Rons Bantwal

Mumbai, Sep 27: The Christian Chamber of Commerce & Industries (CCCI) presented its achievement awards for 2025-2026 at a function held on Saturday evening at the auditorium of Hotel Kohinoor Continental in Andheri East here.

Dr Leslie Clifford D’Souza, bishop of the diocese of Udupi, who was the chief guest, presented the annual awards to the achievers and congratulated them for their outstanding accomplishments.

Addressing the gathering, the bishop said, “When we come together, we recognise excellence, enterprise, perseverance, and achievement. I extend my warm congratulations to all the award recipients. An award is not merely a recognition of success. Behind every award, there are years of hard work, sacrifice, courage, discipline, innovation, and perseverance. Tonight we celebrate not only what you have achieved, but also the values and efforts that made those achievements possible. Life needs to be protected, preserved, and promoted. The history of CCCI began with seven founding members, and today it has more than 750 because there is something valuable that you contribute to the entire society.”

The programme was presided over by Albert W D’Souza, chairman of CCCI. CCCI founder chairman Vincent Mathias, immediate past chairman John Mathew, and vice-chairmen advocate Pius Vas, Agnelo Rajesh Athaide, and Gregory D’Souza were present on the dais.

On this occasion, the CCCI women’s wing was formally inaugurated, and Janet Lawrence D’Souza assumed office as its first chairperson. The chief guest honoured the women office-bearers by presenting them with bouquets and conveyed his best wishes.

Speaking on the occasion, Janet D'Souza said, "I am truly honoured to stand before you on this historical and joyful occasion at the inauguration of the women's wing. We have a very dedicated core committee whose members will work shoulder to shoulder to bring strength and dignity to the wing." She outlined the wing's objectives, which include women's empowerment, leadership organisation, and confidence-building activities for the year.

In his presidential address, Albert W D’Souza said, "I extend my sincere appreciation to our board of directors and committee conveners for their commitment, guidance, and valuable contribution to the work of the chamber throughout the year. The CCCI is strengthened by the collective efforts of people who willingly give their time, experience, and energy for the benefit of members and the wider community. We must encourage a culture of responsible entrepreneurship with integrity, compassion, and purpose."

The award recipients:

• The Pattathu Brothers Excellence Award for a woman entrepreneur: Flavian Tanya Quadros, founder of Flavours Culinary Solutions Pvt Ltd and Banquet-18.

• The Aldel Education Trust Excellence Award for a young entrepreneur: Paul Abner Noronha, co-founder and director of Sepio Products Pvt Ltd.

• The Reliable Exports Excellence Award for education: Dr Savita J Tauro, principal of St John Institute of Pharmacy and Research (Autonomous), Palghar.

• The Arcadia Share & Stock Brokers Pvt Ltd Excellence Award for art & culture: Francis Fernandes Cassia, veteran theatre personality.

• The Velvin Industries Pvt Ltd Excellence Award for social service: Dr Armida Fernandez, retired professor and head of the department of neonatology and dean at LTMC Hospital, Sion.

• The Electropneumatics & Hydraulics (India) Pvt Ltd Excellence Award for outstanding entrepreneurial achievement: Johnson Thomas Pereira, managing director of Gemsons Precision Engineering Pvt Ltd.

• The Daniel & Sons Excellence Award for public service: Justice Ferdino Inacio Rebello, former chief justice of the Allahabad High Court.

The awardees spoke on the occasion, expressing their gratitude for the recognition and appreciating the services rendered by CCCI.

CCCI permanent invitee Presilla Walter Buthello, directors Ralph Pereira, Lawrence D’Souza, and Lawrence Coelho, and former chairmen Henry Lobo and Antony Sequeira, among several other members, were present.

Fr Prakash Anil Castelino from Pangla, former police commissioner of Brihanmumbai Ronald H Mendonsa, Model Co-operative Bank general manager and chief executive officer Henry B Quadros, former vice-chancellor Dr Suhas Pednekar, and several other dignitaries were present. Elvina A D’Souza, advocate Genevieve P Vass, Pramila Mathias, and Florine D’Souza honoured the guests.

The programme commenced with a prayer by CCCI executive secretary Rohan Tellis. Advocate Pius Vas introduced the guests. Priya D’Souza, Allan Castelino, Varnon V Mathias, Clement Lobo, advocate Derral P Vas, Ryan L D’Souza, and Rohan Tellis introduced the award recipients. Jonita Noronha compered the programme, while Agnello Rajesh Athaide proposed the vote of thanks.

Prior to the awards ceremony, the 28th annual general meeting of the CCCI was held under the chairmanship of working president Albert W D’Souza. Founder president Vincent Mathias, immediate past president John Matthew, vice-presidents advocate Pius Vas and Gregory D’Souza, former president Henry Lobo, and director Lawrence Coelho were present on the dais. Rohan Tellis welcomed the gathering, conducted the proceedings, and proposed the vote of thanks.