Five Outstanding Achievers Receive Rachana 2016 Awards
Five Outstanding Achievers Received Rachana 2016 Awards at a Glittering Awards Banquet held at Milagres Golden Jubilee held on Sunday, 4 December, 2016.
Mangaluru: The tradition that started in the year 1998 still continues and grows stronger each year. It was in the year 1998 that Catholic businessmen, agriculturists and professionals formed Rachana, with an objective of encouraging youth to take up entrepreneurship, for training them in investment and for supporting them with technical backup. In the last 18 years Rachana has worked to achieve its goals and has trained over 200 youth through Rachana Entrepreneur Development Cell (REDC).
The youth who have been trained thereby have started printing press, Nano Taxi, poultry farming, candle manufacturing and other enterprises. Rachana has recognized the successful entrepreneurs, professionals, agriculturists, NRI entrepreneurs and women who have achieved in their distinctive field and brought them into limelight, more so that their example may be emulated by the young and the upcoming. Rachana had also organized Magnet 2014 Conference in April 2014, which was attended by Catholic achievers from the world over. As a result of various projects a Rachana Co-operative Society and Rachana Venture Capital Fund was formed, with Roy Castelino, Dr Norman Mendonca and Louis J Pinto being appointed as executives. The funds saved through conference was used as seed money for running these associations.
The glittering ‘Rachana Awards 2016’ ceremony was held at Milagres Jubilee hall on Sunday, 4 December at 6.15 pm. The ceremony began with invoking God’s blessing through a prayer song, followed by dignitaries namely Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, the Bishop of Mangaluru, Chief whip of Karnataka Legislative council Ivan D’Souza, MLA J R Lobo, Gilbert D’Souza- President of Rachana, Dr Norman Mendonca- Convener, and Eulalia D’Souza- Secretary.
Bishop Aloysius Paul D’Souza in his presidential address said, “I am proud of Rachana award winners who have made a difference in our community through their tremendous contribution. Rachana from a small seed since its inception has grown into a giant tree and is giving fruit by helping the community. Our community should be useful to others as well. We have contributed many things to the society and we should not stop here, instead, more contribution has to be made. Youngsters should follow the footsteps of these awardees- remember that if a person who works with full dedication and involves himself completely in his work, he can achieve wonders, and that has been the success story of these awardees. These days we find many youngsters who aspire to be entrepreneurs but they lack the will to work hard. They need to discuss their plans with elders and experts before setting up their business- our community needs more entrepreneurs.”
MLA Lobo lauded the bishop for supporting Rachana and taking the community forward. “In Christian community, we have plenty of talents. Individually we are successful in our fields but we do not come together. Our thinking should focus on collective success. I call upon Mangalorean NRIs to come together and start a business venture by thinking out of the box, thus providing employment opportunities to youth. I also ask the community to support them. We are here not to evaluate the achievers but to recognize their achievements. It was not a bed of roses for these achievers to come up in life, they worked hard for their goals. It’s sad to note that many Catholics once they go abroad never return back, but in other communities, after working few years abroad they always return to their hometown. We need to encourage our Catholic youth to stay here, start business here, and make Catholic community strong in Mangalore. Rachana should be ready to help such youth who want to achieve success in life. Let’s all work together to build a strong Catholic community, and also retain our Catholic community. We can do it, if we all join and work hard for a good cause”.
Ivan D’Souza said, “These awardees should not only get Rachana awards but also National awards for their marvelous achievement. Like politicians whose desire is to win the election and be a leader- the same way an entrepreneur wants to move forward and be successful in his business. And Rachana encourages such kind of entrepreneurs. Youth should concentrate on starting their own business in their hometown, rather than go abroad. Mangaluru once used to be populated with Catholics, but the numbers have gone down drastically. Catholic properties have vanished/sold with owners being abroad.”
“Catholic youth need to be encouraged to start their own business and stay in Mangalore so that that Catholic Community remains strong in the society. There are lots of scope for youth here that they can avail, then why go abroad and never come back. There are many Catholic doctors/engineers working abroad but are reluctant to practice their profession in their hometown. It’s time for Rachana to start encouraging the present youth and motivate them to start a project/business right here in Mangaluru, and develop this city. Rachana is always ready to help such kind of budding entrepreneurs. I have convinced CM Siddaramaiah to sanction more funds for the development of Catholic community, and he has agreed to do so” added Ivan.
