion for their notable service.

Nathalia Helen Lobo, Income Tax officer Mangaluru and A E P Docoria, joint director, Income Tax department Udupi gave a detailed information about the income tax return filing and other aspects related to business.

Dr Jerry Vincent Dias, President Karavali Christian chamber of commerce and Industry ( R) and president of the function, addressing the gathering, said, “I remember even today of working with my grandfather in paddy fields. That had a great impact on me. When I was working in gulf, I had decided that I should not be working in gulf for the whole life. Today, there is a need that we need to teach business to our children. Our children don’t know about the sufferings and difficulties faced in business, so when they enter into business it becomes very hard for them to handle. One who is successful knows the feeling of failure. One who dreams in broad daylight will be successful. What I am today is just because of God. There is no unity among Christian businessmen. Let us grow together.”

I R Fernandes, president, Udupi district small scale industries association, Walter Saldanha, Udupi district merchants welfare association and Maxim D’Souza were present on the occasion.

Alwyn Quadros, president, Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh (R), welcomed the gathering. Dolphy Lewis rendered the vote of thanks. Edward Larsen compered the programme.