The 19th branch of MCC Bank Ltd. was inaugurated at Belman in Karkala taluk on Sunday, 2nd March 2025. The new branch, situated on the ground floor of Elvin Towers, Main Road, Belman, marks a significant step in the bank’s expansion efforts to serve rural communities.
Inauguration ceremony highlights
The new branch was formally inaugurated by MLC Ivan Dsouza, who cut the ceremonial ribbon, while MCC Bank Chairman and ‘Sahakara Ratna’ awardee Anil Lobo lit the traditional lamp alongside other dignitaries. Rev. Fr Fredrick Mascarenhas, Parish Priest of St Joseph Church, Belman, blessed the new premises.
The bank’s Safe Room facility was inaugurated by Walter Nandalike, Founder and Managing Director of Daijiworld Media Pvt Ltd, and the E-Stamping facility was launched by Rameshwari M Shetty, President of Belman Grama Panchayath. NRI entrepreneur Ron Rodrigues also graced the occasion, joining the dignitaries on stage.
Chairman’s address
In his presidential address, Chairman Anil Lobo thanked local institutions and the public for their support during the preparations for the branch launch. He emphasised the importance of community cooperation to help the branch become profitable within its first year and urged residents to introduce the bank’s services to their friends and family.
Highlighting MCC Bank’s growing suite of services, he informed that the bank offers all facilities provided by private and public sector banks, including upcoming digital services like Google Pay and UPI payments. He acknowledged the various challenges faced by the bank over the years but credited them with fostering its steady growth.
Blessings and support from local leaders
Rev. Fr Fredrick Mascarenhas congratulated the bank’s management and staff for creating a customer-friendly environment at the new branch. He expressed hope that the bank would serve as a financial lifeline, especially for the economically weaker sections of society.
MLC Ivan Dsouza praised MCC Bank for its consistent record of helping individuals achieve their goals. He called on the management and staff to continue their dedicated work, stating that the sky is the limit for the bank’s future achievements. He also pledged his full support for the bank’s future initiatives.
Recognition and charity contributions
As part of its commitment to social responsibility, MCC Bank presented charitable donations to two organisations:
- Humanity Trust® – recognised for its impactful work supporting helpless individuals and families.
- Devditha Charitable and Welfare Trust – acknowledged for its services to the elderly and sick.
The donation cheques were presented by MLC Ivan Dsouza.
Felicitation of achievers and contributors
The event also honoured several individuals from the Belman region for their outstanding contributions to society and achievements despite adversity. The following achievers were felicitated with mementos and floral bouquets:
- Master Udbhav G Devadiga – International achiever in yoga.
- Naveen Shenoy – Trustee of Humanity Trust.
- Akshatha Poojary Bola – International powerlifter.
- Jithendra Furtado – Director of Padubidri Vyavasaya Sahakari Sangha.
- Remedia Dsouza – First president of Udupi Zilla Panchayath and former managing trustee of Manasa Rehabilitation & Training Centre, Pamboor.
Special acknowledgements
The bank also recognised the contributions of:
- Edward Misquith – Owner of the premises.
- Karthik Kiran – Civil Engineer responsible for the new branch’s construction.
- Francis Dsouza – Best customer of MCC Bank’s Shirva branch.
- New customers of the Belman branch.
Additionally, the vice presidents and secretaries of Parish Pastoral Councils from various churches in the Belman region were honoured for their support in promoting the new branch.
Messages from guests
Walter Nandalike, addressing the gathering, congratulated the bank’s leadership and staff for establishing a branch in his hometown of Belman. He highlighted that MCC Bank has evolved into a bank for all sections of society, transcending its original community-focused roots. Emphasising the importance of adaptability, he noted that change, though challenging, ultimately leads to progress. He urged Belman residents to fully utilise the branch’s services for their banking needs.
Belman Grama Panchayath President Rameshwari Shetty extended her best wishes to the bank and staff for the successful operation of the new branch.
Introduction of staff and vote of thanks
General Manager Sunil Menezes introduced the newly appointed staff of the Belman branch to the attendees.
The programme was hosted by Elson Hirgan, while Vice Chairman Jerald Jude D’silva welcomed the guests and gathering. Belman Branch Manager Shiny Lasrado delivered the vote of thanks.
Distinguished attendees
The event was attended by prominent personalities, including:
- David Dsouza, Herald Monteiro, Melwyn Vas, J.P. Rodrigues, Anil Patrao, Roshan Dsouza, Dr Freeda Dsouza, Dr Gerald Pinto, Elroy Kiran Crasto, Vincent Lasrado, C.G. Pinto, Sushanth Saldanha, Alwyn P Monteiro, Felix Dcruz, and Sharmila Menezes.
The successful inauguration of MCC Bank’s Belman branch marks another step in the bank’s mission to expand its services across Mangaluru and Udupi districts, fostering financial inclusion and community development.
