The valedictory function of Centennial celebration of Badagabettu Credit Cooperative Society (BCCS) was inaugurated at Smt Ammanni Ramanna auditorium Udupi here on Sunday, December 22.

After the inauguration of the function, MLC Kota Srinivas Poojary addressed the gathering and said, “BCCS is there for people and by the people. Compared to other banks, it sanctions loans immediately. This is one of the few cooperative societies, which has completed 100 years in the State. Badagabettu Cooperative society has now reached greater height in the Cooperative sector. BCCS touched the hearts of many customers, because of its timely support and customer friendly service.”

Speaking on the occasion, Rajendra Kumar said, “Earlier, the cooperative sector had gone through many difficulties. There was just Rs 4,000 in deposits in the beginning and now its turnover has reached crores of rupees. While turning the pages of society’s history, the way it has grown is astounding and model to other cooperative societies in the nation.”

Former MLA Pramod Madhwaraj said, “If an institution is celebrating 100 years, it shows dedication, commitment and sacrifice in work. In 1969, all 14 banks were nationalized and four banks namely Vijay bank, Syndicate bank, Corporation bank and Canara bank started in the undivided district of Dakshina Kannada. There were 300 districts in the country at that time. But two banks out of four got merged. It disappointed us very much. Banking system is in our blood. Cooperative society has the strength to compete with nationalized banks.”

The guest of the event T Ashok Pai, secretary, TMA Pai Foundation Manipal, Rev Kishore Kumar, pastor, CSI Jubilee church Udupi, PMA Mohammed Ashraf Razak, Anjadi, secretary, SSF State committee, Chandra Pratima M J, Lalaji R Mendon, MLA Kaup, N Ganganna, president, Karnataka State Co-operative Federation, Vinay Kumar Sorake, Former MLA, Raviraj Hegde, Kodavoor, president, Dakshina Kannada co-operative Milk Producers Union, Prakash Rao, joint managers of Cooperative Union, Praveen B Naik, vice president and others were present.

Dr M N Rajendra Kumar was re-elected as the president of SCDCC Bank. In his message he said, “Today nine branches of BCCS have their own office building. We will provide best service like other nationalized banks. There is a need for more cooperative societies to come up in the future. I wish that BCCS may come up as bank in my lifetime. The society received national award twice and is putting hard effort to win it for the third time. This is a model society in the nation.” He appreciated the effort of employees of the society.

Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop, Udupi diocese, in his blessings address, said, “BCCS is serving on the basis of cooperative principles. It is recognized as working on basis of humanity. It is also organizing religious, educational and social service activities. It has extended financial support for many students, poor and needy. Let this society may celebrate another glorious millennial years.”

In his blessings address, Sri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji of Puttige Math congratulated the management for its achievements. If an institution completes 100 years, there is good behind it. There should be credibility in bank, which is more important.”

Sri Subudendra Theertha of Sri Raghavendra Math also blessed the gathering.

In his address, MLA Raghupati Bhat said, “BCCS has got response beyond its expectation. It has won the hearts of public because of its service.”

Jayakar Shetty Indrali, general manager, Cooperative society briefed the history and achievements of the society.

The committee honoured Ramulu Naidu, CA Mangaluru and Shambhu Shetty for their selfless service to the society.

Educationist Harekala Hazabba and assistant Professor Ramya, and senior employees were also felicitated on the occasion.

Rs seven lac were distributed to five Special schools and Rs five lac for economically backward people on the occasion.

T Ashok Pai released ‘Shathamrutha’ edition during the programe.

Manohar Shetty, CEO Sairadha Developers, Purushottam Shetty, Ujwal Developers, L Umanath, vice president, Amaranth Shetty, former MLA Moodbidri, Dr Mohan Alva, president, Alva’s Education Foundation, Moodbidri and others were present.

There was Badaguthittu style of Yakshagana ‘Bhishma Vijaya’ and 300 students of Alva’s Education Institution performed cultural programme.

Sanjiv Kanchan, president of the Centennial celebration committee welcomed the gathering. Rajesh V S rendered the vote of thanks.

Damodar Sharma Barkur compered the programme.