Simon Noronha (60): A Great Entrepreneur and Generous Philanthropist Passes Away

By Dr. Eugene DSouza
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi, 27 Mar 2017: Simon Noronha, born and brought up in Moodubelle who has been known as a successful entrepreneur in Dubai and generous philanthropist passed away at the age of 60 at Fr. Mullers Hospital, Mangalore on Saturday, 25 March 2017 after prolonged illness.

 

 

Simon was born on 17 October 1956 as the second child in the family of six children, three sons and three daughters of late Joseph and Santhan Noronha of Thirlapalke in Moodubelle. He acquired primary and high school education in Moodubelle passing SSLC examination in 1972.

 

After completing SSLC, Simon continued higher studies in the Poorna Prajna College, Udupi and  Christ the King College Bangalore. Being a good Basketball player he was a member of the Christ the King College Basketball team. 

 

While studying in Bangalore Simon learnt many things from Fr. Lawrence, a Holy Cross priest from Canada who not only taught him Basketball game but also to visit and care for the disadvantaged children in orphanages and destitute lepers  in the  asylums run by the Sisters of Charity of Mother Theresa. Fr. Lawrence would help the sisters in various works including carpentry and Simon learnt a number of things from him which laid a strong foundation of philanthropic spirit in him.

 

After acquiring B.Com degree in 1977, Simon proceeded to Mumbai in search of employment to support the family as his father was unwell and worked in the  Modi Thread Company as an accountant..

 

After a period of uncertainty, Simon proceeded to Abu Dhabi and began to work as an accountant in the office of ‘Auraq’ magazine. After two years waiting patiently and hoping for better days to come, Simon’s fortunes took a turn for better when the company imported new machines for the press from Germany with modern technology which required trained personnel. Though a commerce graduate and accountant with the company, Simon volunteered to undergo the technical training known as the pre press printing technology which involved colour separation, etc.

 

After two months of rigorous training, Simon became well versed in the colour separation technology, gave up his job in ‘Auraq’ magazine, migrated to Dubai and secured a well paid job in the Dubai Printing Press on Easter Sunday, 3 April 1988. As he worked in the printing press, Simon made it a point to excel himself in the printing technology. After working in the Dubai Printing Press for seven years and acquiring complete knowledge and experience in colour separation technology, Simon ventured to start his own business under the name ‘Rainbow Colour Separation’ in 1995 providing service to many printers, newspapers and publications.

 

 

Putting up a business of this scale required a huge investment. Which could only be established with the support of Giffen Graphic’s who supplied the required machinery on monthly installments. 

 

Having achieved unprecedented success in the colour separation technology and unstained reputation for quality and prompt service, Simon started another ambitious venture in 2003 and started the Pearl Printing Press which undertakes all types of offset printing, packaging and is well known for its quality printing. As colour separation technology had undergone changes, Simon upgraded his Rainbow Colour Separation under the new name’ Rainbow Printing Materials Limited Liability Company’.

 

In spite of being a successful businessman in printing industry, Simon did not believe in resting his oars and having a layback attitude. He nurtured his companies as father and had been fond of working with his staff doing any type of work that required his attention. 

 

Simon had been a man of faith and prayer. He had been regular for all kinds of religious activities. He never missed Sunday Mass. In spite of his busy schedule he and his family had a special place to God and daily family Rosary. Through his charitable works and assistance he often liked to see life and smiles in the poor people lives. As a result much of his family celebrations were conducted in orphanages, old age homes, etc.

 

 

Simon was one of the founder members of Bellevision UAE and had been its well wisher and strong supporter. He had been known for his philanthropic work and had contributed generously during the construction of St. Lawrence Church and St. Lawrence English Medium High School in Moodubelle. He had the honour of laying the foundation stone of St. Lawrence English Medium School.

 

Simon Noronha leaves behind his beloved wife Juliana whom he married in 1985 and two sons-Sanjoy and Joel.

 

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