By Denzil Fernandes
Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Feb 26: In a simple but impressive function, Bengaluru’s Mangalureans got a New Year gift when the beautifully built ‘Konkan Samudhaya Bhavan’ was inaugurated in the presence of eminent personalities, members of Kanara Catholic Association (KCA) and guests on Saturday in Bangalore.
Flying in from Australia was shipping magnate Leslie Fernandes who was the supporter of Konkan Bhavan ans the Chief Guest of the programme alongside Guest of Honour, NRI philanthropist and the force behind the building project, Ronald Colaco, who also jetted back from the U.S. after attending momentous breakfast meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump.
Karen Ann Pais Prabhu started the evening with an apt quote by Dr B R Ambedkar, the Architect of the Indian Constitution. " Men, are mortal. So, are ideas. An idea needs propagation, as much as a plant needs watering. Otherwise, both idea and plant will wither and die."
After a beautiful invocation by the talented Kripa Fernandes the programme took off with a welcome speech by the young President of the KCA, Errol Fernandes. Errol especially mentioned the efforts of Nigel Colaco (son of Ronald Colaco) who was instrumental in getting the entire building erected in an efficient manner. Nigel’s follow up on all matters of engineering, architectural & construction of Konkan Bhavan building apart from chasing for approvals related to execution & purchasing from the various trustees and members got special mention and appreciation.
The chief guest Leslie Fernandes was introduced by Dr. Joe Rasquinha highlighting all his charitable services in respect of Old Age Home, Orphanages, Churches and other social activities including his support for Konkan Bhavan to the tune of INR One Crore. Leslie Fernandes in his address to the gathering explained that when he was approached by Ronald Colaco and other Trustees about the multi-facility project of Konkan Bhavan, he was moved by the concept of providing accommodation at affordable rates for those Mangalureans coming to Bengaluru from Kanara region in search of their employment and therefore extended his wholehearted support for the project.
The Vice President of KCA, Marjorie Texeira introduced Ronald Colaco highlighting some of his well-known social and charitable works including those that have created history in the entire country as well as various honours that have been bestowed upon him nationally & internationally, including that by the Office of the Prime Minister of Australia in 2015 for his Excellence in Outstanding Humanitarian Services.
Ronald Colaco, also being the Chairman of Konkan Welfare Trust (KWT) addressed the gathering and explained all about KWT constituted by two premium Mangalorean organisations of Bangalore namely, Kanara Catholic Association (KCA) and Konkan Catholic Association of Bangalore (KONCAB) with a 50:50 ratio. Despite being 62 years in existence, KCA never had an address of their own whilst the same goes to KONCAB which is 25 years old. With the new setup of the Konkan Bhavan, both these bodies become the proud owners of the new place.
Colaco stated that the Konkan Bhavan houses a main hall with an upper gallery, mini hall, separate dining area with hand-wash & toilet facilities, accommodation on YMCA lines that has provision for about 42 beds with toilet facilities. There are separate offices allocated for KCA, KONCAB, KWT and International Federation of Karnataka Christian Association (IFKCA) of which Ronald Colaco is the Chairman. IFKCA has more than 60 units spread across various Districts and Taluks of Karnataka consisting of various Christian denominations with an objective of safeguarding the interests of Minorities & to take an effective role in the electorate.
He also stated that the State Government has extended financial support during the tenure of Shri Yeddyurappa as well as Shri Siddharamaiah, as Chief Ministers of the State, to the total tune of Rs. One Crore. Colaco mentioned that there is a need for more funds to furnish the Bhavan and therefore urged those willing to contribute to this social cause with sense of belonging since this Konkan Bhavan will always remain as a true identity of Mangalurean Catholics and every contributor is an automatic co-owner of this prestigious project, benefitting present & future generations. While lauding the contribution of Rs. One Crore from Leslie Fernandes, Ronald Colaco gave some fine examples of other places in the State for creation of similar identity of well spread Mangalorean Catholics which prompted the construction of the Chikmagalur Catholic Club with the help of Christian donors and contributors, apart from his own financial support. He appreciated the support given by many Christian businessmen in putting up the Konkan Samudhaya Bhavan building in Bangalore especially those from Austin Roach, Errol Fernandes, Adrian Dsouza, Dr Allan Pinto, Michael Dsouza, Ronald Pinto, PC Mallappa & RPG Granites & Norman Texeira. Colaco highlighted the contribution of Rudolf Mascarenhas to the tune of INR Twenty Lakhs for the project. He also expressed his admiration for the large philanthropic work of Rudolf Mascarenhas in spending INR Five Crores towards the AIDs infected children’s accommodation, hospital, chapel and other facilities in Balehonnur of Chikkamagalur District
The Bhavan is worth at least Rs.20 crores going by today’s market rates with the building cost exceeding Rs.6 crores of which 1/3rd cost is borne by Ronald Colaco.
Following the opening ceremony one was provided with scintillating entertainment in their annual ‘Mood Manglowrean’ musical programme called ‘Firgaz Fest’ ably directed by Vice President Marjorie Texeira that was a feast for the eyes. There were at least 55 artistes on stage replicating the traditional Mangalorean festivities which was delightful and highly entertaining. The evening concluded with fellowship and a lavish dinner kindly sponsored by large hearted businessman Austin Roach and his wife Hilma Roach. The Main Sponsor of the event was the President of KCA, Errol Fernandes.
Karen Ann Pais Prabhu emceed the evening with glamour and "quotes" in that order, summing up the evening beautifully and ensuring a smooth and eloquent affair for all in attendance.
Ajay Fernandes, Treasurer for KCA proposed the vote of thanks. A packed audience of more than 700 people could not have asked for a better opening show, followed by Mood Manglowrean entertainment event.
The Konkan Samudhaya Bhavan now becomes a symbol of identity and unity for all Mangaloreans in Bangalore who can now walk tall with their heads held high having created history with their own multi-facility building to foster oneness on one hand & provide these facilities at an affordable rate to those in need on the other.
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