Media Release
Dubai, Nov 8: Prominent NRI entrepreneur and philanthropist Dr Ronald Colaco has urged the Karnataka Government to honour its election-time “guarantee” of creating a dedicated ministry for non-resident Kannadigas (NRKs), questioning the delay in implementing the promise.
Speaking at a felicitation ceremony held at Hotel Grand Hyatt, Dubai, to honour Dr Arathi Krishna on her election as a member of the Karnataka Legislative Council (MLC), Dr Colaco said the government must act swiftly to deliver on its commitment to the global Kannada community.
The event, attended by representatives of over 36 Kannada organisations from across the UAE, was organised under the leadership of KNRI president Praveen Kumar Shetty, BCCI president Hidayath Adduru, and Karnataka Sangha Dubai president Shashidhar Nagarajappa.
Recalling the Congress party’ s pre-election manifesto, Dr Colaco noted that it had explicitly promised a separate ministry for Kannadigas living abroad.“The Congress came to power on the strength of several guarantees. Yet, despite being in office for quite some time now, this particular promise remains unfulfilled. How long must Kannadigas overseas continue to wait?” he questioned.
He observed that while the NRI Forum Karnataka, currently headed by Dr Arathi Krishna, has been working for the cause, it operates with limited powers and insufficient budgetary support.“The state must emulate Kerala’s example by setting up a proper ministry dedicated to its diaspora. Only then can it effectively address the problems, hardships and welfare of Non-Resident Kannadigas,” Dr Colaco asserted.
He urged the community to act collectively:“We cannot remain passive any longer. All Kannadigas abroad should unite to demand action. I am ready to join a delegation that will soon meet the chief minister and deputy chief minister to press for the immediate establishment of this ministry.”
Dr Colaco also appealed to all Kannada associations in the UAE to work together in celebrating key national and cultural occasions such as Independence Day, Republic Day, and Kannada Rajyotsava. “Such joint celebrations will strengthen our unity, friendship, and mutual trust,” he said, adding that solidarity was the community’s greatest strength.
Demonstrating his continued commitment to the welfare of Kannadigas abroad, Dr Colaco announced a donation of Rs 5 crore towards the establishment of a “Kannada Bhavan” in the UAE — a proposed cultural and community hub for Kannadigas.
Praveen Kumar Shetty also came forward with a Rs 2.5 crore contribution for the same cause. “The Kannada Bhavan will serve as a unifying space for every Kannadiga in the UAE — a symbol of our heritage and identity,” Dr Colaco remarked.
Congratulating Dr Arathi Krishna on her new role in the Legislative Council, Dr Colaco lauded her relentless commitment to the welfare of the global Kannada community. “Dr Arathi has always been a strong, compassionate voice for Kannadigas everywhere. Her service is exemplary and deeply appreciated,” he said.
In her response, Dr Arathi Krishna expressed heartfelt gratitude for the recognition and pledged to continue championing the cause of non-resident Kannadigas. “I will continue to be a voice for our community and ensure that government support reaches every Kannadiga abroad,” she affirmed.
Dr U T Iftikhar Ali, president of the Karnataka Allied and Health Care Council, who attended as a guest of honour, promised full cooperation for the Kannada Bhavan project.
He praised the leadership of Praveen Kumar Shetty, Thumbe Moiyidin, and Dr Ronald Colaco, describing them as the “Amar–Akbar–Anthony of the UAE’s Kannada fraternity” for their role in promoting communal harmony and unity.
Dr B K Yusuf, president of Dubai BCF, also congratulated Dr Arathi Krishna and extended his best wishes.
The ceremony was attended by representatives of numerous Kannada organisations. Hidayath Adduru delivered the welcome address, and Shashidhar Nagarajappa compered the programme.