Mangaluru: Dr. Ronald Colaco, prominent NRI entrepreneur and philanthropist, who was felicitated with a ‘Civic Honour’ here, said that his work has merely been a fulfillment of his duty towards society.

Dr. Colaco was felicitated with the honour as he was recently conferred with the ‘Certificate of Excellence’ by the World Book of Records, London.

Dr. Colaco and his wife Jean were felicitated at the Father Muller Convention Center on Friday. The program was presided over by the Archbishop of Bengaluru Diocese Most Rev. Dr. Peter Machado.

Receiving the ‘Civic Honour’, Dr. Colaco thanked all who had stood by him and supported him in his efforts at social service over the decades. He gave a special word of thanks to his wife Jean Colaco, reminiscing that, during his wedding, his wife and he had vowed to use a part of their earnings for social work. “I have only been fulfilling the vow we took then, considering it a duty towards society. My work has not been an effort to gain name or fame,” he added.

Dr. Colaco thanked the media for its support in not just earning him appreciation but also earning a doctorate for social service.

The philanthropist said that, while he was happy to receive the honour, “It would have satisfied me greatly if the organizing committee had spent the time, money and energy on social work.”

Speaking on the importance of social and religious harmony, Dr. Colaco reminded, “When all human beings have the same body structure, our roles as human beings should always get prominence over our differences in the name of religion and caste,” pointing out to the presence of people from various religions harmoniously in one program.

He also pointed out to the fact that a meaningful life is as important as the number of years we add on to our age. He added, “The most important bank balance for humans is in the ‘Bank of Heaven’, where the ‘richness of our hearts’ would be calculated on the basis of the hearts we won or responded to. Living on good terms with our neighbours is a basic step in adding to the balance here, in ensuring we get a shower of blessings.”

Dr. Colaco also spoke on the need for introspection, saying leaders in society were paying greater attention to pointing out the mistakes of others rather than analyzing themselves.

Closing his address, the philanthropist asked the audience to take an oath on the occasion to contribute to society to the best of one’s ability.

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 prayer 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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Kalaburagi (Karnataka), Nov 28: Kalaburagi Jail Chief Superintendent R Anitha on Thursday said that an unknown person sent an audio message via a police inspector claiming that they will blow up her car.

However, police said they have not received any complaints in this regard.

Speaking to reporters here, Anitha said, "Somebody has sent an audio message to the police inspector saying that they will blow up my car. I personally did not receive any such message so far, so I would not be lodging any police complaint."

Following the alleged threat, Anitha said she would be more cautious now.

Last month, after Anitha took charge as the Chief Superintendent of Jail, raids were conducted and searches were intensified after photographs and video clips purportedly showing three inmates getting special treatment in the Kalaburagi Central prison went viral on social media.

Following the raids, cell phones, gutka and cigarette packets and beedis were seized from the inmates.

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