Pics: Spoorthi Ullal

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (NJC)

Mangaluru, Feb 24: The 77th birthday of ‘Sahakara Ratna’ Dr M N Rajendra Kumar was celebrated with great enthusiasm at the South Canara District Central Co-operative (SCDCC) Bank auditorium on February 24. The programme featured a felicitation ceremony and the distribution of welfare benefits to 77 deserving beneficiaries, symbolically marking his 77th birthday and honouring his decades of dedicated service to the cooperative sector.

The event was inaugurated by Karnataka Legislative Assembly Speaker U.T Khader, who praised Dr Rajendra Kumar’s honest leadership and sincere efforts. He said that the steady growth and strength of the institution were the result of integrity, unity, and collective cooperation. He noted that under Dr Rajendra Kumar’s leadership, cooperative institutions and people from different communities came together with mutual trust and understanding, contributing to the strong foundation and expansion of the bank.

Former chief minister M Veerappa Moily delivered the felicitation address and lauded Dr Rajendra Kumar’s visionary leadership and lifelong commitment. He observed that building and sustaining a strong institution requires dedication, determination, and clear direction. He said that despite facing many challenges over the years, Dr Rajendra Kumar successfully strengthened the organisation, expanded its reach, and earned recognition not only across Karnataka but also at the national level. He described his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a respected cooperative leader as an inspiring example of democratic leadership and public service.

Mangaluru South MLA D Vedavyas Kamath presided over the function and appreciated Dr Rajendra Kumar’s valuable contribution to the cooperative and banking sector. He said that managing a financial institution during challenging times requires responsibility, vision, and commitment. He highlighted that Dr Rajendra Kumar has played a key role in strengthening the bank, ensuring the safety of public funds, and building trust and confidence among the people. He added that his sincere service and leadership have brought stability and progress to the institution and society.

Accepting the felicitation, Dr M N Rajendra Kumar expressed gratitude to leaders, well-wishers, and supporters for their encouragement and guidance. He said that the institution has grown steadily due to collective efforts, blessings, and strong public support. He emphasized that while commercial banks focus mainly on profits, cooperative banks aim to serve society and reach people at the grassroots level. He added that the bank has expanded its branch network to villages to ensure accessibility and provide efficient banking services to all sections of society. He assured that the cooperative bank will continue to support poor and deserving people through various welfare initiatives and accessible banking services. He emphasized that the institution remains committed to social responsibility and uplifting economically weaker sections of society. He also assured that the cooperative bank will continue to support poor and deserving people through various welfare initiatives and accessible banking services and emphasized that the institution remains committed to social responsibility and uplifting economically weaker sections of society.

The programme was attended by several prominent personalities from the cooperative sector, public representatives, dignitaries, well-wishers, and members of the public, making the celebration a grand and memorable occasion.