11/05/2026
MCC Bank Celebrates 114th Founders Day
MCC Bank Ltd celebrated its 114th Founders Day at the Administrative Office Campus on 09.05.2026 with a solemn and spirited gathering that highlighted the institution’s unwavering commitment to society since its inception. The celebration paid tribute to the legacy of the founder, Mr P.F.X. Saldanha, and recognized the Bank’s continued progress and resilience in the cooperative sector.
The event was presided over by Sahakara Ratna Mr Anil Lobo, Chairman of the Bank. Distinguished guests on the dais included Rev. Dr Praveen Martis SJ, Vice Chancellor, St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru; Dr Meera Ar**ha, Former General Manager and Chief Compliance Officer, Karnataka Bank; Mr Roy Castelino, PRO, Diocese of Mangalore and President, Rachana Chamber of Commerce and Industry; and Mr Isaac Vas, Former President, Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Mr Sunil Menezes, General Manager of the Bank, was also present on the dais.
The programme included a touching tribute to the Bank’s founder, Mr P.F.X. Saldanha, as dignitaries and members of his family offered floral tributes to his portrait in remembrance of his visionary leadership and invaluable contribution to the establishment of the Bank.
In his welcome address, Mr Anil Lobo warmly greeted the dignitaries, Board Members, staff, and guests, and explained the significance of the celebration. He stated that the Founders Day celebration was initiated after his team took charge of the Bank, with the objective of remembering and honouring the vision and mission of the founders. He mentioned that photographs of the founders have been displayed in all branches and at the main entrance of the Head Office, and that floral tributes are offered during the Annual General Meeting in their memory. He further stated that the auditorium at Hampankatta, Mangalore, has been named after the founder president.
He further said that Founders Day serves as an occasion to remember the visionary mission behind the establishment of the Bank and to evaluate the progress achieved over the years and the goals yet to be attained. He highlighted that after the new Board assumed charge in 2018, the Bank witnessed significant growth along with improved professionalism. He stated that the present progress of the Bank demonstrates what can be achieved through unity and collective effort.
He further highlighted that, after a gap of 24 years, the Bank expanded its branch network from 16 to 21 branches. The Bank’s business turnover grew from Rs.500 crores to Rs.1,525 crores, while deposits increased from Rs.300 crores to Rs.875 crores. He further stated that the Bank’s net profit had increased to Rs.13 crores and that the Bank has been consistently classified under the “A” Grade category in audits, reflecting its strong financial performance, sound governance, and efficient management practices. He added that the Bank has drawn up plans to expand its branch network from the present 21 branches to 25 branches during the current financial year, as part of its strategy to strengthen customer outreach and extend banking services to more regions across Karnataka.
He attributed the Bank’s overall progress to the vision and mission of the founders and stated that the Bank continues to fulfil its social responsibilities alongside its financial growth. He highlighted MCC Bank’s transformation and its parity with nationalised banks in terms of service and performance. He also emphasized the remarkable progress achieved by the Bank during the last seven years since his Board took over the management of the Bank.
Rev. Dr Praveen Martis was honoured in recognition of his support and encouragement to the Bank. The felicitation letter was read by Director Mr Vincent Lasrado.15, 16
In his address, Rev. Dr Praveen Martis, Vice Chancellor of St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru, lauded the visionary leadership of MCC Bank Chairman Sahakara Ratna Mr Anil Lobo for successfully steering the Bank towards sustained growth and stability. Addressing the gathering during the 114th Founders Day celebration of MCC Bank, he appreciated the remarkable transformation witnessed by the Bank in recent years under the present leadership. He particularly commended the Bank for introducing the “Vidyadhan Student Credit Scheme,” a socially committed initiative aimed at supporting economically underprivileged students in pursuing higher education. He observed that such schemes reflect the Bank’s commitment not only towards financial growth but also towards social responsibility and inclusive development.
Rev. Dr Praveen Martis stated that MCC Bank has emerged as a people-oriented institution by extending financial assistance to deserving sections of society and thereby continuing the noble vision of its founders. He expressed confidence that the Bank would continue its journey of progress with greater stability, professionalism, and profitability in the years ahead. He applauded the team work of the Directors and staff for continued progress of the bank.
