Rons Bantwal
Mumbai, Nov 6: Model Co-operative Bank Ltd organized its academic excellence award function to honor the outstanding children of its members for the academic year 2024-25. The event was held on Wednesday, November 5, at St Andrew’s Auditorium, Bandra, recognizing 71 deserving scholars from class 10 to various fields in the post graduate levels. This initiative reflects the bank's commitment to recognizing the hard work, perseverance, and achievements of these students, fostering a spirit of excellence through this annual ceremony.
Chairman Albert W D’Souza delivered the welcome address, he shared a brief history of Model Co-operative Bank Ltd. He highlighted the Banks continued commitment to education by offering easily accessible loans to the students to pursue their dreams without financial barriers. He urged students to take advantage of the vast educational opportunities available today, especially through minority colleges offering numerous professional courses. Encouraging lifelong learning, he advised, ‘Continue studying till at least the age of 25 since education gives the confidence to walk into any career', Concluding his speech, the chairman shared words of wisdom: “Hard work, Knowledge and Attitude, which are the three pillars of success." He also informed the students to remember that time, energy and money never come together, so to use each wisely in life’s journey.
In her address, the chief guest Dr Muktha Manoj Jacob expressed gratitude to the bank’s leadership for their visionary commitment to education. She highlighted that the ceremony was not just a corporate event, but a testament to the bank’s mission of investing in human capital ‘the most valuable asset of our nation’. Drawing a parallel between banking and education, she said, "A bank is the custodian of our financial savings, while education safeguards our intellectual wealth – an asset that never depreciates”. Encouraging students, she said, "Success is the sum of small efforts repeated daily. Celebrate your achievements, but never stop learning. True education builds not just minds, but hearts and character.” She cited cricketer Jemimah Rodrigues as an example of how discipline, perseverance, and teamwork lead to success both on and off the field. In her closing remarks, she congratulated the award winners and their parents, acknowledging their support and sacrifices. She also praised the leadership of Model Co-operative Bank Ltd for demonstrating that 'true service is not measured by profits, but by the number of lives you touch and uplift'. “By investing in education, we invest in our nation’s future, strengthen our community, and ensure that values of faith, culture, and compassion continue to shine bright," she concluded.
Vice chairman Maxim I Pinto also addressed the gathering, sharing inspiring words of encouragement. He congratulated students for their hard work and praised parents and teachers for their support. He highlighted the bank’s 25-year journey of continuous profits, RBI recognition for Financially Sound and Well Managed Bank, and 70% digital adoption. Emphasizing teamwork and community values, he urged students to 'keep learning and growing'. He also invited them to explore the bank’s education loans.
Thereafter, awards were presented to the students further highlighting their achievements. Prestigious mementos, cash prizes, and certificates of recognition were awarded to the deserving students, making it a proud moment for parents as they celebrated their children's accomplishments.
Some of the award recipients shared a few words of their success, creating an uplifting atmosphere as they expressed their gratitude and aspirations.
The event was graced by the presence of directors Paul Nazareth, Abraham Clement Lobo, Sanjay Shinde, Thomas Lobo, Adv Pius Vas, Gerald Cardoza, Ancy D’Souza, Hilary L Mendonca, Adv Fiona Nazareth, Asha D’Souza, and members of the board of management Elroy Rodrigues, Jude Lobo and Sanna Lobo.
The event was preceded by a prayer service recited by director Thomas Lobo. General manager & CEO, Osden A Fonseca introduced the chief guest, Dr Muktha Manoj Jacob. The additional general manager Zenon D’Cruz proposed the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of the event. Borivali branch manager Roshni Monteiro compared the programme. The programme concluded with the singing of the national anthem.