The past presidents of Rachana, donors and the panel of juries of Rachana awards 2016 were felicitated during the occasion. The Bishop was also honored on his 50 years of priesthood during the occasion. The panel of Juries for selecting Rachana Awards 2016 were : Rachana Woman of the Year – Gretta Rebello, Rani Mathias, Dr Sophia, Raymond D’Cunha, Dr Flora Dorothy Rosario; Rachana Agriculturist of the year- Nelson Monteiro, Prof Edmond Frank, Dr Anand Pereira, Joe Coelho, and Fr Robert Dsouza; Rachana Professional of the Year – Louis Pinto, CA Rudolph Rodrigues, Dr Errol Pinto, Michael D’Souza and Dr Derek Lobo; Rachana NRI of the year- John Monteiro, Archie Menezes, Austin Peres, Louis Lobo and Shobha Mendonca; Rachana Entrepreneur of the Year- Marcel Monteiro, John D’Silva, Walter Dsouza, Titus Noronha, and Ronald Gomes.
Convener Dr Norman Mendonca briefed about the Rachana Awards. Vote of thanks was proposed by Eulalia D’Souza-Secretary of Rachana, and ceremony was compered very professionally by Dr Vincent Alva. The formal function was followed by solo musical entertainment by Alwyn Noronha, and by Milagres Brass Band, where some of the audience got on the floor to dance.
While concluding quoting Theodore Roosevelt’s words, “The most important single ingredient in the formula of success is knowing to get along with people”- Let entrepreneurship be a way to construct our society. I wish that Rachana is an instrumental in promoting youth for self-employment, thus uplift the economic stability of our community and growth of our society. Long live Rachana”. Team Mangalorean which is proud to be associated with Rachana, would like to compliment and congratulate President Gilbert D’Souza and his bevy of energetic members for putting up the Rachana Awards 2016 banquet. And to compere Dr Vincent Alva who simply stole the show, this event ended with the audience heading home with great memories. Great celebration, indeed!
The five outstanding achievers that were awarded Rachana 2016 awards were :
RACHANA OUTSTANDING WOMAN OF THE YEAR : Ms. Corrine Rasquinha, Mangaluru.
Founder of White Doves and life Social Activity Mangaluru. She founded White doves 17 years back, a home for homeless, mentally challenged and the destitute irrespective of their physical condition, caste creed or religion. Ms. Corrine is a singer, Musician since 22 years has staged over 378 street shows with 100 artists for the purpose of charity. Corrine is a singer, Musician since 22 years has staged over 378 street shows with 100 artists for the purpose of charity. She is a cancer survivor and battled with hepatitis and sprung back after being in a state of coma She is cured of cancer and Hepatitis B and provides should of support to people facing serious illness Renders service for the poor in Government Wenlock and Lady Goschen Hospitals. White Doves has rehabilitated over 443 destitute and mentally challenged persons Over 79 children from poor families have been sponsored for their education.
Over 200 patients have been treated, presently 14 patients are under their care. White Doves has been feeding the hungry in the streets of Mangaluru since 18 years. Built homes for 8 deserving families and financially supported for the repairs of homes In the process of building a 200 bedded Psychiatric care center and Destitute Home for the poor and neglected. She is a recipient of many awards. The citation was read by Rani Mathias.
Accepting the Rachana Award 2016, Corrine Rasquinha said, “I am grateful to my husband Vitus, donors and well-wishers for their constant support in running my NGO. Quoting Mother Teresa, ‘We know only too well that what we are doing is nothing more than a drop in the ocean. But if the drop were not there, the ocean would be missing something’. I am very much blessed and I turn to God, listen to him, for he is the one who gives me strength to carry on my duties. Jesus Christ had said, ‘For what shall it profit a man, if he gains the whole world, and suffer the loss of his soul?’. We reach to the least and the lost, especially the destitute, pick them from the streets and take care of them at our Homes. And I feel proud to say that many of these destitute whom we saved are doing well in life at present. Also thankful to Bishop Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza for allotting us 49 cents of land where we are building a 200-bed nursing home at the cost of nearly Rs 7.6 crore. Your generous help is very much needed for his project. I put my trust in faith in the hands of God and doing all that I can. Like Mother Teresa said, ‘Do not wait for leaders; do it alone, person to person.’ Thank you, Rachana and all you well-wishers and supporters of White doves”
RACHANA AGRICULTURIST OF THE YEAR – Vincent D’Souza, Innovative Agriculturist, Kokkada, Mangaluru.
First Generation Farmer at Parpikal, Nidle village, Kokkada, Beltangady Taluk. Bought 70 Acres of land from own resources and developed a model farm with both sustainable concept and modern farming techniques. Role Model for youngsters to take up agriculture as a Profession and reap success. Excellent Agriculture Practices based on organic inputs to keep both the soil and the produce healthy. Has done wonders on the farm in terms of sustainability and productivity. Has developed sound knowledge regarding agriculture machinery and cropping patterns and ready to try out new things. Hails from the farming community.
