Dubai: Mangalore Konkans to confer 'Konkan Ratn' title on Colaco
Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network
Dubai, Oct 1 : Completing 25 years is a milestone for any institution and Mangalore Konkans Dubai is in a celebratory mood to mark its silver jubilee this year in a befitting manner. As an important part of the year-long celebrations which concludes in October 2013, Mangalore Konkans Dubai has decided to confer a special award 'Konkan Ratn' on NRI businessman and entrepreneur Ronald Colaco in a magnificent function to be held on October 25, 2013 in Dubai.
It was collective decision of the special committee to confer the special award on Ronald Colaco when the issue of choosing the person for the special award came in for discussion in the meeting as part of Mangalore Konkans silver jubilee celebrations.
President of Mangalore Konkans Dubai, James Mendonca said “To commemorate our silver jubilee we want to confer a special award on an individual who has made a significant difference to the life of the Christian community in particular and society in general. We could not come across a more apposite personality than Ronald Colaco, whose service to the Christian community in particular and the general public is wide-ranging and enormous”.
Ronald Colaco, a NRI businessman for more than two decades having investments and business interests in the Middle East, Europe and US has been one of the main pillars of the Catholic community ever since he decided to come back to pay his debt back to the society from which he has benefitted immensely. Guided by the passion to give something back to the place of his birth and to the country from which he has gained, Colaco has been very active in promoting a slew of activities which have made a difference to the lives of millions of people. “He is the tallest leader of the community whose involvement, generosity and vision for the overall wellbeing of our community is unparalleled. He has not restricted his munificence or service to the Christian community alone. Be it social service, encouragement to education, sports activities, promotion of art and culture or providing succor to the poor and the needy, Colaco has always showed his magnanimity irrespective of caste, creed or religion. He has inspired other individuals and institutions by his philanthropic activities. This is what sets him apart from the rest and we are proud to acknowledge he belongs to our community”, declares Tracy Rodrigues, Co-coordinator of the silver jubilee celebrations, for choosing Colaco for the special award.
As a philanthropist Ronald Colaco has contributed millions for the general welfare of the people irrespective of caste, creed, race or religion. His generosity has resulted in building many state-of the-art police stations, in Bangalore inspiring other IT companies to follow suit. He has also donated a global standard road in Bangalore on NH 7 near Bangalore International Airport, built an Advocates Bhavan at Devanahalli. Colaco has been providing scholarships to the children of the police personnel, to provide encouragement to their children to excel in education. He has also contributed generously to the development of infrastructure, construction of schools, churches and for the renovation of temples.
His contributions to organizations involved in providing houses to the poor and the needy are exemplary. By his noble deeds he has set a personal example for many others to follow. In his commitment to the promotion of Konkani language, literature, art culture and heritage Colaco has always been very vocal and supportive both in terms of monetary contributions and involvement.
His service to humanity in diverse fields is not confined to monetary contributions alone. Apart from the generous donations he has made to every field of human activity, Colaco has played a stellar role in providing proper guidance to the Christian community when it was in dire straits. One cannot forget his timely service during the attack on places of worship in undivided Dakshina Kannada and his elephantine efforts to withdraw cases filed against Christians who were arrested in the aftermath of the violence that followed the church attacks.
As a man of vision and foresight Colaco established International Federation of Karnataka Christian Associations (IFKCA) of which he is the founder Chairman. IFKCA was set up with the solemn idea of protecting the interests of Christians and fostering unity among the different denominations of Christians. Today IFKCA has presence in more than 60 taluks of Karnataka and is slowly making its presence felt all over the country to foster unity and brotherhood. Under his able stewardship IFKCA has proved to be the rallying point for Christians to forge unity and demonstrate their strength.
State Convenor of IFKCA Denis D Silva says “Colaco has been the guiding force for the Catholic community and a philanthropist of highest caliber. His prescience on the issues concerning the community and his efforts to provide a solution are commendable. He is a leader with a capacity to lead and get things done”. It is heartening to know that it is not just Ronald Colaco but his entire family is indulging in philanthropic activity with the same moxie and fervor.
With such impeccable credentials it is but natural that Mangalore Konkans have chosen Ronald Colaco for the special award in recognition of his veritable efforts aimed at the welfare of the people in general and that of the Konkani community in general.
Note : Udaya News, a leading Kannada channel will bring an exclusive interview with Ronald Colaco on Thursday, October 3 at 8 am IST. The channel will be available on all satellite TV networks.