Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (SB)
Mangaluru, Mar 8: On the occasion of his 60th birthday, cine-serial actor, producer, entrepreneur and philanthropist Ron Rodrigues donated Rs 25 lac to construct five houses for five underprivileged families in Balpa Village, Bantwal on Saturday, March 6.
He handed over the cheque to Sudhakar Shetty of Mugrody Construction in the presence of BJP state president and MP Nalin Kumar Kateel. Harikrishna Bantwal, chairman of KEONICS was also present.
MP Nalin hailed Ron for his way of celebrating his birthday and donating to financially disadvantaged families. He also appreciated Ron for his love towards his motherland and for his close ties with locals.
Speaking on the occasion Harikrishna Bantwal said, "I have known Ron since we were kids. He has always given back to society. Even after settling in London, he continues to provide financial aid to those in need. Ron has always made sure to never publicize his charitable works. Instead of celebrating his birthday with grandeur, he has given money to construct five houses for the poor. He is a role model for our society. We are thankful to him for his generosity towards those in need."
When Daijiworld contacted Ron to know more about his philanthropic deed, he maintained that he wishes to remain anonymous for his charitable deeds. However, on insisting on him further, he agreed to share a few words. “Last year in October I came to India for a visit, to act in a Konkani serial. But, I have been unable to go back to London due to travel restrictions imposed by the British government amid Covid-19. I celebrated my 60th birthday in a modest manner and decided to give something to society from my wealth. I believe that a roof above one's head is the blessing of God. Inspired by this thought I decided to donate five houses to the poor in Bantwal which is also happens to be my native town. I travelled around Bantwal and found five families in Balpa village to whom I donated the houses."
"The construction of the houses is expected to be completed by November this year. Once the houses are built I will visit the families and stay with them for a day. I was born into a poor family and suffered a lot in my childhood. Hunger and poverty taught me what life is and how to overcome hardships. So in all success and on special occasions of my life, I remember the poor who are struggling without proper food and shelter," he added.
Ron Rodrigues is a native of Bantwal and is a successful businessman and philanthropist in London. He has also gained wide popularity for his acting in Tulu and Konkani movies. He bagged the best supporting actor award in the first-ever Global Konkani Cine Awards for his acting in the Konkani movie Ek Aslyar Ek Na. He has co-produced a number of Konkani and Tulu movies. Ron is also the producer of the Konkani serial Godfather which airs on Daijiworld TV.