Report & pics: Rons Bantwal
Mumbai, Aug 24: In a grand celebration of vision, trust, and community service, Jaylaxmi Co-operative Credit Society Ltd, founded by leaders from the Vokkaliga community, held its 25th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Sunday at the Satyanarayan Goenka Hall, J B Nagar, Andheri East, Mumbai.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr K C Narayana Gowda, the founding working president of the Society and former Karnataka cabinet minister and founder-president of the Vokkaliga Sangha Maharashtra, said: “It is the satisfaction of our customers that defines our prosperity. Every shareholder, well-wisher, and customer who has benefited from our services has played a vital role in our success.”
Reflecting on the Society’s journey, Dr Gowda added,“A financial institution founded with the foresight of community leaders can grow into a pillar of the society. For 25 years, Jaylaxmi Co-op Credit Society has stood as a beacon of trust for the common man. While industrialists may look to stock markets and nationalised banks, the public continues to rely on co-operative societies for financial support — a trust we honour with dedicated service.”
The silver jubilee AGM was presided over by Rangappa C Gowda, president of the Society. The event witnessed the participation of several distinguished personalities including vice-president A Kempegowda (Ramanna), secretary K. Rajegowda (president, Vokkaliga Sangha Maharashtra), treasurer Mutte S Gowda, and guests of honour Shaila Nilamkari, Mallikarjuna Swamiji, Gangadhar N Gowda, and Rakesh Singh, all of whom graced the dais.
Board directors Devaki N Gowda, Sunanda R Gowda, Shakuntala Mutte Gowda, Sunil K Avhad, Rahul U Lagade, and Vokkaliga Sangha honorary president Jitendra J Gowda, as well as Congress leader Chandra Shetty, were among the many dignitaries who attended and extended their congratulations.
President Rangappa Gowda praised the financial foresight of the community’s stalwarts, saying:“Thanks to the commitment and long-term vision of our leaders, the Society has completed 25 meaningful years of service. Our collective efforts and selfless contributions have brought the Society to where it is today.”
Secretary K Raje Gowda addressed the gathering on the Society’s revised policies, offered financial advice, and provided insights into strategic planning for sustainable growth.
Senior manager Parashuram D introduced the guests and coordinated the meeting’s proceedings, while also presenting a comprehensive report on the Society’s achievements and activities over the past year.
A cake-cutting ceremony marked the celebratory moment of the silver jubilee, witnessed by former directors, shareholders, loyal customers, and community well-wishers. Speakers including Gangadhar N Gowda, Shaila Nilamkari, and Rakesh Singh offered valuable suggestions and commendations for the Society’s progress.
The AGM began with traditional rituals and devotional offerings to Lalbaugcha Raja Mahaganapati, Dhanalakshmi, Jayalakshmi, Sri Gangadhareshwara Swamy, and the revered spiritual guide of the Okkaliga community, Jagadguru Sri Balagangadharanatha Swamiji. The ceremonial lighting of the lamp set the spiritual tone for the event, with religious observances conducted by Mallikarjuna Swamiji of Kanjurmarg and K M Ramu Swamy of Chembur, who extended their blessings.
The function was also attended by Latha Dhanraj Gowda, in charge of branch operations, senior officers Shilpa Santosh Mandavkar, Pradeep Kumar R Gowda, Sreekanth D Rao, recovery officer Sunil R Mokashi, and other Society staff, including daily financial collectors.
K Raje Gowda concluded the ceremony by extending a warm vote of thanks and expressing gratitude to all the dignitaries, shareholders, and staff who contributed to the success of the AGM and the 25-year journey of the Society.