Dr. Ronald Colaco considers whole world as family: Archbishop Dr. Peter Machado
Civic honour to philanthropist in Mangaluru
Mangaluru: Renowned NRI entrepreneur and philanthropist Dr. Ronald Colaco was felicitated with a ‘Civic Honour’ here on Friday, on being conferred the ‘Certificate of Excellence’ by the World Book of Records, London.
Archbishop of Bengaluru Diocese Most Rev. Dr. Peter Machado, who presided over the felicitation program at the Father Muller Convention Center in the city, expressed awe at not only the vast number and variety of fields to which Dr Colaco had contributed, but also the number of people who had gathered at the felicitation ceremony. “There are fans of Dr. Colaco from all sections of society attending the event today, which reflects the affection and respect that Dr. Colaco has gained,” he said, narrating an example of a village man asking a shopowner in the city for a ‘male fan’ and a ‘female fan’.
Dr. Machado pointed out that Dr. Colaco was a family man who had, in fact, expanded his family to the entire world. “No wonder he is considered a ‘Vishwamanava’, a man belonging to the whole world.”
Speaking further, Dr. Machado said, “He has no separate organization to carry out his work, yet, he has walked the extra mile in life, he has ‘extended his tent’.”
He also said that Dr. Colaco has presented before us the ‘Art of Giving’, as he has shown greater diligence in giving than receiving.
“You have made your community proud,” Dr. Machado told Dr. Colaco.
Archbishop of Mangaluru Diocese Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha, who made the congratulatory speech, said that abundance, not scarcity, was a standout quality of Dr. Colaco. “His quality of saying ‘I have and I will help’ reflects his humanitarian quality. His contribution is an inspiration to all of us, as his work is carried out with a smile and a helping nature,” he added.
The Archbishop also said that Dr. Colaco had lived a life ‘beyond borders’, “Like doctors help as much as possible, without considering the background of the people. Dr. Colaco has lived the life of a Good Samaritan that was narrated by Jesus Christ.”
Dr. Saldanha said, “Dr. Colaco had a self-diffusing quality very similar to perfumes. You will never return sad, after you meet him.”
He also cited the words of Christ to ‘give and it will be given unto you, saying Dr. Colaco’s work shows he believes this and follows this.
Closing his speech, Dr. Saldanha said, “I have always said that he is a very good man.”
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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Rajanna seeks action on 'honeytrap' attempt, submits representation to K'taka Home Minister
Bengaluru, Mar 25 (PTI): Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Tuesday said the state government will decide on the course of action and nature of the probe into the alleged "honeytrap" attempt on Cooperation Minister K N Rajanna, after consulting legal experts and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
The statement came after Rajanna submitted a representation to Parameshwara seeking necessary action regarding the alleged incident.
Addressing reporters here, Parameshwara said, "Rajanna was unable to give any representation or complaint for the last few days due to his work commitments. Today he has given it to me as he had said in the Assembly, I have accepted. Regarding further action and nature of the probe, we will decide after discussing with the Chief Minister."
Noting that he cannot receive the complaint, as it should be given at the police station, he said what Rajanna has submitted to him can be considered as a representation or a plea, and based on this what action can be taken in accordance with law, will be decided after consulting the legal experts.
He declined to disclose the details when asked about the contents of the representation.
Responding to a query on Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed in the Supreme Court on the matter, the Home Minister said, "We don't know what the court decides. We won't wait for it and we will proceed independently for now."
Asked why the police did not file a suo moto case in this matter, he clarified that since the issue was raised in the Assembly, there should have been directions from the Speaker to take action.
"As there was no such cause of action, we had to wait for Rajanna to file representation or complaint."
He, however, refrained from responding to a question if there was a delay in action as the ruling party leaders were allegedly behind the "honey trapping".
Last Thursday, Rajanna had informed the Assembly that honeytrap attempts were made on him and that at least 48 politicians across parties had fallen victim to such schemes.
The issue created a stir in the Assembly, prompting the Home Minister to announce a high-level probe, while the opposition demanded a judicial inquiry by a sitting High Court judge.
Asked whether the representation was only in connection with his case or including 48 politicians across parties, who have fallen victim, Rajanna said his representation was only in connection with the case involving him.
"Is this the first time such a thing has happened? You (media) know better how many have obtained a stay from the court in such cases. My intention is to put an end to such things and not take revenge or make allegations against someone."
Asked why he was giving a representation to the Home Minister instead of lodging a complaint with the police, Rajanna said his move is consequential to the developments in the Assembly, after his name was taken there in connection with the "honey trap" case.
Earlier in the day, Rajanna told media in Tumakuru that he also wanted strict action against those involved in or supporting such acts of "honey trapping", as he stated that he has detailed everything that happened in a three-page note.
"I have not installed CCTV cameras in my Bengaluru house. If they were there, we could have identified those who came," he said.
He noted that the individuals who allegedly attempted to "honeytrap" him were strangers, and it needed to be investigated whether they acted independently or had someone behind them.
Giving further details, he said among the people who had visited him twice in alleged 'honeytrap' attempts, the same man was present on both occasions, while the woman accompanying him was different each time.
"The woman who came the second time claimed to be a High Court lawyer. However, she was not wearing a lawyer's coat but was clad in jeans and a blue top. They approached me, stating that they had something important and confidential to discuss. I can recognise them if I see their photos," Rajanna said.
Reacting to a PIL filed in Apex Court on this issue, Rajanna said, the PIL seeks a CBI probe, claiming that he had referred to 'honey trapping' of judges, but the fact is that he has not spoken about judges.
To a question on his travel plans, Rajanna said he would be visiting Delhi after March 30.
Asked whether he would take up the matter with the Congress high command, he responded, "The matter has already reached the high command. They have not asked me anything personally, so I haven’t spoken to them. However, they have gathered information on their own and have spoken to the Chief Minister about it."
