Mangaluru, 11 September 2026: New office-bearers of the Dakshina Kannada Catering Owners’ Association (Regd.), Mangaluru, formally assumed office at a ceremony held at Grand Sabhavana in the city on Thursday.
Programme was inaugurated by Shashidhar Shetty Baroda and other dignitaries by lighting the traditional lamp. This was followed by the formal transfer of responsibilities from the outgoing president to the newly elected office-bearers. Harish Shetty took charge as president, Deviprasad Shetty as secretary and Santosh Menezes as treasurer of the association.
Speaking on the occasion, Shashidhar Shetty Baroda said the catering industry was much more than a food-service business, as it provided livelihoods to a large number of families.
He said the sector also offered employment opportunities and a means of livelihood for economically disadvantaged students. “Catering is not an easy profession. Success in this field requires hard work and dedication,” he said, sharing his own experience of entering the catering business after working as a postman.
He recalled that he initially arranged food for around 100 people a day and had gradually grown the business to a stage where arrangements are now made to serve around 8 lakh people. Shetty expressed optimism that the catering industry in Mangaluru would see increased demand in the coming years as the city's beaches are further developed and tourism expands.
Catering plays a key role in successful events
Chandrahas Shetty Rangoli said catering owners play a crucial role in ensuring that functions and celebrations are conducted successfully. Providing quality food and hospitality to guests is an important part of the success of any event, he said. He also noted that catering entrepreneurs face several challenges and expressed hope that the association would become stronger and more organised in the coming days.
Four honoured
Three individuals who have served as cooks in the catering industry for the past four decades were honoured during the programme. Chikkayya Poojary, Ibrahim Monu and Leena Lobo were felicitated in recognition of their long-standing service to the industry. Jayakrishna Kotyan, owner of Pooja Catering, was also honoured on the occasion.
Programme was attended by Bhojaraj Vamanjoor, Walter Nandalike, Venugopal Shetty, Chandrahas Shetty Rangoli, Catering Owners’ Association honorary president Sudhakar Kamath, Santosh D’Souza, Rajesh K., Chennappa Kullal and others.
Keywords: Dakshina Kannada Catering Owners Association, Mangaluru catering industry, Harish Shetty, catering business Karnataka, Mangaluru tourism, catering entrepreneurs, Mangaluru News Today, Citizen News Puttur