When Barkur.com was opened in December 2001, we introduced this site using one of this following line: " This is just a beginning towards a larger objective, to include Barkurians in all walks of life, culture, and faith in this mainstream…."  We did a fairly good job in presenting a few living ones in our 'Personality of the Month', POM column.  While continuing this POM column, now, we want to depict the Barkurians who are no more with us physically, but mere memories to some or unwritten history to many others.

"Famous ones need not be Great and Great ones may not be Famous. Scores of such 'great ones' lived in our Barkur - few left relics and legacies behind, like the Educational Institutions, Hospitals, Roads, Bridges, Dams, and Houses of God, etc.  These people lived a saintly life in the service of society, not craving for fame, name, or fortune for themselves," observes Archibald Furtado of Nagarmut.

"We, the beneficiaries, have an obligation to express gratitude and show respect to all those personalities, posthumously of course, for their sacrifices in helping to shape the present Barkur, and for improving the lifestyles of Barkurians," says James Fernandes, of Moodahadu Kudru.

With these views in mind, and in response to many of our readers' desire to know and learn from such personalities, for the benefit and knowledge of the present and future generations, Barkuronline is delighted to open a new column named, "Hall of Famers of Yester Barkur," to present and honor a few personalities and their praiseworthy contribution to Barkur.

Folks, please share your candid memories, comments, or kudos.  These will be presented in our widely read popular Sandesh column.  Feel free to recommend your worthy choices, along with some bio-data including the legacy they left behind, and we will accommodate them in this new column to the our best of ability.  Who knows, these might wind up in a book form, Gods-willing! Thank you for your continued support.

-Barkuronline.com team, January, 2004.

Archives

J. P Sequeira

P.N.Bhojarao

Fr. Alfred Roche

Yajna Narayana Rao

Jerome R. Picardo

KTN Raman Nambiar

Dr.Sreenivasa Hebbar

Dr. Krishna Bayiri

Jacky Victor Dias

Leo D'Almeida

Gregory Fernandes

Abundius Fernandes

Lawrence Sequeira

Santhan Banz

Rev.Fr.Joseph 'Aab' D'Souza

Founder President of St. Peter’s Association Barkur – Mumbai.

SIMPLEN PETER SEQUEIRA – Reminiscence…..

A pleasant evening of 18^th December, 1980 Feast day of Barkur Church - I still remember, an handsome youngster who was in his vacation, from Bombay, approaches to Rev. Fr. Patrick Rodrigues, then Asst. Parish Priest and Director of CYM Barkur, and whispers in his ears – ‘I am truly fascinated to see the youth activities of CYM Barkur…….and understand tonight unit will going to present a class social drama viz. ‘Main Kain Asai….? Just to encourage the youth of the parish, the budding artists and to bring out best in the talented actors / actresses of the time, I wish to sponsor some prizes to best performers……’

The man celebrating his 39^th Birthday, on that occasion, certainly made the day little more worthy.., and he was invited to come on stage just before last scene, to announce the names of the winners and to handover the prize money to Joseph D’Souza, Rita Fernandes and John F.Gonsalves…..who rightly deserved that honor for the day……however what inspired me was his just few words….’I am thrilled….the choice was difficult, as the whole show was spectacular under Fr. Patrick’s directions…. We just picked up few as winners, while watching play live, it’s my wish I was able to present each and everyone something or the other…’

After the presentation ceremony, he comes to the green room to congratulate each and everyone of us – Cynthia Carvalho, Noelyn D’Souza, Peter Alva, Stephen Lewis, Vincent D’Almeida, Eric Carvalho, Herald Sequeira, Joseph Rodrigues….. and this was the first encounter with the man when he met me personally to say ‘you missed the prize’…for me since I was not expecting one, so it was a surprise……and today I feel, this man is a great Barkurian, for these qualities.

A scene from the play – ‘Main Kain Asai’ – Noelyn D’Souza, Archibald Furtado, Joseph D’Souza, Rita Fernandes, Cynthia Carvalho & Joseph Rodrigues – 18^th December, 1980.

Early life & brief Family background:

Simplen belong to that famous Sequeira clan of Japkali kudru, was born as the eldest son to the worthy parents – Thirbus and Bridget Sequeira, on 18^th December, 1941. A well to do family of the time, Simpa was a pet child of the locality with four younger brothers (Francis, Boniface, Vincent & Michael) and three sisters (Felecia, Sr. Maxie, Gracie) Well built, tall and strong Simplen was a sportsman of recognition in the National High School in late 50’s. Once he passed SSLC in the year 1959, an un-written practice, he too moves to Bombay, in search of a career…..

With sheer hard work, smart Simplen manages to get a clerk’s job in Bank of India and what followed is a success story….25 years of service as Banker in various senior positions including that of a Branch Manager, till he opt for voluntary retirement in the year 1987.

Married to Gladys Rebello, hailing from Kannada kudru, near Gangolli, who also served in a senior position in a leading Pharmaceutical Company, was equally talented, perfect match. They were blessed with three sons – Nitin, Austin and Quinton……as of today all are well settled in life.

