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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Chamarajanagar: A multi-wheeler lorry overturned at the 15th sharp turn of Dhimbam Ghat, located on the national highway connecting Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, causing a significant traffic disruption.

The incident, which occurred at the inter-state border near Chamarajanagar district, forced vehicles to navigate the highway between Sathyamangalam in Tamil Nadu and Mysuru with difficulty.

Tamil Nadu police responded to the scene, clearing the overturned vehicle and restoring normal traffic flow.