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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Another North Goa nightclub sealed; Kejriwal says corruption led to fire tragedy
Panaji (PTI): As part of a crackdown against tourist establishments violating laws and safety norms in the aftermath of the Arpora fire tragedy, Goa authorities on Saturday sealed a renowned club at Vagator and revoked the fire department NOC of another club.
Cafe CO2 Goa, located on a cliff overlooking the Arabian Sea at Vagator beach in North Goa, was sealed. The move came two days after Goya Club, also in Vagator, was shut down for alleged violations of rules.
Elsewhere, campaigning for local body polls, AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal said the fire incident at Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub at Arpora, which claimed 25 lives on December 6, happened because the BJP government in the state was corrupt.
An inspection of Cafe CO2 Goa by a state government-appointed team revealed that the establishment, with a seating capacity of 250, did not possess a no-objection certificate (NOC) of the Fire and Emergency Services Department. The club, which sits atop Ozrant Cliff, also did not have structural stability, the team found.
The Fire and Emergency Services on Saturday also revoked the NOC issued to Diaz Pool Club and Bar at Anjuna as the fire extinguishers installed in the establishment were found to be inadequate, said divisional fire officer Shripad Gawas.
A notice was issued to Nitin Wadhwa, the partner of the club, he said in the order.
Campaigning at Chimbel village near Panaji in support of his party's Zilla Panchayat election candidate, Aam Aadmi Party leader Kejriwal said the nightclub fire at Arpora happened because of the "corruption of the Pramod Sawant-led state government."
"Why this fire incident happened? I read in the newspapers that the nightclub had no occupancy certificate, no building licence, no excise licence, no construction licence or trade licence. The entire club was illegal but still it was going on," he said.
"How could it go on? Couldn't Pramod Sawant or anyone else see it? I was told that hafta (bribe) was being paid," the former Delhi chief minister said.
A person can not work without bribing officials in the coastal state, Kejriwal said, alleging that officers, MLAs and even ministers are accepting bribes.
