Special Report
Pics by Dayananda Kukkaje

Kalasa, May 21: The Kalasa Hobali unit of International Federation of Karnataka Christian Association (IFKCA) and its new local office at Kalasa, were inaugurated recently by Ronald Colaco NRI businessman and philanthropist, who is also the Chairman of IFKCA, Bangalore.  Bishop of Chikmagalur diocese his Excellency Rev Dr Antonyswamy blessed the new office and the Kalala Hobli unit in the presence of dignitaries and thousands of devotees who had come to the programme in large numbers from nearby places of Heerabailu, Kalasa, Samse, Magundi and Theerthahalli. 

P S Antony, President of Hubli Unit IFKCA,   Kalasa presided over the function.  Fr Marcel Pinto, Parish priest of Jagadeeshwara Church, Kalasa,  R Rajendra, parish priest of St Joseph Church, Heerebailu, Felix Pinto, parish priest of Lourdes Church, Magundi, Michael Baptist, Secretary, IFKCA, Bangalore, Dennis D Silva, State Convener, IFKCA, Bangalore and M P Sunny, member Karnataka Christian Development Council were the guests of honour.  

The inauguration of the new office of IFKCA began with a procession from Jagadeeshwara Church, to the new premises located just a few furlongs away.  After the blessings of the new office by the Bishop the procession congregated at Jagadeeshwara English Medium School grounds for a formal function.  The event ion was formally inaugurated by the guests by lighting the lamp.

Speaking on the occasion Bishop Antonyswamy lauded the efforts of Ronald Colaco for unifying the different denominations of Christians under one umbrella through IFKCA.  He said “Ronald Colaco had the vision and the determination to bring together all Christians and IFKCA and Ronald Colaco have done a lot not only to forge unity among Christians but also ensure that the facilities of central and state governments meant for the minorities are availed by the Catholics”.  The Bishop also said that while generally people are selfish and care only for their family Ronald Colaco has shared his wealth for the betterment of the society in general.  

In his inaugural address Ronald Colaco pointed out that we are lucky to be born in a country like India which is the largest democracy where 80% of the people are Hindus who are very secular and tolerant.  “It is only the 1% among the majority who are hard core communalists and fundamentalists and they try to create a wedge between different communities.  We have to face this challenge by joining hands and fighting unitedly against such elements”, he pointed out.

Appreciating the large gathering at the function Colaco stated “your presence in large number at this gathering only shows your awakening and hunger for unity.  This awakening has come as a result of the atrocities committed on our people by a small percentage of intolerant people.  These days our votes have come to play a decisive role in deciding the winner because of the wafer thin majority that separates the winner from the loser in the elections.   Earlier political parties were neglecting us but now they can do so at their own peril.  Now we have an opportunity to unite and we should make the best use of the opportunity for our own betterment.”  

Ronald Colaco asked the Christians get themselves registered in the voters list, saying it is the fundamental right of every citizen to participate in the democratic process by voting.  He also asked them to ensure that their votes don’t get divided so that politicians realize the strength of the community and cannot afford to neglect them.   He also emphasized on the importance of Christians making their presence felt in politics and bureaucracy to ensure that our institutions are protected, we get representation in the legislature, executive and judiciary and also to ensure that we avail the facilities meant for the minorities.

Elaborating on the contributions of the Christian Missionaries to education, healthcare and various other fields Ronald Colaco stated that  “though we are only little more than 2% of the total population our contributions to various fields of development (vis-à-vis our total strength) is tremendous.  Earlier, education was the privilege of only the rich and the higher class.  Because of the zealous efforts of the missionaries education was opened to all people irrespective of their social status.  This fact has been openly acknowledged by our national poet Kuvempu.  Today our people are facing atrocities because of this small 1% people who are hell bent upon creating a wedge among people.  We need to show our strength by fighting unitedly against their nefarious designs”.  He also requested people to become members of IFKCA in large numbers and strengthen the organization by becoming its members.

He also called upon people to keep aside a small percentage of their earnings for public good.  “We get only one opportunity to do public service and we should not lose that opportunity.  Politicians often say you become like Gandhi, Nehru and other leaders.  But they don’t have the guts to say to become like them because they have not led an exemplary life.    Today I have the courage to  request you to donate for public cause because I have followed it and I advice only what I follow”, he declared.

Fr Marcel Pinto, parish priest of Jagadeeshwara church, Kalasa in his address said Ronald Colaco is like a boat that comes to the rescue of people who are drowning.  He also said that Christians were on the verge of drowning because of three “nis” namely Nirasakthi (uninterest) nirlipthathe (neutrality) and nishyabdathe (silence).  But we should not keep silent when our foundation is shaking and offer a strong resistance unitedly.  Ronald Colaco has helped the Catholics to unite under IFKCA and he has also shown us the way to fight for our facilities, he stated.  He also pledged his support to continue the work Ronald Colaco has started.  

M P Sunny, member of Karnataka Christian Development Council, Government of Karnataka regretted the government’s decision of converting the Christian Development Council into a committee.  He also said through IFKCA   it has been ensured the 50 crores allotted by the state government for the welfare of Christians is distributed to different sections. 

President of Kalasa Hobli unit of IFKCA Antony P S in his presidential address pledged to work for the welfare of the Christians and asked people to get enrolled to IFKCA in large numbers. 

James D Souza, state co-convener of IFKCA, Christopher George, President of Chickmagalur Unit of IKFCA, Jeevan Saldanha, President of Koppa unit of IFKCA and Faustine Menezes, Presient of Balehonnur Unit of IFKCA were special invitees for the event. 

Earlier, the function began with a prayer dance and welcome dance.  Veronica Rodrigues welcomed the gathering.  Augustine K J, an office bearer of IKFCA gave a bird’s eye view of the event.  Michael Baptist explained about the goals and objectives of IFKCA and the need to put up a united fight against the atrocities committed on Catholics. 

Rev Bishop Antonyswamy and Ronald Colaco were felicitated on the occasion.  Office bearers of IFKCA Ivan pinto and Prakash D Costa were also felicitated for their contributions.  Prakash D Costa presented vote of thanks.  Reena Rego compered the programme.    The stage programme was followed by lunch for all those who gathered at the event.  

Santhosh Pereira’s Largesse: 

The new office of IKFCA at Kalasa is sponsored by Santhosh Pereira, who incidentally happens to be the first cousin of Ronald Colaco.  Santhosh is the son of Ronald Colaco’s mother’s brother late Thomas Pereira.  Santhosh was born and brought up in Heerabailu and wanted to give something to contribute something to the place he was born and brought up and when he volunteered to sponsor IFKCA branch of Kalasa,   Colaco agreed. 

Colaco says that many people had volunteered to sponsor IKFCA units earlier.  “But knowing the attitude of some of our people and fearing negative comments that IFKCA has started collecting money from people I had refused any help from others.  But if some people are interested to pitch in their contributions they can do so after one year as some of the units  of IFKCA are struggling to continue”, he stated.

Those interested in sponsoring or contributing to IFKCA units can get in touch with Austin Peres on email peresaustin@yahoo.com

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