Bangalore: Advocates thank Ronald Colaco for modern Bhavan
Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore
Bangalore, Jul 29: Just two days after chief minister Siddaramaiah inaugurated the Advocates’ Bhavan donated by philanthropist and NRI businessman Ronald Colaco, the advocates of Devanahalli once again gathered at the newly opened hall. This time there was not much fanfare or the prying eyes of the media because the advocates wanted it that way. They just wanted to convey their gratitude and heartfelt thanks to Colaco who had donated the fully furnished hall to the advocates’ union, built at a cost of Rs 80 lac. They wanted it to be a low-key affair with the presence of Colaco and his family and the advocates’ fraternity. The advocates wanted to felicitate Colaco which they could not do on the inauguration day as Colaco had to leave the function half way through to attend to an emergency.
When Colaco along with his wife Jean and son Randal Colaco arrived at the Advocates’ Bhavan, they were surprised to be welcomed by about 350 advocates of Devanahalli Sessions Court along with their state and local officer bearers. Colaco was given to understand that the advocates merely wanted a group photo with his family. However, the family was in for a bigger surprise when they were told it is a lengthy programme of felicitation in celebration of the magnanimity of Colaco for donating the hall to the advocates union. The advocates had come fully prepared with gigantic garlands, flowers and bouquets and there was a feeling of happiness in the surrounding atmosphere.
Maregowda, President of Advocates’ Union in his introductory speech pointed out that the state has about 185 associations but the Avocates’ Bhavan at Devanahalli is the most modern and spacious hall in the entire state. He thanked Colaco for his generosity and said that the advocates of this and future generation would remember him and his family with gratitude for their kind gesture.
Former President Srinivasmurthy stated that the newly constructed hall has given roof over the head of advocates who were working under the shade of the trees after they had to forego their hall when the court was expanded 2 ½ years ago. He said that the idea of approaching Colaco to help build the hall was mooted by Chandrashekar, one of the office bearers and after that Colaco’s advocate Raviraj, Ramesh and Srinivasmurthy approached Colaco who agreed to help and asked them to give them an estimation.
Narayanamurty, senior most advocate of Devanahalli Court and former president of the Advocates’ union was quite frank when he stated that he had own reservations initially about asking for help from an outside person because it is not a charitable institution. But once the office bearers had approached Colaco and got a positive response from him everyone fell in line. “I believe there is no element of selfishness in Colaco’s philanthropy”, he stated.
Colaco was felicitated with shawl, garland, bowl of fruits and Mysore peta and with a painting of “The Last Supper”. His son Randal was presented with a golden-silver peta and all the three were felicitated with a gigantic garland by the advocates. Many advocates had come with flowers to show their gratitude to Colaco.
Colaco who was visibly happy by the love, affection and adulation shown by the advocates said that he was deeply touched by their love and warmth. “While birth is accidental death is certain. In between the period that we live we have to lead a life doing something useful. God has given me only one opportunity and there is no second chance. I always wanted to do something for the society I have grown with and this hall is just the result of that desire to work for the betterment of the society in general.
Colaco pointed out that in return of whatever he has done he expects the advocates to work sincerely and with utmost care so that justice prevails so that even the poor are able to approach the judiciary as and when there is a need. He told the advocates that they should study the documents of their clients carefully, hold discussions with their clients as that might help speed up the pending cases.
Former President of the union Srinivasmurthy speaking to Daijiworld.com stated that as there was no place for advocates to sit during the interval or discuss with the clients they had to approach Colaco. “This is the most modern, most spacious and airy advocates’ bhavan in the entire country and we are proud to say that we have the most sophisticated hall in the entire country”.
The initial estimation of the project was only Rs. 40 lacs but Colaco who is known for doing things with meticulousness and a stamp of his own donated a fully furnished hall to the advocates built at a cost of Rs. 80 lacs. The 3500 sq ft hall consists of a huge hall for holding gatherings, meetings and functions. There is also a boardroom and ladies and gents toilets. The work of the hall was overseen by his son Nigel Colaco.
Muniyappa, Chairman of the State Bar Council, B M Baire Gowda, former president of Advocates' Union, Denis D Silva, Roshan Castelino were present on the occasion.
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