Christian Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Udupi District constituted

By Eugene DSouza, Moodubelle
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi, 29 August 2011: With a view to bring the Christian Entrepreneurs, Industrialists, and Professionals  of  the Udupi District, the Christian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Udupi District was constituted under the patronage of International Federation of Karnataka Christian Associations (IFKCA), Udupi on Sunday, August 28, 2011 in the first ‘Christian Business Meet’ that was held at the Madhava Krishna Hall , Hotel Kidiyoor, Udupi at 6 pm. Mr. Jerry Vincent Dias, Proprietor of Mandovi Developers and the President of the Builders’ Association of Udupi was unanimously chosen as the President  of the newly formed organisatioon. The other office bearers are-Mr. Santosh D’Silva, Vice President, Mr. Alwyn Quadros, General Secretary, Mr. Joel Mathais, Joint Secretary and Mr. Robert Furtado, the Treasurer.

 

The first ever Christian Business Meet  at Udupi was presided over by Mr.  Jacob Crasta-MD of CM Envirosystems Pvt. Ltd., Bangalore. The guests of honour  were Ronald Gomes-Proprietor of Sunrays Solar System and the former president of Rachana, Immanuel Raymond Fernandes- MD of Karnataka Closures Pvt. Ltd. and Mr. Denis D’Silva-State Convenor of IFKCA.

 

At the outset, Mr. Louis Lobo, President of  the Udupi Unit of IFKCA traced the circumstances that led to the inception of an idea to organise the Christian entrepreneurs and businessmen of the Udupi  District and said that Mr. Ronald Colaco, the Honorary President of IFKCA whole heartedly endorsed the move that led to the first ever Christian Business Meet at Udupi. He welcomed all the guests and the participants in the Christian Business Meet.

 

The programme began with the formal lighting of the lamp. Prof. Vincent Alva excellently compeered the entire programme.

 

Mr. Ronald Gomes addressing the Christian Business Meet  remarked, “Businessmen are not a liability but an asset to the nation.” He elaborated this point by saying that entrepreneurs and businessmen  create jobs and help in the development of the economy. Entrepreneurs are those who turn dreams into reality. He  emphasised the need for the Christian businessmen to come together and  organise themselves which would be beneficial to all in various ways.

 

 

Mr. Jerry Vincent Dias in his speech  highlighted the fact that Christian businessmen, especially in the Udupi District lack an organization and expressed  happiness on the initiative taken by the Udupi unit of IFKCA  under the leadership of Mr. Louis Lobo to bring all the Christian entrepreneurs and businessmen of the Udupi District under one umbrella. He further said that the three elements that contribute to the national economy are: Agriculture, Industry and Real Estate.

 

Mr. Immanuel Raymond Fernandes, giving his own example said that it is better if the family is involved in the enterprise so that each member can contribute to the  success of the business. He endorsed the idea of constituting a business organisation so that the young entrepreneurs would get guidance from the established businessmen.

 

Mr. Jacob Crasta, in an inspiring presidential address pointed out that Christians not only lack organisation but also proper networking which is very important in modern times  to build solidarity and be of mutual assistance. Speaking about entrepreneurship, Mr. Crasta hinted at how one can develop business with foresight and ingenuity.  He said that there are many rivers in the Konkan which could be developed as tourist attraction. He cited the example of Kerala   and pointed out that in the absence of industrialization, the people thought of developing the backwaters and rivers into tourist spots which led to the emergence of tourism as a predominant economic activity of the people. He also said that by the use of machinery,  agriculture can be converted into a gainful enterprise. Lauding the initiative taken by IFKCA to organise the Christian businessmen, Mr. Crasta  pointed out the benefits of such an organisation.

 

When the proposal  for the constitution of the Christian Chamber of Commerce and Industry was floated, Mr. Vincent Pinto, Mr. Robert Furtado and Mr. Santosh  D’Silva spoke in favour of constituting such an organisation. In order to facilitate the selection of the governing body, Prof. Vincent Alva asked the representatives from three talukas-Udupi, Karkala and Kundapura to nominate five members each following which after a briefing by Mr. Jacob Crasta and Mr. Ronald Gomes the Executive Committee of the Christian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Udupi District was  constituted.

 

At the end of the programme, Dr. Neri Cornelio, Secretary of the Udupi Unit of the IFKCA proposed vote of thanks.