Communal Coexistence: Christian NRI Helps Renovate 11th Century Hindu Temple


Communal Coexistence: Christian NRI Helps Renovate 11th Century Hindu Temple

Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore

Bangalore, Apr 18: NRI philanthropist Ronald Colaco’s pioneering and generous act of donating Rs one million to an ancient, ruined Hindu temple of Hoysala era, not only inspired the former MLA Muninarasimhaiah and other local leaders of Bangalore North, but also prompted them to take up and complete the task of rebuilding the temple of powerful Goddess Sri Chennarayaswamy, accompanied by Sridevi and Bhoodevi.

This temple was built during 1018-1038 AD by Vishnuvardhan dynasty of Hoysala era at Chikkajala of Bangalore North Taluk. Over the centuries this famous ancient temple got ruined beyond repair.

When the local leaders of that area, under the leadership of former MLA Muninarasimaiah, visited Ronald Colaco to explain their plan on rebuilding the temple, Colaco visited the spot and after realising the importance of such an ancient temple, instantly issued a cheque of Rs one million to encourage them to take up the task.

According to former MLA, it was Ronald Colaco who inspired their initiative, which helped them to raise a large sum of money due to his pioneering good example. He further stated that Ronald Colaco has helped in the construction and rebuild of more than 29 Hindu temples, among which, Sri Muneshwara temple had been completely built and donated by Colaco to the backward people of Bovipalya and Navarathna Agrahara of JalaHobli.

Former MLA Muninarasimmaiah said that Colaco had been setting a good example of communal harmony, since two decades with his generous contributions, irrespective of cast, creed, religion or region which encouraged a large number of leaders of all political parties and other leaders, to simply follow the path set by Colaco.

When a mediaperson enquired Colaco about the reason for helping the Hindu temples, being a Christian, he said that he believed in co-existence of people of all faiths in our country and therefore, ever since 1991-92, has been contributing towards rebuilding of temples, churches, mosques apart from other various charitable and social activities.

Important temples which have received the contributions of Colaco include Balaji Devalaya of Sri Venkataramanaswamy temple at Tharabanahally, Sree Rama temple at Devanahally, Sri ShirdiSai Baba temple at Kadur, Kateel temple of Sri DurgaParameshwari of Mangalore Taluk to set up cool water drinking facility, Sri Muttialamma temple at Doddajala, Sri Shiva temple at Shringeri, Kadri temple of Mangalore, during Krishna Janmastami and others, involving a contribution, exceeding Rs 7 million.

Ronald Colaco founded the International Federation of Karnataka Christian Association (IFKCA), for empowerment of Christians. He was felicitated by over 30 Christian Konkani associations, spread abroad across the UAE, for his service to humanity and the community, apart from his efforts in influencing the Government to withdraw cases foisted against 338 Christian youth during the 2008 church attacks in Karnataka

The Temple managing committee members headed by former MLA Muninarasimmaiah, working president V S Ravishankar, secretary R Venkatash, treasurer H A Muniraju and other leaders felicitated Ronald Colaco along with Denis D'Silva, state convener of IFKCA on Tuesday April 17 by offering special puja at the temple.

  

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Comment on this article

  • Simon M A, Mangalore

    Sun, Oct 14 2012

    No doubt shree colaco is having great
    heart and mind !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Manushyare see his great attitude towards to the human being.here people classified according to the
    religion,and dirty caste and so
    in such a condition a great human being is doing like is more appreciable and blessed.
    Live him long for helping the poor
    and needy.!!!!!!!!!!!!

    DisAgree Agree [1] Reply Report Abuse

  • Venkat, Bangalore

    Mon, Apr 23 2012

    Great work by Ronald Colaco in crossing barriers across religions. Jesus bless him and his family. Best wishes

    DisAgree Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse

  • Dr. Cajetan Coelho, Goa, India

    Sat, Apr 21 2012

    Raising minds and hearts in song and prayer is a strong point of our people in Asia. Investing and creating a conduce environment for spiritual life is a thoughtful gesture. In our multi-cultural and multi-religious society genuine "union of hearts and minds" is vital for our holistic well being.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • James Mendonca, Dubai/Vamanjoor

    Fri, Apr 20 2012

    Well done and well appreciated by all. God Bless you and your family.