Developed Self-Designed Monkey trap in combination with a USB. Loader siren system with calls of Tiger, Dogs and other wild animals. Solar Dryers for drying Arecanut/Cocoa, especially during rainy season. Rubber mat dryer and Areca dehusker. Has plantation of Areca, Cocoa, Rubber, Coconut, Banana, Pepper, Custard apple and exotic fruits like velvet apple, rambutum, mangostein and Jamaican fruit. the citation was read by Ms Venessa Pais.
RACHANA ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR – Vivek Aranha, CMD. Rosary Educational Group, Pune.
A multifaceted personality and Post Graduate from the Pune University MA-Med, is a rank holder in both of his Post Graduate degrees. Rosary Education Group blossomed into a vast Institution with 10 Schools, 3 Colleges, and a Teachers Training Institute. He opened up branches of Rosary School in thickly populated suburbs of Pune. There are more than 14000 students on the rolls of Rosary Schools. He is into hospitality business and opened two restaurants in Pune. YMCA movement since 1983.
He has been the Senior National Vice President of YMCA and President of Pune YMCA. He is the President of the Child Guidance Centre(REMAND HOME) where more than 300 children from underprivileged class of society are homed and looked after. Former secretary of Pune Amateur Athletic Association and Manager of Maharashtra Athletic team. Mr. Arana is a Rotarian for past 25 years and served as District Governor of Rotary District 3131 for the year 2014-15. Set up Dialysis centers at 3 major hospitals and 58 Dialysis machines were donated. Has donated machinery to Fr Muller Hospital, Mangaluru.
Helped endosulfan victims of Kasargod, Kerala. Recipient of LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD from Rotary Club of Poona, The Vijaya Laxman Kundale Foundation and Lions Club of Pune, Kirkee. The citation was read by D Errol Pinto.
RACHANA PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR : Allen C.A. Pereira, Former CMD, Bank of Maharashtra
Did his Post Graduate studies – MSW at School of Social Work Roshni Nilaya Mangaluru leading to MSW degree from Mysore University in 1972, with specialization in Labour Welfare & Industrial Organization Joined Syndicate Bank at its head office, Manipal. His service was lent to the Indian Bank’s Association (association of 171 public, private and foreign banks) as an advisor for Industrial Relations & Human Resource Management. Executive Director of the Oriental Bank of Commerce, a large public sector bank with headquarters at Delhi from March 25, 2006.
Executive Director of the Oriental Bank of Commerce, a large public sector bank with headquarters at Delhi from March 25, 2006. Chairman & Managing Director of the Pune head- quartered Bank of Maharashtra During the period 2008 to 2010, bank of Maharashtra scaled new heights of corporate governance, growth, technology usage, customer service and profitability; 153new branches were opened Bank of Maharashtra achieved the distinction of being the principal banker to the 3rd Commonwealth Youth Game held in Pune in Oct 2008 and World Billiards Championship held in Pune in 2010.
Director, National Institute of Bank Management, Pune at the invitation of the Reserve Bank of Indian with effect from 1st 2010 and held that Position till January 2014. NIBM is a premier Research consulting education and Training Institute for Banking in INDIA set up by the Reserve Bank of India and other banks. He has won many awards in his profession and for the service to the society. The citation was read by CA Rudolph Rodrigues
RACHANA NRI ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR : Martin J Aranha, MD, CEO. Globe Link West Star Shipping LLC – Dubai
Martin Aranha is the founder and Managing Director/CEO of Globelink West Star Shipping LLC, a Dubai-based freight forwarder. An accomplished logistics entrepreneur who has founded and led a number of business ventures to success.
He hails from Mulki and spent part of his childhood in Mangaluru where he completed his primary education. He spent a brief period of time working in Bombay before launching his career in Dubai in 1973. Aranha’s shipping career took off in Dubai in 1974 at Gray, Mackenzie & Co. Ltd. (presently known as Inchcape Shipping). He founded West Star Shipping LLC in Dubai in 1989. West Star Shipping, embracing the dynamism of Dubai, channeled the city’s rapid development to generate its own growth story. In 2005, West Star Shipping partnered with CWT Globelink to form a joint venture creating Globelink West Star Shipping LLC. CWT Globelink is subsidiary of the CWT group, a Singapore publicly listed company and one of the largest logistics and trade conglomerates in Asia.
Aranha holds a Master of Business Administration from City University London (Cass Business School) and is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers in London, an advanced professional qualification from the only internationally recognized commercial maritime organization worldwide which was founded in 1911. The citation was read by Shobha Mendonca.
