Yashodhara Bangera
Daijiworld Media Network - Moodbidri (EP/SP)
Mangaluru, Jul 16: Entrepreneur, Ronald Colaco, recalled that when Moodbidri MLA, Abhaya Chandra Jain, told him about his decision not to enter electoral politics henceforth, he had instantly suggested Ivan D'Souza's candidature in his place. "I asked Jain to support Ivan's candidature and he readily agreed to it. People of Moodbidri too love and support Ivan because he treats people from all communities equally and always is found engaged with people-centric programmes. There is hope as long as politicians like Ivan cherish humanitarian values in social life," he said.
Colaco was addressing the gathering after taking part in a programme organized at Mount Mary Ashram, Alangar near Moodbidri in the capacity of chief guest on Saturday July 15. This programme was held for release of a book titled 'Ivan D'Souza - Joy of Fulfilled Promises, a leader who walks the talk'. The book has been brought out to celebrate Ivan's completion of three years in the capacity of MLC and one year as chief whip of the government in legislative council.
"I do not belong to any political party. I am an apolitical person. When I help people, I take them as only human beings without seeing their religion caste or creed. Their political affiliations are not important to me. I request all the politicians to work for the people honestly so that our country grows in all spheres." Colaco added.
MP and former chief minister of Karnataka, Veerappa Moily, who too was a chief guest at the programme, expressed the view that people involved with politics can serve the people very well only if they nurture humane values, have social concern, and possess leadership qualities. "Politics of vengeance is dangerous for the development of the country. If the party in power works for the welfare of a particular section of the society, it spells doom for the integrity and unity of the country as a whole. War between two countries can never be something to be celebrated by either the ruling party or the other parties. A person who has inherent qualities of sensitivity and coordination can become people's representative naturally. I have observed that Ivan always has interest of the society in his mind," he stated.
"I wanted Ivan to contest from Mangaluru constituency in the last election, but Colaco recommended JR Lobo instead. We all supported Colaco's decision. Later, Colaco himself pushed Ivan for MLC seat. He was instrumental in getting Ivan, the legislative council membership as well as making him chief whip," Moily added.
Mangaluru Bishop, Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza, who released the book, said that Ivan happens to be a social worker who practices what he preaches. On this occasion, Ivan was congratulated on behalf of various organizations like Biruver Kudla, All India Catholic Union, Karnataka State Catholic Union and other institutions and organizations.
Speaking on the occasion, Ivan D'Souza said he is in politics because of his desire to do something good for the society. "I was made chief whip in the legislative council in a short span of three years because of discipline and hard work adopted by me in my life. People have recognized the fact that I have 100 % attendance in the council. I always take active part in important discussions and wherever possible, I lend a helping hand to people in need through financial assistances under various schemes of the government," he explained.
Mulky-Moodbidri MLA, Abhaya Chandra Jain said "I am grateful to Ronald Colaco for what he has done for this constituency in different ways. He has helped me a lot during my stint as MLA here. I will always remain indebted to him."
Former minster, B A Mohiuddin, zilla panchayat member, Anitha Shetty, senior advocate, A C Jayaraj, city mayor, Kavita Sanil, Moodbidri town municipal president, Harinakshi Suvarna, vice president, Vinod Serrao, standing committee chairman, Koragappa, Fr Edwin Pinto, Sr Prescilla D'Mello, Karnataka Cashew Development Corporation president, B H Khader, Moodbidri block Congress president, Valerian Sequeira, bock youth Congress president, Chandrahasa Sanil, leaders like Ratnakar C Moily, Padmaprasad Jain and others were present. Hussain Katipalla compered the programme.