The inauguration is presided over by Albert W D’Souza, chairman of Model Bank, the dignitaries on the dais included the bank’s founder director Vincent Mathias, vice-chairman Maxim I Pinto, director advocate Pius Vas, and general manager & chief executive officer Henry B Quadros. Archbishop John Rodrigues formally inaugurated the branch by cutting the ribbon, lit the ceremonial lamp and blessed the new premises.

Model Bank, which continues the co-operative banking tradition initiated through the vision of F A C Rebello has been commendable bringing people together and working for the progress and development of all. In keeping with the spirit of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’, the bank has been serving society through various activities and schemes to ensure that no one is left behind financially. For over a hundred years, the bank has contributed towards human development and the welfare of society.

Archbishop Rodrigues also appreciated the continuous support and encouragement extended by Albert D’Souza to the community. He said that Albert D’Souza constantly inspires everyone to remain at the forefront by embracing innovation and progress and by effectively facing the challenges of the present times.

Speaking on the occasion, advocate Pius Vas said, “The day marked the fulfillment of a long-cherished dream of the well-wishers of Model Bank and the residents of Bandra. Therefore, the inauguration was a particularly emotional and special moment for us. He said that it was a matter of great pride that a place closely associated with the beginning of my own life journey had now become part of Model Bank’s journey.”

Vincent Mathias speaking on entrepreneurship, said that the bank plays an instrumental role in encouraging and supporting entrepreneurs. He highlighted the bank’s attractive interest rates and encouraged the gathering to avail themselves of its SME loans. He added that the growth of the bank and the growth of entrepreneurs should go hand in hand, contributing to mutual progress and development. The bank’s initiative to provide customers with better and more convenient banking services was highly commendable.

In his presidential address, Albert D’Souza said that the relocation was an important step in the bank’s expansion journey and that the bank would continue to widen its service network in the coming years. The bank’s total business has crossed Rs 2,000 crore, while it has consistently maintained a net profit year after year. He said that the relocation of the Administrative Office and inauguration of the new branch was a proud moment for a bank that has earned the trust of its customers for more than a century.

“Our main objective is to provide customers with faster, more reliable and quality services through modern facilities. We sincerely thank our customers, shareholders and staff who have contributed to the bank’s growth. We will continue to serve in accordance with the trust placed in us by the people and move forward on the path of development,” he said. On the occasion, Ronald H Mendonca, former commissioner of police, Greater Mumbai and director of the bank, Terence Gomes president of the Milagres Society, and Mark Oliveira were specially honoured.

Also present were the bank’s directors CA Paul Nazareth, Abraham Clement Lobo, Sanjay Shinde, Thomas D Lobo, Lawrence D’Souza, Gerald Cardoza, Ancy D’Souza, Hilary L Mendonca, Advocate Fiona M Nazareth and Asha S D’Souza; members of the board of management (external members) CA Elroy Rodrigues, Jude P Lobo and Sanna A Lobo; Milagres Society vice-president Agnelo D’Souza, secretary Charles Paul Pereira, treasurer Prakash Peter Rebero; former general manager of the bank Frank Lewis, former general manager William L D’Souza, branch manager Roshni Monteiro, senior officials, heads of various branches, shareholders, customers, well-wishers and other dignitaries, who conveyed their best wishes.  Jocelyn Gonsalves read from the Bible. The bank’s additional general manager Zenon D’Cruz welcomed the gathering and compared the programme. Deputy general manager Vincent D’Cunha proposed the vote of thanks. The programme concluded with the national anthem.

A Recognition of Ethics, Purpose & Contribution. Sebastian Coutinho is deeply humbled to receive the Achievement Award 2026 from the F.I.A.M.C. Bio-Medical Ethics Centre, in recognition of his contributions towards making ethics an integral aspect of life. For Sebastian, ethics is not simply about what we know—it is about how we live, how we serve, and how responsibly we contribute to the lives of others. His journey in wellness, education and entrepreneurship has always been guided by a simple belief: when knowledge is combined with integrity and genuine care, it can create meaningful change—cell by cell, life by life. He accepts this recognition for second time again with gratitude and humility, and as a reminder to continue walking the path of truth, responsibility, service and human well-being. Sebastian thanks the F.I.A.M.C. Bio-Medical Ethics Centre, for this meaningful recognition.

Sebastian Coutinho is an Author • Wellness & Skin Care Business Consultant, Founder – MyCellPower, Changing Lives Cell by Cell

A civil engineering graduate, Rons moved to Mumbai early in life and began his career as a cartoonist, and later turned to journalism by associating with Raknno Konkani weekly. He became the Mumbai Chief of Jana Vahini and subsequently worked for Karnataka Malla, Udayavani, Taranga, and many more organizations. he has worked for various Kannada dailies, and periodicals in Mumbai as well as several websites based in his home district. He has also served as Editor of Dilli Varthe, a Kannada daily in Mumbai. Rons Bantwal has been instrumental in founding the Kannadiga Patrakartara Sangha of Maharashtra of which he was the Honorary Chief Secretary. He played a crucial role in organizing a convention of over 150 Kannadiga journalists from across the nation in Mumbai under the aegis of the Sangha.

