Pics: Nithin Pereira
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (NP)
Udupi, Jul 10: The Udupi Catholic Credit Co-operative Society Ltd held a grand inauguration ceremony for its newly renovated branch in Malpe. The event took place at the first floor of Citizen Circle, Malpe.
Narayana Ballal, president of the Kodavoor Agricultural Services Co-operative Society Ltd, inaugurated the renovated bank. In his address, he said, “We are in a competitive world today, and this beautifully renovated bank is staffed with friendly and professional individuals. For the past 28 years, this bank has been serving the people. The name ‘Catholic’ itself stands out as a symbol of helpfulness and service. Unlike some banks today, where staff may not even speak the local language, this institution ensures clear communication and understanding. The staff here are capable, and for continued success, the bank must work hard and maintain sincerity. We should approach customers with calmness, and staff must receive regular training to keep up with advancing technologies. This institution is not just about making profits, it also contributes to society through those profits.”
Fr Denis D’Sa, parish priest of St Anne Church, Thottam, blessed the bank and stated, “The renovation has been completed, and I congratulate all the directors, staff, and customers. Appearance is important, especially in all institutions. Earlier, we focused only on quality, but now we understand that appearance, infrastructure, and technology also matter. Change is necessary because stagnation is death. This bank is well-equipped with modern infrastructure and advanced technology. Even the attitude of the staff matters — a warm smile at the cash counter can enhance the overall development of the bank. Artificial intelligence may take over some jobs, but it can never replace human communication, which understands emotions. This bank has a perfect blend of experienced individuals and young minds, and I am confident it will become a great success.”
The inaugural address was delivered by Vinay Sandesh, priest at CSI Ebenezer Church, Malpe. He emphasised, “I congratulate all the staff and customers of the bank. This is a renovated branch, meaning everything has been renewed for the benefit of the people of Malpe. The Catholic Credit Co-operative is a social service institution, and its services will greatly benefit the people here. We will all continue to support the institution. I hope this bank continues to serve the people in every possible way.
During his blessing, Fr Denis D’Sa said, ‘Work is worship’ and this work will truly become a service when it is done for the benefit of the people.”
Louis Lobo, president of the Udupi Catholic Christian Society, in his presidential remarks, said, “This bank has completed 28 years of service. The growth and profits of the bank have been shared by CEO Sandeep. In recent years, the bank has made significant progress, and these benefits have reached both the customers and the staff. Over the past 4–5 years, we have seen major development, and we now dream of having our own office building. We currently have branches in all taluks and are planning to expand to Kundapura and Brahmavar. We are running in profit and will soon issue dividends. We have made nearly Rs 1 crore in profit, and everyone who helped us grow will receive their share. There are many credit co-operative banks in the area, but we stand strong among them. Even though some of them are doing business 10 times more than us, they still support us in our journey. Today, we honoured Eshwar Malpe not with money, because his service is priceless, but with recognition. His honour is recognition of our values as a bank. I sincerely thank all the staff under the leadership of CEO Sandeep for their hard work and support in helping the bank grow.”
Eshwar Malpe, a life-saver and social worker, was also present and honoured for his community service contributions. In his address, he said, “Today, we are witnessing the inauguration of the renovated bank, and I congratulate all the staff and customers. Nowadays, many bank staff come from other states and often struggle to understand our local issues and emotions. I am thankful to be invited here today. I stand here because of the support of my friends. They are the reason I have reached where I am. If I have been able to establish an ambulance service, it’s because of the prayers and support of the people. I pray that this bank becomes even more successful and continues to grow in service.”
The event was presided over by Louis Lobo, president of the Udupi Catholic Credit Co-operative Society Ltd, and attended by Narayana Ballal, president of the Kodavoor Agricultural Service Co-operative Society Ltd; Fr Denis D’Sa, parish priest, St Anne Church, Thottam; Vinay Sandesh, priest of CSI Ebenezer Church, Malpe; Mohammad Naqwa Yahya, president of the Abubakkar Siddique Jamiya Mosque, Malpe; Edline Karkada, councillor of the Malpe Central Ward; Eshwar Malpe, social worker; Sandeep Fernandes, CEO; Archibald S D’Souza; Oneil J D’Souza and others.
James D’Souza, vice-president, welcomed the guests. Sandeep Fernandes, CEO, introduced the bank. Archibald S D’Souza delivered the vote of thanks, and Devakar Poojary Kadekar compered the event.