    DisAgree [6] Agree [12] Reply Report Abuse

  • Shridhar Dandu, Hyderabad

    Fri, Apr 20 2012

    It has been a great sign of communal coexistence of recent times. I sincerely appreciate the efforts of Mr. Ronald Colaco.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [8] Reply Report Abuse

  • Sunilraj, Udupi / K.S.A

    Thu, Apr 19 2012

    'YOU ARE REALLY VERY GOOD SOCIAL WORKER AS WELL AS GOOD HEARTIEST PERSON IN THIS COMMUNUAL WORLD..MAY GODESS DEVI HAS BLESSED YOU TO MADE ALL THIS FANTASTIC WORK' IN FUTURE ASLO YOU WILL DO SOME VERY FINE WORKS THANKS FOR YOUR WELL SUPPORT IN THIS CASE..

    DisAgree [12] Agree [12] Reply Report Abuse

  • RTN MICHAEL MATHIAS SHIRVA ROTARY, PILAR SHIRVA

    Thu, Apr 19 2012

    good work well done .we like ur social service.

    DisAgree [10] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • M.B.Anchan, udupi,kallianpura

    Thu, Apr 19 2012

    Dear Mr.Ronald colaco GOD Bless you & your family. you are the secular Indian. all religan people must think SUB KA MAALIK EK HAY. Thank you.

    DisAgree [8] Agree [11] Reply Report Abuse

  • RAM, IPL

    Thu, Apr 19 2012

    Good work , May god bless u more and more ,UR a GOLD man I mean PURE 24K Gold,nobody can keep in the locker coz ur with all community
    Jai Shree RAM

    DisAgree [14] Agree [13] Reply Report Abuse

  • C DSouza, Mangalore

    Thu, Apr 19 2012

    By "christian fundamentalists" I presume you mean those Christians who believe the Bible as the Word of God as opposed to those who play the prostitute with religions of the world... Judas sold Jesus for 30 coins, today it cost just 1 million rupees!!!

    DisAgree [12] Agree [41] Reply Report Abuse

  • joseph dsouza, mulky/bahrain

    Thu, Apr 19 2012

    hats off to mr.ronald colaco and also dear brother denis d'silva god bless you both great job

    DisAgree [15] Agree [8] Reply Report Abuse

  • G M Hegde, Udupi

    Wed, Apr 18 2012

    All this hue and cry of fundamentalism in our beloved DK, but we fail to realize that all forms of this fundamentalism and fascism has been exported from a neighboring state and people like Mr. Colaco once existed in large numbers in this peace loving native place of ours. Even today, Christian neighbors accompany my wife and her parents in their native place when they have a special puja at the temple and vice versa

    DisAgree [6] Agree [15] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ronald madtha, Borimar/Mumbai/Maldives

    Wed, Apr 18 2012

    Ronald Colaco
    Great Man Indeed!

    DisAgree [13] Agree [9] Reply Report Abuse

  • Gerald, modankap-bantval

    Wed, Apr 18 2012

    THIS IS A LOUD AND CLEAR MESSAGE GIVEN BY MR.COLACO THAT THOSE WHO UNDERSTAND. GOD BLESS MR.COLACO

    DisAgree [12] Agree [6] Reply Report Abuse

  • Evans Christopher Sumitra, Udupi/New York, USA

    Wed, Apr 18 2012

    Ronald Colaco, you are a gem of a person. Even though you are a Christian NRI it was great that you donated Rs.1 Million for the renovation of the 11th Century Hindu Temple. This is a good example to everyone who hate other religion. God bless you and your family abundantly. Also God give you good health, wisdom and wealth. Good pictures by Daya and keep it up.

    DisAgree [16] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • Nithyanand.M.Shetty, Moodabidri/Abudhabi

    Wed, Apr 18 2012

    Dear Mr.Ronald.....i bow my head to you sir and with all respect request you to keep up the good works and help the needy.Sab ka maalik ek.may GOD bless all.

    DisAgree [11] Agree [30] Reply Report Abuse

  • irene, mumbai

    Wed, Apr 18 2012

    you are indeed a rare Gem.God bless you in hundred folds

    DisAgree [20] Agree [28] Reply Report Abuse

  • Lancelot N Tauro, Manglore - Doha Qatar

    Wed, Apr 18 2012

    Dear readers is there any reason to click on disagree on the comment message?

