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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Karnataka's Bill against Hate Speeches conspiracy against Hindutva activists: Pramod Muthalik
Davanagere: Sri Rama Sene national president Pramod Muthalik has accused the state government of using the proposed Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention) Bill to target Hindus and to suppress Hindutva organisations and their leaders.
Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, Muthalik said the Sene opposes the Bill. According to him, the government is bringing this legislation only to appease Muslim voters while selectively targeting Hindu voices.
He questioned whether it is wrong to speak against cow slaughter when the ban is already in force but violations still occur in many places. “Is it wrong to raise awareness among Hindus about love jihad? Is it wrong to oppose illegal construction of churches, mosques or encroachments on cremation grounds? Is objecting to religious conversions wrong?” he asked.
Muthalik alleged that the Bill attempts to silence anyone who questions or protests such issues. He said the move goes against the spirit of the Constitution framed by Dr B.R. Ambedkar and is aimed at weakening the Hindu community.
He urged BJP and JD(S) MLAs to strongly oppose the Bill in the upcoming session and ensure it does not get passed. The organisation will submit memorandums to all legislators and mount pressure, he added.
During the press meet, Muthalik tore copies of the Bill in protest. Leaders of Sri Rama Sene including Parashuram Nadavinamani, Yashavanth, Sridhar and Madhu were present.
