Richard D’Souza
Photos by Phoenix Studio Shirva
Udupi, Oct 30: Dr Jerry Vincent Dias, founder president of KCCI (Karavali Christian Chamber of Commerce & Industry) and managing director of Mandavi Builders and Real Estate, commended the Karavali Christian Chamber of Commerce & Industry for its valuable initiative in recognizing the outstanding achievers in the Christian community.
He made these remarks while addressing the audience during the inaugural ceremony of the “Prerana Annual Awards 2023,” which took place at Mandavi Sabha Bhavan, Mandavi Trade Center, Kadiyali on Sunday, October 29. Dr Jerry Vincent Dias acknowledged the vision of Ronald Colaco, a global entrepreneur and philanthropist, which led to the formation of the Karavali Christian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCCI) in 2012 under IFKCA (International Federation of Konkani Catholic Associations). He praised the inaugural members of KCCCI, including then-president Louis Lobo, Dr Nery Cornelio, Prashanth Jathanna, Alwyn Quardos, Jeethendra Furtado, the late Robert Furtado, Santhosh D’Silva, and others, who started with just 30 members and have now grown the organization to more than 100 members.
Dr Jerry Vincent Dias emphasized the necessity of KCCCI in aiding entrepreneurs during these challenging times. He underscored the strength that comes from unity among Christian entrepreneurs and lauded the initiation of the Prerana Awards to support the community. He noted that while they previously honored business achievers, this year marked the introduction of awards recognizing achievements in various fields.
Santhosh D'Silva, the president of KCCCI, presided over the program, with Dr Sushil Jathanna, the director of Lombard Memorial (Mission) Hospital, serving as the chief guest. Alwyn Quadros, the General Secretary, and Maxim S Saldanha, the treasurer, were present on the dais.
The "KCCCI Prerana Awards 2023" were presented to achievers in various categories, including:
Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2023: Rajesh Kumar Salins, managing director of Bell O Seal Valves Pvt Ltd.
Annual Women Entrepreneur Award 2023: Carol Wilma D’Cunha, Event Management, Karkala.
Annual Youth Entrepreneur Award 2023: Neons Anthony D’Souza, NN Infrastructure Ltd, Brahmavar.
Farmer of the Year Award 2023: Wilfred Felix D’Souza, D’Souza Agriculture Estate, Nada, Kundapur.
Prerana Special Recognition Awards were presented to:
David V Sequiera, Kundapur (Social Service and Health).
Glen Larsen Rebello, Moodubelle (Youth Entrepreneur and Drone Expert).
Lawrence Alva, Moodubelle (Social Worker and Barren Land Agriculturist).
Muriel Premalatha, Udupi, and Ruphina Mendonca, Palimar, received the Prerana Seva Award 2023 for their contributions to teaching and nursing care, respectively.
Dr Sushil Jathanna highlighted the commendable role of Christian entrepreneurs in India, where they make up over 20% of the contribution despite the Christian population accounting for only 2.3%. He explained that this impressive participation could be attributed to the continuous legacy of the Christian people and the widespread presence of Christian entrepreneurs in various parts of the country. Religion, he said, plays a significant role in influencing entrepreneurship and providing a favorable attitude towards it, which encourages growth and success.
He expressed his appreciation for KCCCI's efforts to identify and honor business achievers and offered gratitude to the organizers and the Christian community for presenting the Prerana Awards.
Santhosh D’Silva welcomed the gathering, and various members provided profiles of the award winners prior to the felicitation and award distribution. One of the award recipients, Rajesh Kumar Salins, spoke during the ceremony. Alwyn Quadros proposed a vote of thanks, and Derrick D’Souza and Wilson D’Souza compered the program.
Following the stage program, a cultural event featuring dance, singing, and saxophone performances entertained the attendees. It was a joyous family gathering.