Media Release
Mangaluru, Aug 15: MCC Bank Ltd celebrated Konkani Manyatha Divas with great enthusiasm and cultural fervour at the P F X Saldanha Memorial Auditorium of its administrative office on Saturday, August 15, commemorating the historic inclusion of the Konkani language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India. The celebration reflected the Bank's enduring commitment to preserving and promoting the rich linguistic and cultural heritage of the Konkani language.
The programme was presided over by Sahakara Ratna Anil Lobo, chairman of MCC Bank Ltd. Stany Alvares, president of the Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy, and Fr Roopesh Madtha, editor of Raknno Weekly and public relations officer of the diocese of Mangalore, graced the occasion as the chief guests.
Renowned Konkani singer "Konkani Maina" Meena Rebimbus and Vishwas Rebimbus, proprietor of Rebimbus Creations, were the guests of honour. Also present on the dais were vice chairman Jerald J D'Silva and general manager Sunil Menezes.
The event commenced with the ceremonial hoisting of the Konkani flag by Stany Alvares, symbolising the pride and identity of the Konkani community.
In his introductory address, chairman Sahakara Ratna Anil Lobo highlighted the significance of celebrating Konkani Manyata Divas within a financial institution. He observed that, as one of the leading co-operative banks in the coastal region of Karnataka, MCC Bank has a social responsibility that extends beyond banking services.
He reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to safeguarding and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Konkani language. He mentioned that the Bank celebrates Konkani Manyata Divas along with the Independence Day celebrations, although the actual date of Konkani Manyata Divas is August 20. He further announced that the celebration would continue during his tenure and wished all the participants a Happy Konkani Manyata Divas.
Chief guest Stany Alvares spoke passionately about the importance of observing Konkani Manyata Divas, recalling the relentless efforts and sacrifices of the pioneers who fought for the inclusion of Konkani, as one of 22 languages, in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution and for its recognition as the official language of Goa.
He appreciated the hard work of the people who have contributed towards the Konkani language and urged the young people at MCC Bank to support the Konkani language and to nurture a deep love for language, literature and traditions of Konkani for future generations. He thanked the chairman, Board of directors and the staff members for their sincere support towards Konkani language, culture and its heritage.
In his address, Fr Roopesh Madtha reflected on the unique significance of August 15, describing it as a day of three-fold importance — the Feast of the assumption of Mother Mary, the Independence of Bharat Mata, and the recognition of Konkani Mata. He appreciated MCC Bank for giving importance to these occasions and bringing together the values of faith, patriotism and cultural heritage.
He particularly commended MCC Bank for its three notable aspects: (1) its exemplary and customer-friendly service, through which customers are given personal attention and assistance; (2) the excellent arrangements and systematic conduct of various programmes, reflecting the Bank’s commitment to organising meaningful events; and (3) its generosity in promoting cultural values, particularly by encouraging and supporting activities that preserve and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the Konkani community.
He appreciated the management and staff of MCC Bank for their dedication and for going beyond their regular banking responsibilities to contribute to the social and cultural development of the community.
A special highlight of the programme was the felicitation of Meena Rebimbus, affectionately known as the “Konkani Maina,” in recognition of her lifelong and invaluable contribution to Konkani music and cultural heritage. She was honoured with a shawl, garland, fruits and a cheque of Rs 50,000 as a token of appreciation. David D’Souza read out the felicitation citation, highlighting her remarkable contribution to Konkani music and culture, before presenting it to the distinguished artiste.
Responding to the honour, Meena Rebimbus expressed her heartfelt gratitude to MCC Bank for recognising her contributions. She appreciated chairman Anil Lobo for his innovative vision and thoughtful initiative in organising Konkani Manyata Divas in such a meaningful manner. She also sang a song composed by the late Wilfy Rebimbus about MCC Bank, calling upon the public to support and contribute to the growth and upliftment of MCC Bank.
As part of the celebrations, directors who celebrated their birthdays in August 2026 and staff members who celebrated their silver or golden birthdays during the year 2026 were felicitated by chairman Anil Lobo in recognition of these special milestones.
The cultural segment added colour and vibrancy to the celebrations with captivating performances by Agrar Gumta Pangod, Urban Groove Dance Group, and the Campus Chores Singing Group, showcasing the richness of Konkani art, music and tradition. Chairman Anil Lobo felicitated all the artistes in appreciation of their outstanding performances.
Among those present were directors Andrew D'Souza, J Rodrigues, Roshan D'Souza, Irene Rebello, David D'Souza, Herold Monteiro, Dr Gerald Pinto, Vincent Lasrado, Melwin Vas, Elroy Kiran Crasta, Sushanth Saldanha and Felix D'Cruz; deputy general manager Raj F Menezes; advisors, chief managers, senior managers, members of the staff all of whom participated enthusiastically in the celebration.
The guests were honoured with mementos as a token of appreciation.
Nelson Monis, welcomed and compered the programme while, general manager Sunil Menezes proposed the vote of thanks.
The celebration stood as a fitting tribute to the recognition of the Konkani language and reaffirmed MCC Bank's unwavering commitment to preserving the language, culture and heritage of the Konkani community for generations to come.