    DisAgree [32] Agree [27] Reply Report Abuse

  • Adv. Harry D'souza, kolachikambla, mulki, mumbai

    Wed, Apr 18 2012

    Chritian fundementalists have lesson from Ronald Colaco.

    DisAgree [49] Agree [35] Reply Report Abuse

  • nagesh nayak, bangalore

    Wed, Apr 18 2012

    HATS OFF TO SHRI RONALD COLACO.

    THIS SHOULD LEADS TO COMMUNAL HARMONY & PEACE IN SOCIETY.

    WE NEED MORE PERSONNEL LIKE MR. COLACO TO BUILD STRONG INDIA.

    JAI BHARATH MATA KI JAI.

    DisAgree [37] Agree [79] Reply Report Abuse

  • KRPrabhu, Kudla/Bengaluru

    Wed, Apr 18 2012

    In every religion there are people who do such noble works and who make huge contributions for temple/church/masjid purpose.But hardly we find people like Mr.Ronald Colaco who is doing inter relegious service.Also this is not the first he is heard of in inter community services.
    Every temple has its own 'Sthala Purana' means history of it.Here the noble act led by Mr.Colaco will go down in the 'Sthala Purana' of this temple for future generations to know its history which will be great example of communal amity.
    Today whole day was a pleasent for me after reading/viewing the news/comments on Mr.Ronald Colaco.
    Mr.Colaco is blessed one so also his parents.May God bless all.

    DisAgree [13] Agree [46] Reply Report Abuse

  • T.S.Hegde, Udupi

    Wed, Apr 18 2012

    Mr.Ronald Colaco Philanthropist,you are truly the secular Indian,with big heart.May God Bless you.

    DisAgree [15] Agree [29] Reply Report Abuse

  • Henry Lewis, Sastan/Kuwait

    Wed, Apr 18 2012

    Good Leading act of Mr.Colaco really praiseworthy your broadminded and helpful nature inspire others God belss you

    DisAgree [19] Agree [30] Reply Report Abuse

  • Peter Pereira, Pune

    Wed, Apr 18 2012

    Indeed praiseworthy ! You have made every Christian proud & proved the generosity taught in our religion. God bless you Mr. Colaco.

    DisAgree [28] Agree [29] Reply Report Abuse

  • M Bhat, Mumbai

    Wed, Apr 18 2012

    Fantastic gesture by Mr.Colaco. some time back he was in news for contributing for construction of roads in Bangalore. GOD bless you MrColaco. You have won the hearts of everyne here.l

    DisAgree [23] Agree [40] Reply Report Abuse

  • ISMAIL.K.PERINJE, PERINJE-YANBU/KSA

    Wed, Apr 18 2012

    "KERAYA NEERANNU KEREGE CHELLI"Good work and good gesture towards humanity, Mr Colaco....Keep going going going......

    DisAgree [29] Agree [43] Reply Report Abuse

  • Don, Udupi/blore

    Wed, Apr 18 2012

    Definitely u set an example that eye for an eye is not always right way to proceed in life. Lets keep doing good work for the society without bothering of whats happening in the society..

    DisAgree [21] Agree [26] Reply Report Abuse

  • GERALD, Modankap-Bantwal

    Wed, Apr 18 2012

    GOOD WORK BY MR.COLACO AND THANK YOU DAIJI WORK FOR PUBLISHING.

    DisAgree [27] Agree [22] Reply Report Abuse

  • Austin Peres, Mangalore

    Wed, Apr 18 2012

    One more step towards Brotherhood. Mr Colaco has also built/helped in renovating a couple of other Hindu Temples. Only when people have Temples, Churches and Mosques to pray they will come closer to God and will be God fearing. They will have morale and learn to live in peace and practice what their religion teaches. There are several people accumulating wealth but you can hardly find anyone who shares it for the society. Here is a great personality 'Mr Colaco' who has touched many a hearts in so many ways. Hats of to you Mr Colaco.

    DisAgree [17] Agree [30] Reply Report Abuse

  • Vinayak, Mangalore / Dubai

    Wed, Apr 18 2012

    Mr. Ronald Colaco has set an example. Religion is no barrier. One needs to have clean heart and good mind to think to make a good cause happen

    DisAgree [17] Agree [39] Reply Report Abuse

  • Shalini Corda, Kuwait / Bondel

    Wed, Apr 18 2012

    The only pillar in Christian community is Shri Colaco. We are proud of him. Can't forget his contribution to Christians while withdrawing the cases against youth. My brother is now in Kuwait, thanks to Shri Colaco, he was denied passport clearance earlier.

