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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Taj Mahal top earning ASI monument through ticket sales from FY19-20 to FY23-24: Govt
New Delhi, Apr 3 (PTI): The iconic Taj Mahal in Agra earned the "highest income" through the sale of tickets among the ASI-protected monuments from FY19-20 to FY23-24, according to data shared by the government.
Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat shared the data in a written response to a query in Rajya Sabha.
He was asked the amount that the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has received from selling entry tickets to various monuments in the last five years, year-wise and monument-wise; and the monuments that have received the highest income through selling entry tickets in the last five years.
In his response, the minister shared the data in a tabular form for cycles of financial years ranging from FY19-20 to FY23-24.
According to the data, Taj Mahal earned the top slot for all five years.
The Mughal-era architectural wonder was commissioned by Emperor Shah Jehan in the 17th century and it is considered one of the most beautiful buildings in the world.
In FY19-20, the Agra Fort in Agra and Qutub Minar in Delhi were in the second and third positions.
In FY20-21, the Group of Monuments Mamallapuram in Tamil Nadu and Sun Temple, Konark were in the second and third positions. In FY23-24, Qutub Minar and Red Fort of Delhi were in the second and third positions.
