Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Nov 4: Rachana, the Catholic Chamber of Commerce and Industry, marked its 25th anniversary on Sunday, November 3, with a grand celebration held at Cordel Hall, Kulshekar. The event celebrated the achievements of Catholic entrepreneurs, professionals, and agriculturists within the community.
The silver jubilee celebration was inaugurated by Archbishop of Bangalore Dr Peter Machado, who expressed his happiness at witnessing Rachana’s growth over 25 years. He said, “Rachana, inspired by its first president, has come a long way. It’s gratifying to see what Rachana has achieved in supporting and helping one another.”
Rear admiral Nelson D'Souza, commandant of the Military Institute of Technology in Pune, remarked, “It’s an honor to be part of Rachana’s silver jubilee celebration and witness the spirit of the Catholic community.” Michael D'Souza, managing director of Ivory Grand Real Estate in Dubai, highlighted Rachana’s service-oriented approach, stating, “Reaching 25 years is significant. Rachana shows a commitment to serving others along with business.”
Bishop Dr Peter Paul Saldanha of the Mangalore Diocese lauded Rachana for its supportive role, especially for the younger generation. “Rachana has ignited hope and reassured the youth that they are not alone in their ventures,” he said, noting the importance of encouraging youth to invest locally amid rising migration.
To commemorate its silver jubilee, Rachana launched the Rachana Catholic Co-operative Society to support budding entrepreneurs.
A legacy of growth and service
Rachana was founded to unite Catholic entrepreneurs and businesspeople from the Kanara region. The idea originated in a workshop led by the Catholic Sabha, with Maritto Sequeira at Bendur church hall on September 6, 1998. Inspired by the need for community support, over 100 Catholic entrepreneurs, professionals, and agriculturists laid the groundwork for Rachana. The organization was formally established on November 1, 1998, and has since held regular programs to encourage self-employment and entrepreneurial growth.
Rachana’s initiatives and recognitions
Rachana’s core objective is to foster entrepreneurship within the Catholic community. The organization actively recognizes and honors outstanding achievers in business, agriculture, and professional sectors. Since the first award ceremony in 2003, presided over by then defense minister George Fernandes, Rachana has honored 67 achievers across 15 ceremonies.
Rachana also provides training and guidance through workshops and programs to encourage youth participation in self-employment and industry, hosting regular meetings with experts to uplift its members.
Past and present leadership
Rachana’s presidents over the years include John Alex Sequeira, Marjorie Texeira, Roy Castelino, Rudolf D’Silva, Marcel Monteiro, Ronald Gomes, John S Noronha, Ivan D’Souza, John B Monteiro, Gilbert D’Souza, Jochim Stany Alvares, Elias Sanctis, and Vincent Cutinho. John B Monteiro currently serves as president.
The current executive committee comprises John B Monteiro (president), Naveen Lobo (vice president), Vijay Vishwas Lobo (secretary), Walter D’Cunha (joint secretary), Nelson Monteiro (treasurer), and members Lavina Monteiro, Eulalia D’Souza, Jochim Stany Alvares, CA Vikram Saldanha, Roshan Antony D’Souza, Alwyn Prakash Sequeira, Vincent Cutinho, Rohan Monteiro, Sachin Rupert Pereira, and Alwyn D’Souza.
Rachana continues to play a pivotal role in empowering the Catholic community by fostering growth, recognizing achievements, and offering a collaborative platform for development.