Second encounter with the man took place in 1985, as the just born SPCYA, (est. 15th August, 1985) planning various ways and means to reach out to all the Barkurians in Bombay - since Simplen was our then President Lawrence Sequeira’s cousin, we received a warm welcome at his palatial flat at Bank of India Colony at Vile Parle….. but our proposal to involve senior Barkurians didn’t go well with him…..Disappointment looming in my heart but our President was still optimistic….Next two consecutive years SPCYA successfully organized two mega events viz. Mogachi Deswatt, a Konkani Social play in Nov.86 and Wilfy Nite in Nov,’87. Lawrie ensured that all important Barkurians including Simplen and his family attend these events held at St. Mary’s Hall, Mazagaon……

My third rendezvous rather, face to face with the  man took place in early 1988, as SPCYA Executive Council decided to organize a meeting of leading, successful and senior Barkurians over a dinner at Dadar. Yet again, Lawrie, then Co-ordinator, asked me and Vincent, our Secretary to accompany him to invite Simplen Sequeira. For me just it was a formality in the interest of the Association. But, I didn’t had even a clue that a pleasant surprise waiting for us. Complete U turn in a  person - as Simplen was so enthralled to speak high about the ‘Barkurian Youth wonders in Bombay’, for the last two / three years (a fact unknown to me was, he and his contemporaries were closely observing us)…..Instantly he not only accepts the invitation to be present at Dadar, but gives some useful tips on proceedings…..!!

Dramatic Success of Dadar conclave:

In fact this meeting paves the way for the installation of St. Peters Association Barkur – Mumbai, which was graced by none other than Rev. Fr. Henry D’Souza….( if need be pl. refer my related article)

(From L to R) Peter Fernandes, Ivan M.Rebello, Mark Gonsalves, Richard Carvalho, Simplen Sequeira, Archibald Furtado, Lawrence A.Sequeira, Augustine D’Silva, Vincent D’Almeida, Rev. Fr. Henry D’Souza, Jerry Sequeira….

Birth of St. Peters Association – Barkur – Mumbai -17/04/1988:

Victoria Church Hall at Mahim, Mumbai, become the witness to Barkurians unity and it was Simplen Sequeira, among the well known – (Augustine D’Silva, Richard Carvalho, George V.D’Lima, Edwin Sequeira, all veterans though on the stage) chosen to speak on the occasion, on behalf of senior Barkurians. (Pl. refer an article on this event)

Take up the President’s post of SPA:

A man in a hurry, wanted to execute various projects envisaged by the Association into reality. We met thereafter innumerable times at Richard Carvalho’s garage / office at Marol. Simplen’s heart always used to beat for the welfare of Barkurian youth. By this time around, Sequeira decided to opt for voluntary retirement from Bank of India, to satiate his long cherished dream to involve in civil building construction business. For SPA, right man at right time, Sequeira was instrumental to have Hostel at Rose Nager, Naigaon West, Thane District.

For anyone for that matter it was a wonderful experience to work with him… so for me as Secretary, during formation period …however lot to learn from an experienced Banker, useful for life. Destiny has its own role for each one of us – though has to leave Mumbai, in November 1988, had that contentment of mission accomplished, as the reins of SPA was in the safe hands of Simplen Sequeira and his team of dedicated Barkurians, in Mumbai.

Assessed by his inborn capacity to inspire, as a team leader, he has done much better during his short stint in SPA, at its helm, as it needs a special mention as Simplen worked honestly to shift the focus on unemployed or under employed youth of Barkur in Mumbai, by forming a Youth Wing and appointing Allwyn D’Souza (yet another great son of Barkur, who by that time Manager of Syndicate Bank, Khar Branch) as its convener, to look after this neglected lot….

A man who had vision for a Better Barkur:

During my next vacations, in the following years in 1990 & 1991, I met Sequeira both at Mumbai and in Barkur. I feel it noteworthy to call back the contents of that talk which spelled out and echoed his dream, to the people of native Barkur, during a stage programmed of ICYM Barkur – A Community Hall for Barkur Church, A Directory of All Barkurians, A Home for the Aged and a New Barkur Project……..

Photographs taken during ICYM Barkur – Annual Day Celebratios – Dec 1991. Herald D’Souza, welcoming the guests (Seated L to R) Ivan M.Rebello, Rev. Fr. James D’Souza, Asst. Vicar, Joseph D’Souza, Simplen Sequeira, Archibald Furtado & Rev. Fr. Mark D’Sa – Vicar.

An untimely departure of a great visionary:

Happening of most unexpected, Alas, Simplen was a victim of a deadly decease cancer at a young age, the message sent shock waves in the minds and hearts of Barkurians.

It was an end of a colorful chapter, in the history of SPA, as Simplen Sequeira a proud son of Barkur breathed his last on Independence Day i.e. 15^th August, 1994, at the age just 53.

Behind every great leader one will find a great team, and the dreams of Simplen Sequeira, a man distributed the leadership set an example, a trend of his own, and the people who later walked into the shoes of Sequeira, in Felix Barnes, Henry Roche and incumbent Richard Carvalho and other office bearers and Members, of course their families - a fact we generally ignore, sacrificing a lot in the interest of Barkurian Community both in Mumbai and Barkur.

Two decades of fruitful service, always a landmark in any organization, we send our hearty felicitations to all SPA stalwarts today and remember those generous hearts, who were with us yesterday……

On behalf of Barkur-on-line Team & ICYM Barkur – Ex-Members Association,

P. Archibald Furtado – 22/06/2009.