Congrats Stenita. You are doing a good job. We are Indians and we should have interest in Indian culture and should continue it. Keep it up Cheers..

Wilfy, Abu Dhabi, 15/12/2005

Dear Stephen and Gretta,

''Congratulations on your daughter's achievement ''We are extremely happy to read about Senita. W wish her all the best for her future.b From;

Gratian and Sheela D’Silva, Barkur/UK.09/12/2005

Extremely enthralled to read about Stenita, wish you all the best in days to come.

Barkurgar, 08/12/2005

Few Good things happening around Barkur and one such event in Sastan. The bharatanatyam qualification of Stenta daughter Stephan / Gretta a artist family is just a beginning of  a career. Please dont carried away by early success but concentrate and come-out with flying colours in coming days. Stage is set now for immitate Stenita to young girls of our Catholic Community. Pioneer will be remembered by History so is Stenta you too! All the best.

MM Alvares, alvaresmm@hotmail.com , 08/12/2005

Congratulations to Stenita on her excellent performance. More and more are yet to come. I am amazed to see such tremendous support to Stenita, not only from our own community but also from the surrounding communities, irrespective of caste or creed. Stenita, all the best to you, in your future goals.

Shusma and Stenita, bringing glory to Barkur! Keep up young ladies! I just learned how the word 'Bharatanatyam' was coined: BHAva(_expression) + RAga (music) + TAla(rhythm) + NATYAM(dance) = Bharatanatyam.= Dance of the Body and soul.

James Fernandes, USA,08/12/2005

Congratulations to Stenita on her Bharathanatyam Rangapravesha. God bless you Stenita. Wish you all the best in your future. Hats off to you Gretta and Stephen. With love from

Monthy Castelino, Dubai , 08/12/2005

Dear Stephen & Gretta,

Congratulations on your Daughter’s Achievement, kindly convey our wishes to Stenita. It was nice to hear that she has performed the most popular Indian Dance, Bharatanatyam, in front of thousands of audiences. She really deserves a word of praise, at this young age one should appreciate her hard work, compassion and dedication. We are proud of you, Stephan and Gretta for encouraging and nurturing Stenita in to this Classical Dance and proved that, we Konkani Christians are not behind in teaching our children Indian Traditions.

Vincent & Ida, California, USA, 08/12/2005

It was nicely arranged programme. Congrats to you Stenita, Hats off to Stephen and Gretta for the dedication.

Jeevan Fernandes, Brahmavar, 06/12/2005

Programme was excellent. It was well arranged. We are proud that you are the part of Rotary Saligrama. Stenita  you are simply the best. We wish you good luck in all you do. We hope one day you will be the ambassador of our country in spreading culture and harmony. God bless you. Well done Stephen and Gretta.

Venkatesh Bhat, Chempi, President, Rotary, Saligrama. 06/12/2005

Splendid performance and splendid show. Wishing Stenita all the very best for a bright future. God bless you all. Love

Sapnajay and Family, Saligrama, 06/12/2005

Dear Stephen and Gretta,

It is great to hear that your daughter Miss Stenita is performing her great art work at packed audience at Sastan on 4^th December 2005.It is rare feat and kudos to you both as parents for supporting and guiding your daughter for taking such giant  strides in fulfilling her ambition in becoming a professional Bharata Nat yam dancer. It is a privilege to hear this great news. I wish Miss Stenita great success on this endeavour and may she shine and entertain the audience and people all over India with her unique talent. I take this opportunity in wishing the very best to her and may she continue to shine and keep the Barkur flag fly high always.

Stephen, I know your talent in art, music and photography. I am happy that you nurtured those talents in your daughter. I have always admired your talents as a friend and colleague in CYM. I still like your humble nature which I witnessed when I visited Barkur for my Dad’s funeral. I wish you and Gretta every success and may your daughters footsteps will encourage many budding youngsters from Barkur to take plunge in this field to entertain more audience who love music. I am sure she will bring the best out of her in front of those distinguished dignitaries presence

With best wishes,

D. Nagarkar and family, London (Barkur)05/12/2005

It is indeed a great occasion that Stenita is going to perform a Bharatanatyam show in front of a the huge audience and distinguished guests, as she marking her ‘Bharatnatyam Ragapravesha’on 4^th Dec. It is true that a few from our community show interest in this form of art and more so very rare to take it seriously to master it even if they learn during school days. We congratulate Stenita for her determination and achieving this mile stone and wish her the best in the future. We are confident that she would excel in the field and place herself highest in the map of Indian classical dance. On this occasion we congratulate her parents Stephen and Gretta, teacher Shri Vidwan Sridhar Rao, for providing all the support for her to achieve this great milestone.

