Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network
Dubai, Oct 20 : ‘Celebrations 25’, the mega event as a grand finale to the year-long silver jubilee celebrations of Mangalore Konkans Dubai, is scheduled to be held in Dubai on October 25, 2013.
Having completed 25 years of selfless service to the community both in the UAE and in undivided Dakshina Kannada district, the organization wants to celebrate achieving the silver jubilee milestone in a befitting manner. The organization’s roots are unmistakably associated with the soil of Dakshina Kannada and the presence of newly elected MLA from Mangalore J R Lobo, who has agreed to be the chief guest for the final gala celebrations, will add more Mangalorean flovor to the event.
Needless to say the presence of a people’s representative, and that too one who belongs to the Catholic community on a meaningful occasion like the Silver jubilee celebrations, has bolstered the spirit of the community people in the UAE.
About J R Lobo :
John Richard Lobo, popularly known by his acronym J R Lobo, is a bureaucrat turned politician known for his clean image and devotion to work. His stupendous victory within eight months of his entry into active politics trouncing four time BJP MLA Yogish Bhat in the assembly elections last May, has given political strength to the Catholic community.
By this win J R Lobo filled the vacuum of not having an elected representative of the community since 1994 when Yogish Bhat had wrested the seat from Blasius M D Souza. His victory by a margin of more than 12,000 votes against a formidable rival, is a proof his popularity and public acceptance.
Known as a man of few words J R Lobo has made a name as a sincere and silent performer whose work speaks louder than words. He has led an exemplary life both in private and public life. His transformation from a bureaucrat to politician and now as an elected representative has been smooth sailing and complete. His excellent track records during 35 years of his service in Karnataka Administrative Service, his sincerity, clean image and commitment to hard work have been the mainstay for his success. With these qualities as his strength, J R Lobo has brought in a whip of fresh air into politics and has made a commendable impression as a politician with a difference.
J R Lobo was born in Kolambe village in Mangalore, had joined the Karnataka Administrative Service (KAS) after his BSc from St Philomena College, Puttur and BEd from Govt College of Education, Mangalore. In his bureaucratic career spanning over 35 years until he took voluntary retirement in 2012, he has served in Madikeri, Somwarpet, Puttur, Koppa, Sirsi and Mangalore in various capacities leaving his imprint everywhere with his sincerity, dedication and hard work.
Making a Mark
During his stint in Mangalore in various capacities from 1993 onwards, J R Lobo was the brain behind a slew of development measures undertaken for the development of the city. As Commissioner of Mangalore City Corporation from 1999 to 2003 he was instrumental in approving the Rs. 400 crore ADB funded KUDCEM Project to Mangalore city for the development of Under Ground Drainage, water supply, roads, storm water drainage and waste management.
As Commissioner, he was the first to undertake construction of concrete roads in Mangalore city, paving the way for the concretization of major roads. He made his mark as an administrator too by undertaking strict measures to improve the financial status of the city corporation. He was also responsible for organizing 45 residential societies for door to door garbage collection to improve hygiene and cleanliness. Due to the pro-people programmes initiated by him as the Commissioner, the Congress was catapulted to power with a 2/3 majority in the Corporation elections in 2003.
It was under his able stewardship the ambitious Pilikula Nisarga Dhama Project was commenced and J R Lobo served as the Executive Director of the project for 18 long years, making it the most remarkable tourist destination of the city. As the driving force behind the project J R Lobo has been responsible for making it a major centre of learning and awareness about bio diversity and for conservation of heritage and culture.
J R Lobo presiding over the silver jubilee celebrations of Mangalore Konkans Dubai has added new dynamism to “Celebrations 25”. The community is eagerly anticipating his presence in Dubai with pride and delight.
