Media release

Mangaluru, Oct 8: Cooperative Societies and cooperative movements are the backbone of the grassroot society, said Naveen R D'Souza, corporator, Bendoor ward, Mangaluru City Corporation.

He was speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of the newly registered St Alphonsa Souhardha Co-operative Society Ltd. He said, cooperative societies grow faster when people lend their earnings to the society. People who need money get it at low interest and hence they are saved from the hands of money lenders, who charge more interest.

He appreciated the efforts of Fr Mani Veluthedathuparambil, parish priest and patron, St Alphonsa Forane Church, Kankanady, for his hardwork and dedication in making the society a reality.

“My association with the church, is over 25 years and I am very proud by the way you are growing socially and economically as a community”, stated Naveen R D'Souza.

A Suresh Rai, president, DK Zilla Okkutta Souharda Sahakari Niyamitha, Mangaluru, who was the guest of honour of the programme appreciated the religious leadership in the cooperative society. Dedication of the religious leadership is a major strength for the cooperative movement, he said, citing the example of the grand success of Odiyoor Cooperative Society under the leadership of Odiyoor Swamiji.

"Society is the custodian of the money deposited by the people. They make it available for the people who need money for various purposes. Their dedicated services will make the society to grow faster," he said.

Fr Mani Veluthedathuparambil, parish priest and patron, congratulated the chief guest for his relentless support . He congratulated the people who have become part of the cooperative movement. Growth will happen when people come together to think alike, he said.

"This is a beginning, we have grater dreams to fulfill ahead. There are many success stories in the cooperative movement in Dakshina Kannada district," said Jithin Jijo, CEO, Institute for Study & Development of Co-operation. He cited examples of Campco and Nandini that are huge cooperative movements. 

M V James, president, St Alphonsa Souhardha Co-operative Society, in his presidential address attributed the success of the society to the dedication and hard work of Fr Mani Veluthedathuparambil and also appreciated the contributions of P P Joseph who played a major role at the initial stages in the formation of the cooperative society.

Dayananda T Bangera, CEO of the society handed over the share certificate during the event.

Directors of the society K J Antony, Dr Antony A J, George, Joy Varghese, Gabriel, Manoj P V, Sajesh C K, Dr Sebastin K V, Vincy Antony, JollyTony and the legal advisor Advocate Elizabeth Neeliyara, financial advisor chartered accountant Joseph P M were among others present during the occasion.

Dr Sebastin K V welcomed the gathering. Joy Varghese proposed the vote of thanks. Vincy Antony compered and Mercy invoked God’s blessings.