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
Press Conference, on September 05, 2025, at 10.30 at the Press club, Mangalore
Born to teachers Albert and Cecilia, J.R. Lobo’s academic journey took him from a local church school to a Bachelor of Science from St. Philomena College, Puttur. After completing his B.Ed, he secured a top rank in the Karnataka Administrative Service (KAS) in 1977, launching a distinguished career in public service that later included a term as MLA from Mangalore South.
During his distinguished 36-year career in the KAS, J.R. Lobo held significant posts including Tahsildar in multiple taluks, Deputy Director of Food & Civil Supplies, and Additional District Magistrate. A notable achievement was his tenure as Commissioner of the Mangalore City Corporation (1999-2003), where he introduced pioneering concrete roads. He was twice honored with the President of India Medal for his exemplary service as a National Census Officer.
As Project Director for an ADB urban initiative, he oversaw major civic upgrades. His defining legacy, however, is creating the 350-acre Pilikula Nisarga Dhama, an integrated science and eco-tourism park, for which he received the Rajyotsava and Karnataka Environmental Awards. Under his visionary leadership, it became a premier center for conservation, education, and sustainable tourism.
After taking voluntary retirement in 2011, he transitioned to politics and was elected MLA for Mangalore South in 2013. In the legislature, he held pivotal roles as Chairman of the House Committee for Backward Classes & Minorities and Vice-Chairman of the Christian Development Council. His profound community involvement includes founding organizations like RACHANA and the “Plastic Hekkiko” movement.
A successful entrepreneur, he founded leading advertising firm CILA and co-founded banking security firm Albertsons International. His current agro-ventures include Cocoa Rich Agri LLP, a top cocoa exporter, and Whitegrove Agri LLP for vertical mushroom farming. He remains active on government development committees and with the Congress party.
Dr Godwin Rodrigues, based in Murkothpalke, Mangalore, is a psychologist, educator, and innovative agropreneur. Transitioning from a successful psychology practice to full-time farming, he has revolutionized his approach by integrating scientific research with agricultural practices. His core philosophy is to identify and mend systemic loopholes in traditional farming, creating sustainable and profitable models that empower the farming community.
Dr Rodrigues pioneered a high-density dragon fruit cultivation system with over 17,000 plants, designed to yield harvest within 14 months and provide income during the traditional off-season (March to November). His model exemplifies integrated farming, combining dragon fruit with seasonal vegetables, pepper, areca nut, mangosteen, and nutmeg. He has established a closed-loop ecosystem that includes paddy cultivation, animal husbandry (goats, cows), and freshwater aquaculture (Katla, Murrells, Pangasius, etc.), where waste is recycled as organic manure.
A true researcher, Dr Rodrigues actively collaborates with government agricultural scientists on experiments concerning pest control, soil health, and manuring techniques. His work extends beyond farming; he is a community leader who generates skilled employment and dedicates himself to social welfare. He teaches daily at two government primary schools, supporting the education of 49 underprivileged children and proactively seeking sponsors for their development.
Continuously evolving, Dr Rodrigues is venturing into new sustainable projects like beekeeping, drumstick cultivation, and Black Soldier Fly (BSF) farming. His journey from psychologist to agropreneur embodies a unique blend of analytical thinking, pedagogical dedication, and a deep commitment to sustainable community development through agriculture.
Pratap Mendonca is a distinguished entrepreneur and visionary leader, best known as the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Design Infinity, a premier interior design and fit-out company in the UAE. Under his strategic leadership since its inception in 2012, the firm has grown exponentially into a powerhouse of over 1,200 professionals, delivering a remarkable portfolio of more than 1,000 projects across the Emirates.
His entrepreneurial acumen extends beyond a single venture. As the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Creative Infinity, Grand Infinity Medical Centre Group, and Vibrant Star Building Construction, Mr. Mendonca has demonstrated exceptional versatility and a consistent commitment to excellence across the design, healthcare, and construction sectors.
An architect by profession, having earned his degree from Karnataka University, India, Pratap Mendonca built a strong foundation through prior roles at renowned organizations like Teknion Furniture Systems, The Total Office, and Dubai Properties Group. His expertise and impact have been formally recognized through accolades such as being named among the Top 10 Successful Entrepreneurs of 2022.
He continues to inspire the industry with his strategic vision, deep passion for design, and an unwavering dedication to operational excellence and quality in every undertaking, solidifying his status as a pivotal figure in the region’s business landscape.
Shobha Mendonca hails from Bendore, Mangalore, and is a graduate in Commerce from St. Agnes College. She is the daughter of Celine and the late Gilbert Nazareth.
A formidable business leader, Shobha Mendonca is the Founder and Managing Director of Middle East Factory LLC (est. 1997). She also leads Reliable Fabricators LLC (est. 1988) and its affiliated companies, steering a skilled workforce of nearly 600 professionals in the steel fabrication and engineering sector. Her strategic vision extends to real estate development as a Director of Mangalore Internet City Pvt Ltd, a major 75-acre project aimed at boosting Mangalore’s economy.
Deeply committed to community welfare, Shobha served as President of the Kanara Entrepreneurs – Dubai Chapter and, with her family, established the Mendonca Education Fund to support underprivileged students for 15 years. She has made significant philanthropic contributions towards the construction and renovation of churches, schools, and community halls, and has provided extensive support in education, medical aid, and housing for the needy. She is also a renowned patron of cultural heritage, sponsoring numerous Konkani, Tulu, and Kannada events globally.
Shobha Mendonca is an accomplished sportswoman and a pride of the Mangalorean community. She was the undisputed Ladies Table Tennis Champion of the UAE for 15 consecutive years (1983-1998). A multi-sport talent, she has represented Mysore University and Karnataka State at national levels in Table Tennis. Recently, in 2022, she proudly represented India and led her team to victory in the prestigious Nations Cup in Dubai.
In recognition of her exceptional contributions to business and community development, she was honored with the “Women Business Achiever Award” in 2014 by the Christian Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Mumbai. Beyond her professional and athletic prowess, Shobha is also trained in Bharatanatyam, piano, and is an accomplished singer, reflecting a well-rounded and inspirational personality dedicated to excellence in all her endeavors.
