AN IMITABLE PERSONALITY – MR WILFRED GONSALVES
That was a pleasant Wednesday, Parish Feast Day evening, in December, in 70’s; the then great banner, the St. Peter’s Association, rather better known ‘Saanth Pedrucho Sangh’ - presenting their ‘event of the year’ – the social drama… and two or three epoch making scenes already successful to inculcate curiosity and grip over the minds of drama crazy spectators of Barkur and the neighbourhood. There comes a sudden announcement – the song ‘Noman tuka ye Bhagi Avoiponna’ and the handsome man makes his entry on the dais with microphone, the spell-bound listeners give their 100% attention both by heart and ears, once the 6 - 7 minutes emotional melody comes to its high pitch close, the huge, long round of applause to salute, the on leave, local hero, with magical voice, Shri Wilfred Gonsalves, - for many of us Wilfiyaab in general.
Yes the same routine repeated up teen times and the man who left Barkur at his early 20’s, to be in Bombay, a known name around Kalina – Santacruz area, the then social hub, of Mangalorean’s, is very well there on annual vacation to entertain us, with a special pick from legendary Wilfy Remimbus’ collection, like, all time hits Philomena, Hya Sansaranth Ek Avoi, Ek Bapui, years before we heard the same numbers in Wilfy’s Cassettes, were made familiar in early 70’s, by Wilfy of Barkur. (Those were the days, T.V.and even Tape recorders, Radio was a luxury and for people entertainment was in scarce and events like this and annual School days, Yakshagana and occasional film show and the social plays were in high demand).
That is a separate issue; the very reason for remembering Mr Wilfred Gonsalves in these columns is so special for me because this man was a ‘model icon’ for few like me, when we were growing to be teenage - adults. It is not a secret now, my mother told me to be like him, and at times I even get irritated. Now while looking back, no doubt she recognised the pearl perfectly and the person, Mr Wilfy, inherited great ideals for life surely have lot many good things, to be imitated, a role model – an elder brother in true sense!
Being the eldest son of Late Monthu and Mrs Teresa Gonsalves of Nagermutt, born on 12th December 1948, at the beautiful place on the banks of tributary Sita, a middle class family of yester years, have to struggle a lot to bring-up the children. Once he completes SSLC and PUC, with record marks, a pet of teachers, from National Junior College, Barkur, though had thrust and capabilities for further higher studies, compelled to support the younger ones… and the prayers of the devote family well granted and the young man got appointed in one of the leading Pharmaceutical Company at Bombay – NOCIL. He secured the FIRST PLCE in Barkur's first Battch of PUC. He got the certificate for securing FIRST PLACE in GENRAL PROFICIENCY in 1967.
Younger to him was Mr. Clarence already joined Indian Air Force, the noble service to the nation and helping hand to the family. At that crucial time, the coppersmith father’s profession getting outdated with less or no work with the advent of Steel and Aluminium utensils / vessels, the head of the family was well supported by the eldest son.
At the time education was expensive, the younger brothers of Mr Wilfred were well encouraged and supported. Third one late Patrick, also after his PUC, joined the big brother, at Bombay, the Fourth one Mark was excellent in studies went up to B.Sc. and B.E. from Malnad Engineering College Hassan, to pass with flying colours. He hardly stopped there, now he holds, prestigious MMM, MBA degrees from Bombay University.
The next one John, exactly like his elder brother was exceptionally talented, a jack of all, a sportsman, a singer, a playwright also graduate in Commerce and attained post graduate Management qualifications from University of Mumbai.
The last and the youngest one Ivan too like elder brothers completed his B.Com and attained Management certificate in Finance later on. Today all are married, well settled with families and ……
The personality of Wilfred’s is not complete without a mention of his brothers, because, he has given them what he missed, he has encouraged them to the maximum and that is the greatness! Like the parents he has taken care of everybody and after the demise of his father the elder brother is de-facto guardian to shoulder the responsibilities of his great mother Mrs. Teresa Gonsalves, the woman who understood that ‘there is no shortcut for success in life, not only for her children, but anyone, other than good education’, had a distinct goal or vision to march towards it, amidst trials and tribulations.
In short about the Family:
Married at an early stage, to Janet, the smart lady of his likes, originally from Shirva, a perfect, supportive life partner both at testing times and of theirs is a happy family with two children, the elder son Darryl and daughter Hazel.
As usual, though Wilfred was placed comfortably at NOCIL, the glamour of Gulf was so attractive at that time, offered excellent opportunity to land in Qatar in the year 1978 and serving in a responsible position in QGPC (Qatar General Petroleum Corporation).
Children had their education over there and attained recognition and moulded to be simple, humble and dignified exactly as their parents.
Darryl, a Management Graduate, excelled in computers, e-commerce and other communication skills is working for a reputed organisation as an executive in Qatar.
It is his daughter, Ms Dr Hazel, who passed her M.B.B.S. from KMC Manipal now at her finals of M.D. at Fr. Muller’s Medical College, Mangalore. An equally talented Bharatha Natyam dancer. I’m very sure, for her credentials, one day she will be featured here as Personality of the month!
What makes Wilfred so special than others?
By nature he is like a big brother not only for his own, but also in the neighbourhood by his nature, concern, he enquires of each one and their whereabouts, even after leaving the Nagermutt, sees that he pay a visit once a year to whole ward!
His support to youth causes and their activities is enormous and Cultural programmes are very dear to his heart. He always carries a camera with him and preserves the great moments for lifetime. For example I still hold as relics, couple of photographs of an ICYM drama “Main Kain Asai” clicked by him way back in 1981.
Before putting the full stop…
A complete family man, with extra ordinary communication skills, and public relationship, he always choose words, to take care, not to hurt anyone even a little, that immaculate smile, neat dressing and honest concern for fellow brethren made Wilfred the darling of Gonsalves Clan.
Of course, it is very difficult to imitate good things in others, for us, I too not an exception, still preserve his image close to my heart and wish him and his family on behalf of Barkuronline, all the very best in life……!!!
On behalf of Barkuronline and ICYM Barkur Ex-Member’s Association,
P.Archibald Furtado Muscat, 24th June 2004.