Divya Furtado
8th January, though a memorable day for me for personal reasons, this time it was more special, as it just not mere a co-incident as I was startled to learn so many good things about Divya Furtado, the person who lead the ICYM of Barkur during its Silver Jubilee year - from the commanding voice of versatile Mrs. Quadros on that pleasant morning. – the occasion was the reception held in honor of newly wedded couple – Sujith Naveen and Divya Melba, on previous day, i.e. 7th Jan 07, at the Church of Milagres, Kallianpur. It is a fairy tale narration to most of us and kept us spell bound for few minutes!
Yes, Divya’s achievements, matured leadership with a smiling face, contribution to Barkurian society, the Church, especially to ICYM are un-parallel.
We at Barkur-on-line, not only happy and proud, but consider it our obligation to honor her as ‘Personality of the Month’ and here-under is just a glimpse of what we heard, read………….and observed.
Born on 20-10-1981 as the eldest daughter of Late Joshi Furtado of Mulky origin and Macrine Picardo of Kachhur, Barkur, has a tempestuous childhood, as she lost her Daddy at a very tender age. Of course it is extremely sad to recollect those tearful memories. It is well said, daughters are more attached to fathers, but Divya was unfortunate to that extent.
It was her mother, Macrine took all the pains to look after two kids, with due support of the family – both Divya and younger brother Deepak – not only given them best of the education in reputed Institutions of the area but trained her to be model to many of her contemporaries.
As a brilliant student:
Being one of the early batches of then just started Little Rock Indian School, Brahmmavar; she had excellent academic record throughout. Understand Divya come out with record marks in SSLC and maintained the same streak in PUC at St. Mary’s Junior College, Brahmmavar. To everybody’s surprise, she opted for Arts optional with English Major, History…. in St. Mary’s First Grade College. Here too, she had distinction and considered to be a rank student. Once out with B.A. Degree, from Mangalore University, she had short stint in Milagres Institutions Kallianpur as clerk. / Teacher. Her passion for teaching prompted her to register herself for B.Ed. Course. It is a rare providence of Almighty; she was absorbed within no time in the same Little Rock Institution as a qualified teacher in the year 2004.
As an ideal Teacher:
Please keep me excused for being bit personal, as I come to know her being in Little Rocks through my little daughter, Anusha. For some reasons I sought admission for my kids over there, in the year 2005, being out of touch of native for few years. Couple of times, I had the privilege to meet teachers and other administrative staff of this great temple of education and every time it was a memorable and pleasant experience. Now- a -day’s most of the people opt for teaching profession not by choice but chance, but in case of Divya, I am sure she embraced it with sheer love to teach. Divya has the art of awakening the natural curiosity in young minds, as we observe and best judges to evaluate teachers are their own students and here she score full marks!!
The crowning glory – the President of ICYM – Silver jubilee year 2002
In one sentence let me put – if it was none other than Divya Furtado, at the helm of affairs, the Silver Jubilee of such a grand magnitude would have been just a dream!
A quick flash back of the past, reels my mind, me too always fascinated by CYM and youth activities, fortunate and grateful to have that special recognition by the local stalwarts. This platform has played a vital role in shaping many youngsters present day social status, and I too have no hesitation to admit it.
Keeping the organization engaged throughout out 365 days, with Jubilee spirit, she gave the much needed perfect leadership and deservedly catapulted to great fame with her simplicity, humble character and dealing with everything with a serene innocent large smile. On the three day concluding ceremony thousands of CYM fans cheered her with thunderous round of applause – mission completed. Of course, the photographs, cassettes, the Souvenir remain as testimonials to her achievements, it is Divya's immaculate smile won the hearts of all admirers, always a legacy to Barkurians.
She was decorated with ‘Best President Award’ with medal by the Mangalore Diocesan ICYM comprising almost 150 units of DK. Udupi and Kasargod Districts and the unit too recognized as ‘Best CYM Unit’ - . A rare feat indeed!
One must not forget the beautiful wall built to the right side of the Church compound during her tenure, with the generous contribution of our local MLA and former Minister K. Jaya Praksah Hegde. It was well said people build walls than bridges and hence live lonely life – but this wall added beauty to the Church surrounding, a fitting Memorial of ICYM’s Silver Jubilee Celebration.
Beginning of a new life, Loss of Barkur gain to Kallianpur:
During this Christmas season, that bright Sunday of 7th January, 2007 the oldest and famous Church of Milagres, Kallianpur has recorded one more page in its record books – the talented lady of Barkur married to Naveen Sujith Lewis of Kallainpur parish, as she found a perfect life partner in handsome and energetic, equally talented qualified Engineer, a B.E. graduate from MIT Manipal, Mangalore University. At present serving in Abu Dhabi, for a prestigious French Company – Verger et Delporte UAE Ltd., wellknown for EMC contracting.
The dream to succeed in life is an inborn in-heritance, and its this zest to reach the pinnacle of success that drives one to surge ahead beyond horizons is constantly witnessed by me in the life of both Naveen Sujith and Divya Melba’s life since teenage years – after all our destiny is in our hands, is’nt it? At this juncture, of both starting a new life, We at Barkur on line team, stand up and wish them a happy, prosperous and fruitful married life.
Conclusion:
No wonder, now charming Divya has constantly evolved as a person… and despite her many talents, its through the persuit of her twin passions - social work and teaching that she emerges distinctly special daughter of Barkur. Long way to go…. and a bright career awaits both of these young hearts…. and our best wishes always there to excel in any chosen field. Let Divya spread the fragrance Barkurain soil in the new place…. and wherever she goes.
On behalf of Barkur-on-line Team and ICYM Barkur Ex Members Association,
P. Archibald Furtado, Muscat.