Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Jun 15: Mangalore University awarded honorary doctorate degrees (honoris causa) to NRI entrepreneur and philanthropist Dr Ronald Colaco, as well as entrepreneur Prakash Shetty, for their significant contributions to society. Another recipient of the honorary doctorate, Thumbay Moideen, was not present due to prior commitments.
The honorary doctorates were presented during the 42nd convocation ceremony of Mangalore University on Saturday June 15 at University College, Konaje.
Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot, alongside Prof Sachin Chaturvedi, director general of Research and Information System for Developing Countries in New Delhi, conferred the honourary doctorates upon Dr Ronald Colaco and Prakash Shetty.
Additionally, 155 candidates from the university and 22 international students received doctorate degrees in various disciplines: 51 in arts, 73 in science, 26 in commerce, and 5 in education. During the ceremony, 58 gold medals and 57 cash prizes were awarded to the students. A total of 168 ranks were given, with 72 students achieving first rank— 52 at the postgraduate level and 20 at the undergraduate level.
Dr Ronald Colaco has achieved significant international recognition for his contributions to social, charitable, and infrastructural development, particularly in Karnataka. In 2023, he received the Distinguished Fellowship Award at the House of Lords, British Parliament, and in 2022, he was honoured by the World Book of Records, London, with 'The Certificate of Excellence’. He was also named the 'ASIAONE Global Indian of the Year 2022-23' by ASIAONE Media, joining the ranks of notable figures such as Satya Nadella and Indra Nooyi. In 2017, Times Now and ICICI Bank awarded him 'Global NRI of the Year in Philanthropy’. Dr Colaco's accolades from around the world, including the USA, Canada, and Europe, total over 44 prestigious awards.
Prakash Shetty is an accomplished hospitality leader with over 25 years of experience, starting his journey with the launch of Banjara in 1993. He is the founder and chairman of MRG Group, a conglomerate that includes luxury boutique hotels, fine dining restaurants, and other ventures. Shetty is known for his commitment to social causes and has received multiple awards, such as the Kannada Rajyotsava Award and the Bharath Gaurav Ratan Award. His restaurants are celebrated for their quality cuisine, and his contributions to the hospitality industry have been widely recognized.
Dr Thumbay Moideen, the founder and president of Thumbay Group, transformed his family business into a global conglomerate based in Dubai, operating in 20 sectors like healthcare and education, and employing over 15,000 people. He is recognized for his contributions to the community and has received numerous awards, including an honorary doctorate from Amity University, Dubai, and the ‘Gulf Karnataka Ratna’ Award. Dr Moideen also supports charitable activities through the Thumbay Foundation. Starting at 21, his leadership has driven significant growth for Thumbay Group, making him a notable figure in global healthcare and education.
Mangalore University vice-chancellor Prof P L Dharma was also present.