Report: Shodhan Prasad
Dubai, Aug 15: Jayashreekrishna Parisara Premi Samiti, an NGO founded in 2000 and committed to the development of undivided Dakshina Kannada, including Mangaluru and Udupi districts, organised its Gulf Overseas Chapter Meeting at the Rooftop Fortune Atrium Hotel, Dubai, on Thursday, August 13.
The gathering brought together prominent NRI Kannadigas, representatives of Karnataka-oriented organisations, business leaders and well-wishers to discuss environmental protection, regional development, industrial growth, employment generation, tourism and social harmony.
The Samiti works towards environmental protection, sustainable development, industrial promotion and social welfare, while also seeking to unite NRI Kannadigas and Tulu-speaking communities through its overseas chapters.
Brief of the Foundation
Founder Thonse Jayakrishna A Shetty
Jayashreekrishna Parisara Premi Samiti is a non-governmental organisation founded by Tonse Jayakrishna A Shetty on September 5, 2000. It focuses on environmental protection, sustainable development, industrial promotion and social welfare, primarily centred around the coastal region of Karnataka, India, with active overseas wings, including in the UAE.
Jayakrishna, a well-known businessman, was born in Tonse to Annayya Shetty and Kanaka Shetty of Padumane. After completing his SSLC at Pipareth High School in Kemmannu, he came to Mumbai. In Mumbai, he continued his education and completed his BE with flying colours and started working. While working, he thought of developing his own district and started organising various programmes with the support and guidance of former Defence minister and MP, George Fernandes, for the all-round development of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts. Thus, he came to be known as the great son of Tulunadu.
Sarvotham Shetty Welcomes Dignitaries
Sarvotham Shetty, convener of the UAE Samiti and president of Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha, delivered the welcome address and invited the distinguished guests.
The gathering was attended by Dr Ronald Colaco, noted philanthropist and NRI Distinguished Fellow of the Institute of Directors (India-Global); Padma Shri Dr B R Shetty, renowned industrialist and prominent leader of Kannadigas in the UAE; Dharmapal Devadiga, president of Vishwa Devadiga Mahamandala; Lt Gen Dr Devid Frank Fernandes; UAE-based businessman Ronald Pinto; and Hidayath Adur.
President Thonse Jayakrishna A Shetty welcomed the dignitaries with shawls and floral offerings, following which the programme was inaugurated by lighting the traditional lamp, symbolising knowledge, unity and the spirit of social service.
Dr Ronald Colaco calls for an end to communalism
Delivering the keynote address, Dr Ronald Colaco, who hails from Moodbidri in Dakshina Kannada, highlighted the importance of community participation and environmental responsibility.
Dr Ronald Colaco is a highly successful entrepreneur and an exceptional philanthropist. Despite achieving remarkable success in business, he believes in giving back to society and has undertaken numerous charitable initiatives across various fields.
Over the years, he has extended his support to education, law enforcement, religious institutions, public infrastructure, healthcare and social welfare programmes. His contributions have earned him more than 50 prestigious awards from esteemed governmental and private institutions across the USA, Canada, Australia, Europe and the Middle East.
A role model for generations, Dr Ronald Colaco’s unwavering commitment to philanthropy, irrespective of caste, creed or region, has set an inspiring example for others. His generosity and dedication continue to benefit countless individuals, reinforcing the spirit of humanity and community service.
He spoke about the origins of the Samiti and its efforts towards the development of the twin coastal districts. He also cited the example of the proposed Cogentrix Energy Project in Mangaluru, observing that prolonged legal, environmental and political issues eventually led to the project being withdrawn. He said such developments represented lost opportunities for employment generation and economic growth in Coastal Karnataka.
Dr Colaco expressed concern that industries capable of contributing to the development of the coastal region are increasingly moving elsewhere, leaving the region with fewer employment opportunities for its younger generation.
He cautioned that communalism could become a serious impediment to the future development of Coastal Karnataka.
“Instead of fighting among ourselves in the name of caste and religion, we must come together and create a conducive environment for industries and investments in our districts. The growth of industries will pave the way for the overall development and prosperity of our region,” Dr Ronald Colaco said.
He called upon NRIs to take greater initiative in promoting Coastal Karnataka as a vibrant tourist destination and stressed that collective efforts are essential to building a sustainable and progressive society.
