Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, May 10: MCC Bank Ltd celebrated its 114th Founders Day at its administrative office campus on Saturday, May 9, with a solemn and spirited gathering that highlighted the institution’s unwavering commitment to society since its inception. The celebration paid tribute to the legacy of the founder, P F X Saldanha, and recognized the bank’s continued progress and resilience in the cooperative sector.
The event was presided over by Sahakara Ratna Anil Lobo, chairman of the bank. Distinguished guests on the dais included Rev Dr Praveen Martis SJ, vice chancellor, St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru; Dr Meera Aranha, former general manager and chief compliance officer, Karnataka Bank; Roy Castelino, PRO, Diocese of Mangalore and president, Rachana Chamber of Commerce and Industry; and Isaac Vas, former president, Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Sunil Menezes, general manager of the bank, was also present on the dais.
The programme included a touching tribute to the bank’s founder, P F X Saldanha, as dignitaries and members of his family offered floral tributes to his portrait in remembrance of his visionary leadership and invaluable contribution to the establishment of the bank.
In his welcome address, Anil Lobo warmly greeted the dignitaries, board members, staff, and guests, explaining the significance of the celebration. He stated that the Founders Day celebration was initiated after his team took charge of the bank, with the objective of remembering and honouring the vision and mission of the founders. He mentioned that photographs of the founders have been displayed in all branches and at the main entrance of the head office, and that floral tributes are offered during the annual general meeting in their memory. He further stated that the auditorium at Hampankatta, Mangaluru, has been named after the founder president.
He highlighted that after the new board assumed charge in 2018, the bank witnessed significant growth along with improved professionalism. He stated that the present progress of the bank demonstrates what can be achieved through unity and collective effort.
Detailing the bank's growth, Lobo pointed out that after a gap of 24 years, the bank expanded its branch network from 16 to 21 branches. The bank’s business turnover grew from Rs 500 crore to Rs 1,525 crore, while deposits increased from Rs 300 crore to Rs 875 crore. He added that the bank’s profit had increased to Rs 13 crore and that it has been consistently classified under the “A” grade category in audits, reflecting its strong financial performance, sound governance, and efficient management practices. He announced plans to expand the branch network from the present 21 to 25 branches during the current financial year.
Rev Dr Praveen Martis was honoured in recognition of his support and encouragement to the bank. The felicitation letter was read by director Vincent Lasrado. In his address, Rev Dr Martis lauded the visionary leadership of chairman Anil Lobo for successfully steering the bank towards sustained growth and stability. He particularly commended the bank for introducing the 'Vidyadhan Student Credit Scheme', a socially committed initiative aimed at supporting economically underprivileged students in pursuing higher education.
Dr Meera Aranha officially launched the 'Vidyadhan Education Scheme'. In her address, she congratulated the bank on its progress over the last seven to eight years. She emphasized that three key forces — implementation of artificial intelligence, addressing climate and ESG risks, and maintaining trust — would help the bank grow at a steady pace.
Roy Castelino expressed his happiness at being part of the Founders Day celebration and congratulated the management and staff for achieving threefold growth in just seven years compared to the growth achieved during the earlier 107 years of the bank’s existence.
Isaac Vas released the bank's bulletin along with editor Dr Gerald Pinto. In his address, Vas observed that the founder had established the bank not merely as another institution, but as a source of confidence and trust for the community.
Newly qualified chartered accountants CA Muriel Mascarenhas and CA Joyston D'Souza were felicitated on the occasion. Konkani Central Sahitya Akademi awardee Henry Mendonca (H M Pernal) was also honoured. The felicitation letter was read by director Andrew D'Souza.
Several achievers and customers were felicitated during the event, including Kittur Rani Chennamma Award 2025 recipient Rishel Fernandes; Dr Joseph Lobo, recipient of the 2025 Udupi Zilla Rajyotsava Award for Agriculture; Xavier D'Souza, recipient of the 2025 Dakshina Kannada Zilla Rajyotsava Award for Education; and Prem J Moras, recipient of the 2025 Dakshina Kannada Zilla Rajyotsava Award for Konkani language.
Director Roshan D'Souza, who celebrated his golden birthday on May 7, and director Anil Patrao, who celebrated his 60th birthday on May 2, were honoured. Bannu Fernandes, who designed the new logo of the bank, and architect Deepak D'Souza, who designed the air-conditioned hall of the PFX Memorial Auditorium, were also felicitated.
Customers who celebrated special birthdays in May, along with the family members of the founder, late P F X Saldanha, were honoured during the programme in recognition of the founder’s visionary contribution.
The programme began with a prayer conducted by Manoj Lopes and team. General manager Sunil Menezes proposed the vote of thanks, and Jason Shirthady compered the event.
Directors Andrew D'Souza, Herold Monteiro, Anil Patrao, David D'Souza, J P Rodrigues, Roshan D'Souza, Melwyn Vas, Vincent Lasrado, Sushanth Saldanha, Irene Rebello, Alwyn P Monteiro, Felix D’Cruz, Dr Gerald Pinto, and C G Pinto were present.