The Dakshina Kannada Catering Owners’ Association (Regd.), Mangaluru, welcomed its new team of office-bearers at an induction ceremony held at Grand Sabhabhavana here on Thursday, September 10, with speakers highlighting the vital role of the district’s catering industry in employment, hospitality and community life.
New team takes charge
The programme was inaugurated by Shashidhar Shetty Baroda and other dignitaries by lighting the traditional lamp. The ceremony was followed by the formal transfer of responsibilities from the outgoing president to the newly elected team.
Harish Shetty took charge as president, Deviprasad Shetty as secretary and Santosh Menezes as treasurer.
Addressing the gathering, Shashidhar Shetty Baroda said the catering profession in Dakshina Kannada extends far beyond serving food, providing livelihoods to numerous families and employment opportunities to young people, including those from economically weaker backgrounds.
He said catering demands hard work, dedication and commitment. Recalling his own journey, he said he entered the profession after working as a postman and gradually expanded his operations from serving around 100 people a day to catering to nearly eight lakh people.
He expressed optimism that the development of Mangaluru’s beaches and the expected growth of tourism would open new opportunities for catering businesses across Dakshina Kannada.
Industry veterans receive honours
Daijiworld Media founder and managing director Walter Nandalike congratulated the new office-bearers and praised the dedication of catering owners, cooks, workers and other professionals who work long hours to make celebrations and functions successful.
He urged the association to remain united, strengthen its activities and undertake initiatives for the welfare and development of catering professionals in the district.
Chandrahas Shetty Rangoli said catering owners play a crucial role in ensuring the success of functions by providing quality food and hospitality. He expressed hope that the association would grow stronger and address the challenges faced by catering entrepreneurs.
The ceremony also celebrated the contribution of experienced professionals. Chikkaiah Poojary, Ibrahim Monu and Leena Lobo, who have served as cooks in the catering industry for more than four decades, were felicitated.
Jayakrishna Kotian, owner of Pooja Catering, was also honoured for his contribution to the profession.
Children of catering professionals who achieved notable academic results were felicitated, recognising both their accomplishments and the support provided by their families.
The programme brought together catering professionals and well-wishers from across Dakshina Kannada, underlining the industry’s enduring contribution to the district’s social and economic fabric