Udupi Christian Chamber of Commerce Formed, Jerry Dias Elected President

Kevin Rodrigues
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi
Pics: Sany Digital Studio, Kalmady

Udupi, Aug 29: The Udupi unit of International Federation of Karnataka Christian Associations (IFKCA), Bangalore, organised 'Christian Business Meet' at Madhava Krishna Hall, Hotel Kediyoor here on Sunday August 28.

Udupi Christian Chamber of Commerce was launched on the occasion and popular entrepenuer, promoter of Mandavi Builders Jerry Vincent Dias was elected its first president.

The other office-bearers are Santhosh D'Silva, a businessman from Karkala as vice-president, Alwyn Quadros of DuroPlast -Udupi as general secretary, Joel Mathias from Karkal as joint secretary, Robert Furtado of Ruchi Food Products Sastan as treasurer.

Wilson D'Souza Phoenix Studio, Shirva and Udupi, Terrance Souares of Regal Builders and Developers, Udupi, Joshwin Kunder, Edward D'Souza of Electronic Complex, Udupi, Prashant Jathanna, Derrick D'Souza of Sushma Wines, Sastan and Samrajna Bar, Santhekatte, Johnson D'Almeida, Vinod Crasta, Gregory Menezes, Jerald D'Silva and Leo Pereira were chosen as the committee members.

Jacob Crasta, MD and CEO CM Envirosystems Pvt Ltd, Bangalore and past president, FKCCI, Bangalore presided over the function. Jerry Vincent Dias who is also president of Udupi Builders Association, Ronald I Gomes, proprietor, Sunray Solar Systems, Mangalore and past president Rachana, Immanuel Raymond Fernandes, MD, Karnataka Closures Pvt Ltd, Manipal, state convenor of IFKCA Denies D'Silva, president of IFKCA Udupi Louis Lobo and general secretary Dr Nery Cornelio were present on the dais.

Jacob Crasta inaugurated the programme by lighting the lamp along with other guests.

In his presidential address, Jacob Crasta said, "One who starts a small scale industry goes through very tough times initially. Christians follow an organised system of hierarchy - God - Pope - cardinals - archbishops, bishops - priests - parishioners. But why can't we be organised in our business? We need to think out of the box."

He made a reference to the goods service tax which will be effective from April 1, 2012 and said, "Thereafter, in the next two to three years India's GDP will increase from single digit to double digit and by 2020 India will be first in world economy. If this parliament passes a few more bills like Proposed Electoral Reforms and Benami Transactions, no one can make black money from anywhere."

He further added, "We need to develop tourism, which in turn will boost other businesses and create scope for new ones, as they have done in foreign countries."

Ronald Gomes said that an entrepreneur is a wealth creator for the nation. "We required an organisation such has Christian Chamber of Commerce in Udupi district. Day by day new Catholic businessmen will emerge in their respective fields of business. We need the Chamber to advise them with rules, regulations, laws, taxation and help them get the benefits from the government," he said while explaining a few key points.

Jerry Vincent Dais said, "We are the followers of Christ and all Christians are one. But what we lack is organisational skills. We may come together and start a venture, but in due course it tends to fail as there is no one to take it forward or give it the right direction. Agriculture, industry, and real estate are the backbone of any country.
Only when the three sectors develop together can the nation progress," he said.

He further added, "The percentage of Christians is dropping year by year, as everybody wants to go aboard. Going there is not a problem, but settling there is. Soon they forget their parents and even their motherland."

Jerry called upon the businessmen to contribute to the society and to the nation by giving some percentage of their income for good causes and for the development of the Catholic community. "If we are united no one can harm our community at any cost. Even if they did, we would have the strength to fight back," he said.

Immanuel Fernandes said he was happy to see noted businessmen of Udupi gather under one roof. "Christians are blessed. With the blessing of god we have to start our business," he said.

Ex- zilla panchayath president Gerald Fernandes, Udupi taluk panchayat member Ida, Roshani Olivera, Catholic businessmen from the entire district were present.

Louis Lobo welcomed the gathering. Dr Nery Cornelio proposed the vote of thanks. Vincent Alva compered the programme. Fellowship meal was arranged after the meet.