Daijiworld Media Network - Dubai
Dubai, Mar 17: Noted NRI entrepreneur and philanthropist Dr Ronald Colaco has called upon Kannadigas living in the UAE to remain united and face any crisis together, setting aside differences of caste and religion. He assured that all possible help and cooperation would be extended whenever such situations arise.
He was speaking at a ‘Souharda Iftar’ gathering organized for ‘Kannadigas Help Line’ at his residence in Dubai on Saturday. Dr Colaco said that Kannadigas should not come together only during times of crisis, but should live in harmony and unity at all times.
Referring to the efforts of the volunteers, he said that they had worked as coordinators and successfully helped distressed Kannadigas return safely to their homeland. The success of ‘Kannadigas Help Line’ belongs to all those who contributed to the initiative. He noted that just as the organization had stepped forward during previous crises such as floods and the Covid pandemic, it had once again carried out commendable work, which has further motivated the team.
Dr Colaco also suggested that while Independence Day and Republic Day are celebrated separately in schools, colleges, offices and other places in the UAE, all Kannadigas and Kannada organizations should come together every year to celebrate Karnataka Rajyotsava at one common venue. Instead of several organizations inviting multiple guests for separate programmes, a single platform could invite guests and conduct the event in a grander manner. He urged the community to work together towards this goal.
He appreciated Hidayath Addoor for initiating ‘Kannadigas Help Line’ and extending a helping hand to Kannadigas in distress. Though the leadership responsibility had been given to him, Dr Colaco said that it was Hidayath Addoor who was actively working behind the scenes and responding to people in need, and described his service as significant.
On the occasion, members of ‘Kannadigas Help Line’ honoured Dr Ronald Colaco by presenting him with a memento.
Speaking at the event, Abu Dhabi Karnataka Sangha president Sarvotham Shetty said that Ronald Colaco had set an example through his social and humanitarian services. He noted that Colaco had helped construct court buildings and police stations in Karnataka and had supported the repair of several dilapidated schools. He had also extended assistance for the construction of temples, mosques and churches. Sarvotham Shetty said that the work being carried out by Hidayath Addoor under the leadership of Colaco through ‘Kannadigas Help Line’ for the benefit of Kannadigas was commendable.
‘Kannadigas Help Line’ coordinator Hidayath Addoor said that the support and cooperation of Kannadigas had enabled the team to provide assistance during difficult times. He said the team had worked day and night to help people facing difficulties in various parts of the UAE. He added that it was possible to carry out large-scale work because Dr Ronald Colaco had stood firmly behind them and provided strong support.
The ‘Souharda Iftar’ gathering was attended by Karnataka NRI Forum president Vakwadi Praveen Shetty, Dubai Karnataka Sangha president Shashidhar Nagarajappa, senior member James Mendonca, Dubai Kannadigara Koota president Arun Kumar, UAE BCCI’s Ashraf Shah Mantur, Mushtaq Kadri, Saleem Moodbidri, Mallikarjun Gowda, Vokkaliga Sangha Dubai’s Yatheesh Gowda and Kiran Gowda, Sharjah Karnataka Sangha’s Sugandharaj Bekal, Dubai Kannada Patha Shaala’s Gavaskar, Siddu and Nagaraj Rao, Hidaya Foundation’s Asif Kannangar, ‘Badriya Friends UAE’ president Mohammed Ashiq, Imran Ermal, Monkey Community’s Faizan Saud, Rajesh Sequeira, Nazeer Karaje, Anwar Manila, Nawaz Kotekar, Nawaz BC Road, Nawaz Golthamajalu, Daya Kirodian and others were present.