A genius Engineer and a successful entrepreneur…..
No doubt all of us have an obligation to the society which nurtured us….but it is also reciprocal to recognize these human beings at premium, who are giving back to the same society in hundred fold….and now we have a distinguished personality in Mr. Benedict D. Lewis of Matpady.
All of us know V. Rev. Fr. Sylvester D’Souza’ who was our Parish Priest during those two years 2001 – 03 & the historical finale of Silver Jubilee Celebrations of ICYM Barkur, which was held in December, 2002.
Those witnessed the function must be remembering the famous speech of the Parish Priest – and to quote him “I was send to this great parish at the evening of my priestly life…..Its my wish I would have been here for few more years…..this is a parish of genius minds and enterprising people……few months back I visited Mumbai to attend SPA’s Annual Cultural programme….I met about a dozen who were Barkurians who are responsible to give bread and employment opportunities to hundreds of fellow brethren…..” Some Carvalho’s, Buthello’s, Roche, Barnes, Furtado’s……etc must be in his mind…..and one name he rightly mentioned was that of Benedict D. Lewis of Matpady – Barkur.
We at ‘Barkur-on-line’ pages wished to bring out the contributions of all these great men in the past…..as usual our people hardly give any details and politely claim ‘it’s not a big thing….we are just doing our duties towards the society…..’
No doubt all of us have an obligation to the society which nurtured us….but it is also reciprocal to recognize these human beings at premium, who are giving back to the same society in hundred fold….and now we have a distinguished personality in Mr. Benedict D. Lewis of Matpady.
Late Bridget and Gaspar Lewis, was a large family of 12 children and ‘Benedict D. Lewis’ is the fourth and was born in Mumbai on 12th February, 1944.
Here are some interesting facts – Benedict had his primary education in the Mary knoll Higher Primary School, Hosala Barkur. A bright and clever student of the Institution next moved to National High School, Barkur for his further studies and come out with flying colors as a rank holder, in SSLC.
The childhood days he spent at the Church surroundings, still afresh for his memories……Though is a less known, to the current generation, at native Barkur, but is a generous donor for his first School and Benny regularly pay a visit to this temple of learning and support its well being. Even I was informed, in the event of the School authorities willing to switch over to English medium, he is more than happy to extend a helping hand….its left to the decision makers back home to rope in such visionaries….An Institution having a history of 72 odd years must be proud to have such illustritious old students….in its Roll of Honors.
The days were known for very few Engineering or Medical Colleges, but Benedict secured his seat on merit only, in the prestigious (KREC) Karnataka Regional Engineering College, Suratkal, Mangalore.
The genius bagged Gold Medal with First rank in the Electrical Engineering stream, in the year 1967. (It’s his passion for the Alma-mater, still attached so much deep in his hearts and he is serving as the Treasurer of the Ex Students Association, Mumbai chapter) Indeed the man believed learning is a treasure that will follow him everywhere and everyday……!
Young energetic, Engineer moved to Mumbai to join ELMOT Engineering Company, where he served for a full decade till, 1977, mainly as the creative Design Engineer, with good things getting better….in his hands.
With the rich experience he earned, its time to venture his own business, yes fortune favors the brave, viz. BEN Electricals specialized in manufacturing A/C & DC Motors, was started with like minded supporters…………Here we have to call back Fr. Sylvester’s observation – today, Benns Electricals employ, more than a hundred people and most of them from native, Barkur, Brahmmavar and Sastan and the surroundings.
The welcome page of the website Benn’s read like this…….
BENN Electricals is a company professionally managed by experienced technocrats. Since its inception in 1977, we have achieved a steady & substantial growth. We are engaged in design, development and manufacture of AC & DC Motors, Generators, Dynamometers, Electrical Machine Trainers & other rotating Electrical machines.
We are also engaged in the Manufacturing & Marketing of controls & accessories for electrical machines like Regulated Power Supplies, Transformers, AC – DC Starters, R-L-C load banks etc. All designs and technologies are completely indigenous. We specialize in Custom Built & Import Substitute products. Today, Benn is a trustworthy & well established brand name in the market for its quality and technical support. Thousands of Benn products are installed in various industries.
Quality of the products coming out from Benn’s stood distinctly attractive and live up to its commitment given below.
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A Trusted Brand
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Efficient Design for better Characteristics
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Custom Built Lab Equipment Supply.
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Rigid Foundations not needed for lab Machines.
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Low Noise Levels.
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Insulated Terminals for Educational Products
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Attractive Look & Simplistic Presentation of Control Panels.
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Comprehensive and User Friendly Manual.
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Experienced Technocrats for Pre and Post sale
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Technical Support.
- Conforming IS / IEC Standards
Works & Administrative Office:
MR. Benedict D. Lewis – Managing Director,
M/s. BENN ELECTRICALS PVT. LTD.
PLOT No. A - 5 , M.I.D.C.-MIRA, District Thane - 401 104, INDIA.
Tel: 0091-22- 28455306, 28457967,
Fax: 0091-22-28454105
E-Mail: bennelectricals@gmail.com
Today he is running the successful business, I am sure the price of this greatness and success is responsibility, Ben take on himself.
In short about the Family:
Benedict married to Juliet, daughter of Mrs. & Mr. Albert D’Souza of Kemmanu, the owner of then famous City Kitchen Hotel, Mumbai. A pair made for each other blessed with four daughters – Asha, Chrystal, Jennifer, Dianna and son Elver. All are well educated and on their way to settle down in life……At present the family resides at Mahakali, Mumbai, loving life is living life to the fullest…..
Social work, leadership and sports activities:
Ben’s social activities are many fold. At present he is the President of his parish Association in Mumbai i.e. Brahmavara Holy Family Association.
There are regular get together, every year for Feast of Nativity, Feast of Holy family and so on, involving mostly have not’s and less privileged in Mumbai. His was a generous hand for any good cause especially education. An observation by a friend of mine, worth a mention – once you meet Benny, its an experience of the mind, heart and the spirit get into an conversation….Never craved for fame and always keeps a low profile, is the feedback received from his contemporaries and colleagues from Mumbai.
Conclusion:
In a world where empty vassals only make sound, we have Benny, who stand apart – an intelligent Engineer, capable of testing pulse of people at one look, is a man ideal for the present generation. In his career, invented lot many new things, may be a blend of beauty and technology in Engineering world, committed to improve and continue to inspire……!
We at Barkur-online, are elated to honor him as the Personality of the Month……Let us admit the above particulars are a fraction of a man who stands tall among all from many angles.
With all good wishes and prayers to Almighty to Bless Benn and his family with good health and prosperity and continue to inspire us……!
On behalf of Barkur-on-line Team & ICYM Barkur Ex-Members Association.
P. Archibald Furtado, 24th November, 2012 – furtadoarchibald@hotmail.com