Daijiworld Media Network – Dubai
Dubai, Feb 11: Renowned NRI entrepreneur, philanthropist, and social worker Dr Ronald Colaco was honoured with the prestigious ‘Global Icon of Philanthropy’ award at the Beary Fest held at Etisalat Academy Grounds in Dubai on Sunday. The event was organized by the Bearys Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BCCI), UAE.
Dr Colaco was felicitated in the presence of thousands of attendees and distinguished dignitaries during the festival’s valedictory ceremony.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Colaco urged the attendees to stand for a minute and take a pledge to dedicate a portion of their earnings to support the underprivileged and needy in society. He emphasized that this should begin immediately, and the entire crowd stood in solidarity with his pledge.
Recalling his wedding day, Dr Colaco shared that instead of a traditional marital vow, he and his wife Jean Colaco took an oath before religious leaders to dedicate part of their earnings for the welfare of people, the nation, and global peace. He reiterated that his commitment to philanthropy is a duty rather than an effort to gain recognition or awards.
"We have always engaged in social service without discrimination of caste, religion, or region. I encourage everyone to contribute to society in any way they can," he said.
The event was graced by Karnataka education minister Madhu Bangarappa, Speaker of Karnataka Legislative Assembly U T Khader, Karnataka Haj minister Rahim Khan, NRI forum vice president Dr Aarti Krishna, Indian Consul General in Dubai Satish Kumar Sivan, BCCI president Hidayath Adduru, and several other prominent personalities.
Dr Ronald Colaco - A Life Dedicated to Philanthropy
Hailing from Moodbidri in Dakshina Kannada, 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 over 44 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.
Major Contributions of Dr Ronald Colaco
Law and Order: Constructed two modern police stations and contributed to the Police Museum building.
Religious Institutions: Built two Hindu temples and provided financial aid to over 35 temples. He also supported the renovation of Muneshwara Temple in Bovipalya-Aagrahara, Bengaluru, and Madduramma Temple in Singarahalli, Bengaluru, which is over 700 years old. Additionally, he contributed to the restoration of Shree Suryanarayana Temple in Mangaluru and funded the construction of mosques and churches across Karnataka.
Christian Community Support: Provided substantial financial aid to over 60 churches and fully constructed one church.
Public Infrastructure: Funded the construction of an entire taluk office building near Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru, and built a modern advocate’s building.
Educational Support: Provided financial aid to around 70 schools and built an international-standard government high school.
Healthcare Initiatives: Established public and free healthcare centers, constructed a 65-bed hospital, and supported various medical relief initiatives.
Housing Projects: Built homes for farmers and the underprivileged.
Agricultural Development: Funded modern HOPCOMS market facilities for the Horticulture Department.
Community Welfare: Contributed to the construction of community halls, organized mass wedding programmes, and provided drinking water facilities to several villages.
Support for the Underprivileged: Extended assistance to the homeless, disabled, and the destitute, along with improving cremation facilities in various areas.
Art & Culture: Donated to the Konkani Art Centre in Mangaluru, Mandd Sobhann World Konkani Centre, and has been a patron of Konkani artistes and cultural events.
Disaster Relief: Contributed to the Karnataka State Relief Fund and distributed 20,000 essential goods kits to 18,000 families during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Road Infrastructure: Sponsored the development of well-equipped roads near Mangaladevi Temple, Bolar, Mangaluru.
Kannada Welfare Abroad: Played a pivotal role in the establishment of the ‘Kannada Bhavan’ in Bahrain, the first-ever Kannada cultural center outside India, by providing a significant donation.