A “Samajika Sammilana” (Social Meet) organized by the Jayashrikrishna Parisara Premi Samithi—an organization dedicated to environmental protection, social awareness, and community welfare—was successfully held on August 13 at Fortune Atrium in Dubai. Inaugurating the event, renowned NRI industrialist Dr. Ronald Colaco expressed concern that communalism has become a major roadblock to the development of coastal Karnataka, causing investors to hesitate to invest capital in the region. He pointed out that industries capable of contributing to the growth of coastal Karnataka are diverting elsewhere, leaving the region behind and depriving local youth of employment opportunities. Warning that communal tension will prove fatal to the region’s future, he urged everyone to rise above caste and religious divides, stand united, and create a favorable environment for business and industrial growth across all districts.
Distinguished guests present at the occasion included prominent industrialist Dr. B. R. Shetty, World Devadiga Mahamandala President Dharmapala Devadiga, businessman Ronald Pinto, and BCCI President Hidayath Addoor. Founder of the Samithi, Thonse Jayakrishna A. Shetty, delivered the introductory address, outlining the organization’s objectives, various activities, environmental conservation efforts, and social welfare initiatives.
Addressing the gathering, the esteemed guests shared a collective message that development and environmental protection must go hand in hand. They stressed the urgent need to boost industrialization, tourism, and commercial activities to ensure the holistic development of coastal Karnataka and undivided Dakshina Kannada. They emphasized that alongside prioritizing pollution control, region-friendly development models must be adopted to drive industrial growth and job creation. Leveraging the full potential of tourism and commerce can generate substantial local employment and play a pivotal role in eradicating poverty.
Highlighting environmental sustainability, the speakers affirmed that safeguarding air, water, and land is every citizen’s duty. They called upon the public to maintain clean surroundings, conserve natural resources, and embrace eco-friendly practices in all developmental pursuits. Speaking on social harmony, they delivered a meaningful message: “Loving our own caste and religion is our responsibility, but loving and respecting other castes and religions is our supreme responsibility.” They asserted that mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and humanitarian values form the true bedrock of a peaceful and progressive society.
Dr. B. R. Shetty, Dharmapala Devadiga, and Frank Fernandes delivered felicitations, appreciating the Samithi’s social and environmental work and wishing every success for its future endeavors. Following the speeches, event President and Samithi Founder Thonse Jayakrishna A. Shetty formally felicitated Dr. Ronald Colaco and Dr. B. R. Shetty in recognition of their outstanding contributions to environmental conservation, social service, industrial progress, and community development. The dignitaries and Samithi members present extended their heartiest congratulations to the honorees. Earlier, UAE Samithi Convener Sarvotham Shetty welcomed the gathering.
