Mangalore: Colaco stresses on coexistence, donates Rs 20 lac to temple

Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore

Mangalore, Nov 23: NRI entrepreneur Ronald Colaco on Saturday November 23 visited Shree Sooryanarayan Temple, Maroli and donated a sum of Rs 20 lac for the renovation work of the temple.

Ronald Colaco, who is known for his philanthropic work, has so far contributed towards 28 temples across the state along with various churches and mosques.

During his visit to the temple, he offered puja and later at a formal stage programme, he handed over a cheque of Rs 20 lac to temple renovation committee president K P Shetty.

Speaking on the occasion, Ronald Colaco said, "God has given us only one life, hence we should contribute something to our society, which will be the greatest blessing of all.

"Sometimes people think about only one community, which should not be the case. Earlier, there was no division among people of various communities in this city, but now it has become a sad part of our society. God while creating us did not divide us.

"Religion is a way of life and hence enmity should not come in between us," said Ronald Colaco, adding that he believes in coexistence of people.

"I give more importance to social service than building churches and temples. God does not need big statues, instead, money should be spent on needy people," he said, wishing the renovation committee members good luck in their work.

MLA J R Lobo in his address thanked Ronald Colaco for his generous contribution towards the temple renovation. "For the development of a place, a small temple is needed through which people will have faith in god. You (temple committee) have undertaken a good work," he said, wishing that the renovation work gets completed soon.

On the occasion, on behalf of the temple, K P Shetty honoured Ronald Colaco.

D B Balakrishna, vice-president of the temple renovation committee briefed about the renovation work undertaken in the temple. He said the temple is amongst the oldest the city with a history of 1,200 years. The plan to renovate the temple was made in November 2011 at a cost of Rs 15 crore, and so far Rs 3 crore has been received from various donors.

The renovation work of the temple consists of constructing a Garba Gudi, Ganapathi Gudi, pond, Anna Chatra, Sabha Bhavana and others, he said thanking Ronald Colaco for helping them in their work. He also thanked MLA J R Lobo for his support.

Chittaranjan K, honorary president, Dennis D’Silva, corporators Praveen Chandra Alva, Asha D’Silva and Keshav, Stany Alvares, T K Sudheer, Krithin among others were present.