Wish the programme a grand success.

John Gonsalves and family, Muscat.03/12/2005

Congratulations to Stenita and her proud parents on her Bharatanatyam Rangapravesha at Maithri Hall, Sasthan.

President and members, The Expressions, 03/12/2005

Wishing the  Bharatanatyam Rangapravesha of Stenita a grand success.

Praveen  and Sushma Carvalho, Barkur.03/12/2005

Congratulations to Stenita on her Bharatanatyam Rangapravesha on 4th December, Wishing the function every success.

Eric Soans, Barkur,03/12/2005

Happy Birthday

Dear Glenish,

Glenish D'Silva, Barkur, UK

As you are celebrating your 10^th   birthday today, we wish you  a  very  happy birthday and  pray God's choicest blessings. Have a wonderful day.

From;   Gratian & Sheela ( parents) Glenston ( brother) Barkur/UK, Herald & Gretta ( god parents) ,Hebroyn & Hayden( cousins) Piusnagar/UK, Grand parents( Barkur/ Piusnagar) ,relatives and friends.01/12/2005

Dont you think that you should add some more pictures of Barkur in Fotogallery? Also, there are no articles about Barkuru Habba(Festival). Please add some informations about the Panchalingeshwara temple.

Manohar, 01/12/2005

Extremely happy to read about Mr. Jerome Fernandes (Juvavn Bhovji), "Personality of the month". Since I know him from my childhood, he deserves the appreciation for his simplicity and service to the community. Congratulations to Zita bai, Nisha and Joylous.

Roque Lewis, Udyavara (Kuwait), 30/11/2005

Happy Birthday to our beloved mother and teacher

Benedicta Andrade
(Better known as Benny teacher)

We wish you a very happy b'day and many happy returns of the day. May God bless you on this day and everyday of your life and grant you good health and joy in your heart. We assure you our humble prayers.

With love and blessings

Andrade family, relatives and friends. Fr. Tony Andarde and the parishioners of St. Thomas the Apostle church in St. Paul Minnesota (USA), 26/11/2005

Thank you very much for your timely article on Holy Communion. While looking at the various snaps in Messages I do remember my first Day too. May the Lord Jesus Bless all these children abundantly to grow as a chosen race to contribute to the society and family in a worthy way in their life and career.

MMALVARES, alvaresmm@hotmail.com 26/11/2005

Condolences

My heartfelt sympathies to Feddy D'Almeida and his children, and to Feddy's family. May Sylvia's soul Rest In Peace. My condolences to Sylvia's mother, brother, and sisters as well. Feddy, believe me, you will get strength and courage to bear the loss.

James Fernandes, USA, 25/11/2005
 

Congratulations

Arnold Furtado
S/O Mrs. Selma and Mr.Archibald Furtado, Muscat
First Holy Communion on Sunday 20th November 2005 at Mount Rosary Church, Kallianpur

Congratulations

Evita Carvalho
D/O Mr.Eric and Mrs.Jeanette Carvalho, Naigaon, Mumbai
First Holy Communion, on Sunday at 10.00 a.m. on 13th November 2005 at Mother of God Church, Palle, Naigaon West.

May Our Savior love and bless you, and may he be there to guide you always With best wishes from

Congratulations

Malcom Andrade

May the Lord bless you and may you grow in his light. Wishes from

Rony and Family, Dad, Mom, and sisters Marcel, Juliet, Pinky and Michelle, Nagarmutt, Barkur 15/11/2005

FOND REMEMBERANCE .

Undoubtedly one of the colorful personalities of our time is Late Mr. Gregory Fernandez, the online HOF whom we used to call ‘Military Uncle’.

His handsome photograph with Army attire was displayed by the then, one and only Photo-Studio of Barkur – Venkappa, for years! He was a very jovial person and admired by youngsters around the Mary knoll High school surroundings.

Two small incidents – we used to have Konkani plays in late 70’s and early 80’s usually a Police Inspector’s role used to be there…. and the same normally enacted by one well-built Mr. Denzil D’Souza. Here this man used to borrow Military Uncle’s uniform with all his badges, stars etc. Normally our spectators were so innocent to recognize all these things, whether it is

high ranking Army Officer or Sub Inspector! On the other hand, Mr. Fernandez always used to share a joke – “at least your CYM is a platform to display my achievements in this way!”

