Pics: Thejaswi U Poojary
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)
Udupi, May 19: The Shirva branch of the Rosary Credit Co-operative Society was officially inaugurated at its newly relocated own premises, situated on Townstore Main Road, Shirva, in a grand ceremony held on Monday, May 19.
The inauguration ribbon was ceremoniously cut by Johnson D’Almeida, president of Rosary Credit Co-operative Society Limited, Kundapura. The new building was blessed by Fr Lesley C D’Souza, parish priest of Our Lady of Health Church, Shirva, who lit the ceremonial lamp, offered prayers, and sprinkled holy water upon the premises.
Sri Sri Eshavittaldas Swamiji of Sandeepani Sadhana Ashram, Sri Kshetra Kemaru, inaugurated the security room by cutting the ribbon and placing the first deposit in the safe locker, symbolising the beginning of a new and secure chapter for the Society.
Walter Nandalike, founder and managing director of Daijiworld Media Private Limited, inaugurated the computer facility and shared a reflective message on the importance of financial prudence.
He said, “A credit co-operative society is essentially a bank. When we think of a bank, the first thing that comes to mind is money. ‘Money says: save me today, I’ll save you tomorrow.’So, deposit your hard-earned money here, because Rosary Credit Co-operative Society will support you in times of need through your own savings.”
He continued, “Starting a business without capital is difficult, and that’s where a co-operative society steps in by offering loans. The primary function of a bank is to collect deposits and issue loans. Borrow only as much as you can repay — do not take more than you can handle. I say money is important, but it is not everything; let it reach those who will use it wisely. I encourage everyone to make good use of this institution.”
Referring to a newspaper article, Walter Nandalike added, “Though our Udupi–Dakshina Kannada region is highly educated, we lag in general awareness. In many banks today, there’s no one to communicate with customers in our own language, as local youth are not appearing for banking exams. The sector is growing rapidly, and it is crucial to guide our children towards careers in this field. That said, I am confident that Rosary Credit Co-operative Society will continue to serve the people with commitment. It is not easy to grow to 12 branches, let alone 24, or to run a Rs 1,000 crore business, let alone Rs 2,000 crore. I wish this Society continued growth.”
Sri Sri Eshavittaldas Swamiji, in his address, drew attention to changing social values and the role of the Society in upholding trust and service.
He said, “This co-operative society is named after a mother, symbolising care and nurturing. Today, the nature of humanity has changed. In the past, we put up signs saying ‘Beware of dogs’; now, we say ‘Beware of man’, as human minds have become more crooked. Our elders may not have had much money, but they had strong values. Today, though the cost of living has risen, our standard of living hasn’t truly improved. Earlier, one member of the family earned and supported the rest; now, every child earns, yet parents end up in orphanages. People are entrusting their money to this society—it is your duty to serve them with commitment and sincerity.”
Fr Lesley C D’Souza, parish priest of Our Lady of Health Church, Shirva, reflected on his personal connection to the Society.
He said, “My first posting as a parish priest was at Rosary Church, and Rosary is like a mother to us. The word ‘credit’ signifies faith, and we can place our faith in this co-operative society. ‘Co-operation’ means helping one another. A society, by its nature, exists to serve people. Let this bank grow with the maternal spirit it is named after. Let us live in harmony, support one another, and work together for the common good. With this move to its own premises, Rosary Credit Co-operative Society has taken a confident step forward.”
Delivering the presidential address, Johnson D’Almeida recounted the branch’s humble beginnings and growth journey.
“When we started our Shirva branch, it was simple and without publicity. Yet, the people of Shirva supported us and blessed us over the last five years, enabling us to move into our own premises. A unique feature of Rosary Credit Co-operative Society is that each branch has a director elected by the local people, ensuring representation. We also provide doorstep services for senior citizens. Our goal is to support the community through the profits we earn. I urge everyone to compare interest rates with other banks before taking loans, and make wise financial decisions,” he said.
The event also included the felicitation of Wilson D’Souza, director of the Rosary Credit Co-operative Society, and the recognition of SSLC toppers from the 2024–25 academic year.
Wilson D’Souza, director of the Society, welcomed the gathering, while Mabel D’Almeida, CEO of Rosary Credit Co-operative Society, delivered the vote of thanks. The programme was compered by Alwyn Danthi.
The event was attended by Michel Rosy D’Souza, owner of the new premises, Society staff members, local representatives, and well-wishers from the community.