His Lordship Dr. Leslie Clifford D’Souza, bishop of the diocese of Udupi, who was the chief guest, presented the annual awards to the achievers and congratulated them for their outstanding accomplishments. Addressing the gathering, the bishop said, “When we come together, we recognise excellence, enterprise, perseverance, and achievement. I extend my warm congratulations to all the award recipients. An award is not merely a recognition of success. Behind every award, there are years of hard work, sacrifice, courage, discipline, innovation, and perseverance. Tonight we celebrate not only what you have achieved, but also the values and efforts that made those achievements possible. Life needs to be protected, preserved, and promoted. The history of CCCI began with seven founding members, and today it has more than 750 because there is something valuable that you contribute to the entire society.”

The programme was presided over by Mr. Albert W D’Souza, chairman of the CCCI. The CCCI founder chairman Mr. Vincent Mathias, immediate past chairman Mr. John Mathew, and vice-chairmen advocate Pius Vas, Mr. AgneloRajesh Athaide, and Mr. Gregory D’Souza were present on the dais.

On this occasion, 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 organisation, and confidence-building activities for the year.

In his address, Mr. Albert W D’Souza said, “I extend my sincere appreciation to our board of directors and committee conveners for their commitment, guidance, and valuable contribution to the work of the chamber throughout the year. The CCCI is strengthened by the collective efforts of people who willingly give their time, experience, and energy for the benefit of members and the wider community. We must encourage a culture of responsible entrepreneurship with integrity, compassion, and purpose.”

The award recipients:

• The Pattathu Brothers Excellence Award for a woman entrepreneur: Ms.Flavian Tanya Quadros, founder of Flavours Culinary Solutions Pvt Ltd and Banquet-18.

• The Aldel Education Trust Excellence Award for a young entrepreneur: Mr. Paul Abner Noronha, co-founder and director of Sepio Products Pvt Ltd.

• The Reliable Exports Excellence Award for education: Dr Savita J Tauro, principal of St John Institute of Pharmacy and Research (Autonomous), Palghar.

• The Arcadia Share & Stock Brokers Pvt Ltd Excellence Award for art & culture: Mr. Francis Fernandes Cassia, veteran theatre personality.

• The Velvin Industries Pvt Ltd Excellence Award for social service: Dr Armida Fernandez, retired professor and head of the department of neonatology and dean at LTMC Hospital, Sion.

• The Electropneumatics & Hydraulics (India) Pvt Ltd Excellence Award for outstanding entrepreneurial achievement: Mr. Johnson Thomas Pereira, managing director of Gemsons Precision Engineering Pvt Ltd.

• The Daniel & Sons Excellence Award for public service: Justice Ferdino Inacio Rebello, former chief justice of the Allahabad High Court.

The awardees spoke on the occasion, expressing their gratitude for the recognition and appreciating the services rendered by CCCI. CCCI permanent invitee Ms. Priscilla Walter Buthello, directors Mr. Ralph Pereira, Mr. Lawrence D’Souza, and Mr. Lawrence Coelho, and former chairmen Mr. Henry Lobo and Mr. Antony Sequeira, among several other members, were present. Fr Prakash Anil Castelino from Pangla, former police commissioner of Mumbai Mr. Ronald H Mendonca, Model Co-operative Bank general manager and chief executive officer Mr. Henry B Quadros, former vice-chancellor Dr Suhas Pednekar, and several other dignitaries were present. Mrs. Elvina A D’Souza, advocate Genevieve P Vas, Mrs. Pramila Mathias, and Mrs. Florine D’Souza honoured the guests.

The programme commenced with a prayer by CCCI executive secretary Rohan Tellis. Advocate Pius Vas introduced the guests. Ms. Priya D’Souza, Mr. Alan Castelino, Vernon V Mathias, Clement Lobo, advocate Daryl P Vas, Ryan L D’Souza, and Rohan Tellis introduced the award recipients. Ms. Jonita Noronha compered the programme, while AgneloRajesh Athaide proposed the vote of thanks. Prior to the awards ceremony, the 28th annual general meeting of the CCCI was held under the chairmanship of working president Albert W D’Souza. Founder president Vincent Mathias, immediate past Chairman John Matthew, vice-Chairmen advocate Pius Vas and Mr. Gregory D’Souza, former Chairman Mr. Henry Lobo, and director Mr. Lawrence Coelho were present on the dais. Rohan Tellis welcomed the gathering, conducted the proceedings, and proposed the vote of thanks.

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The Christian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) held its 20th Annual Achievers Awards 2024-2025 on Saturday evening at the Emerald Banquet Hall, Hotel Kohinoor Continental, Andheri East, Mumbai. Archbishop John Rodrigues was present as the chief guest, presenting awards to achievers and addressing the gathering.