    DisAgree [16] Agree [38] Reply Report Abuse

  • Tom Cat , Mangalore/ Saudi Arabia

    Wed, Apr 18 2012

    Hats off to Mr. Ronald Colaco

    DisAgree [18] Agree [27] Reply Report Abuse

  • J.Salian, Mangalore

    Wed, Apr 18 2012

    Dear Mr. Colaco great job god bless you and your family. At the end of the day we all know there is ONLY one God and we are all bit confused...and our priests, pandiths & Imams has got their own agenda and confuse us even more.

    DisAgree [16] Agree [33] Reply Report Abuse

  • R.Bhandarkar., M

    Wed, Apr 18 2012

    One thing i find baffling with
    the 'disagree' ticks is that they
    swell even if one has done a good deed,if someone is wished well etc. Those who disagree on such matters would do well to 'introspect' and pour out their feelings. A boiling couldron within is certainly very dangerous likely to explode any time! If they can't then well wishers here will have to move on
    assuming that the 'disagree' button is a 'tool' in the hands of a 'disturbed' person who knows not what he is doing !

    DisAgree [33] Agree [78] Reply Report Abuse

  • dasmond, mangalore

    Wed, Apr 18 2012

    A proud day for all Christians.God Bless Mr Colaco and his family.

    DisAgree [24] Agree [35] Reply Report Abuse

  • Tripti, Brahmavar/Dubai

    Wed, Apr 18 2012

    Good Work
    Hope in future will do more social work.
    God always with you. All the Best.

    DisAgree [20] Agree [29] Reply Report Abuse

  • tresa , Mangalore

    Wed, Apr 18 2012

    Good work Mr. Colaco, Your solidarity is also appreciated in our Christian community, wherin there is much need of funds for building and rebuilding few important churches also.

    DisAgree [19] Agree [30] Reply Report Abuse

  • Louis, Kuwait

    Wed, Apr 18 2012

    Colaco leading by example. Hats off to you, God bless you. 11th century Temple, so great. Keep it up. State govt. too must help such old monuments.

    DisAgree [21] Agree [41] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ashok, Udupi/Dubai

    Wed, Apr 18 2012

    Goddess Sri Chennarayaswamy, will give more to help the poor & needy. God bless you & your family.

    DisAgree [23] Agree [31] Reply Report Abuse

  • Christopher D'Cunha, M'lore/AUH

    Wed, Apr 18 2012

    God will bless you more and more....may the Lord protect you and keep you in good health....

    DisAgree [19] Agree [32] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ganesh Bhat, Mangalore

    Wed, Apr 18 2012

    I am a bit confused to see a lot of people "disagree" on comments congratulating or wishing Mr. Colaco. What does it mean? It clearly shows that we have plenty of anti social and communal elements in our midst. It shows there are lots fanatics and narrow minded people in our society.

    DisAgree [25] Agree [85] Reply Report Abuse

  • C K DAYANANDA, MANGALURU

    Wed, Apr 18 2012

    Building of temples is not a small act and is due to the several pious acts done in previous births.

    Seeing such noble acts through communal angle shows the cheap mentality of some the readers here.

    DisAgree [22] Agree [34] Reply Report Abuse

  • derick sm, mangaluru

    Wed, Apr 18 2012

    Good work, god bless you Mr. Ronald Colaco.....

    DisAgree [26] Agree [44] Reply Report Abuse

  • Uday Shetty, Shirva, Doha/Qatar

    Wed, Apr 18 2012

    Hats off to you Mr. Ronald Colaco. May Godbless you in all your endeavour.

    DisAgree [22] Agree [55] Reply Report Abuse

  • adrash raj, jaipur/sullia

    Wed, Apr 18 2012

    Great job mr.colaco.Let this be a beginning of a new era of peace and communal harmony..

    DisAgree [18] Agree [49] Reply Report Abuse

  • Santhosh Bhandary, Mangalore

    Wed, Apr 18 2012

    I congratulate Mr. Colaco on his exemplary gesture. Half a dozen people like him will surely make our society and community the real "Rama Rajya". I hope and pray atleast a couple of more like minded people will follow his example.

