Social service a way to fulfill my duty towards society: Philanthropist Dr. Ronald Colaco
Prominent Philanthropist honoured for receiving ‘Certificate of Excellence’ by World Book of Records
Mangaluru: Dr. Ronald Colaco, prominent NRI entrepreneur and philanthropist, who was felicitated with a ‘Civic Honour’ here, said that his work has merely been a fulfillment of his duty towards society.
Dr. Colaco was felicitated with the honour as he was recently conferred with the ‘Certificate of Excellence’ by the World Book of Records, London.
Dr. Colaco and his wife Jean were felicitated at the Father Muller Convention Center on Friday. The program was presided over by the Archbishop of Bengaluru Diocese Most Rev. Dr. Peter Machado.
Receiving the ‘Civic Honour’, Dr. Colaco thanked all who had stood by him and supported him in his efforts at social service over the decades. He gave a special word of thanks to his wife Jean Colaco, reminiscing that, during his wedding, his wife and he had vowed to use a part of their earnings for social work. “I have only been fulfilling the vow we took then, considering it a duty towards society. My work has not been an effort to gain name or fame,” he added.
Dr. Colaco thanked the media for its support in not just earning him appreciation but also earning a doctorate for social service.
The philanthropist said that, while he was happy to receive the honour, “It would have satisfied me greatly if the organizing committee had spent the time, money and energy on social work.”
Speaking on the importance of social and religious harmony, Dr. Colaco reminded, “When all human beings have the same body structure, our roles as human beings should always get prominence over our differences in the name of religion and caste,” pointing out to the presence of people from various religions harmoniously in one program.
He also pointed out to the fact that a meaningful life is as important as the number of years we add on to our age. He added, “The most important bank balance for humans is in the ‘Bank of Heaven’, where the ‘richness of our hearts’ would be calculated on the basis of the hearts we won or responded to. Living on good terms with our neighbours is a basic step in adding to the balance here, in ensuring we get a shower of blessings.”
Dr. Colaco also spoke on the need for introspection, saying leaders in society were paying greater attention to pointing out the mistakes of others rather than analyzing themselves.
Closing his address, the philanthropist asked the audience to take an oath on the occasion to contribute to society to the best of one’s ability.
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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HD Kumaraswamy declares 'war' on Karnataka govt, accuses DK Shivakumar of 'loot'
Bengaluru, Apr 05 (PTI): Accusing Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D K Shivakumar of attempting to "harass" him by misuse of power, JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy on Saturday "declared war" against this government.
He also warned the Congress government against provoking him, and claimed that he possessed substantial material to target it and its leaders.
He accused Shivakumar of "loot" while referring to the government's move to clear alleged encroachments by his family at Kethaganahalli near Bidadi, which he described as "vendetta politics".
Shivakumar hit back at Kumaraswamy, challenging him to release all the materials and said he was ready to face any punishment if proven wrong. "I'm not someone who fears Kumaraswamy or anyone."
Addressing reporters here, Union Minister Kumaraswamy said, "I'm here to challenge this government through you (the media). 40 years ago I had purchased 46 acres of land and very honestly I was earning like a farmer from it. In 40 years never seen was such vendetta politics..."
Charging Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar with trying to "harass" him by misusing power, he said he was "declaring a war against this government."
"Earlier they (Congress leaders) had said they will finish off the Deve Gowda (former PM and his father) family, several developments have taken place thereafter, there is no need to discuss it now. Facing such tortures is not new to our family since Deve Gowda's time."
Pointing to media coverage of 4-5 JCBs and 25-30 officials entering his farm amid heavy security to clear encroachment recently, Kumaraswamy said, "I want to ask people do I need to encroach 4 acres of land, being a former PM's son, being a former CM?"
Also, he attacked those claiming to be social activists and accusing him of encroaching land. "No one should stoop so low to character assassinate someone, if any illegality, release records and take action."
Recalling that he had purchased the land while working as a film distributor, long before entering politics, the former CM said he had never thought of coming to politics then.
"When I started bringing out the wrongs happening in this government with proof, this land issue has been created and brought out, with an intention to shut my mouth. Such attempts have been on, but till this moment they have not been successful. Even in this case I will fight within the framework of law," he added.
Pointing out that he had served as CM twice, Kumaraswamy said if he had encroached on any land illegally, he could have rectified it within 5 minutes. He made it clear to the people that he has never illegally encroached any land and all his transactions have been legal.
Referring to allegations that he illegally approved a 550-acre mining lease to Sri Sai Venkateswara Minerals (SSVM) in Ballari district in violation of the law, during his tenure as CM from 2006 to 2008, he said he never misused any constitutional office to set right matters that are against him.
"When I became CM the second time (2018 to 2019), I could have closed cases against me by instructing officials," he said.
Claiming that he has not engaged in political battles out of personal enmity, the former CM said, "I want to tell this government that I have tonnes of materials, don't provoke me."
In 2003-04, as Urban Development Minister Shivakumar had "looted", Kumaraswamy alleged and claimed that 65 grade iron ore was looted under the guise of iron mud, and there is documentary evidence to support this.
Alleging that people like Muhammad Ghori, Muhammad of Ghazni and Malik Kafur (general of the Delhi Sultanate ruler Alauddin Khalji) -- are sitting on the third floor of Vidhana Soudha and are looting the state, the union minister said, "For parking your vehicle in front of your house, now you will have to pay tax."
"....if people don't become cautious, then they will come to your bedroom saying that -- pay tax and use your bedroom. Such is this government," he said.
April 1 is known as "fools day", but this government, he alleged started making people of the state fools by effecting price rise on various essential goods or services like-- milk, electricity, diesel -- from that day.
