Mangalore, May 31, 2009: The inaugural ceremony of Merit Freight Systems Co. Pvt. Ltd., Mangalore branch was held on 31st May, 2009 at 4.30 p.m. The new branch office located at the Bajpe airport road was inaugurated by the recipient of Karnataka Konkani NRI Award, Mr. Felix Lobo and Mrs. Mary Mathias by cutting the ribbon. 

Fr. Dolphie Mathais, Kolkata along with Fr. Cyprian, Fr. Maxim, Fr. Rosario Fernandes, and Fr. Paul Pinto blessed the premises. All the guests and the media were honoured with floral bouquets. Later, all the family members of Joseph Mathias along with the guests lit the traditional lamp.

The chief guest on this occasion, Mr. Felix Lobo speaking on this occasion praised Joseph Mathias for his generous nature and philanthropic endeavors. “Joseph is a very hard working man, and a successful entrepreneur in Dubai. Mr Mathias is not only humble in nature but he is also an ardent lover and supporter of Konkani,” Lobo said. He exhorted the entrepreneurs to come forward with a vision for the sustainable growth and development of the community.

Fr. Maxim Monteiro speaking on the occasion said that, every human being is born with talents but we need to identify and nurture them. He recalled the example given by Dr. Abdul Kalam. "If you are born as a poor person then you are not responsible for that; but if you will die as a poor person, then you are responsible for that, because in this world we have to work hard to accumulate the knowledge and wealth by utilizing our talents." 
 
Fr. Valerian also spoke on the occasion. All the people who worked to build this new venture were honoured by Mr. Joseph and his family.

Mr. Joseph Mathias (Director Merit Freight Systems) speaking on this occasion attributed is success to his mother. “I had a dream to be a successful man and my mother always blessed me to be successful in whatever I did,” he said. He also recalled the helping hands of his brothers towards this venture. He also thanked his friends and well wishers for their support in his venture.

Mr. Leslie Rego compeered the entire program.