By Denzil Fernandes
Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore

Bangalore, Aug 25 : During the last year’s convention of Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM)  Ronald Colaco had  suggested to the diocese to pick up promising and intelligent boys and girls of the various parishes of Karnataka and organize  training and coaching classes for them to compete in the exams for the IAS, IPS, KAS, IRS and other similar positions in the country. 

He came forward to announce that he would support such causes financially for 20 candidates to meet their expenses to the tune of Rs 1 lac each so that we can build a strong and adequate representation in the bureaucratic field to serve the society to get rid of corruption with much dedication in general and safeguard the interest of the Christian community as well as other deprived classes irrespective of caste and creed in particular.

Following this, the Archbishop of Bangalore took the initiative and managed  to assign this task to Karnataka Regional Organisation for Social Service (KROSS) under the leadership of  Fr Peter Brank (Director). 

According to Fr Peter Brank, a total of 80 candidates came forward to take up training courses to appear for the KAS exams.  They were screened and 30 candidates were selected based on their merit.  The 30 selected candidates will undergo training and 3 will eventually get into the IAS cadre for the first time in the history of Karnataka.

The total expenditure towards training this batch of 30 candidates to take up  competitive exams was budgeted at Rs 1.3 million  by KROSS and Fr Peter Brank was planning to raise this amount by making his trip to the Middle East.  At this point, Ronald Colaco came forward to hand over a Cheque for Rs1.3 million to cover the entire  cost of training all the selected candidates so that Fr Peter Brank can spare his time to concentrate more on getting the resource persons, study materials and the related equipment.

While  talking at the inauguration of ' Career Advancement Programme for 2012  (CAP-2012)' on August 16, an initiative by Karnataka Regional Organization for Social Service (KROSS), Bangalore,the Archbishop told the gathering that they have a responsibility to “Give back to the  country and community, what they have received.”  

While wishing success to all the candidates he stressed upon them to take oath that they shall not take any bribe in their career since corruption has reached to the optimum level in all sections of our society  which is causing severe hardship to the common people. 

The Archbishop praised Ronald Colaco for his continuous support and contribution to all sections of the society in general and the Christians in particular.  He cited examples of his largesse where he had supported various institutions and communities without any hesitation.

Chief Guest Ronald Colaco was honoured and  felicitated by the Archbishop and Ronald Colaco shared his experiences with the young students and urged them to be ever vigilant, dedicated and committed to public service.  Ronald Colaco  said, 'Due and adequate representation of Christian community in all three important pillars of democracy that is, politics, administration and judiciary is very important in the present social climate. If we build up adequate representation in these three key areas, we can solve our problems ourselves and ensure no one does any injustice to us."

Dr Joseph Vettickan, principal, Civil Service Institute, Pala, Kerala,whose institute is responsible in producing a good number of bureucrats drawn from Christian communities  was the Guest of  Honour and was also honoured on the occasion.  Dr Vettickan was the main resource person during the day long deliberations with the candidates.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Joseph Vettickan asked the students to choose appropriate subjects and prepare themselves seriously for the various civil service examinations. Only with dedication and strong determination one could succeed in civil services, he reiterated.

The programme began with  Fr Peter Brank, Director KROSS and Karnataka Regional Pastoral Centre welcoming  the dignitaries. Chris Bernard, the CAP coordinator presented  a brief report of CAP and its future plans. Cyril W Vas compered the programme and Jocelyn Rodrigues proposed the vote of thanks.

Sr Genevieve, Education Secretary of KRCBC, Mari Joseph, Susainathan, Dr B N Naidu and other dignitaries were present at the occasion