SURAJ REBELLO

SURAJ REBELLO – The Trendsetter

 By Antony D’Cunha

Having achieved the position of “Trendsetter” in the community circles, Suraj Rebello has emerged as the most sought after leader for any social event. His strong belief in the words “To get something you never had, you have to do something you never did”, led to the success of “Kudla Friends” sports meet with like minded group of people bringing together all communities on a common platform to integrate the cultural values of our homeland representing demographically diverse region with several languages including Tulu, Konkani, Kannada, Beary, etc. A sports enthusiast by childhood, he feels that sports can strengthen the communal harmony among communities for common development of our homeland. Such qualities make him an extraordinarily great human being. His “out of the box” thinking approach to break the stereotypes has paid rich dividends and has made him popular among contemporary leaders. Thus, very often, he remains in the news for such extraordinary achievements.

Having arrived in Muscat in 1991 he is indebted to his maternal aunty – Clita Crasta and his friend – Jawahar Pinto, the two personalities instrumental in setting his journey to this beautiful shore of Oman. Since then he has moved forward in professional, social, family and community circles, making an impeccable impact on people around him.

Suraj, known for his sports acumen, was the Captain for South Kanara Friends Cricket Club – Muscat, for many years spanning almost 2 decades promoting Cricket, and giving opportunity to upcoming talents in the field to excel. Besides being an acclaimed Cricket and Volleyball player, he has organised many Cricket, Volleyball and Football tournaments in the Sultanate of Oman. He is the founder president of The Crusades Charitable Trust (formerly known as The Crusades Bejai).

His active involvement as advisor in the Youth Ministry from its formation at the Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Ruwi, generated positive attitude among the youth and steady growth by way of active participation by the youth group in church activities. His keen interest in developing leadership qualities in children involves him in many self development programmes related to children & teenagers such as organising Summer Camps, etc. In fact, he is the integral part of Summer camps at Ruwi Parish and was honoured by the Parish for his contribution towards the Church activities. He is also serving in the Parish council of the Ruwi Parish.

In the year 2009 – 2010 under the dynamic leadership of Suraj, MCCP focused on the theme “Sthree – Gharso Divo, Saunsaraso Uzvad” (Woman – Light of the house, Radiance of the world) and empowered the women folk forming a team of seven ladies (visionary view of Rainbow’s seven colour shades) in the managing committee for the responsible positions and that paved the way for first lady president to take charge in the ensuing year to lead MCCP. This “out of the box” thinking together with many other reforms in the system led MCCP to an all new level and set the platform for inclusive participation by all members.

Suraj and Clarence Pinto (Clarence Kaikamba) worked in perfect unison as Main Coordinators during 2006-2007 and took MCCP forward. The duo created a powerful wave and mesmerized the masses with their charisma to shape up the new image for MCCP. Besides being a Core Committee member, he was involved in almost every executive committee over the years and his immense contribution to each & every executive committee is the testimony of his passion for community welfare and cultural activities. He was honoured during decennial celebrations of MCCP for his relentless service to the community.

He was born and brought up in Bejai, Mangalore. His father – Clarence Rebello, is an ex-serviceman and an avid Hockey fan – the game which brought him laurels for his performance in his heydays. His mother – Gretta Rebello, is an extremely popular figure in social circles for her involvement in social welfare and stronghold in politics at the district level in Dakshina Kannada. Suraj, had his early and higher education at Milagres Junior College and St. Aloysius College, Mangalore, followed by Electrical Engineering at NGITI. Suraj’s younger sister – Sonia D’Souza, is an acclaimed choreographer in Muscat and has trained many upcoming young talents in the community for Parish and Community events.

Suraj is married to Savitha – an equally talented better-half, and they have two children – Saurav and Shaina. Saurav, like father, is an ardent supporter of Cricket, Volley Ball, Football and other sports. Shaina, like mother, is well trained in dancing and sports. Besides extra-curricular activities, both the children are doing well in studies scoring top positions.

Suraj, is a hardcore marketing & sales professional engaged in providing Technical & Engineering solutions to construction, oilfield, energy, MEP and many other sectors. All along his professional journey, he has trained and motivated many upcoming young talents & professionals, experienced magical moments, created new benchmarks and memories that will be remembered by his companions in the years to come. He believes in delegation of responsibilities and extends full empowerment to his juniors to take up challenges to achieve goals and meet the targets.

This 20th anniversary is a good time to reflect on the contributions by our past leaders with firm commitment and set goals that will help us to achieve remarkable progress.

While MCCP is indebted to all its past leaders and contributors, we take this opportunity to wish Suraj and his family all the very best in their future endeavours and success – both in professional as well as personal life.