Report: Shodhan Prasad
Photos: Sujith D’Souza
Karnataka Sangha Sharjah one of the vibrant association for Kannadigas hosted a dinner for the two prominent guests who arrived from India at Fortune Plaza Hotel yesterday at 8 PM. One of them is an great philanthropist & NRI buisnessman Ronald Colaco and the other one is an recently elected Congress MLA from Mangalore constituency J.R. Lobo who defeated his opponent with a big margin of votes. The programme was attended by Presidents & Office bearers of various Community Organisation of Karnataka in UAE and also many other Kannadigas who came in good number.
The programme started with Shantaram Achar opening up the evenings function and followed up with prayer by Rajesh Kuthar. Later President of Karnataka Sangha Sharjah, Satish Poojary welcomed guests and presented flower bouquet. Patron of KSS Mark Denis in his inaugural speech spoke about the Sangha and its activities all through these years and briefed the audience how KSS promoted Kannada literature, people and folklore in this part of the world which also includes honouring prominent personalities with Mayura Award and at the same time promoting blood donation.
Philanthropist Ronald Colaco was honoured with shawl by Mark Denis, Flower bouqet presentation by Suvarna Satish, Souvenir by Noel Almeida, Memento by Satish Poojary and Appreciation letter read and presented by Shantaram Achar. Later Ronald Colaco rendered a short and brief speech covering various aspects including what he foresee with the new leadership of J.R. Lobo as an elected representative from Mangalore. He also spoke about his contribution to the society he belongs to and requested everybody should think about giving back to the society in whatever possible means. He also talked about taking our districts to a new level with the support of NRI’s who should come forward voluntarily in the development process. He thanked the Sangha and said he initially did not realise that the Sangha is doing such a great work.
Later the elected Congress MLA J.R. Lobo was felicitated with Shawl by Mark Denis,. Flower bouquet presentation by Lenny D’Souza, Souvenir by Satish Venkataramana, Memento by Harish Sherigar and Felicitation Letter by M.E. Moolur. J.R. Lobo thanked Karnataka Sangha Sharjah for the felicitation and appreciated the Sangha for all the good deeds the Sangha is engaged in. He briefed about the political system and encouraged NRI’s to come forward with their plans in investing in the districts of Udupi & Mangalore. He prompted that Tourism is the best option for our district to promote which will suit to the natural things we have in our district. He added that we need to take our district to new level promoting Tourism whilst improving the infrastructure so that it will attract tourist from all walks of life.
J.R. Lobo opened for an question and answer session wherein many prominent people in the audience, starting with Harish Sherigar, raised their concerns to that of Lobo’s opinion. J.R. Lobo agreeing to some of the concerns also clarified some of the questions and said that we jointly need to work on certain issues. He promised that he will try his level best in the development process of the twin districts of South Kanara & Udupi as far as possible to the expectation of the people of these districts. Due to the lack of time the session was concluded as Lobo had to reach the airport for his return flight.
Leaders of various Community Associations of Karnataka in Dubai in this occasion honored J.R. Lobo with Flower Bouquets and Mementos each and later there was a photo session with all the Members of the Karnataka Sangha Sharjah. The programme concluded with vote of thanks and buffet dinner.