Second one – somewhere in May 1983, one of our school going young boy of our ward Ronnie Menezes had a fall and broke his hand bone while playing, that too on a drama day. Poor fellow had to be taken to KMC Manipal. An unknown place, my neighbor Mr. John Gonsalves and me took him but it was Uncle Gregory who, though just off duty for the day, guide Ronnie’s father and organized best possible treatment at economical price.

Personally I am more than happy to read about him, in our Web pages - of course I made an attempt to do so much earlier, for want of details it

was pending. Now Fr. Tony has done it, thank you very much. That unfortunate morning of Vesper December 15th will be remembered not only by his loved ones but all who know him, ‘May his soul rest in eternal peace’.

On behalf of ICYM Barkur Ex-Member’s Association,

P. Archibald Furtado, Muscat, 15/11/2005

Congratulations

Dixon

Wishes and God’s blessings from

Granny Rita, Dad Anselm, Mom Yvette, Brother Damian, Barkur, 14/11/2005

I feel you misread my note - poor be recognized late, no my point is - there is a chance to all over here, irrespective of rich / poor but his life and contribution to society at premium, as in the case of many you already featured. Your expectation to include all communities in the proposed book on Barkur welcome. Names like, Louis DLIMA, Albert Sequeira, Dr. Narayana Shetty, Umashankar Shetty, Police James D'Lima, Teacher Josephine Montherio......... are there to be considered in HOF. There are good number of Barkurians worthy in Mumbai in SPA qualify for POM.......... My feeling is you have long way to go as at the moment some 5-10% only covered, but I APPRECIATE YOU MADE THE BEGINNING, KEEP IT UP DON'T CARRIED AWAY MY FEELINGS.

Barkurgaar, 14/11/2005

Congratulations

Denver Lobo,
Lumena, Barkur

May Our Savior love and bless you, and may he be there to guide you always With best wishes from

Mummy ,Daddy and Sister, Richard ,Norine ,Jennifer, Barkur                  Allen Lewis and Shallet Lewis (God Parents) Kallianpur, 11/11/2005

Dear MMA, Barkurgaar, Archie or Kishoo

Believe me, there will be a book on Barkur out of  Barkuronline.com articles, sooner or later, to commemorate perhaps, the 5th anniversary of Barkuronline? By this time a balanced representation could be achieved, perhaps, if people want to participate. The point I am making (without involving any one else) is that the book must represent ALL sections of Barkur or at least it should make an effort to include as much a broad spectrum as possible by giving prior notification and deadline for articles. As, lately, the Barkurghar pointed out that this site is acknowledging the poor at last, (postal worker Fernandes, finally); such positive/negative comments must be avoided after this book gets printed. It's unfortunate we could not get details on Fr. Augustine Sequiera, or on Fr. William Picardo. Yes we gave due credit to Fr. Roche.

Even Kishoo has not taken advantage of his own website, to present his own family members (as other sites do!), what I mean is, he could have presented Fr. Joseph Gonsalves, the fourth priest produced by Barkur, because, Kishoo is a democratic and a honest man, and not selfish. (No, I am not buttering him I can't afford it, yet!) Dear Barkurgaar, have you heard of Fr. Augustine? Can you help us to get some details, thus we can include him in the book? This site has made genuine efforts to give credit to persons who contributed to Barkur little more than any average persons. More to be done. I intend to write about a schoolteacher for 40 years, whose children and grand children are spread in Bombay, Middle East, Canada, USA, and Hongkong. I hope someone considers this as achievement, and this person had helped quite a few to get further educated. His name is Peter Fernandes near the high school. There were very well educated rich people, who were well revered by their own elite group. Can you name some rich ones who helped the poor who could not afford high school education, college education, who could not go to Bangalore hotel as bell boy because he could not afford a bus ticket, or to help buy a rail ticket to Bombay? Forget about helping to go to Middles East or sparing foreign chocolates? Can you name some Mentors? The rich and pretty child is helped but what about the poor, ugly, dirty, hungry or naked? I admire the nuns. They mentor other girls to join the convents!! Go figure, why!! We will have a book. Period. Details to please as many people will have to be worked out!

