MCC Bank opens 21st branch 13th ATM at Kallianpura–Santhekatte, Udupi
Udupi : The Mangalore Catholic Co-operative (MCC) Bank Ltd. marked another milestone in its growth journey with the inauguration of its 21st branch and 13th ATM at Kallianpura–Santhekatte, Udupi, on Sunday. The new branch is situated on the ground floor of J.S. Square, Kallianpura–Santhekatte.
The branch was inaugurated by Sahakara Ratna Anil Lobo, Chairman of MCC Bank Ltd., while Rev. Dr. Roque D’Souza, Parish Priest of Mount Rosary Church, Santhekatte, conducted the blessing ceremony. The ATM was inaugurated by Rev. Fr. Denis D’Sa, PRO of the Udupi Diocese and Parish Priest of Thottam Church, who also oversaw the first transaction made by Umesh Shetty, President of the Karavali Co-operative Society, Kallianpura–Santhekatte.
The Safe Room was inaugurated by V. Rev. Msgr. Ferdinand Gonsalves, Vicar General of the Udupi Diocese, while the E-Stamping facility was inaugurated by Rev. Kishore Kumar, Pastor of St. Paul Church, Subramanya Nagara.
The formal programme was presided over by Chairman Anil Lobo and graced by chief guests Yashpal Suvarna, MLA of Udupi Legislative Assembly, and V. Rev. Msgr. Ferdinand Gonsalves. Other guests of honour included Rev. Dr. Roque D’Souza, Rev. Kishore Kumar, Rev. Fr. Denis D’Sa, Dr. Vincent Alva (Principal, Milagres College, Kallianpura), Smt. Veronica Carnelio (Former President, Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Ltd.), Janab M.S. Khan (Former President, Udupi District Minority Vedike®), and Umesh Shetty (President, Karavali Co-operative Society, Kallianpura–Santhekatte).
In his presidential address, Chairman Anil Lobo expressed gratitude to local institutions, parish communities, and the general public for their cooperation in establishing the new branch. He particularly thanked Dr. Gerald Pinto, Director of MCC Bank, for organizing the event and acknowledged the presence and blessings of all dignitaries.
Highlighting the bank’s services, Lobo said MCC Bank offers all modern banking facilities on par with private and public sector banks, often at minimal or no service charges. He stated that MCC Bank has expanded across Karnataka and remains the only co-operative bank in the state offering specialized NRI banking services. He sought continued support from the Santhekatte community for the success of the new branch.
MLA Yashpal Suvarna congratulated the MCC Bank team on the inauguration of its 21st branch and praised the Chairman for his leadership and commitment to cooperative banking. He recalled his earlier professional association with Lobo and assured his full support to the Bank’s endeavours.
Rev. Fr. Denis D’Sa, in his address, lauded MCC Bank’s core values of Truth, Trust, and Tolerance, describing them as essential pillars of institutional success. He appreciated the Chairman’s humility and his people-oriented approach.
Rev. Kishore Kumar extended his congratulations and best wishes to the Bank, while V. Rev. Msgr. Ferdinand Gonsalves commended the remarkable growth achieved by MCC Bank over the past eight years, attributing it to the dedication of the Chairman, Board of Directors, and staff.
Other dignitaries including Janab M.S. Khan, Smt. Veronica Carnelio, and Dr. Vincent Alva also delivered congratulatory messages, praising the bank’s contribution to cooperative banking and community development.
As part of the bank’s social commitment, cheques of ₹25,000 each were presented from the Bank’s Charity Fund to The Happy Home for the Aged and Noor Ul Furqan Santhekatte.
The latest edition of The Bulletin of MCC Bank (Volume 4, Issue 2) was also released on the occasion. Editor Dr. Gerald Pinto and Sub-Editor Ms. Sherry Asna were present.
The Bank took the opportunity to felicitate several achievers, including Ms. Leona Olivera, finalist of MCC Bank Jigibigi Thara Season 2 and second-place winner of the Konkani Natak Sabha Singing Competition; Dr. Godwin D’Souza, newly appointed Controller of Examinations at St. Joseph’s University; and Ms. Nishalin Kundar, who was recently crowned Miss India Pride of India 2025.
Heads of local co-operative societies in the Santhekatte vicinity were honoured, along with representatives of schools and colleges that achieved outstanding academic results. Students who excelled in SSLC and PUC examinations from the region were also felicitated. The top customers who opened new accounts at the Kallianpura–Santhekatte Branch received special recognition.
The Chairman further honoured office bearers of Parish Pastoral Councils from various churches in the Santhekatte region for their support and cooperation.
Dr. Gerald Pinto, Director and Branch In-Charge, welcomed the gathering, while the dignitaries were presented with mementos as tokens of appreciation.
Jayaram Sheena Shetty and Nayana Jayaram Shetty, owners of the premises, were felicitated along with Karthik Kiran, Civil Engineer; Umesh Shetty, who contributed to the arrangements; and Joy Peter D’Souza, who was honoured for saving the life of a youth attempting suicide.
Vice Chairman Jerald Jude D’Silva, Directors Andrew D’Souza, David D’Souza, Melwyn Vas, J.P. Rodrigues, Anil Patrao, Herold Monteiro, Roshan D’Souza, Elroy Kiran Crasto, Sushanth Saldanha, Felix D’Cruz, and Alwyn P. Monteiro, along with General Manager Sunil Menezes, were present for the event.
The programme began with a prayer song rendered by the Bank staff. Ajith Pristal D’Souza, Branch Manager of the new branch, delivered the vote of thanks, while Steevan Colaco compered the event.
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Former minister C M Ibrahim announces to launch new regional party for Karnataka
Kalaburagi: Two years after being expelled from the Janata Dal (Secular), former minister C.M. Ibrahim has announced that he will launch a new regional political party in Karnataka on January 24, reported Deccan Herald.
Speaking at a meeting organised by the Nava Karnataka Nirmana Andolana in Kalaburagi on Sunday, Ibrahim confirmed the birth of the new party.
The 77-year-old politician stated he would soon be meeting with other like-minded individuals to choose a symbol for the party.
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Ibrahim emphasised that the organisation would be guided by the principles of 12th-century social reformer Basavanna and the architect of the Indian Constitution, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar.
A veteran politician, Ibrahim served as Union Civil Aviation Minister during the tenure of H.D. Deve Gowda as Prime Minister and later headed the Karnataka unit of the Janata Dal (Secular). He was expelled from the JD(S) in 2023 on charges of anti-party activities.
His exit from the party followed sharp differences over the JD(S) decision to ally with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). As the then state president of the JD(S), Ibrahim had publicly criticised the alliance, claiming it was finalised without his knowledge. He had also reportedly convened meetings of his supporters and expressed support for the INDIA bloc.
