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Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (NJC)
Mangaluru, Sep 11: The induction ceremony of the newly elected office-bearers of the Dakshina Kannada Catering Owners’ Association (Regd.), Mangaluru, was held at the Grand Sabhabhavana here on Thursday, September 10.
The programme was inaugurated by Shashidhar Shetty Baroda, along with other dignitaries, by lighting the traditional lamp. This was followed by the formal handing over of responsibilities from the outgoing president to the newly elected president and office-bearers.
Harish Shetty took charge as president, Deviprasad Shetty as secretary, and Santosh Menezes as treasurer of the association.
Speaking on the occasion, Shashidhar Shetty Baroda said that the catering industry is not merely a food-service sector but an important profession that provides livelihoods to numerous families. He noted that the industry also creates employment opportunities and provides a means of livelihood for many young people, including those from economically weaker backgrounds.
He said that running a catering business is not an easy task and requires immense hard work, dedication and commitment. Sharing his personal experience, he said that he entered the catering business after working as a postman. Starting with arrangements to serve around 100 people a day, he has now reached a stage where food is being catered to nearly eight lakh people, he said.
He expressed confidence that the development of Mangaluru's beaches and the growth of tourism in the coming years would create further opportunities and demand for the catering industry.
Daijiworld Media founder and managing director Walter Nandalike, speaking on the occasion, congratulated the newly inducted office-bearers and appreciated the contribution of catering professionals to society. He said that catering is a demanding profession that involves long hours, hard work, responsibility and constant attention to the needs of customers and guests.
He appreciated the dedication of catering owners, cooks, workers and others associated with the profession, noting that their efforts often play an important role in making functions and celebrations successful. He encouraged the association to work unitedly, strengthen its activities and take further initiatives for the welfare and development of catering professionals.
Walter also congratulated those who were felicitated during the programme and appreciated the association for recognising the contributions of senior members of the profession as well as the academic achievements of the children of catering professionals.
Chandrahas Shetty Rangoli said that the role of catering owners is extremely important in ensuring that any function is conducted successfully and in a grand manner. Providing quality food and hospitality to guests is one of the key factors contributing to the success of an event, he said.
He noted that catering entrepreneurs face several challenges in their profession and expressed hope that the association would become stronger and undertake more activities for the benefit of its members.
As part of the programme, senior professionals who have rendered several decades of service to the catering industry were felicitated in recognition of their dedication and contribution.
Chikkaiah Poojary, Ibrahim Monu and Leena Lobo, who have served as cooks in the catering industry for more than four decades, were honoured on the occasion.
Jayakrishna Kotian, owner of Pooja Catering, was also felicitated in recognition of his contribution to the profession.
The association also honoured the children of catering professionals who had achieved notable academic results, recognising their accomplishments and appreciating the efforts of their families in supporting their education.
The programme was attended by Bhojaraj Vamanjoor, Venugopal Shetty, Chandrahass Shetty Rangoli, Catering Owners’ Association honorary president Sudhakar Kamath, Santosh D’Souza, Rajesh K, Chennappa Kullal and others.