Rons Bantwal

Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Feb. 15: Model Co-operative Bank Ltd inaugurated its new, owned premises in the Bhumi World Industrial Complex, Bhiwandi, on Saturday, February 15. The inauguration ceremony was attended by Prakash Patel, managing director and founder of Bhumi World Industrial Park, as the chief guest. Fr Amit Britto, priest of Infant Jesus Church, Dombivli, blessed the new premises.

After the ribbon-cutting, a traditional lighting of the Samai was conducted by the chief guest and other dignitaries.

The event began with a warm welcome from chairman Albert W D’Souza, who expressed his gratitude to those present, including Prakash Patel and Fr Amit Britto for blessing the new premises. He also paid tribute to Hafiz Changani, the former owner of the premises, for his collaboration in facilitating the Bank’s move.

In his welcome speech, Albert W D’Souza said that on behalf of the board of directors and the staff of the Bank, he was delighted to welcome everyone to the opening of their own premises in Bhiwandi. He noted that until then, the Bank had operated from rented premises. “Today, we have our own premises, and we are pleased to have you all with us to celebrate this milestone,” he said. He also thanked the chief guest, Prakash Patel, and Fr Amit Britto for their support. He mentioned that the branch had been one of the first to open in the Bhoomi World Industrial Complex in Bhiwandi, an industrial area outside Mumbai, since April 16, 2018, operating from rented premises situated one building away. He added that the response from the community had been encouraging, and the move to owned premises would help the Bank serve customers for many more years.

Prakash Patel expressed his appreciation, stating that Model Bank had helped many customers secure finance for industrial units. “After the support from Model Bank, people have expanded and taken additional units,” he said. He thanked the Bank for providing opportunities to grow in the industrial sector and reiterated his support for their continued partnership. He also noted that Bhoomi World now has 3,000 operational units, up from 1,500, and over 1 lac people are employed in the industrial park. “We are India’s largest industrial park developer, with more than 250 acres still to be developed,” he added. He concluded by thanking the Bank and expressing the desire for continued growth together.

Maxim I Pinto, vice-chairman, delivered an inspiring speech, highlighting the branch's ongoing commitment to the community and customer service. Osden A Fonseca, general manager & CEO, offered a vote of thanks, acknowledging the support of customers and staff in making the event possible. Zenon D’Cruz, additional general manager, provided insights into the Bank’s range of services.

The new premises are more spacious and better equipped to serve the bank’s growing customer base in Bhiwandi and surrounding areas. The bank has been operating in Bhiwandi for over seven years and has now secured an owned property to strengthen its presence.

The ceremony was attended by other Board members, including Gerald Cardoza, Ancy D’Souza, Hilary L Mendonca, adv Fiona M Nazareth, and Asha D’Souza, along with board of management members Jude Lobo and Sanna Lobo, and Bhiwandi branch manager Mervyn Lobo.

The event was compered by Beata Furtado, senior manager of the bank, and concluded with the National Anthem.