Purely Exclusive! All About ‘Rachana’: Inception, Progress, Glory and Unique Facts & Photos

Donald Pereira

Posted on : November 9, 2024 at 12:00 AM

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In 2024, Rachana celebrates its Silver Jubilee. While congratulating all those who have been part of Rachana, the Catholic Chamber of Commerce and Industry, it will be fantastic to retrospect its journey of those glorious 25 years. This is a perfect time to know what Rachana is all about. Let us now indulge in knowing the footsteps and milestones Rachana has witnessed.

The Beautiful Beginning, a New Saga

20th Century was known for opportunities, unlimited opportunities. Towards the end of 20th century, world was transforming into digital era. Mangalore might be a small dot on planet earth, it is a big world to everyone who have been ever connected to it. A charming town beside the Arabian sea, spread between the cojoined Netravathi & Phalguni rivers, Mangalore has been a hub of modern civilisation. A wonderful destination for love, peace, harmony, progress & hospitality. With bounty of natural beauty and scenic richness, Mangalore has played a significant role throughout recent history.

Christians have been amply living in Mangalore. In fact, Mangalore is also called as ‘Rome’ of the East. In coastal Karnataka, Christians have been a dominating community since four centuries. While most of the Christians were settled in farming activities, there were people who also involved in commercial activities & manufacturing. In every town, you find Christian landmarks. That’s Mangalore.

It was the year 1998. By that time Mangalore Konkani Catholic community was craving for big. Catholic Sabha was spreading from parish to parish. There was a senior organisation ‘Catholic Association of South Kanara’, CASK, but it was limited to elite class. Christians entered Kannada journalism with a big bang. Constant call for having own Kannada Daily, penetrated few leaders, hence a public limited company, Janamadhyama Prakashana Limited was established. With great hope & enthusiasm Janavahini Daily emerged as a prominent, influential & colourful Newspaper in Karnataka from Mangalore.

Janavahini stunned the Newspaper industry in the State by its content, presentation and colour printing. It brought great changes in Kannada Journalism. Janavahini compelled all other Newspapers to adapt new technologies. It was a revolutionary child in the mighty industry. Unfortunately, Mangalore Catholic Community proved their inefficiency to run a Newspaper, very badly. Janavahini could not survive beyond fiver years. It was another humiliating set back for Christians, from within.

Businessmen and industrialists of Mangalore from all communities had come under one umbrella long before. Kanara Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) was instrumental for Mangalore’s growth. Many Christians were part of it.

Similar attempts, to bring Christian Entrepreneurs under a common roof, were not successful. There was an infomal gathering in the name of ‘CREAM’ but it did not get any direction. In Mangalore, many mouths often were whispering the need of a united forum for Christian business fraternity. All those wishes eventurally materialised and finally a moment was awaiting for the official launch.

The One Man Army in Catholic Sabha

A businessman, called Maritto Sequeira from Bendur, who was at the helm of organisational mission in Mangalore Diocese, was a glittering face of Catholic Sabha. Catholic Sabha, established in Udupi was spreading very slowly in different Parishes of Mangalore Diocese. It was a turning point when Maritto Sequeira happened to be its flag bearer. Under his leadership Catholic Sabha’s Bendur unit was started.

That was the beginning of another thrilling chapter of Mangalore Diocese. Maritto, Marcel Monteiro, Felix Pinto & others worked relentlessly to establish Units of Catholic Sabha in more and more Parishes. Maritto Sequeira rose to the position of Zonal President of Catholic Sabha by his own merit. At such time, Maritto who belonged to a business family, got the opportunity to garner few minds who were willing for the unification of Christian entrepreneurs.

Few like minded enthusiasts eventually came together. Since Maritto had a good banner behind him in Catholic Sabha, as he says, it was easy to attract personalities to ignite ideas. These visionaries sat together for discussion with a goal to create history.

Along with Maritto Sequeira, KAS Officer J.R. Lobo, Bank officer Marjorie Texeira, CA Rudolph Rodrigues, Advocate JJV Fernandes and few others joined together, in turn it resulted in the initiation of Rachana, which is celebrating silver jubilee today.

First Leap: Catholic Entrepreneurs’ Meet

After deliberate attempts, on 6th September 1998, under the banner of Catholic Sabha Mangalore Zone Catholic Entrepreneurs’ Meet was organised at St Sebastian Platinum Jubilee Auditorium, Bendur. Then Bishop, Rev. Aloysius Paul DSouza inaugurated the meet. IAS officer B.A. Coutinho, who was the Secretary of Karnataka Govt., gave key note address. While Maritto Sequeira presided, Businessman and Former President of Catholic Sabha Central Committee Walter DSouza presented objectives of the meet and also took the charge of moderator. KAS Officer J.R. Lobo presented the key points for the association. Hilda Alva, Mayor of Mangalore, Judith Mascarenhas, Deputy Mayor were the guests. Bendur Unit of Catholic Sabha hosted the event, while Milagres Unit supported. Few hundred people attended.

