Mangalore Bishop conveys Christmas message

December 23, 2011

Mangalore, December 23: Mangalore diocesan Bishop Rev Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza has laid emphasize on the need of a collective social concern towards shelter-less and homeless people in the society.

Delivering the Christmas message at a press meet at Bishop's House here on Friday, he said the true religion extends the hand of protection towards shelter-less and needy.

“Though the diocese does not oppose the development of the society and industrialisation, it cannot support the displacement process of the poor people under the pretext of development and industrialisation”, he said.

He also pointed out that mass media have already unleashed the scary faces of Udupi Power Corporation Limited (UPCL), Mangalore Special Economic Zone (MSEZ) and Indian Strategic Petroliam Reserves Limited (ISPRL), which have not only led to the displacement of hundreds of people in this part of the state, but threatening the environment of the region as well.

The Bishop said that the ongoing post centenary silver jubilee celebrations of Mangalore diocese, has doubled the joy of this year's Christmas. Mangalore Diocese has traversed 125 years since Pope Leo XIII established the Indian hierarchy, and it was officially proclaimed on January 25, 1887. In virtue of this hierarchy, Vicariate of Mangalore had become Mangalore Diocese. The grand valedictory of this year-long celebration will be held on February 11 and 12 in 2012 in the city, he said.

He also said that the philanthropic projects taken up as part of the 125th year celebration of the Diocese is in progress. Out of 160 houses the Diocese has planned to construct for the poor, 60 houses have already been constructed. The construction of remaining 100 houses will be accomplished soon, he added.

He said that the Diocese is also planning to construct a hostel to accommodate about 100 poor students and also to construct a memorial at Bajpe to mark the silver jubilee of the papal visit to Mangalore.

CODP?Director Fr Onil D'Souza, Raymond D Cunha and Fr William Menezes were also present in the press meet.

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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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