The annual award function was presided over by CCCI chairman Albert W D’Souza. Distinguished guests included Prof Dr Suhas Pednekar, former vice chancellor of Mumbai University, as guest of honour, CCCI founder chairman Vincent Mathias, vice chairman adv Pius Vas (awards committee convener), and immediate past chairman John Mathew.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr Pednekar said, “Transformation of the nation is possible only through education. It is indeed appropriate that platforms like this invite educationists for keynote addresses, because education is the only power that can shape a nation. Education enriched with knowledge, skills, research, and training paves the way for change. Teaching is the only profession that shapes all other professions, and CCCI’s service in encouraging professionals is noteworthy.”

In his presidential address, Albert D’Souza remarked, “While we look back on our journey, we must also focus on the future ahead. The rapidly changing technology, global complexities, and deep opportunities are shaping our times. This year, two major forces have been transforming the economic and industrial sectors globally, including India—artificial intelligence (AI) and a new wave of global talent. In this context, we must respond with resilience, collaboration, and strategic adaptability. Chambers of commerce must become the voice for fair trade and extend support to members through education and guidance.”

He further added, “CCCI’s social initiatives have laid a strong foundation for milestones in our community, and I take pride in that. The values of today’s award winners are a testimony to their service in their respective fields. As CCCI steps into its 28th year of service, it will continue to actively serve society.”

The award sponsors Vincent Mathias, Albert W D’Souza, Clotilda R Siqueira, and Anthony Siqueira recognized the achievers.

• CCCI’s Velvin Packaging Pvt Ltd Social Service Award: Sister Michelle Pereira MSA Executive Director of Karuna Hospital.
• CCCI’s Pattathu Brothers Women Entrepreneur Award: Pooja Arambhan (corporate lawyer turned HealthTech entrepreneur)
• CCCI’s Arcadia Share & Stock Brokers Pvt Ltd Excellence in Arts, Culture and Sports Award: Alfred J D’Souza (founder-chairman of the Stop-Gaps Cultural Academy)
• CCCI’s Aldel Education Trust Young Entrepreneur Award: Caleb Fernandez (co-founder of Kilowatt, an IT enterprise)
• CCCI’s Daniel & Sons Public Service Award: Nancy D’Souza (additional commissioner of customs, CGST, and central excise, Bhiwandi)
• CCCI’s Reliable Industries Excellence in Education Award: Dr Marie Fernandes (principal of St Andrew’s College of Arts, Science and Commerce)
• CCCI’s Electropneumatics & Hydraulic (I) Pvt Ltd Industry Award: Richard Cyril Rodrigues (managing partner and CEO of Karnataka Agencies, Mangaluru)

The awardees expressed their gratitude and lauded the service rendered by CCCI.

The ceremony was attended by CCCI vice presidents Agnello Rajesh Athaide and Gregory D’Souza, directors Lawrence Coelho, Ralph Pereira, Alan Castelino, Lawrence D’Souza, adv Malbin Victor, past presidents Henry Lobo, Anthony Siqueira, Prescilla Walter Buthello (permanent invitee), former police commissioner Ronnie H Mendonca, Dr Snehal Pinto, and several distinguished members.

Vernon Mathias, Denica Pereira, Rohan Tellis, Aldridge D’Souza, Reuben Buthello, adv Chaital Vas, and Alan Barboza introduced the awardees. Elvina A D’Souza and adv Genevieve P Vas honoured the guests with floral tributes. Adv Pius Vas and Gregory D’Souza introduced the guests. The programme was compered by Jonita Noronha, and Agnello Rajesh Athaide proposed the vote of thanks. The ceremony concluded with the national anthem.

Earlier in the evening, the 27th annual general body meeting of CCCI was held under the chairmanship of executive president Albert W D’Souza. Executive secretary Rohan Tellis welcomed the gathering, conducted the proceedings, and expressed gratitude.

Agenda : 

1. Opening prayer by the Exec Secy Mr. Rohan Tellis and welcome address by the Chairman Mr. Albert. W. D’Souza
2. To confirm the minutes of the 26^th October 2024 meeting and to discuss and approve the accounts for October 2024.
3. To discuss the creation of various committees.
4. To discuss and deliberate the protocol/decorum to be adopted with regards to messaging on the WhatsApp groups created for the CCCI.
5. To discuss any other matter with the permission of the Chair.
6. The meeting to conclude with a closing prayer by the exec secy Mr. Rohan Tellis

D’Souza serves as the chairman of Model Co-op Bank Ltd and is the vice chairman of the Christian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He is a member of the Catholic Council of India and holds several positions on the advisory boards of educational institutions and hospitals across Mumbai, Mangaluru, and Jabalpur.

He has been the recipient of numerous awards, including the Rachana Foundation ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’ Award (2003), the Papal Award for Printing Entrepreneurship (2004), the Catholic Entrepreneur of Karnataka State Award (2007), the Dimensions ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’ Award (2012), and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Achievers Award (2019).