Special correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore

Mangalore, May 3: Some are born leaders, some leaders by chance, and some others groomed to be leaders. Bill Gates was a school dropout but ruled the virtual world for decades with his revolutionary 'Microsoft', and in India, we have time and again seen inspiring personalities like Dhirubhai Ambani who made a difference in millions of lives despite not getting being professionally trained.

Melwyn D'Cunha is one such personality, who, without having a base in banking, took up the helm of affairs at Mangalore Catholic Co-operative Bank (MCC Bank), which is completing 100 years this month, and changed its direction from loss to profit making.

Melwyn took charge as chairman of MCC Bank in 2008 after his team registered a landslide victory in bank election. The first major achievement under his leadership was declaring divident of 8% after more than decade. He built confidence among the shareholders, and eventually gave an impression that MCC was not a sinking Titanic, but an institution which would rise to the top step-by-step.

MCC Bank which is operating 16 branches in the undivided district of Dakshina Kannada is all set for new challenges. Soon the banks will go high-tech with core banking and ATM facilities. Ivan Fernandes, who is known for his  achievements in IT solution, and who is known as 'Ducont' Ivan is leading the IT revolution in MCC banking sector. Under his guidance, a Mumbai-based IT firm is already working on this project. The Hampankatta branch has been chosen for the pilot project, and within the next few weeks, the bank will see a new face in the IT world.

"I am not working for the Bank but rendering my service. I consider this a community service, as I do not draw salary from the bank. As I run my business in Mangalore and Dubai, I have to pay attention to that also. But my heart is in MCC Bank, I want to see it among the top co-operative banks in India. I get tremendous support from our directors, bank staff and the customers. I have great satisfaction in fulfilling my tasks over the past four years. Before the completion of our term, we will ensure that the Bank shows greater progress in the last four years than in its first 96 years," says a confident Melwyn, who is not even taking his travelling expense from the Bank. He travels between Mangalore and Dubai frequently, but at his own expense.

"Even for the first three years, none of our directors charged even sitting fees," he says, indicating that community service comes first and not personal benefit.

"When I took over the mantle of chairman of the Bank, the deposits were less than Rs 92 crore, but at the end of 2011 financial year, the figure had reached Rs 210 crore, which speaks volumes about the performance of effective management and the efficient staff," says Melwyn.

According to sources in MCC Bank, the Bank had 331 lac shareholders (number of shares), but in four years time it has increased by 24%, that is, 592 lac.

Why No New Branches?

When asked why there were still only 16 branches in the undivided DK, and why no plans to expand, Melwyn says "There is a reason behind that. We have to expand, but many of the banks had been putting losses year after year. Instead of going for more branches we concentrated on enabling the existing branches to profit. Thank God, now all 16 branches have shed the 'loss making' lable and are making profit. In future we will concentrate on expanding branches."

Feel Secure Centenary Deposit

On account of its centenary year, the Bank has started a new scheme called 'Feel Secure Centenary Deposit'. Under this scheme if you deposit Rs 1 lac or more, you are entitled to get 10% interest on deposit (conditions apply). This scheme has received great response from the people of the coastal region, says Dr Edward Nazareth who is the vice-chairman of the Bank.

Melwyn's Dream to Take MCC Bank to the Next Level

Melwyn, though he does not have a banking background, has proved to be a successful administrator. He had a vision when he took over as the chairman, and he worked to achieve his goal. His first aim was to make profit and declare dividends. In 2009-10 he managed to declare 8% dividend, in 2009-10 10%, and also indicated that better dividend will be declared for the financial year of 2011-12.

Engaging and taking all the directors and the management along together is Melwyn's style of working. His simplicity, down-to-earth nature and easy approachability have won him laurels. His sole experience to qualify for the post of the Bank chairman was his stint as chairman of Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) from the year 2000 to 2004. There also he created a record of sorts in taking APMC from loss to a profit making entity.

Directors in the Bank feel that his wide experience and style of working is the need of the hour for the Bank which is currently on the verge of rising. As one of the director says, if Melwyn continues to be the chairman for another term, the Bank will stand among the top co-operative banks, if not in India at least in Karnataka.

To celebrate the centenary year, MCC Bank has planned a big event on May 6 at Milagres College open ground. Union minister for corporate affairs Dr Veerappa Moily, Bishop Aloysius Paul D'Souza, entrepreneur and philanthropist Ronald Colaco and others will attend the event as guests.

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