NRI entrepreneur Dr. Ronald Colaco felicitated with Civic Honour in Mangaluru
Prominent Philanthropist honoured for receiving ‘Certificate of Excellence’ by World Book of Records
Mangaluru: Prominent NRI entrepreneur and philanthropist Dr. Ronald Colaco, who recently was awarded the ‘Certificate of Excellence’ by the World Book of Records, London, was on Friday felicitated with a ‘Civic Honour’ in the city.
Dr. Colaco and his wife Jean Colaco were felicitated with the ‘Civic Honour’ at the Father Muller Convention Center in the city by a committee led by former MLA J R Lobo, on Dr. Colaco’s receiving the Certificate of Excellence’ and also in recognition of his social service over several decades and in several fields.
Dr. Colaco was welcomed to the program with a conventional shobhayatre’, which included a musical band with conventional drums and trumpets, among others.
Archbishop of Bengaluru Diocese Most Rev. Dr. Peter Machado presided over the felicitation program. Lobo welcomed the gathering and the guests on the dais. Archbishop of Mangaluru Diocese Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha made the congratulatory speech.
A documentary on Dr. Colaco presented on the occasion narrated his contributions in various fields, including employment, religious harmony, education, government departments, drinking water facility, relief to people affected by Covid, support for differently abled people, toilet facility, infrastructure and energy. It also mentioned the appreciation he has received for his philanthropic work, including the release of a book on him ‘Vishwabhooshana Dr. Ronald Colaco’ recently and the ‘Karnataka Rajyotsava Award’ in 2017.
A video of appreciation by Dharmadhikari of Dharmasthala Dr D Veerendra Heggade, chief guest in absence, was presented on the occasion. Dr Heggade lauded Dr. Colaco’s desire to serve the people but live a simple life.
Dr. Colaco and his wife Jean Colaco were felicitated by Dr Peter Machado, with Reena Castelino reading out the citation. Accepting the ‘Civic Honour’ and thanking everyone who had supported his work so far, Dr. Colaco said that he had been serving as a duty towards society and not for name or fame. “My wife and I had sworn together during our wedding that we would spend a part of our earnings for social welfare and have merely been fulfilling this promise,” he added.
The philanthropist said, “I am happy to receive this honour, but it would have satisfied me even greater had the organizing committee spent the time, money and energy on social service.”
He also requested all the members of the audience to take an oath on the occasion to serve the society to whatever measure they could.Dr. Yenepoya Abdulla Kunhi, Chancellor, Yenepoya Deemed University; Swami Jitakamanandaji Maharaj, President of Ramakrishna Math, Mangaluru; and Dr Machado also addressed the gathering. Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly U T Khader sent his congratulatory message to be read in his absence.
Former Chief Whip of the Legislative Council Ivan D’Souza gave the vote of thanks.Actor Aparna was the master of ceremony.
The Blue Angels choir offered prayers and also songs in Konkani, English and Kannada in appreciation of Dr. Colaco.
Most Rev. Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop Udupi Diocese; Rt Rev. Hemachandra Kumar, Bishop, CSI Karnataka Southern Diocese; Most Rev. Dr. Lawrence Mukkuzhy, Bishop Belthangady Diocese; Most Rev. Dr. Francis Serrao, Bishop Shivamogga Diocese; Most Rev. Dr. Henry D’Souza, Bishop Bellary Diocese; Dr. Shantaram Shetty, Chairman, Tejaswini Hospital; Rajayogini B K Vishweshwari, In-Charge Brahma Kumari Centre, Mangaluru; Maladi Ajith Kumar Rai, President Buntara Yane Nadavara Mathr Sangha; Rajshekar Kotian, President Rastriya Billawara Maha Mandala; U T Ifthikar Ali and Walter Nandalike were the guests of honour during the event.
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People are voting fearlessly in West Bengal this time: PM Modi
Hardoi (UP) (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said voters
are casting their vote in West Bengal this time in a "fearless atmosphere", which was unimaginable in the past six or seven decades.
He also asserted that the assembly poll results on May 4 will further strengthen the resolve of a developed India.
Voting is underway in 142 constituencies of West Bengal in the second and final phase of polling.
Addressing a gathering after the inauguration of the Ganga Expressway here, Modi said today marks an important day in the festival of democracy.
"Voting for the second phase is underway in Bengal, and reports indicate a massive turnout, with people stepping out in large numbers just like in the first phase. Images of long queues at polling stations are flooding social media, reflecting the enthusiasm of the people to exercise their democratic right," he said.
"What we are witnessing in Bengal today is unprecedented which was difficult to imagine in the past six to seven decades, a fearless environment where people are voting without fear," he said.
The prime minister said this is a powerful symbol of the country's Constitution and the strengthening of democracy.
"I express my gratitude to the great people of Bengal for being so aware of their rights and participating in large numbers," he said.
With several hours of voting still left, the prime minister urged the people of Bengal to continue participating in this democratic festival with the same enthusiasm.
Modi said in the recent Bihar Assembly elections, the BJP and NDA achieved a historic and decisive victory.
"Just yesterday, results of local body elections in Gujarat showed that the BJP secured victories in nearly 80 to 85 percent of municipalities and panchayats.
"The results on May 4 will further strengthen the resolve of a developed India and will infuse new energy into the pace of development of the country."
The first phase of polling for 152 seats -- out of the 294-member West Bengal assembly -- was held on April 23.
The counting of votes for assembly polls in Kerala, West Bengal, Puducherry, Assam and Tamil Nadu will take place on May 4.
