It was in the year 1998 that Catholic businessmen, agriculturists and professionals formed Rachana, with an objective of encouraging youth to take up entrepreneurship, for training them in investment and for supporting them with technical backup. In the last 25 years Rachana has worked to achieve its goals and has trained youth through Rachana Entrepreneur Development Cell. Rachana has recognized the successful entrepreneurs, professionals, agriculturists, NRI entrepreneurs and women who have achieved in their distinctive field and brought them into limelight, more so that their example may be emulated by the young and the upcoming.
Rachana takes pride in announcing the names of awardees for the year 2025
Entrepreneur – Mr Austin Roach, Bangalore
Professional – Mr John Richard Lobo KAS, Mangalore
Agriculturist – Dr Godwin Rodrigues PhD, Belvai, Mangalore
NRI Entrepreneur – Mr Pratap Mendonca, Dubai
Outstanding Woman – Mrs Shobha Mendonca, Dubai
The award ceremony will be held on Sunday, October 05, 2025 at 6 pm at Milagres Auditorium, Mangaluru. The function will be presided by Rt. Rev. Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore. Mr K. J. George, Minister for Energy, Govt of Karnataka, will be the Chief Guest.
Mr Ivan Dsouza, MLC Government of Karnataka; Mr John Sunil, Group Chief Executive Officer, Burjeel Holdings UAE and Dr Cynthia Menezes, Dean And Director, Former Vice Chancellor (Acting), Bangalore University will be the Guests of honour.Members Present at the Press Meet:
Mr John B Monteiro. President
Mr Vijay V Lobo – Secretary
Mr Nelson Monteiro – Treasurer
Mr Naveen Lobo – Vice-president
Ms Eulalia Dsouza – Awards Coordinator
Mr. Austin Roach is a distinguished Bangalore-based entrepreneur, real estate developer, and hospitality leader with over three decades of industry experience. He is the founder of Roach Lifescapes (formerly RBD Shelters) and a founding member of prominent ventures like United Builders, Ferns Builders & Developers and St Antony’s Estate. His influence extends to the hospitality sector, where he serves as Managing Director of Charishma Hotels and owns the Radisson Blu hotel on Bengaluru’s Outer Ring Road. His commitment to sustainable development is reflected in initiatives such as Clover Greens Golfscapes and his advocacy for greener practices in the hotel industry.
Beyond business, Mr. Roach is an active angel investor with a focus on innovative startups in sectors like Food and Agriculture Tech and Consumer. His notable investments include companies such as FreshWorld and Geist, demonstrating his support for emerging technologies and sustainable ventures. His strategic investments align with his broader vision of fostering growth and innovation within the Indian entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Mr. Roach has also played a significant role in industry and community leadership. He served as President of CREDAI Karnataka and was instrumental in unifying Christian associations under the Federation of Christian Associations of Karnataka. His longstanding involvement with the Catholic Club Bangalore, including terms as Vice President and President, highlights his dedication to community service. Additionally, he is a founding member and former Chairman of the Federation of Konkani Catholic Association in Bangalore.
His contributions have been widely recognized through numerous awards, including the Entrepreneur of the Year 2015 from the Federation of Konkani Catholic Association, multiple lifetime achievement awards in hospitality, and accolades for leadership in real estate and golf. A passionate golfer, Mr. Roach is a member of several prestigious clubs and has won various golf tournaments. His philanthropic efforts include major donations to charitable trusts and community initiatives, underscoring his commitment to social responsibility.
