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.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Pakistan reports two more polio cases; Total tally now 52
ISLAMABAD: At least two more cases of poliovirus were reported in Pakistan, taking the number of infections to 52 so far this year, a report said on Friday.
“The Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication at the National Institute of Health has confirmed the detection of two more wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) cases in Pakistan," an official statement said.
The fresh infections — a boy and a girl — were reported from the Dera Ismail Khan district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province.
“Genetic sequencing of the samples collected from the children is underway," the statement read. Dera Ismail Khan, one of the seven polio-endemic districts of southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, has reported five polio cases so far this year.
Of the 52 cases in the country this year, 24 are from Balochistan, 13 from Sindh, 13 from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and one each from Punjab and Islamabad.
There is no cure for polio. Only multiple doses of the oral polio vaccine and completion of the routine vaccination schedule for all children under the age of five can keep them protected.