Activists had collected addresses of around 1000 persons who were indulged in business, industry, profession, agriculture, plantation etc from Dakshina Kannada and neighbouring Districts.

Main goals, vision in the meeting was focused on helping & supporting each other, Co-operation & having Corpus Fund for the members. Selfless service was the mission.

That was a sensational meeting. It forcified the energy of frontrunners to establish an association for themselves. On 27th September, 1998 a 14 member Adhoc committee was formed, Maritto being its President.

Eventually Rachana was inaugurated on 1st November, 1998. Santhosh DSouza, President of Small Scale Industries Association, Baikampady and Jacob Crasta, President, KASSIA, Bangalore were the guests on that day.

The name ‘Rachana’ itself explains everything about its existence and purpose. Really a creative and apt name. It was Advocate Eric Sequeira (brother of Maritto) who suggested this name called ‘Rachana’ and it was happily accepted.

1999: First Office Bearers Elected

Following conscious efforts, Rachana’s first AGM was held on 8th August 1999. On that day office bearers of Rachana were elected. Bank Officer John Alex Sequeira became the first President of Rachana. Other office bearers elected on that day were Marjorie Texeira – Vice President, Walter DSouza – Secretary, Roy Castelino – Joint Secretary, John L. DSouza – Treasurer. JR Lobo, CA Rudolph Rodrigues, Merline Monteiro, Santhosh DSouza, Arthur Pinto and Rose Mary Albuquerque were chosen as Members. Catholic Sabha’s Zonal President Maritto Sequeira, Marcel Monteiro, Rudolph DSilva & another joined as Ex Officio Members.

Incidentally, first President of Rachana, John Alex Sequeira, who was retired from Corporation Bank, was serving as Additional General Manager (AGM) in Janavahini’s head office in Baikampady.

From 1999 onwards, along past 25 years, Rachana has got various Presidents and Office Bearers, under whom Rachana has flourished. Marjorie Texeira became second president of Rachana. Following presidents are – Roy Castelino, Rudolph DSilva, Marcel Monteiro, Ronald Isaac Gomes, John S. Noronha, Ivan DSouza, John B. Monteiro, Gilbert DSouza, Joachim Stany Alvares, Elias Sanctis & Vincent Cutinha. They have given tremendous service to Rachana.

Rachana’s main objectives

1. Fostering fellowiship, cooperation and collaboration among the members.

2. Inspiring the youth towards self-employment.

3. Recognising and honouring exemplary achievers and contributors.

4. Facilitating the business growth of our community.

Over the past quarter century, Rachana has unwaveringly committed to these founding priciples, becoming a beacon for entrepreneurial spirit and community solidarity.

MOU with KE Global

Rachana & Kanara Entrepreneurs Global from UAE signed Memorandum of Understanding on 18-9-2009. It was signed by Rachana President Ronald Gomes and KE Global President Ivan Fernandes at Canara Club, Morgansgate, Mangalore.

Rachana Offices

Rachana in the initial years had a rented office at Catholic Centre, Hampankatta. Later it was shifted to Bishop’s House, Kodialbail. Rachana got its own office in 2015. During John Monteiro’s first tenure as President in 2014-15 Rachana stepped into its own office. By the support of many, including Ivan Fernandes, Dr Errol Pinto etc, Rachana purchased office premises worth Rs. 36 lacs, in the first floor, Pio Mall, Bejai. It was inaugurated on 20th June, 2015.

Members Meet & Get Togethers

Rachana has been organising regular meetings and get togethers. Since its inception, under able leadership and supporting team with guiding mentors, every year Rachana conducts various programmes for its members and their families.

During these regular programmes Chief Guests present talks of expertise. This has helped the members to learn and possess knowledge. From finance to legal, business to profession, industry to farming, serious matters to fun, every year Rachana holds various gatherings and enlightens its members. Different experts, achievers have joined hands with Rachana succeed this mission.

Recognition & Felicitation

Being its main objective, Rachana has always taken initiatives to recognise and felicitate achievers and contributors from Canara Konkani Catholic Community. Be it a member of Rachana or a community person, Rachana has been felicitating significant achievers & also budding aspirants. During Members Meetings, many have got hounoured, some have been felicitated exclusively. From men, women, younger & older, irrespective of any fields, sections, Rachana has been offering solidarity by felicitating our accomplishers. By doing this Rachana has won people’s hearts, and has inspired many others to achieve more. ‘Motivating to achieve’ is the key purpose of Rachana. Honouring the achievers is a most satisfying deed for Rachana.

