Daijiworld Media Network – Sharjah
Sharjah, Nov 11: UAE-based entrepreneur and philanthropist Ronald Martis, recipient of the Dakshina Kannada District Rajyotsava Award, has been selected for the prestigious Mayura Vishwamanya Kannadiga International Award 2025 by the Sharjah Karnataka Sangha.
The award will be presented during the Sharjah Karnataka Sangha’s 23rd annual Karnataka Rajyotsava celebration, scheduled to be held on November 16 at 3:30 pm at the Women’s Union Association Hall, Sharjah.
During the ceremony, Ronald Martis will be honoured for his outstanding contributions to society. In addition, Vasu Shetty will receive an award for excellence in theatre, Abdul Latif Mulki will be conferred the Sadhaka Award for his social service, and the association’s office bearer, Sayyad Ajmal, will be felicitated for his dedicated service to the organization.
As part of the cultural programmes, non-resident Kannada children will participate in a fancy dress competition titled Chinnara Chilipili and a talent showcase named Bana Daarili. The chief guest for the event will be Udupi District Rajyotsava Award recipient and teacher, Vandana Rai Karkala.
About Ronald Martis
Hailing from the small village of Sajip Mood in Bantwal taluk, Dakshina Kannada district, Ronald Martis is a shining example of perseverance and hard work. After completing his primary education at Sajip Nadu and college education at Sajip Mood, he began working in his brother’s business in Pune in 1994.
In 1998, he returned to Mangaluru and launched St Antony Transport. When the venture did not succeed, he moved to Dubai in 2004, where he initially worked at RAK Ceramics and later joined the American company RAK Laticrete. He was part of the construction team of the world-famous Burj Al Khalifa.
Driven by determination, he founded Blue Royal in 2009 with just four employees. Through relentless effort and leadership, his venture grew into the Blue Royal Group of Companies, which now employs thousands.
Alongside his entrepreneurial success, Ronald Martis has also made a mark in the Tulu and Kannada film industries as a producer. A philanthropist and humanitarian by nature, he has supported several charitable causes, including providing transport facilities for students of the Holy Mother English Medium School in Mogarnad, and extending help to old-age homes and orphanages.
On his 50th birthday, in collaboration with YM Friends, he celebrated by offering meals to patients at Wenlock Hospital in Mangaluru — setting an example of compassion and community service.
For his contributions to business and social welfare, he has received numerous awards and honours, including the 2024 Dakshina Kannada District Rajyotsava Award, Sadhaka Sanmana from the Gadinaadu Sahitya and Cultural Academy (Dubai Chapter), recognitions from the Karnataka Sangha Dubai, and a hometown felicitation by Yuvaka Mandala (R) Sri Sharada Pooja Samiti, Subhash Nagar, Sajip Mood.
Ronald Martis continues to lead a contented life in the UAE with his wife, Conly Martis, and children, Rachel and Russel.