‘Respect for Other Communities Is Our Supreme Responsibility’
Dr Colaco also referred to the message prominently featured in the event invitation:
“Loving our own caste and religion is our responsibility, but loving and respecting other castes and religions is our supreme responsibility.”
He emphasised that mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and humanity are fundamental to building a progressive and harmonious society.
Dignitaries Highlight Development Potential
Dr B R Shetty, Dharmapal Devadiga and Dr Frank Fernandes jointly appreciated the initiatives of the Samiti and extended their best wishes for its continued social service activities.
The speakers emphasised that economic development and environmental protection must progress together. They highlighted the potential of industrialisation, tourism and commercial activities to contribute to the development of undivided Dakshina Kannada and Coastal Karnataka.
They also stressed the need for responsible industrial growth while controlling pollution and protecting natural resources. Tourism and commercial development, they noted, can generate employment and contribute to poverty reduction and improved livelihoods.
Thonse Jayakrishna A Shetty Highlights Development Initiatives
In his concluding address, Thonse Jayakrishna A Shetty, founder and president of the Samiti, outlined its various developmental initiatives and reaffirmed its commitment to environmental protection and social welfare.
He recalled the Samiti’s efforts in areas including bringing the Nagarjuna Thermal Power Project to Udupi, upgrading Mangaluru Airport to international standards, extending the lease of Kudremukh Iron Ore Company, establishing the Mangaluru–Bengaluru rail link and developing the Mangaluru Special Economic Zone.
He also highlighted the contribution of former Defence minister and Member of Parliament late George Fernandes, particularly towards major development projects such as the Konkan Railway.
Speaking about the pressing environmental challenges facing the coast, Jayakrishna Shetty called for a permanent solution to coastal erosion, noting that substantial funds are being spent on breakwater projects without achieving a lasting solution.
He also pointed out the enormous tourism potential of the coastal districts and stressed the need for better roads and infrastructure, particularly through the Western Ghats, to facilitate tourism and smooth transportation.
Thonse Jayakrishna A Shetty’s concluding speech was vibrant, spirited and filled with extraordinary enthusiasm. His words reflected not merely the vision of an organisation, but the deep personal commitment of a man who appears to have devoted himself wholeheartedly to the cause of Coastal Karnataka.
His passionate presentation made it evident that the development and welfare of the coastal districts has become a mission close to his heart. With remarkable energy, he spoke about the various initiatives undertaken by the Parisara Premi Samiti and the challenges that continue to confront the region.
It was as though he had placed his business pursuits aside and dedicated his time, energy and experience to the larger mission of developing Coastal Karnataka. His determination, conviction and fighting spirit clearly demonstrated that his involvement with the Parisara Samiti is not merely an organisational responsibility, but a personal mission to see the coastal region progress economically, socially and environmentally.
His speech left a strong impression on the gathering, reflecting the passion of a person who has made the development of Coastal Karnataka his cause and the welfare of its people his driving force.
Dr Ronald Colaco and Dr B R Shetty Honoured
During the programme, Thonse Jayakrishna A Shetty honoured Dr Ronald Colaco and Dr B R Shetty with Mysore Peta, shawls, fruits and flower bouquets in recognition of their contributions to environmental awareness, social service, industrial development and community welfare.
Jayakrishna Shetty acknowledged Dr Colaco’s tremendous support to the Samiti and said his contribution had strengthened its efforts towards the development of Coastal Karnataka.
Although Dr Colaco initially expressed that he did not wish to be felicitated, he eventually accepted the honour and shared the occasion with Dr B R Shetty.
NRI Community Strengthens Fellowship
The gathering provided an opportunity for prominent NRI Kannadigas, leaders of Karnataka-oriented organisations and well-wishers in the UAE to meet, interact and exchange ideas.
The discussions covered environmental conservation, industrial and economic development, employment generation, tourism, social harmony and collective responsibility.
The event reinforced the message that environmental protection, economic progress and social harmony can be pursued together through community participation and responsible action.
The programme concluded with a cocktail dinner hosted by Dr Ronald Colaco at Fortune Atrium Hotel, where the guests enjoyed the hospitality extended by owner Praveen Shetty and his ever-smiling hotel staff.
The Dubai meeting thus served as an important platform for strengthening the fellowship among NRI Kannadigas while renewing the collective commitment towards the development, environmental protection and social welfare of Coastal Karnataka.