Felicitations – A Brief List

On 14.10.2001 Women Entrepreneurs were honoured by FTR Colaco, IPS, DGP, IGP (Retd.).

Felicitated Dona DCosta, who got all India 15th Rank in C.A. Exam.

Walter DSouza, member of Cashew Export Council of India & Coffee Planter, Advocate Clarence Pais were honoured.

Felicitated Eric Ozario, on becoming President of Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy.

Felicitated Mandd Sobhan Gurkar Eric Ozario & President Louis J Pinto for placing Konkani in World Book of Guinness Records by conducting Konkani Nirantari.

On 7.3.2010 felicitation done to Capt. John Prasad Menezes on his elevation to International Maritime Organisation (UN).

On 31.7.2011, felicitated builder Lancy Mascarenhas.

On 26.5.2013, felicitation held to newly elected MLA J.R. Lobo.

On 3.4.2016, felicitated Allen CA Pereira, CMD, Bank of Maharastra, for getting New Year Award from Academy of General Education, Manipal and Syndicate Bank.

On 12.6.2016, felicitated Carine Viola DSouza, 1st Rank holder in M.Tech.

Ivan DSouza was felicitated twice on becoming MLC & Chief Whip, Karnataka Legislative Council.

On 30.10.2016, felicitated Jeevan Saldanha, President, Kanara Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Mlore.

On 5.3.2017, felicitated ACP Valentine DSilva & Banker John DSilva, Mumbai.

Ruth Clare DSilva, who secured 1st Rank in All India Chartered Accountant Exam was felicitated in 2022.

These are few examples only.

Attractive Topics Discussed…..

In Rachana gatherings various topics have been addressed. They are: Finance, Union Budget, Income Tax, World Trade Organisation (W.T.O.) and General Agreement of Trade and Tariff (GATT), Travel & Tourism, Business Prospects in Information Technology, Preparing Accounts for Small Entrepreneurs, Water Shed Management (ಉದಾಕ್ ಜಿರಂವ್ಚೆಂ), Value Added Tax (VAT), Kibbutz – Selfless Community Living in Israel, Infrastructure developments in and around Mangalore and opportunities available for entrepreneurs, Crisis Management, Investing in Challenging Time, Impact of Personality Skills on Success in Life, Understanding Urological Problems, Sales Tax – Our Obligation, Brand Mangalore in Present Scenario, How safety conscious are you?, My vote my right, Discussion on Magnet, Vision Project of own office, Doctors on Organ Donation, Euthanasia, Eye Donation, Food Etiquettes, Present Political Scenario and Our Responsibility, GST, Present Economic Scenario, Politico Media Complex and many others.

Prominent people’s representatives have participated in Rachana’s important programs. ‘Partnership & Progress of Coastal Karnataka’, a unique event where then Karnataka Govt. Ministers Ramanath Rai, Vinay Kumar Sorake, UT Khader, Abhayachandra Jain and MLAs JR Lobo & Mohiuddin Bava took part. Ivan DSouza, President of Rachana had initiated this program.

Union Minister Oscar Fernandes spoke on Mangalore 2025 a Vision, Development, Progress of Coastal Karnataka. Former MLA JR Lobo has spoken on Govt facilities available for agriculture & methods of innovative agriculture.

In other gatherings, Walter DSouza spoke on how to become entrepreneur and sustain being one. Post pandemic business challenges and solutions, Crypto Currency, Advertising and Branding, Managing Brands Efficiently, My Business Journey, Law of succession & inheritance, The power of perseverance, over coming adversity in business, Analysing Financial Statements – unlocking the secrets of financial data, mind mapping and work life balancing, Trending Strategies etc are other few topics.

Rachana Awards – A Spectacular Show

Rachana is widely known for its gorgeous Award presentation ceremonies. During Roy Castelino’s first tenure in 2003 Rachana instituted Awards to honour exemplary achievers. Initially Awards were bestowed upon 3 categories, i.e., Agriculturist, Professional & Entrepreneurship, yearly. In the year 2006 additional award for NRI Entrepreneurs was included. Considering immense contribution by ladies, Rachana Award for Outstanding Woman was added from 2008 onwards.

In the year 2014 it was decided to hold Rachana Award Ceremonies once in two years. So far Rachana awards are distributed totally 15 times. Till now, 67 persons have received Rachana awards in the splendid glittering events held in Mangalore. Award for the current term will be given out in 2025.

Few of the prominent Rachana Award recipients are: Ronald Colaco, Michael DSouza, Leo Rodrigues, Ivan Fernandes, Lawrence Mendonca, James Mendonca as NRI Entrepreneurs. John DSilva, Lancy Mascarenhas, M/s Plant-Tech Group of Companies, Rohan Monteiro, Jerry Vincent Dias, Roy Castelino in Entrepreneurs category. Agriculturists include Richard Monteiro & Prof. Edmund Frank.

