Media Release

Mangaluru, Aug 15: The MCC Bank celebrated 77th Independence Day at the administrative office on August 15 with great enthusiasm and patriotic fervor, commemorating the nation’s independence from the British.

Fr Bonaventure Nazareth, parish priest of Our Lady of Milagres Church, celebrated the Holy Mass on this occasion.

After the Holy Mass, the Independence Day celebration programme began with a prayer song led by Karen Crasta and team.

Chairman Anil Lobo presided over the programme. Sunil Kumar Bajal, social activist and customer of the bank was the chief guest. Vice chairman Jerald Jude D’Silva and general manager Sunil Menezes were on the dais.

While welcoming the gathering, chairman Anil Lobo said that for the first time the bank celebrated Independence Day on the occasion of ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ last year. He said that the bank is continuing the tradition of celebrating Independence Day, which is a day to remember and honour millions of freedom fighters who laid their life for the sake of the nation's freedom. He recalled the non-cooperative movement, which acted as a catalyst in attaining freedom for the country. He added that the bank, as a responsible financial institution of the nation, has helped the downtrodden and underprivileged on the occasion of the bank completing its 110 years of service. He wished that all other financial institutions follow the example so that real independence is achieved.

Sunil Kumar Bajal, social activist, chief guest of the day hoisted the flag and said that he is delighted to be part of the celebration of the 76th anniversary of Independence of the country with the management and staff members of one of the premier cooperative banks in the undivided Dakshina Kannada district. He emphasized the need for unity among the citizens of this great nation which has a culture of unity in diversity. He urged the gathering, especially the youth, to preserve the sanctity of the constitution and strive for uplifting the poor and marginalized sections of the society to achieve the real essence of freedom.

David D’Souza, Herald Monteiro, and J P Rodrigues, the directors who are celebrating their birthday in the month of August were felicitated during the occasion. Maxim Lasrado who celebrated his birthday on 14th of August was also felicitated. On this occasion, the staff members sang patriotic songs with a lot of zeal and enthusiasm.

Directors Dr Gerald Pinto, Andrew D’Souza, Anil Patrao, Elroy Kiran Crasto, Roshan D’Souza, Marcel D’Souza and Irene Rebello, professional directors Sushanth Saldanha and Clement G Pinto, members of board of management Sharmila Menezes, Felix D’Cruz and Alwyn P Monteiro were also present on the occasion.

Karkala branch manager Rayan Praveen K compered the programme. General manager Sunil Menezes proposed the vote of thanks. All the participants were served with high tea.