Communal Coexistence: Christian NRI Helps Renovate 11th Century Hindu Temple

Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore

Bangalore, Apr 18: NRI philanthropist Ronald Colaco’s pioneering and generous act of donating Rs one million to an ancient, ruined Hindu temple of Hoysala era, not only inspired the former MLA Muninarasimhaiah and other local leaders of Bangalore North, but also prompted them to take up and complete the task of rebuilding the temple of powerful Goddess Sri Chennarayaswamy, accompanied by Sridevi and Bhoodevi.

This temple was built during 1018-1038 AD by Vishnuvardhan dynasty of Hoysala era at Chikkajala of Bangalore North Taluk. Over the centuries this famous ancient temple got ruined beyond repair.

When the local leaders of that area, under the leadership of former MLA Muninarasimaiah, visited Ronald Colaco to explain their plan on rebuilding the temple, Colaco visited the spot and after realising the importance of such an ancient temple, instantly issued a cheque of Rs one million to encourage them to take up the task.

According to former MLA, it was Ronald Colaco who inspired their initiative, which helped them to raise a large sum of money due to his pioneering good example. He further stated that Ronald Colaco has helped in the construction and rebuild of more than 29 Hindu temples, among which, Sri Muneshwara temple had been completely built and donated by Colaco to the backward people of Bovipalya and Navarathna Agrahara of JalaHobli.

Former MLA Muninarasimmaiah said that Colaco had been setting a good example of communal harmony, since two decades with his generous contributions, irrespective of cast, creed, religion or region which encouraged a large number of leaders of all political parties and other leaders, to simply follow the path set by Colaco.

When a mediaperson enquired Colaco about the reason for helping the Hindu temples, being a Christian, he said that he believed in co-existence of people of all faiths in our country and therefore, ever since 1991-92, has been contributing towards rebuilding of temples, churches, mosques apart from other various charitable and social activities.

Important temples which have received the contributions of Colaco include Balaji Devalaya of Sri Venkataramanaswamy temple at Tharabanahally, Sree Rama temple at Devanahally, Sri ShirdiSai Baba temple at Kadur, Kateel temple of Sri DurgaParameshwari of Mangalore Taluk to set up cool water drinking facility, Sri Muttialamma temple at Doddajala, Sri Shiva temple at Shringeri, Kadri temple of Mangalore, during Krishna Janmastami and others, involving a contribution, exceeding Rs 7 million.

Ronald Colaco founded the International Federation of Karnataka Christian Association (IFKCA), for empowerment of Christians. He was felicitated by over 30 Christian Konkani associations, spread abroad across the UAE, for his service to humanity and the community, apart from his efforts in influencing the Government to withdraw cases foisted against 338 Christian youth during the 2008 church attacks in Karnataka

The Temple managing committee members headed by former MLA Muninarasimmaiah, working president V S Ravishankar, secretary R Venkatash, treasurer H A Muniraju and other leaders felicitated Ronald Colaco along with Denis D'Silva, state convener of IFKCA on Tuesday April 17 by offering special puja at the temple.