Mangalore: Rachana launches Entrepreneur Development Cell
Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (NM)
Mangalore, Feb 17: The Rachana Entrepreneur Development Cell (REDC), formed under Rachana, a forum of Catholic businessmen, professionals and entrepreneurs, was inaugrated at a ceremony held at La Oasis Roof Garden, Pio Mall here on Sunday February 17.
The cell was inaugurated symbolically by president of KE Global, Dubai president Ivan Fernandes by turning a spinning wheel.
Addressing the gathering, he lauded Rachana for the efforts taken to promote entreprenuership in the community, especially to mainly to help budding entrepreneurs. "I am pleased with the work done by Rachana, as it has realized the dream it had set out to achieve," he said.
"Entrepreneurship is a low cost and long-term solution to sustain economic power. Entrepreneurship is important for the prosperity of society and it is a key element of industrialization," he added.
Quoting the line 'Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime', he said this is possible if entrepreneurs are given a helping hand.
"Entrepreneurs can bring ideas to reality. At the same time, entreprenuership has also got its challenges - it is a long journey filled with struggle, it needs focus and persistence. However, the struggle is worthwhile," he said.
"Banks, media and people in general come to you when you reach new heights, but most are not there when you need them in the beginning stage. The real test is in the beginning as there are lots of obstacles to overcome," he added.
Senior regional manager of Indian Overseas Bank K Anil appreciated the symbolic inauguration of the cell and quoted Mahatma Gandhi that the real India lives in villages. "The cell encompasses various activities including agriculture, irrespective of caste and creed. It is a noble initiative," he said.
"India is the youngest country in the world and has rich natural resources. Positive attitude is necessary to achieve success. An entrepreneur should find opportunity in every adversity," he said.
Listing out the schemes introduced by Indian Overseas Bank for entrepreneurs, he said that the Bank provides all the ingredients necessary for the success of young entrepreneurs.
MSME Development Institute deputy director K Socrates said that bankers play an important role in the uplifting of entrepreneurs. "It is difficult to train youngsters as they are less inclined to listen. Entreprenuers are self-made and not created. They look for opportunities. Every successful entrepreneur has a humble and tough beginning with lots of obstacles to face during the journey," he said.
Lancy Mascarenhas of Lancy Constructions and Juliet Fernandes were honoured on the occasion.
Acknowledging the honour, Lancy said that among the 23 awards he has recieved so far, Rachana was the first one. "I am grateful to Rachana and extend my full support for activities aimed at well being of the society," he said.
President of Rachana Roy Castelino welcomed the gathering. Convener of REDC Marcel Monteiro briefed on the new cell and said that already 50 entrepreneurs had registered with the cell.
C J Lobo proposed the vote of thanks while Lavita Lobo compered.
Rachana secretary John Monteiro and others were present.