Thanks folks!

James Fernandes, USA, 09/11/2005

Still no name, I can't believe this. Suggest a good name and win the prize, to be applied now.

Around Benne Kudru there are Group of Islands like Philipines! some Ten or so.....It was a maritime port I heard as Swarna and Sita jointly embrace Arabian Sea.Of course My Geograhical knowledge of the area is little.

By the way BOOK ON BARKUR not feasible? Not now, may be later can be thought of. Barkurgar's need not be disappointed.

Baila Show ended up as a Success, Congratulations.

MM ALVARES, alvaresmm@hotmail.com

Hi Joe Martis: A very good question, sir. As a kid, I had heard this Kudru was called "Moodahadu Kudru." Some people were calling it as "Roche Kudru", since most of the Roche families were concentrated there, and owned most of it. However, Simon D'Almeida, father of HOF Leo D'Almeida also owned almost half of Kudru, so why not name Dalmed kudru, was also a talk. [This man used to visit this Kudru to pluck the left over coconuts! He was loved by lot of poor people!!]

If had any social standing, I could venture to suggest Mary Kudru, since there was Fodthe Mary, Roche Mary, Banz Mary, Balnther Mary, Vodlen Mary, Dhakten Mary, Souz Mary, and Bombai Mary! But the Kannada speaking population may think, what Mary, Koli Mari or Nai Mari? Well, Joe, these are my 2 cents in reply. Since, most others can't even spare a single cent!

James Fernandes, USA, 05/11/2005

Dear Bakurgaar: You are something! You don't let me dislike you!! You don't hate me either! We are not ready for a book. In Barkuronline, not every community, every class of people by age, sex, bank balance, education, poor or rich, are properly represented, yet, even though a balance has been attempted. There was one Dennis Roche who had written a science text book for Bombay high schools, some 50 years ago. I can't get details, hence, no write-up yet. His brother Edward was a popular teacher in Barkur high Scholl for over a decade or so.

Similarly there are plenty of hidden jewels. We will find them, eventually. Abundius Fernandes was a devout sacristan for over a quarter of a century. Will someone write about him? Kishoo needs support. If Kishoo was a landlord's son (3300 mudi rice per annum, and 49 thousand coconuts per month) I guess, hundreds of articles might have poured in! Oh, well, do we practice class system here? Anyway, this site has survived, but skinny. Fat causes increase in cholesterol anyway!

James Fernandes, USA, 04/11/2005

We are very much pleased to note that the latest programme 'Baila International' organised by none other than our St. Peter's Association Barkur - Mumbai on 1^st  November, 2005 at Vile Parle was a great success. Performers under the guidance of Mr. Eric Ozario, the organisors under the leadership of President Henry Roche, and the encouraging spectators of Mumbai deserve to be congratulated, for this wonderful outcome.

Yes 17 long Years the Association not only survived, but contributed immensely to the growth of one another, provided quality entertainment, once a year, most of the times in Konkani and done and doing social work in the backyard of Barkur, especially for the cause of Education to the poor.

On this special moment of congratulating all of you, we can call back our memories some 17 years back when the Association just born and under the new banner SPA  - Henry Nite and a farce was enacted by our enthusiastic Members in November 1988, though the youngsters already had two programmes to their credit viz. A Drama in 1986 and following year  Wilfy Nite in 1987, under the banner of SPCYA.

Many are not around now, like the Founder President Mr. Simplen Sequeira, Advocate George D'Lima and few others in heavenly abode and many like me, haven to leave the place in search of better prospects over the years...., but the spirit of togetherness always there and while hearing or reading about our fellow Barkurian's achievements we feel proud of ourselves.

Keep the flag of our Barkur flying high in Mumbai...........

On behalf of Barkuronline and ICYM Barkur Ex-Members Association,

P.Archibald Furtado, Muscat. 04/11/2005

I have come across many Kudru's (Island) Here is one that has no name as far as I know. It is situated between Benne Kudru and Pandeshwar, people call it Kudru. The size of it is fairly big, then why no one named it yet? Isn't it time to do that! Can someone shed some light?

Joe Martis, USA. 04/11/2005

Friends,

Thank you very much for your reply and it gave us much solace. By the way the very reason to write this line is to acknowledge the great success of Baila International organised by our Association yesterday Morning at Vile Parle Hall.

