Five noted individuals to get Rachana Awards

Mangalore, November 11: The ninth Rachana Awards, instituted by Rachana, the Catholic Chamber of Commerce and Industry, will be conferred on five individuals for their meritorious service in their respective fields.

Giving details of the same here on Thursday, Rachana President Marcel Monteiro said that the awardees include: Rev Sr Maria Goretti, Mother General, SRA, Austria (Rachana Outstanding Woman of the Year); Paul Tauro, Madyanthyar, Belthangady (Rachana Agriculturist of the Year); Richard Rodrigues, Mangalore (Rachana Entrepreneur of the Year); C T J Gonsalves, Mangalore (Rachana Professional of the Year); and Lawrence D'Souza, Kuwait (Rachana NRI Entrepreneur of the Year).

Stating that the awards will be presented at a colourful ceremony at Milagres Jubilee Hall on Novemver 27 at 6 pm, he said that IAS?officer Dr Christy Fernandez, the secretary to the President of India will be the chief guest while Mangalore Diocese Bishop Rev Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza will preside over the function.

The jury for the prestigious awards comprised CA Rudolf Rodrigues, Dr Meera Aranha, Casmir Menezes, Roy Castellino, Marjorie Texeira, Austin Peres, Louis J Pinto, Capt John Prasad Menezes, Ronald Gomes, Joe Coelho and John D'Silva among others.

The awardees

Sr Maria Goretti

Initiator and the first coordinator of the Dharmajyothi Social Centre in Vamanjoor which culminated in building over 900 houses for the poor and the marginalised, Sr Maria Goretti's contributions in Karwar diocese include the establishment of the Marie Vianney Home in Honavar for abandoned children, the establishment of the Sponsorship Programme through which the education of over 5,000 children, the formation of 'Children's Clubs' in various villages to identify and promote the talents of children, the commencement of 'Alternative' teaching for children with learning disabilities along with a nutrition programme, the establishment of 'Study Loan Sponsorship Programme' to help students from under privileged backgrounds to pursue college and professional education and setting up of a Youth Animation through Rural Development (YARD) centre in Haliyal, Uttara Kannada and the establishment of Computer Centres under the National Institute of Continuing Education at many towns of the Diocese Karwar

She also established several institutions such as School of Nursing, College of Nursing, Psychiatric Rehabilitation Centre, a Technical Training Institute for the physically challenged children in Bidar and an English Medium School and Pre-University College in Shimoga district. She is also a recipient of the Sandesha Award in 2000 and the Gratias Agit Award from the Czec Republic in 2004.

She was appointed Mother General of the Queens of the Apostles (SRA) congregation, Austria, in 2006. In the year 2002, she was elected Provincial Superior of Karnataka-Goa Province with headquarters at Vamanjoor

Paul Tauro

A first generation agriculturist, Paul Tauro is an inspiration and role model to “farmers to be” and a wider sections of agricultural community with well planned units of biogas, composite unit, sprinkler irrigation to his farm land.

His well planned and modern outlook to cultivate high yielding crops such as coconut, areca nut and rubber in his 19 acres of irrigated land, earned him the prestigious award.

Richard Rodrigues

Managing Partner of M/s Karnataka Agencies, Mangalore, it operates at 9 locations in 4 districts with over 425 employees and a few more benefitting indirectly.

The strength of the partnership which survived for 30 long years without any hitch is itself a success of Karnataka Agencies which can be attributed to the highest degree of personal and corporate integrity, honesty, hard work, trust in its employees and a strong self belief, informed Monteiro.

C T J Gonsalves

The senior-most practicing Catholic Chartered accountant in Mangalore, C T J Gonsalves established the first Chartered Accountancy firm in Mangalore, that is enrolled with the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India, which enabled his firm to undertake the audit of Central and State Government departments. His outstanding professional uprightness and total adherence toprofessional ethics and values besides his dedication and abiding love for music and his contributions to the musical art through his ability to play as many as nine musical instruments is noteworthy.

Lawrence D'Souza

Founder of Caesars chain of restaurants and confectioneries around Kuwait, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain and other parts of the world, Lawrence D'Souza is one of the most respected entrepenuers in the community.

(From left to right) Rachana Outstanding Woman of the Year – Sr Maria Goretti,Rachana Agriculturist of the Year – Paul Tauro, Madantyar, Belthangady,Rachana Entrepreneur of the Year – Richard Rodrigues,Rachana Professional of the Year–CTJ Gonsalves, Mangalore,Rachana NRI Entrepreneur of the Year – Lawrence D'Souza Kuwait.

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From Dubai boom to Bengaluru backlash: Inside CJ Roy’s journey

News Network

January 31,2026

Bengaluru: The shooting incident involving CJ Roy, founder of the Confident Group, has once again put the spotlight on a businessman whose life has swung between flamboyant global success and persistent controversy at home.

Though Roy’s business interests extended across continents, his roots lay firmly in Karnataka. An alumnus of Christ School in Bengaluru, he later moved to Tumakuru to pursue an engineering degree. Those familiar with his early years describe him as intensely ambitious, beginning his career as a salesman at a small electronics firm dealing in computers.

Roy’s entry into large-scale real estate came through the Crystal Group, where he worked closely with Latha Namboothiri and rose from manager to director. However, the launch of the Confident Group in 2005 was clouded by industry speculation. Insiders speak of a fallout involving alleged “benami” properties and claims of deception that ultimately led to his independent venture—an episode Roy spent years trying to distance himself from, according to associates.

A tale of two cities

Roy’s professional trajectory diverged sharply across geographies.

In Dubai, he built a reputation as a bold and efficient developer, completing massive luxury residential projects in record time—some reportedly within 11 months. His rapid project delivery and lavish lifestyle in the Emirates earned him admiration and visibility in the real estate sector.

In Bengaluru, however, his image remained far more fractured. Sources say Roy stayed away from the city for several years amid disputes over unpaid dues to vendors and suppliers. Several projects were allegedly stalled, with accusations of unfulfilled commitments to cement and steel suppliers continuing to follow him.

Roy’s return to Bengaluru’s business and social circles began around 2018, marked by a conscious attempt at rebranding. His appointment as Honorary Consul of the Slovak Republic added diplomatic legitimacy, which he complemented with visible CSR initiatives, including ambulance donations and high-profile charity events.

Heavy police presence in Langford Town

Following the incident, police personnel from the Central division were deployed outside the Confident Group building in Langford Town, which also houses the Slovak Honorary Consulate in Bengaluru.

The otherwise busy premises near Hosur Road wore a deserted look on Friday, reflecting the shock and uncertainty that followed the tragedy.

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