As an active social worker, Rons has helped several people in the district in Bombay. He also mooted the plan of constructing a Patrakartara Bhavan at Santacruz at a cost of nearly Rs 3 crores. Rons has won several awards from various organizations. He was awarded the Karnataka Madhyama Academy Award for the year 2014. He has been appointed as a member of the theatre experiments censor board of the Maharashtra government Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs. He was also the president of Karnataka Union of Working Journalists Sangh (KUWJ), the major body of journalists in the state of Maharashtra recognized by the Government of Karnataka, affiliated to The Indian Working Journalists Union in New Delhi. He is the Chairman of Ronida Press Media Private Limited. He is the president of the Kannadiga Patrakaratra Sangha, Maharashtra. He also heads the Global Sympathy Foundation.

On 26th September 2026, the CCCI women’s wing was formally inaugurated, and Mrs. Janet Lawrence D’Souza assumed office as its first chairperson. The chief guest honoured the women office-bearers by presenting them with bouquets and conveyed his best wishes.

Speaking on the occasion, Mrs. Janet D’Souza said, “I am truly honoured to stand before you on this historical and joyful occasion at the inauguration of the women’s wing. We have a very dedicated core committee whose members will work shoulder to shoulder to bring strength and dignity to the wing.” She outlined the wing’s objectives, which include women’s empowerment, leadership organization, and confidence-building activities for the year.

The Committee members of the Women’s wing of the CCCI are:

• Mrs. Janet D’Souza-Chairwoman
• Mrs. Elvina D’Souza
• Mrs. Pramila Mathias
• Adv. Genevieve Vas
• Mrs. Florine D’Souza
• Mrs. Philomena Lobo
• Mrs. Priscilla Buthello
• Mrs. Caroline Pereira
• Mrs. Sugra Athaide

The award was presented by Gulabrao Ganpatrao Jagtap, chairman of the Association, Dilip Jagannath Chavan, vice chairman and was received on behalf of the Bank by Vincent Mathias – founder director, Advocate Pius Vas – director, CA Paul Nazareth – professional director, Hilary Mendonca – director, Henry B Quadros – general manager & CEO and Zenon D’Cruz – additional general manager. The recognition is a testament to the bank’s consistent financial performance and commitment to serving its customers. Model Co-operative Bank Ltd was included in the Second Schedule to the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934, with effect from October 20, 2025, as notified in the Gazette and announced by Reserve Bank of India on December 2, 2025. As on March 31, 2026, the bank recorded deposits of Rs 1,304.63 crore and advances of Rs 669.05 crore. The bank’s net NPA to net advances ratio remained nil as on March 31, 2026, maintaining this position for the third consecutive year.

The Bank also opened its 26th branch on August 20, at Milagres House, Bandra (West). Model Co-operative Bank Ltd has been the recipient of several awards and recognitions from various associations and federations for its performance and achievements. The bank has also been recognized in the past for completing 100 years of dedicated service. The award is yet another milestone in the bank’s journey of growth and excellence. With these achievements, Model Co-operative Bank Ltd continues to stride forward, strengthening its commitment to providing resilient and reliable customer service. The bank has expressed its heartfelt gratitude to its valued customers and shareholders for their continued trust, confidence and unwavering support.

Lorient Travels was formed on 1st April 1985 by Hector D’souza. It was the official travel agent for the Miss India beauty pageants from 1995-2003. It was the India representative for the State Tourist board of Southwest Germany from 2008-20220. Post Covid, it continues to provide tour services as well as consultancy services.

John Cockerill Defence, a global leader in advanced defence systems and industrial engineering, and Electro Pneumatics & Hydraulics Pvt Ltd, a renowned Indian defence technology company, have entered into a Joint Venture (JV) Agreement for combining their technological, manufacturing and innovation capabilities to strengthen India’s defence ecosystem. This partnership is aligned with the ‘Make in India’ initiative and enables a greater degree of self-reliance for the country in defence manufacturing. The JV will focus on manufacturing, assembling, and commissioning turrets for the Indian Army’s Indian Light Tank (I.L.T) program, a critical initiative aimed at enhancing India’s defence capabilities in extreme and challenging terrains.

Lawrence & Mayo, established in 1877 is one of India’s oldest and most trusted optical & eyewear retailer, spread across more than 100 locations in 30 cities in India. Their innovative marketing campaign well timed with the summer season called “Lawrence and Mayo Sunglass mela” celebrates 25 years this year, with the latest trendy, fashionable sunglasses, and the biggest brands globally.

The visionary Group Director Marketing Dr Vivek Gerard Mendonsa has been directing the course of growth for Lawrence and Mayo, through his initiatives in developing future verticals, and creating future-ready Leaders & Managers. He brings value-based, innovative, and technology-driven products and services in the field of optics, air, water, earth, and life. He leads and nurtures a team of over 870 professionals across 16 states and 34 cities, ensuring consistent growth, customer satisfaction, and service excellence. He is passionate about mentoring the youth and entrepreneurs, and supporting CSR activities at Mendonsa Foundation.

The CEO Mr. Clevio Monteiro of Sun Raj tours and travels, have made the CCCI and the community proud by proudly partnering with SWISS airlines in order to ensure seamless administrative and visa processing. This is indeed a prestigious partnership and speaks very highly of the quality and standards set by SunRaj tours and travels in order to secure this venture. SunRaj is today run by first generation entrepreneurs with over 70 years of professional experience and expertise in the Airline, Travel, Holiday and Information Technology industry. They have a successful track record in Marketing & Branding, Airline & Hotel Reservations, Domestic & International Holidays, Corporate/Retail Sales, Strategy & Planning.