Pics: Joshwa D'Souza
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JD)
Mangaluru, Mar 27: The bishop of Mangaluru diocese Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza on Sunday March 27 inaugurated the Catholic Caterers Association by unveiling its logo in a ceremony held in the Bendore Church hall here.
In his inaugural address, the bishop called upon the Catholic leaders to work for the benefit of the community. "Many of our leaders have reached great heights in their lives. But there are still quite a few who are struggling. I call upon the successful ones to help them as it will indirectly contribute to the development of our community."
He further added, "We have many organizations in our community, but they will be successful only when their members work together. Along with working for personal benefits, they must also work for the association. I wish good luck to the association."
Chief guest of the function, MLA of Mangaluru South constituency J R Lobo expressed his wish that the association would motivate the Catholic caterers to uphold our culture. "Since ages we have been known for our culture. Our traditional dishes are not only delicious but also healthy. But in recent days they have become globalized and have lost their quality. If we give importance to our traditional dishes we can save our culture.
"Whenever the members of the association come together to discuss about their demands and other issues, they must also discuss ways to improve the quality of food. Along with this, the association must also support budding entrepreneurs who want to make it big in the field," he said.
MLC Ivan D'souza said, "We have a big question before us, that is, why was such an association not formed in the past? Through this association the caterers have become more responsible. It will also create a platform to address the problems and issues of both the caterers and the consumers.
"Since this a service industry, if one ventures into this one can make phenomenal progress by providing good service. I hope this association would improve the quality and standard of the food," he added.
President of Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy Roy Castelino, superior of Prashanth Nivas Ashram Sr Sylvia, corporator Lancelot Pinto, MECOM engineer Sunil Montheiro also spoke on the occasion.
Wife of the late John D'Souza, founder of MDSouza & Sons, Caterers & Bakers, and Thomas Pinto from Bajpe, popularly known as Thomas Cook were felicitated on the occasion.
President of the association Alwyn Pinto welcomed the gathering while secretary Divya D'Souza rendered the vote of thanks.
Treasurer Ivan D'souza explained the motive behind forming the association. Hera compered the programme.
About Catholic Caterers Association
Alwyn Pinto, proprietor of Aroma Caterers came up with the idea of forming Catholic Caterers Association with an aim to help solve problems faced by caterers. In July 2015, he invited all the caterers of the region to Woodlands Hotel and thus began the Catholic Caterers association.
After receiving tremendous response from caterers of Moodbidri, Puttur, Vittal, many more caterers joined the association and in the following meetings leaders were elected to give direction to the association. Alwyn Pinto of Aroma Caterers was elected the president, Divya D’Souza of MDSouza Caterers, the secretary and Ivan D'Souza of Aaron caterers, the treasurer of the association.
The association provides a platform to discuss issues related to catering. The members also give their expert solutions to problems faced by caterers. The caterers find solutions to their problems through feedback from their fellow caterers. The association also helps in obtaining food license, FSSAI certificate, service and income tax etc. The organization also helps caterers on food and hygiene practices along with appropriate waste management through workshops.
The primary concern of the association is to raise the standard of food quality and obtain business partnership from the Catholic community. The Association has many plans to strengthen this group of entrepreneurs by improving fellowship and relations within and working together to not only upgrade themselves in terms of standards and professionalism, but more importantly, work together for the betterment of the community.