(Photo / Report: Rons Bantwal)
Mumbai, Aug. 20: The century-old legacy of service of Model Bank has strengthened public confidence in financial transactions and brought renewed vitality to the banking tradition. The relocation of the Bank’s Administrative Office and the inauguration of its new branch mark an important milestone in the institution’s journey of growth. I pray that God’s blessings may always be upon the Bank’s Board of Directors, staff and customers, said His Eminence Archbishop John Rodrigues of the Archdiocese of Bombay.
The relocated Administrative Office and the 26th Branch of Model Co-operative Bank Ltd. (Scheduled Bank) were inaugurated and blessed on Thursday morning at Milagres House, the building of The Mangalorean Milagres Society, situated on Hill Road, Bandra West. Archbishop John Rodrigues inaugurated and blessed the new premises.
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 that 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 Agnello 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.