Pics: Stanley Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Mar 16: "I always admired Larsen and Toubro, two Danish boys who first came to India in 1938 and through sheer hard work, foresight and ability to take great risks, established the engineering firm Larsen & Toubro Conglomerate, which employs thousands of employees worldwide," said Gilbert Baptist, chairman and managing director of Malaika Group, a multi-state company which has license to operate in three states of India - Maharashtra, Karnataka and Goa.
He was addressing the guests, shareholders, investors, staff and customers as part of 1st anniversary of Malaika Appliances Pvt Ltd that completed first year in Thokkottu, south of Mangalore on Sunday March 15.
He further said, "Although the business climate was not so encouraging in India those days, Larsen & Toubro decided to invest their small savings, experience and expertise on Indian soil and today they are a part of history of entrepreneurship in India. Both lived a contented life and died recently at the age of 96 and 76 respectively. Although I was comfortable working as a sales executive for a multinational company, I took the example of Larsen and Toubro and my own uncle who quit a job in a bank and became a successful businessman. After 28 years I feel blessed because of the encouragement and support of my family, friends, investors and my dear customers. For that reason I am here to thank each one of you personally with a grateful heart."
He then explained his journey into business, by focusing in fields such as electronics components manufacture, dealership and distribution, real estate and trading. He also explained that behind forming multi store co-operative society, his focus was to share his success with the small time investors and to provide employment opportunities.”
Gilbert as part of anniversary announced 0.5% additional special interest rates to senior citizens and widows on fixed deposits and also offered 13% (against the present 12.5%) interest to investors on deposits above 5 lakhs. Both these offers will be available to those investors until Easter festival. He also described how Malaika co-op society channelizes the deposit to get maximum returns.
Gilbert Baptist specially thanked the distinguished guests who turned up to celebrate the first anniversary of Malaika Appliances Pvt Ltd branch in Thokkottu. They included Hemacharya, editor-in-chief of Daijiworld Weekly, Stany Alvares, former president of Mandd Sobhann, Raymond D’Cunha, editor of Pingara weekly and Agnel Rodrigues, editor of Coastal News.
Each one of them applauded Gilbert Baptist for his business acumen and for his humanitarian approach which has prompted him to get involved with many social welfare activities.
Many customers and investors graced the occasion that concluded with a sumptuous lunch. Earlier, Victor Albuquerque, Thokkottu branch manager formally welcomed the guests and Cyril Crasta, regional manager, Malaika Group, proposed vote of thanks. Roshan Crasta brilliantly conducted the programme.
Gilbert Baptist and Malaika Group
The chairman and managing director of Malaika Group, Gilbert Baptist hails from Bantwal taluk in Dakshina Kannada district. After completing diploma in electrical engineering at KPT, he went to Bombay in 1983 and joined Kirloskar Cummins Limited as sales and servicing engineer. Subsequently his dream to set up his own business prompted him to open an electronic components manufacturing unit at Sakinaka, Powai, Andheri (East).
He found instant success in his business and diverted his enterprise in other avenues such as supply of electronic components to renowned companies such as Sony, Orson, Videocon, Onida and Sharp. Malaika since then is a household name in dealership and retail marketing of household electronics across Maharashtra. He has also formed Malaika Co-operative Credit Society Limited to share his business with small time investors. The company produces its own brand of Yashoma RO – water purifier drinking water system, induction cook top and mixer grinder that is sold at all outlets in Maharashtra, Karnataka and elsewhere. Malaika is the authorized deal for entire south India for Japanese made Thailand products of LCD and LED and other products besides its own in house products.
In Dakshina Kannada district they have branches in Bantwal, Mangaluru city and Thokkottu, where they have business interest in different avenues such as trading in home appliances, textiles, investments and real estate.
Gilbert is married to Marceline who is also a director in Malaika Group and they have three daughters – Malaika, Sonica and Yashica. The family is settled in Mira Road, a mini Mangalore town in Mumbai. The Group is committed to the welfare of senior citizens who are shareholders of Malaika Co-operative Credit Society and also their children by organizing annual get-together, recognizing their talents.