Invoking God’s blessings upon the institution, he prayed for the continued success and prosperity of MCC Bank and appreciated the dedicated efforts of the Management, Board of Directors, and staff in strengthening the Bank’s reputation and service to society. 17,18
Dr Meera Ar**ha launched the “Vidyadhan Education Scheme,” an initiative aimed at supporting students from economically weaker sections of society in pursuing higher education without financial constraints.
In her address, Dr Meera Ar**ha, congratulated the Bank on its progress during the last seven to eight years. She commended the leadership of the Chairman in transforming the Bank to new heights and congratulated the Bank for standing tall despite various hardships and challenges. She emphasized that three key forces — implementation of Artificial Intelligence, addressing climate and ESG risks, and maintaining trust — would help the Bank grow at a steady pace. She urged the MCC Bank family to carry forward the founders’ conviction with greater responsibility.
Mr Roy Castelino expressed his happiness at being part of the Founders Day celebration of MCC Bank. He congratulated the Management and staff for achieving threefold growth in just seven years compared to the growth achieved during the earlier 107 years of the Bank’s existence. While appreciating the Bank’s remarkable growth over the last seven years, he also pointed out the immense opportunities available for further expansion, stating that customer service in many PSU banks remains poor and lacks professionalism.
Mr Isaac Vas released the Banks Bulletin along with Editor Dr Gerald Pinto.
Mr Isaac Vas, in his address, observed that the founder had established the Bank not merely as another institution, but as a source of confidence and trust for the community. He stated that this trust is now reflected in the Bank’s consistent business growth and stability. He remarked that MCC Bank is not merely engaged in banking, but is also building futures through innovative schemes. He expressed the hope that MCC Bank would become the first choice for customers and a place where people could save safely, borrow with dignity, and grow with support.
Newly qualified Chartered Accountants, CA Muriel Mascarenhas, a customer of Karkala Branch, and CA Joyston Dsouza were felicitated on the occasion.
Konkani Central Sahitya Akademi Awardee Mr Henry Mendonca (H.M. Pernal) was also honoured during the programme. The felicitation letter was read by Director Mr Andrew DSouza.
Kittur Rani Chennamma Award 2025 recipient Ms Rishel Fernandes, a customer of Founders Branch, was also honoured on the occasion.
Dr Joseph Lobo, customer of Shirva Branch and recipient of the 2025 Udupi Zilla Rajyotsava Award for Agriculture, was honoured during the programme. Mr Xavier DSouza, a customer of Puttur Branch and recipient of the 2025 Dakshina Kannada Zilla Rajyotsava Award for Education, and Mr Prem J. Moras, a customer of Founders Branch and recipient of the 2025 Dakshina Kannada Zilla Rajyotsava Award for contribution to the Konkani language, were also honoured during the programme.
Director Mr Roshan DSouza, who celebrated his golden birthday on 7th May, and Director Mr Anil Patrao, who celebrated his 60th birthday on 2nd May, were also honoured and conveyed birthday wishes during the programme.
Mr Bannu Fernandes, who designed the new logo of the Bank, was also honoured during the programme in recognition of his creative contribution. Mr Deepak DSouza, Architect, General Corporation, who designed the air-conditioned hall of the PFX Memorial Auditorium, was also honoured on the occasion.
The customers who celebrated their special birthdays in the month of May were honoured.
The programme began with a prayer conducted by Mr Manoj Lopes, Founders Branch and team.
The Chairman presented mementoes to the guests as a token of gratitude and appreciation for their presence and valuable contribution to the programme.
The family members of the founder, late Mr P.F.X. Saldanha, were also honoured during the programme in recognition of the founder’s visionary contribution and lasting legacy in establishing the Bank.
Mr Sunil Menezes, General Manager of the Bank, proposed the vote of thanks, and the programme was compered by Mr Jason Shirthady.
Directors Mr Andrew DSouza, Mr Herold Monteiro, Mr Anil Patrao, Mr David DSouza, Mr J.P. Rodrigues, Mr Roshan DSouza, Mr Melwyn Vas, Mr Vincent Lasrado, Mr Sushanth Saldanha, Mrs Irene Rebello, Mr Alwyn P. Monteiro, Mr Felix D’Cruz, Dr Gerald Pinto, and Mr C.G. Pinto were present.
