Media Release
Bengaluru, Feb 4: Kanara Entrepreneurs (KE) spearheaded its maiden publication, ‘Waves of Grit’ at Paalana Bhavan on Sunday, February 1 with 29 life stories of lead members of KE, highlighting entrepreneurial journeys of courage and resilience.
Twenty-three of these 29 authors were present with their family and well-wishers along with numerous KE members as a sure sign of pride and support. The book release was graced by chief guest, Fr Denzil Lobo SJ, director of The School of Information Technology at St Joseph’s University and Anil Lobo, Chairman of MCC Bank Ltd, Mangaluru, both of whom were welcomed by Ivan Fernandes, global chairman, KE.
After the symbolic lighting of the lamp, the journey of the book launch was explored by reminiscent notes from Core Team members who contributed to the project from ideation to manifestation.
James Coelho (KE director membership) who had taken the initiative to see the idea to fruition, shared his insights as the project lead for ‘Waves of Grit’. He shared how the book was about people who learnt business by doing it, breaking it, fixing it, and doing it again. He underscored that the book was not just a compendium of lived wisdom to only build businesses but also leave behind lasting legacies. James acknowledged the time and dedication of Dr Charmaine Kenita (editor) and Sanjay P S (designer) with commemorative mementos.
Ivan Fernandes took to the stage next to underscore the vision and mission of KE throughout the project. He highlighted how a humble idea to create a sustained network of support for the entrepreneurial community had nourished the idea of expanding into offerings of lasting generosity through this publication.
Immediate past KE president, Claudius Pereira, dazzled the audience next with his characteristic flair for impact-driven and meaningful storytelling. The narration that highlighted the predisposition of entrepreneurial instinct to build an ecosystem that supported and nourished each other drew attention to the fundamental premise of the book. Claudius acknowledged the efforts of James Coelho for proactively bearing the onus of the project as well as Nigel Fernandes (ATC Publishers) and Peter Anil Rego (Brilliant Printers) for their unflinching support towards the culmination of this project which saw various phases from initial doubt to the inevitable co-shared celebration of accomplishment. His words concluded with a quick video that showcased the 29 authors.
An intimate fireside chat followed, with three authors: Dorothy Fernandes (president, KE Dubai), Mark D’Souza (past president, KE Bangalore) and Sunil Attavar (KE director mentoring), moderated by Luvena Rangel. The discussion explored the journey of writing the book, challenges faced and a reflection of oneself through the process. The panellists shared diverse, yet balanced, insights with authentic candour to well-structured and engaged flow of questions both kept to precise time as well as created an atmosphere of connectedness between the speakers and the audience.
The dignitaries, along with the authors present proceeded to officially release the book at the hands of Fr Denzil to proud applause from all present. It was a moment of pride laced with humility, vulnerability accompanying the inevitable grit that made the moment on-stage truly memorable.
Guest of honour, Anil Lobo, shared his thoughts on the evening and the accomplishment of Waves of Grit by connecting it with the heritage that we carry. He remembered the words of philanthropist and KE Dubai lead member Michael D’Souza, ‘Mai Baap, Mai Bhas ani Mai Ganv’ – parents, mother tongue and community as a core value that were defined in the execution, vision and publication of the book.
Chief guest, Fr Denzil, shared deep insight words that resounded deeply with all present. He acknowledged the steadfast philanthropic contributions of the KE members he had known for many years and commended their unwavering support to the cause at large. With pertinent references to various authors, he seamlessly connected the newly launched, ‘Waves of Grit’ to Angela Duckworth’s similarly titled, ‘Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance’.
Pramod D’Souza, president, KE Bangalore, presented the audience with his concluding remarks thanking entrepreneurs of the 80s and 90s like Narayan Murthy of Infosys, Ivan Fernandes (founder of Synectics in 1995) who beat all odds of success in Bengaluru and helped build the startup ecosystem not only for the tech industry but also by generating employability and complementing the economy of the entire state. He reiterated the main goal of ‘Waves of Grit’ to inspire youth towards entrepreneurship and concluded with a famous quote by Napoleon Hill - “Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve” urging everyone present to promote entrepreneurship within their connections and networks.
Dorothy Fernandes offered the vote of thanks with a generous acknowledgement of everyone towards the book as well as the launch event that had wholesome attendance and participation. The book launch was emceed by Luvena Rangel, who infused her well-woven commentary with situational humour and her own entrepreneurial insight ensuring the audience was at ease and the evening well-rounded. The KE Bangalore Board and Core Committee were hands on throughout the evening overseeing all aspects down to the finest details.
The evening concluded with an air of celebration amidst the networking, proud smiles and interactions with the authors for autographed copies. This momentous day has marked a milestone in the annals of KE’s history and will be remembered with fondness in the years to come with the lasting intention to inspire not once but in an infinite moment of courage and waves of grit.
Pramod also mentioned the availability of the book online at https://joyofgifting.com/product/waves-of-grit-11151/.