Mangalore, Feb 28, 2014 : Roy Castelino, a multi-faceted personality active in all spheres of Konkani was appointed as president of Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy by the state government.
Ronald Castelino (popularly known as Roy Castelino) was born into the famous Makale Castelino family to the late Jessy and Thomas Castelino on September 14 1960. He is married to Dianisia (Denny) D’Silva, and they have a daughter Radhika Parveen. He is proprietor of Roy Constructions, managing director of Roycons Builders and Developers Private Limited, Mangalore. After three-years working in a Gulf country; he ventured into building constructions in the city.
Roy is recognized as a successful entrepreneur, a cultural artiste/promoter of Konkani language/patron of arts, a motivator of social transformation and a community leader in Mangalore.
He is a member of Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy, treasurer of Jogotik Konknni Songhotton (Global Konkani Organization) with 126 member organizations from 13 countries, is a great source of support to musicians, writers, theater artistes and cultural activists. A research grant in his father’s memory and the best Konkani teacher award in his mother’s memory have been instituted by Mandd Sobhann, a city-based organization striving to promote Konkani and its distinct culture worldwide.
Besides this – through Mandd Sobhann’s multifarious activities; works incessantly for the preservation, promotion and enrichment of Konkani language and culture and to ensure the transmission of the Konkani heritage to future generations.
He is the motivator of social transformation: president of Pragathi Co-operative Society, Kulshekar, Mangalore, former president of Lions Club, Kulshekar, former president of parents - teachers association (PTA) of St Agnes Pre-University College,
He is also a community leader, president of Rachana – Forum of Catholic Businessmen, professionals and entrepreneurs, president of International Federation of Karnataka Christians Association (IFKCA), Mangalore.
He is the member of pastoral council of Mangalore diocese, co-convener of diocesan political wing, spearheaded the Cast your vote campaign during 2008 and 2014 legislative assembly elections.