Among Professionals, Shirthadi William Pinto, Clerence Pais, Justice Michael Saldanha, Dr Edward Nazareth, Dr Derek Lobo, Pascal Alan Nazareth, Dr Anand Pereira, Allen CA Pereira & Fay DSouza are few recipients. Dr Olinda Pereira, Prof Hilda Rayappan, Sr Maria Goretti, Mable Rebello, Corine Rasquinha are the few from Women’s category.

Rachana Awardees are chosen through meticulous process. From announcements till selection and conducting distribution ceremony, everything is monitored diligently and executed professionally. Rachana Awards ceremony not only brings joy to Awardees alone, but it also gives opportunity to shine to talents from our Community. Budding & established talents get skill sharpening flat form by Rachana, like MCs, Theatre Artists, Dancers, Singers, Musicians etc. People thrill these events. Hence audience were always full in numbers. It proves how Rachana and its Awards are admired by them.

Rachana awards programmes are widely covered by news media. Eminent personalities have graced these events. Proud Mangalorean, then Defence Minister of India George Fernandes attended First Award event in 2003. Since then many elegant VIP’s have attended as Guests and resulted in glorification of Rachana Awards. Then Lokayukta, Former Supreme Court Judge Justice Santosh Hegde, Karnataka High Court Judges Justice Michael Saldanha & Justice BV Pinto, Governor of Uttarakhand Margaret Alva, Union Ministers Veerappa Moily & Oscar Fernandes, Ex Army Officer Ian Cardozo, Executive Director of Oriental Bank of Commerce Allen CA Pereira, Chairman of Managing Director of Vijaya Bank Albert Tauro were few such dignitaries.

Entrepreneurship Motivational Initiatives

Rachana is mainly having goal to promote entrepreneurship. On this mission, Rachana has taken many steps to nurture self employment. Entreprneur Development Cell (EDC) was inaugurated in 2013. Around 600 candidates have benefited from EDC. Other than that, three big events of Entrepreneurship Day were organised in 2015, 2017 & 2019. Large number of youngsters and students got benefitted from these inspirational programs.

Magnet 2014 – A Splendid Event

Rachana had organised a mega event in 2014 during current MLC Ivan DSouza’s tenure as President. Rachana World Convention and Exhibition of Mangalorean Businessmen and Entrepreneurs was organised under the title ‘Magnet 2014’ on 6th April, 2014 at TMA Pai International Convention Centre. Walter DSouza was its Chairman. Eminent personalities from across globe took part in this precious, prestigious and prolific programme. It was really an outstanding gathering of Mangalorean Konkani Catholics.

Silver Jubilee Special Projects

Rachana has completed 25 years and to mark this amazing milestone, to motivate entrepreneurship among youth, Rachana has literally ignited courage in our youth. On August 25th this year, ‘Igniting Entrepreneurship’ event was successfully organised. Eminent and successful personalities gave thundering, motivating speeches and guided budding enthusiasts. Over 200 youths took part in this successful training program.

Rohan Monteiro inaugurated this wonderful program. Leslie Rego, Roy Castelino & Dr Paul DSouza were resource persons. Former MLA JR Lobo performed the moderator’s role. ICYM of Mangalore Diocese assisted to organise this program.

Rachana Catholic Sauharda Co-operative Society

To commemorate Silver Jubilee Rachana has initiated its own Co-operative society. It will start functioning soon. This is mainly aimed to promote entrepreneurship among Catholic aspirants who will be supported financially and guided to take proper and impactful steps in their respective business establishments.

Overall, Rachana from day one is fully dedicated for its Community. Rachana was, is and will be determined to promote, cultivate and build entrepreneurship culture among Canara Konkani Catholics. A lot is acheieved in the past 25 years, still more to perform and have to achieve greater heights in coming years. On this precious moment, Rachana pledges its commitment to empower our amazing Community in every possible manner.

Long live Rachana!

Special Thanks to: John Monteiro, Lavina Monteiro, Maritto Sequeira, Marcel Monteiro, Ronald I. Gomes, Felix J. Pinto, Titus Noronha of Rahul Advertisers & Team ‘Rachana’ & Rachana Office.

Photography Credits: Stanly Bantwal, Donald Pereira, Rachana Office & Others.

Studied, Compiled & Written by Donald Pereira, Editor, Budkulo.com

Copyrights Reserved

Caution/Notice: Any attempts of copying or reproducing part or full text of this article, without prior written permission, by anybody, is a violation of Copyright Act.

Disclaimer/Request: This document is not a complete one. This is prepared out of available sources & materials only. There are still more things Rachana has done. Those who have further more information in this regard, kindly mail it to us, we will include them here, with due credit. Thanks to all those who helped us to compile this information and data. -Author

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