by Ramcy Fernandes
Daijiworld Media Network—Dubai
Dubai, Dec 7: “The International Federation of Karnataka Christian Association (IFKCA) has been formed to unite Christians around Karnataka and the world, to protect our clergies, religious places, and for empowerment of Christians,” said Ronald Colaco, founder and chairman of IFKCA, after receiving the felicitation of over 30 Christian Konkani associations spread across the UAE for his dedicated service to humanity, community, and especially his role in withdrawing the 338 cases filed against Christians during the 2008 church attacks.
A felicitation programme was initiated by community leaders from Dubai with the support of about 30 different associations formed in UAE for the purpose of promoting the Konkani language, culture, and to support needy people back home. The event was organized at the Banquet Hall of London Suites, Al Wasel Sports Club, Dubai, on Tuesday December 6.
“IFKCA is spread over 50 taluks around Karnataka, and thousands of youth have already joined from around the state,” said Colaco while urging all the associations in the UAE to affiliate with the organization.
“Our religious leaders and clergies have provided tremendous service to humanity, despite being a minority. The number of educational and health care institutions around the country speaks volumes about their contribution. It is because of them that we have an identity in Christianity, and it is our duty to respect and protect them,” added Colaco.
He regretted the 2008 church attacks in Mangalore and other places in the state and thanked the state government, especially former chief minister B S Yeddyurappa and current chief minister Sadananda Gowda, for their support in withdrawing the 338 cases against Christian youth He also thanked Dr V S Acharya, former home minister and current higher education minister of Karnataka, current home minister R Ashok, law minister Suresh, other ministers, police officials, and bureaucrats.
“IFKCA has played a key role in this movement. Initially, we had the knowledge of cases registered against only 150 youth, but under the leadership of Denis D'Silva, IFKCA convener, we managed to get more details from police files through the RTI Act. It was shocking to know that a total of 338 youth were implicated in more than 23 cases,” added Colaco.
He praised the work of Denis D'Silva, convener of IFKCA, Jossy Lobo, president of IFKCA Balehonnur, Roshan Castelino, president of Sparsha Social Service Centre, Michael Baptist, secretary, IFKCA, Stanly K Bangarpet, and others who have been instrumental in the entire movement.
He made special mention of the priests, nuns, bishops, archbishops, and all clergies who prayed and worked behind the scenes for the last three years.
The programme began around 8.30 pm with prayer by Ashok and Sunitha Menezes, followed by a formal welcome and introduction by compere Rony Baindur.
Walter Nandalike , briefed about Colaco’s role in supporting the youth. Hailing Colaco as an ‘all community man’, he added that his rapport with all political parties, various religious leaders, the police department, and bureaucrats helped the 338 young people to return to normal life.
Dayan D’Souza lauded the great work done by Colaco throughout his life and mentioned some of the important projects he has supported. He made special mention of his support to Konkani language and culture.
Dayan D'Souza and James Mendonca presented garlands to Colaco and his wife Jean.
A greeting card signed by representatives/presidents of all the associations was presented to him by Peter Lewis, renowned artist and formed Karnataka Janapad Kala Academy president, who was on a visit to the UAE.
All association representatives presented flower bouquets to Colaco as a token of appreciation from the respective organizations.
In his thanksgiving speech, Colaco said that this is one of the most touching felicitations he has received, as he never expected any returns for his work. He stressed that he had decided to donate part of his earnings when he got married to Jean, whose support helped him to reach out to needy people.
He thanked all the organizational representatives for gathering in large numbers despite it being a weekday. "This shows your love for me and I am grateful to each and everyone of you,” he said.
Nelson Rodrigues, Ronald Fernandes, Kumar Fernandes, Michael Castelino, James Mendonca, and Dayan D’Souza were instrumental in organizing the felicitation programme.
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