    DisAgree [23] Agree [61] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rudy D' Souza & Family Kuwait, Omzoor/Kuwait

    Wed, Apr 18 2012

    Hats off to Mr.Ronald Colaco. He is really a good example of Hindustan being Christian. God bless you & your family in hundred folds.

    DisAgree [22] Agree [41] Reply Report Abuse

  • R.Bhandarkar., M

    Wed, Apr 18 2012

    Christian NRI-in the caption-is what is making me think. I mean God whatever 'form', we worship him is one.High time 'mankind' also becomes 'one'without any 'artificial' barriers whilst carrying out any good work. For that we have to look 'inward', prepare a more magnificent'sanctum santorum'for the Lord to reside! In any case the first step is from the 'outside'...Ronald Sir, I know has long back passed this and is now listening to the Lord from within....God bless all.

    DisAgree [22] Agree [44] Reply Report Abuse

  • JOHN PINTO, BELMNNU/DUBAI

    Wed, Apr 18 2012

    GOD BLESS YOU MR. RONALD COLACO AND KEEP YOU IN GOOD HEALTH.
     

    DisAgree [24] Agree [39] Reply Report Abuse

  • Arman, Managalore

    Wed, Apr 18 2012

    Good work by Mr. Ronald Colaco. i am sure this will atleast clean hearts of some peopole in our karnataka who hates other religions.

    DisAgree [23] Agree [47] Reply Report Abuse

  • Dr S Kamath , Mumbai

    Wed, Apr 18 2012

    Good Jesture by Mr Ronald Coalaco .we get Miilions of People who offer Lip service but hard to find real Philanthropists who offer Thanu,Mana ,Dhana like Ronald Colaco.God bless you

    DisAgree [20] Agree [81] Reply Report Abuse

  • Zuze Pernal, Pernal

    Wed, Apr 18 2012

    Breaking all barriers of Religion and Region, it's so nice......

    DisAgree [20] Agree [83] Reply Report Abuse

  • Wilfred Edwin Fernandes, Mangalore/Abu Dhabi

    Wed, Apr 18 2012

    See the difference!!! Let this be an eye opener because Christianity preaches love your neighbor as you love yourself and Mr. Colaco proved it again.

    DisAgree [33] Agree [56] Reply Report Abuse

  • Baptist D'Souza, Mangalore

    Wed, Apr 18 2012

    This is called solidarity. Hats off Christian community !

    DisAgree [39] Agree [63] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ajay Lobo, Mangalore

    Wed, Apr 18 2012

    Hats off to Mr. Ronald Colaco. God will bless you for your generous deeds. I have been hearing about his helping hand to the needy, community programs and his contribution to the society in general. The above act of Mr. Colaco should be an eye opener to those who attacked churches in Mangalore and also to those who spreads communal disharmony. Well done Mr. Colaco. We are proud of you. You have proved that "God is one and we all worship in different names".

    DisAgree [35] Agree [60] Reply Report Abuse

  • vijay, Vijay R.D

    Wed, Apr 18 2012

    Good Example to those people who sowing seeds of communalisim in peaceful society. Mr. Ronald Colaco won the hearts of people doing good works to society,..God bless you Mr.Colaco.

    DisAgree [27] Agree [73] Reply Report Abuse

  • Sachidanand Shetty, Mundkur/Dubai

    Wed, Apr 18 2012

    Respected Ronald Colaco God blesses you with health, wealth & wisdom. This is what Jesus told his followers that “Love your people and beloved by people too” I am sure no person in this beautiful earth ever hates “The Great Ronald Colaco”. Some time we wonder why our country survives even after having so many disasters whether it is manmade or natural. Because GOD sends his own people to this beautiful earth to spread communal harmony too. And no doubt “Lord Ronald Colaco” is one of them

    DisAgree [28] Agree [163] Reply Report Abuse

  • Vinay, Mangalore

    Wed, Apr 18 2012

    Good job.....Its a bridge to communal harmony.

    DisAgree [32] Agree [98] Reply Report Abuse

  • prashanth Kamath, M'lore

    Wed, Apr 18 2012

    A true philanthropist.

    DisAgree [28] Agree [106] Reply Report Abuse

  • vivian, dubai

    Wed, Apr 18 2012

    Hats off to Mr. Ronald Colaco....

    DisAgree [34] Agree [103] Reply Report Abuse


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Title: Communal Coexistence: Christian NRI Helps Renovate 11th Century Hindu Temple



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