MUMBAI, JANUARY 27, 2012: ENTREPRENET 2012 organised by Dimensions Mumbai and Kanara Entrepreneurs Global had a grand opening at the Intercontinental the Lalith, Mumbai. The theme of the convention is "Grow With India" The dignitaries included His Eminence, Cardinal Oswald Gracias, Archbishop of Bombay, Dr Mrs. Indu Shahani, Sheriff of Mumbai, Mr. Gul Kripalani, Convention President, Mr. Christopher John, Earnest John group of Companies, Mr. Albert D'Souza, Chairman Model Co-operative Bank, Mr. Ivan Fernandes, Chairman, Kanara Entrepreneurs Ltd. Global and Mr. Freddy Mendonca, Chairman, Dimensions, Mumbai.
His Eminence, Cardinal Oswald Gracias prayed over the gathering and delivered his inspiring message. He stressed that Entrepreneurs have been given talents and we need to multiply it for the benefit of society. He prayed to the Almighty for His presence during the two days of the conference as Entrepreneurs participate, deliberate, discuss and plan the future of self and country. He mentioned to the participants that this event was path breaking. Excelling in whatever we do should be the goal and we should not be shy of achieving success. He emphasized on ethics in business and to do whatever we could for the needy. He concluded with his blessings and wished the event a grand success. A Souvenir was released by His Eminence, Cardinal Oswald Gracias on this auspicious event.
Mr. Gul Kripalani, President of the Convention, welcomed the gathering. In his welcome address, he mentioned that hard work should not only benefit the country, but also the world. He requested the Community to be united in Christ, rather than divided by denominations. Joining hands will strengthen the community and the country as a whole. He concluded saying, India needs us and we need India.
Mr. Prabhu Guptara, Chairman and CEO of several companies and organizations delivered a scintillating keynote address on Emerging India-The Growth Story. He enumerated the global perspective scenario and the great depression of 2009 in the USA. The whole crisis of the Eurozone currency and the downslide in global markets and its effects on Europe. India and China are the emerging markets in South Asia and the GDP of both the countries touching eight to nine per cent. He discussed the issues for the Emerging India.
At the 'Presidential Dinner' on January 13, 2012 evening awards for Entrepreneurial Excellence were presented to distinguished Christians people:
Lifetime Achievement Award to Mr. Christopher John of Earnest Group
Mr. Christopher John has led the 'Earnest John Group of Companies' into diversified fields such as Construction, Mining, Shipping, Infrastructure and built the iconic 'EARNEST HOUSE', a building in the heart of Nariman Point. More such landmark constructions and property developments were conceived and implemented across Mumbai City. The 'Earnest John Group' has developed into a huge conglomerate and is well established in it's chosen fields. The Group has involved itself in various initiatives and forums, in a relentless mission to promote India on a Global platform.
Currently the Group has diversified into Port Development and is in the process of building one of the largest Ports in Maharashtra – at a cost of at Rs.10, 000 crores. The Group intends to develop twelve more Ports around the world. This Global Citizen believes in giving back to Society at large and therefore Corporate Social Responsibility is an integral part of his business philosophy.
The Entrepreneur of the Year Award to Mr. Albert D'Souza of Printania Pvt. Ltd. and Aldel Educational Trust
Not content with initiatives in business he has immersed himself in the Educational, Co – operative and Social Service sectors. He is the Chairman of Model Co-operative Bank Ltd and Vice Chairman of Christian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and is the key figure in the establishment of St Francis Engineering College, Borivali, Mumbai; St. Xavier Engineering College, Mahim, Mumbai and Don Bosco Engineering College, Kurla, Mumbai. He serves as Executive Committee Member in these Colleges and is also associated with the several engineering and management colleges besides serving as the Executive Committee member of Karuna Hospital, Borivali, Mumbai and Advisory Board Member of Holy Family Hospital, Mumbai.
Two years ago he established the Aldel Education Trust and started two educational institutions namely, St. John College of Engineering Technology and St. John Institute of Pharmacy and Research in the St. John Educational Complex at Palghar, Thane Dist of Maharashtra. A new Institute, St. John Institute of Mgmt. and Research is his recent addition.
The Woman Entrepreneur Award to Dr. Ms. Francin Pinto
Dr. Francin Pinto is the Founder-Director of Garbage Concern Welfare Society established in 2005. The enterprise laudably provides employment for school dropouts.
She is also the Proprietor of three-S 'Envosolutions' since 2006 - an initiative that provides systematic site specific solutions in Water Management, through Rainwater Harvesting, Waste Water Recycling and Waterless Urinal Concepts.
She is the winner of numerous awards such as:
· 'Most Pro – active Environment NGO 2006 – 07' by the Municipal Corporation Of Greater Mumbai
· 'Woman Achiever' by Maanch Environment Action Group
· 'Environment Dedication Award' for planting 45000 plants in Mumbai by the Lion's International.
The Award ceremony was being held against a backdrop of a fashion show by the redoubtable Wendell Rodricks group and an evening of entertainment led by Rahul Saxena with music by Ron and his Rockstars.