Rachana Professional Award 2023–2025 – Mr. John Richard Lobo KAS, Mangalore | Rachana Entrepreneur Award 2023–2025 – Mr. Austin Roach, Bangalore | Rachana NRI Entrepreneur Award 2023–2025 – Mr. Pratap Mendonca, Dubai | Rachana Agriculturist Award 2023–2025 – Dr. Godwin Rodrigues PhD, Belvai, 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.
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.
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.
You have missed out Shobha Mendonca, who also received the Rachan Award yesterday.
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