For a change it was a good stage show by Eric Ozario. His Troupe also gave the audience best in them. They deserve kudos. Stage programme just before the show though bit long, was well received by the people. With bit curiosity we attended the function, which was above expectations, well done.

Mr. James Fernandes is very much right in his observation with a witty story. Sure we will meet personally, till then bye. May Long Live SPA Mumbai.

Barkurgar.03/11/2005

Happy Birthday

 Mrs Juliana Mendonca, Hanehalli, Barkur

Dearest Mai,

I have no words to express to someone who has always been One of the most essential part of my life. Someone who took me by the hand and helped to show the way. Providing love, strength and support and making me, the individual I am today. Of all the life’s gifts that are dear to the heart, the one that means the most, is having a kind and warm hearted Mai.

For all the days you spent working to take good care of the family, We all say a deep heartfelt "Thank You" and We Love You For All That You Are.

Today on your 75th Birthday, We Wish You Good Health, Happiness And Many More Years To Come. Happy Birthday Mai.

From Your Loving Daughter and Her family:-

Monthy Castelino,Richard Castelino,Redge,Russell and Rowen (Dubai), 02/11/2005

Don’t jump to conclusions: Jack decided to go skiing with his buddy, Ed. They loaded up Jack's minivan and headed north. After driving for a few hours, they got caught in a terrible blizzard. They pulled into a nearby farm and asked the attractive lady who answered the door if they could spend the night. "I realize it's terrible weather out there and I have this huge house all to myself, but I'm recently widowed," she explained.

"I'm afraid the neighbors will talk if I let you stay in my house." "Don't worry," Jack said. "We'll be happy to sleep in the barn. And if the weather breaks, we'll be gone at first light." The lady agreed, and the two men found their way to the barn and settled in for the night. Come morning, the weather had cleared, and they got on their way.

They enjoyed a great weekend of skiing. About nine months later, Jack got an unexpected letter from an attorney. It took him a few minutes to figure it out, but he finally determined that it was from the attorney of that attractive widow he had met on the ski weekend. He dropped in on his friend Ed and asked, "Ed, do you remember that good-looking widow from the farm we stayed at on our ski holiday up North?"

"Yes, I do."

"Did you happen to get up in the middle of the night, go up to the house and pay her a visit?"

"Yes," Ed said, a little embarrassed about being found out. "I have to admit that I did."

 "And did you happen to use my name instead of telling her your name?" Ed's face turned red and he said, "Yeah, sorry, buddy. I'm afraid I did. Why do you ask?" "She just died and left me everything." (And you thought the ending would be different, didn't you? Love Child? Prozak?) Now keep that smile for the rest of the day!

Now, Barkurgaar: You do not know what you are missing by not identifying yourself! Just by calling someone ‘Certified Stupid’, one does not become stupid. Just by calling someone a Robber, one does not become  a robber. Just by calling a cow’s tail a leg, it does not mean a cow has five legs!

Signing papers using someone else's identity, is felony! “If one is upright and honest, who cares who calls one 'what or what not'?”

James Fernandes, USA, 02/11/2005

Good piece of reflection by Fr. Tony in his Corner, well suited for the twin celebration rather fond remembrance of departed holy souls.

MM Alvares, 02/11/2005

Dear Mr. Alvares/ Kishoo Barkur and others,

Some people like me keep low profile, for obvious reasons. It doesn't mean we don't want to keep in touch and aware of what is happening around us. Surely we appreciate good things taking place around us.

Some people gifted with enterprise so is one Kishoo Barkur. One does understand the pains in running the show. Criticism must be there as we are human beings and not perfect.

In our days in Barkur, in 40's and 50's our town was not backward compared to many nearby towns. Today other towns grown and growing very fast compared to age old Barkur. We lack certain leadership qualities and leaders. At times I feel, only residuals are left in Barkur I may be wrong in my assessment. Mr. James a man risen from humble origin many a times commented on critical topics  and Mr. Archie, often raised issues and written about events too. Most importantly I appreciate his work on People than events.

Truly in my innermost recesses feel, I too be the eye ball of Archie one day. Sorry I don't have qualifications or the social work, hence blame self.

As you know in Bombay, now Mumbai, to find a good job, a decent dwelling and to educate children one have to slog a lot. Now I am retired person, looking back feel that I was not able to give back anything to the place I was moulded.

Thanks a lot for publishing my feelings in the Messages. Am I boring?

Barkurgaar, 01/11/2005