News and pics: Rons Bantwal

Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai (EP)

Mumbai, Sep 26: The 12th annual general body meet of Christian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, friends meet and annual awards ceremony was held at Hotel Kohinoor Continental hall at Andheri (E) recently

In the programme presided by CCCI executive president Henry Lobo, Ajmer diocese bishop Dr Pius D'Souza was the chief guest. Janet Lawrence D'Souza, vice president of Maharastra state minority commission was the guest of honour.

Bishop Pius gave away the excellent businessman award to Edward Menezes (social service award), Fr John Rumavo (excellent education achievers award), Dr Tanki F Thekkekara (social service award), Cinthia Baptista (social service award), Shobha James Mendonca (Woman business achievers award) and Rendel Romel (young business achievers award) and congratulated them. Dr Richard Pereira introduced the awardees and congratulated them.

Bishop Pius D'Souza spoke saying that the contribution of Catholic community for the development of society is commendable. "Catholics have devoted themselves to the service of the nation and have become an example to society. Those who earn by being sincere and hardworking learn fruitful earnings. Whether business looks after us or we look after the business is not important. How we look after our families is important for mankind. There is no meaning in conducting business with greed saying that we are great businessmen. If we indulge in business forgetting our families, it leads to disappointment. Money, wealth and prosperity are useful in life. But the decisions of families should be taken by the head of the family. Some differences have tried to divide the families, he said. He advised not to blindly follow such materialistic thinking but face society with sincerity and make life worth living."

"Christians have not tried to be adventurous in business. However the part played by Catholics in social, educational and health spheres are commendable. We have the capacity to come forward as businessmen. We are not identified as business community. However CCCI is encouraging us and we should make use of the support and become businessmen. Women also should forget that they are weak and start businesses. They can reach the pinnacle," said Janet D'Souza.

Executive president Henry Lobo in his presidential address said that Catholics are 98% literate but are backward in business. They are forward in encouraging businesses. In the present circumstances the progress of a community and society is possible only by business. CCCI has recognized the need. Let us curtail taking salary and pay salary instead. We should be independent businessmen and bring about progress in the society," he said.

CCCI vice president Antony Sequeira and awards committee convener John D'Silva were present on the dais. CCCI founder executive president Vincent Mathais and vice president Albert W D'Souza introduced the guests. The awardees spoke as per occasion, praising the function of CCCI and wished them well.

Former Mumbai police commissioner Rony H Mendonca, James Mendonca, Dubai, Catholic Sabha Mumbai vice president Lawrence D'Souza, Model Bank CEO Francis J A Vas, businessman Fredrick Mendonca and the elite were present.

CCCI directors Lawrence Coelho, John Mathew, Johnson Therattil, Augustino G Fernandes, Walter Bothello, Gregory D'Souza, advocate Pius Vas, conveners of sub-committees, other office bearers and most of the members were present.

The 12th annual general body meeting was presided by Henry Lobo. CCCI working president Felix D' Souza gave information on activities during the past year. Philomena H Lobo and Pramila V Mathais presented bouquets to the guests. Kenneth Sequeira and Lara Menezes compered the programme. CCCI director Agnelo Rajesh Athaide proposed the vote of thanks.