Mangalore University honors NRI Businessman, Philanthropist Dr. Ronald Colaco with Hon Doctorate
Mangaluru: Dr. Ronald Colaco, a distinguished Dubai-based businessman and philanthropist, is set to receive an honorary doctorate from Mangalore University at its 42nd annual convocation on June 15. Born in Moodbidri near Mangaluru, Dr. Colaco began his professional journey in 1975 in Oman. Over the years, he worked across eight Arab and European countries, eventually rising to the position of commercial CEO for a consortium of three multinational companies: CCICL based in Athens, Greece; Mannesmann of Germany; and Saipem of Milano, Italy. His career has been marked by significant contributions to various turnkey projects, including the construction of world-class petro-refineries, gas processing plants, townships, and airports.
Dr. Colaco's entrepreneurial journey is a result of his hard work, dedication, and disciplined approach. He has successfully leveraged his extensive experience in diverse capacities to establish a series of thriving business ventures. However, his success in the business world is matched by his commitment to socio-cultural, charitable, and philanthropic activities, aimed at giving back to society. His initiatives have benefited countless individuals and organizations, regardless of their caste, creed, race, religion, or language.
Dr. Colaco has been a pioneer in providing essential infrastructure for the public good, setting a precedent that many multinational corporations have followed in their corporate social responsibility efforts. His acts of charity have included the donation of modern police stations, the construction of Hindu temples and churches, and financial support to historic temples and churches. He has also built a Taluk Office, an Advocate Bhavan, and a modern double road for the government. His contributions extend to educational institutions, healthcare facilities, housing for the underprivileged, and various public amenities.
His philanthropy has been recognized with numerous national and international awards. Among these is the prestigious '2015 International Recognition Award for Leadership in Service Excellence' conferred by the Prime Minister of Australia, awarded during the Australian Service Excellence award ceremony in Melbourne. Dr. Colaco was the only international recipient chosen from among 80 countries. In 2022, he was inducted into the World Book of Records, London, for his social and charitable contributions, particularly for providing infrastructure support to the Karnataka state government. This honor was presented to him at the House of Commons during the Indo-UK Leadership Summit.
Dr. Colaco's charitable activities span Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra, and several overseas countries. His contributions include building and donating an international standard government high school, supporting over 70 schools, and providing substantial assistance to various healthcare clinics and hospitals. He has also donated houses for the less fortunate, supported arts and culture, and contributed to the development of rural infrastructure, among many other initiatives.
Throughout his career, Dr. Colaco has received numerous accolades and honors. In 2020, he was conferred with a Professional Doctorate in Global Leadership and Management in Philanthropy by the European International University of Paris. He has been recognized by the Institute Directors House of Lords of the British Parliament with a Distinguished Fellowship Award, and has received historic honors from the Premier of Ontario-Canada, the Australian Prime Minister, and invitations for breakfast meetings with US President Donald Trump.
Dr. Colaco's awards also include the "Global NRI of the Year Award 2017 in Philanthropy" by Times Now Group in association with ICICI Bank, the Karnataka State Rajyotsava Award in the Overseas Kannadiga Category, and several titles from the Konkani community such as "Vishwa Konkani Samaj Ratna" and "Pearl of Konkani Community." He has been honored by various religious and cultural organizations, including the Rachana Best NRI Entrepreneur of the Year and the Vishwa Bhushan title.
Dr. Colaco's philanthropy is supported by his wife, Jean Colaco, who has been fully involved in his charitable endeavors. Together, they have made a significant impact on countless lives, embodying the values of compassion and commitment to the common good. Dr. Ronald Colaco's story is one of remarkable professional success and dedication to humanitarian causes, making him a true role model and an inspiration to many.
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AAP alleges 'deep-rooted' conspiracy to kill Kejriwal, BJP terms it 'drama'
New Delhi, Oct 26: The AAP on Saturday alleged the BJP was conspiring to "kill" its convener Arvind Kejriwal and had become "an enemy of his life". The ruling party warned that the BJP would be responsible if anything happened to the former chief minister.
Leader of Opposition in the Delhi Assembly Vijender Gupta dismissed the AAP's allegations, saying it was yet another "drama" by the AAP to defame the BJP ahead of the assembly polls.
The AAP had on Friday claimed that Kejriwal, a Z-plus protectee, was attacked by "BJP goons" during his 'padyatra' (foot march) in west Delhi's Vikaspuri, a charge trashed by the saffron party.
However, no video of the alleged attack was made available by the party. Police said they had not received any official complaint from the AAP.
Addressing a press conference on Saturday, AAP MP Sanjay Singh alleged police were complicit in the incident.
"Police complicity in the incident clearly shows a deep-rooted conspiracy to kill Kejriwal. The BJP has become an enemy of his life," he said.
There was no immediate response from police to the Rajya Sabha MP's claim.
Singh said that despite Friday's incident, Kejriwal would carry on with the 'padyatra' as scheduled.
AAP leaders including Kejriwal are undertaking 'padyatras' in different assembly segments of the city in the run-up to the Delhi Assembly polls, likely to be held in February 2025.
Asked why the AAP had not filed a complaint regarding the alleged attack on Kejriwal, Singh said police could take cognisance of the incident and launch a probe.
It would not have happened if police were impartial. Police officers did not do anything to stop the "attackers" who belonged to the BJP's youth wing, he claimed, adding the AAP was seeking legal opinion on the matter.
He also accused BJP leaders of supporting the "attackers".
Singh said Kejriwal would "neither stop nor bow down" and continue to fight for the people of Delhi.
If anything happens to Kejriwal, then the BJP would be responsible for it. Even if Kejriwal suffers a scratch, Delhi's people would take revenge on the BJP, he said.
At another press conference, Delhi cabinet minister Saurabh Bharadwaj claimed one of the attackers was the vice president of the BJP's Delhi Yuva Morcha.
"BJP Yuva Morcha functionaries attacked Kejriwal. One of the attackers is the vice president of BJP Yuva Morcha of Delhi and the second is the general secretary," he said.
The two BJP leaders, who were dancing after attacking Kejriwal, had lost the councillor elections, claimed Bharadwaj.
BJP leader Gupta rubbished the AAP's claims.
"Despite blaming the BJP, no complaint has been filed by the AAP over the alleged attack on Kejriwal, which shows that the party is trying to play the victim card and gain sympathy by trying to defame the BJP before the assembly polls," he said.
The BJP leader said the AAP is worried about the "waning public support" and is attempting to confuse people through such tactics.
The area where Kejriwal was allegedly attacked is not an AAP stronghold and hence, the party "concocted" the story to gain sympathy, Gupta alleged.
