Rons Bantwal

Mumbai, Sep 24: The Christian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) organized its annual CCCI Excellence Awards 2021-22 ceremonies at the Hotel Kohinoor Continental, Andheri East on Saturday, September 24. Mumbai Suburban district collector Nidhi Chaudhari was the chief guest, who presented the awards in the presence of the guest of Honour, Bishop John Rodrigues of the Archdiocese of Bombay.

While welcoming all the dignitaries, the CCCI Chairman John Mathew expressed his gratitude to all the members who have worked hard towards the success of the CCCI. With the GDP of the Indian economy growing at a rapid pace, he expressed his sense of pride that the Christian community has been a partner in this progress through its educational institutes, businesses and social initiatives. The CCCI is preparing to celebrate the Silver Jubilee of its inception next year. During these 24 years the CCI has helped the Christian community to connect with each other to create a dynamic synergy in business and most important the bonds of fellowship. He announced the commencement of the Silver Jubilee celebrations with many activities.

In the esteemed presence of the sponsors of the awards, Vincent Mathias, Albert W D'Souza, Clotilda R Sequeira and Anthony Sequeira, the following awards were presented:

• The Velvin Packaging Pvt Ltd Excellence Award for social service to Sr Leela Sequeira
• The Daniel and Sons Pvt Ltd Excellence Award for public service to Dr Charles Lobo (the award was received in his absence by Clement Lobo)
• The Aldel Education Trust Excellence Award for Young Entrepreneur to Alan Castelino
• The Pattathu Brothers Excellence Award for Woman Entrepreneur to Ingrid Rasquinha
• The Arcadia Share and Stock Brokers Pvt Ltd Excellence Award for Sports, Arts and Culture to noted actress Esther Noronha
• The Electropneumatic and Hydraulics India Pvt Ltd Excellence Award for Industry to CA Anto
• The Reliable Exports Excellence Award for education to Fr. Adolph Furtado

The chief guest Nidhi Chaudhari in her address appreciated the efforts of the Christian community in all spheres of business, education and social work. She was of the view that Wealth creation should be based on the principles of Christianity. "When businesspersons create wealth, and share the same with the community, it adds to the glory of God and makes the world a better place. Wealth has to be viewed spiritually, so that in its sharing, its full potential can be realized. Wealth should not foster arrogance. It is good to be wealthy, but with wealth generation there also needs to be a value addition along with good works," she said making a sincere appeal to the youth to join the civil services and serve the people and the country.

Bishop John Rodrigues in his address indicated that the thirst for excellency is a positive trend and compared it to the technology rolled out by the mobile phone industry, which never settles on its laurels, but reflects the attitude of constantly wanting to move forward with new technology, that gets better and better each time. He was of the view that all the recipients of the awards were never inactive, but rather constantly evolving with time. "They worked hard and pushed themselves to do better. Theirs was a complete involvement in their area of work; there were no shortcuts to success, but only hard work. Through this channel of acknowledgement by way of the excellence awards, the CCCI would motivate the entrepreneur to do better in their businesses, become creators and innovators and be able to respond the needs of the society. Through their seminars and networking, the CCCI is encouraging the community to strive for excellence," he said. 

While congratulating the winners, the bishop said, "In our pursuit of wealth and progress, we must not lose focus on our fundamental Christian values and it is God who has given us the talent to discover and nurture, and so we must strive to live a life that God wants us to. We need to be grounded and rooted in our quest for growth and not lose focus of the same," he said. 

The CCCI founder chairman Vincent Mathias, the vice chairman of the award committee and convener Albert W D'Souza, the vice chairman advocate Pius Vas, Agnelo Rajesh Athaide, and the immediate past chairman John D'Silva graced the occasion on the dais.

Priscilla Walter Buthello (Permanent Invitee), directors Lawrence Coelho and Gregory D'Souza, co-opted director Lawrence D'Souza, past chairmen Henry Lobo and Anthony Sequeira and other members were present on this occasion.

Vernon Mathias, Renita D'Silva, Ryan D'Souza, Elaine R Buthello, and Glen D'Souza provided an insight into the awardees by the recitation of the relevant citations. Pramila Mathias, Elvina D'Souza and advocate Genevieve P Vas honoured the guests with floral bouquets. Dr Reuben Walter Buthello and Aldridge A D'Souza with their charm and wit facilitated the flow of the event, by formally introducing the awardees. Agnelo Rajesh Athaide proposed the vote of thanks.

At the outset, the 24th Annual General Meeting of the CCCI was conducted by the chairman John Mathew along with the board of directors. The meeting was successfully concluded with valuable suggestions on its future growth. The meeting ended with a closing prayer by Rohan Tellis, executive secretary of the CCCI.