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MIGRATION & BARKURIANS………some facts and few effects…..
At leisure, had an habit of looking back to our fore fathers and,
many of us can notice we the Coastal Christians and more so
Barkurian’s are attracted to migration, from time to time, in
search of better pastures - may it be higher education, a
rewarding career, high standard of living, better health and
wealth……That’s the reason we are now found everywhere and
scattered in every nook and corner of this globe. Surely it’s not
an easy task, adjust to a new place, surrounding and atmosphere or
climate, but we are very flexible, friendly, adjustable, and
tolerable and will be part and parcel of the new place, mingle
with people very easily, irrespective of caste, color or religion.
Moreover we are very quick to learn any foreign language and their
customs and practices……!
Migration may be to neighboring Brahmmavar or Sastan, Kallianpur
or Udupi……for that matter home away from home in Bombay or
Bangalore, and of course more eligible and brave in US, Canada,
Australia etc…….!
What I have noticed and realized is, Barkurian’s too established,
flourished in a big way – in prosperity and recognition elsewhere,
than at their own Barkur, with very few exceptions. We
congratulate each and every one of you……in union we kept the
Barkurian flag flying high….!
A quick look back at History:
Not long ago but about 300 odd years back, our ancestors were the
natives of Goa and Konkan regions of Maharastra. Thanks to
evangelical work of dedicated Portuguese Missionaries - our
forefathers accepted Christianity as a way of life. Political,
religious, social, commercial compulsions compelled or influenced
them to come down on the coastal Karnataka. Hardworking and
enterprising Christians flourished economically over the years, as
progressive agriculturists, few as landlords, till the infamous
captivity of Catholics by Tippu the Sultan of Mysore in 1784. Once
British re-established their sovereignty over the region in the
beginning of 19th Century and the introduction of new
education system, opened broader ways to Catholics and there
started two way migration – one group of artisans to Western Ghats
up to Bangalore and even Kolar, especially to then famous Mysore
city the capital of princely state, in towns like Kollegal,
Nanjanagud, Chennapatna etc and other group mainly middle class,
to say educated elite, primarily the youngsters to Bombay.
A parallel Barkurian Society in
Mumbai:
Education, I said played a bigger role in the progress of earlier
two generations, National High School established in 1948 is
mainly responsible for this sea change in the life of average
Barkurian. Next 30 years, so to say, since 1950 till 1980, exodus
of Youngsters to Mumbai, an unwritten rule after SSLC its to
Bombay, in large number prompted many of them, with hard work who
succeeded to climb the ladder of success, to go for a permanent
dwelling, eventually to replace clubs / kotri to flats or
apartments.
When my generation Barkurians of 80’s reached Mumbai, already
there were some 150 plus families settled in different parts of
Mumbai. This period also marked by yet another landmark
development – Gulf boom. This was the time every household of
Barkur had one or two, finding a job in Middle East countries. In
the beginning, Kuwait was the place very attractive. Then many
Barkurians preferred UAE, Oman and Saudi Arabia. In Bahrain and
Qatar also Barkurians were fortunate to find decent opportunities.
Living with a family was a luxury and expensive at that time in
Gulf, hence youngsters were forced to leave their wives and kids
either in Mumbai or at native Barkur. It was during this period,
many enterprising Barkurians booked flats in the sub urbs of
Mumbai.
Very birth of SPCYA, and today’s giant SPA are the results of this
strong settlement of Barkurians in Mumbai. Today, no less than 300
families, few may hesitant to acknowledge their roots….. and
substantial bachelors are hailing from Barkur, earn their living,
in this metropolis.
Today is Bangalore the destination royal…..?
Till 1975, there were just half a dozen families of Barkrians,
settled in this garden city. Gulf employed Barkurians showing
preference to Bangalore over Mumbai during this time, both for a
better education for their children, same State to cope up, and
gradually for a peaceful retired life. For the next two decades
this trend went on and by the end of year 2000, the number of
families settled in the city crossed about 75. Today there is an
equally vibrant Barkurian society. Easy overnight access to
hometown Barkur, known Kannada language, serene weather of cool
and calm – natural air condition, better attracted to Gulf
returnee’s, suitable parks and gardens may be few reasons for the
present generations’ middle-agers and youngsters’ preference over
Mumbai. Situation not remained the same, city is not better than
others with congestion and traffic……so also other ailments,
inherent to a fast growing city……!
Settlement of Barkurians in UK, USA, Australia, Canada, New
Zealand…..
Progress made in IT sector in recent times spontaneously brought
lot of opportunities to enterprising Barkurians, outstanding
professionals in advanced countries. Rough estimate say it in
clear words – no less than 100 odd families are at present settled
in these nations as their new found home away from home. This
startling fact too was unknown till we were exposed to internet
and likes of websites etc.
A survey by the parish may throw better light on related
statistics. Yet another point I noted over here, unlike many
hailing from our neighboring towns, who opted for nursing
profession, made it a mission to settle in Europe and US, with
very few exceptions, our girls didn’t grabbed the golden
opportunity to migrate, rather happy to be contented to serve in
Middle east countries.
During last decade, with no option, few elders followed their
children, either one or two, often with a heavy heart, to settle
in these countries, slowly adjusting and now reluctant to
return….!
Barkur-on-line as a source of authentic news, knowledge and media
to be linked with native Barkur:
I feel it appropriate to make a mention of my own experience
couple years back. As usual was on my vacation, somehow it
coincides with Christmas season in Dec every year, there was a
wedding party….. and the bride’s parents roots from Barkur. While
exchanging pleasantries, the topic historical Barkur cropped up.
There were many unknown incidents, surrounding and involving
Barkur better known to these people who left the place some 40
years back. Some even dared to contradict and referred Barkur-on-line
pages, not knowing that I too involved here in a small way, some
know my name, but surely not the person! In other words, there are
hundreds visit these pages to satiate their curiosity, love and
admiration to the place of their
forefathers.
There is lot to cover, both people and place. In union, let’s put
in our efforts, however small it may be to make the place Barkur,
better one, attractive one and peaceful one and more known to
others and ourselves, utilizing these web pages too.
Is there migration from other places to Barkur?
Compared to out-going population new entrants to our parish is
nowhere matching! This is a painful fact, unfortunately hold good
only with Barkur, contrary to our own surrounding Churches!! Once
upon a time a large parish with 350 families, with almost 2500
parishners, today it lost its old glory. I can substantiate this
claim, with one single point, with no further clarification – a
parish had the proud privilege of serving two priests now reduced
to one, since 1990. Surely number of families may be there for
counting sake, but numbers of parishners are little more than just
a 1000. Yes our parish as a family is shrinking!!!
It’s also a fact migration of Barkurians to other places
contributed a lot in monetary terms. Their remittances back home
has helped alleviating poverty, both its level and severity.
Average standard of living of Barkurians is fairly high, with 100%
literacy.
One simple example, of my own:
Instead of fingering at others I will explain a bare fact of my
own ‘Furtado Clan’. We are 6th generation settlers in
Barkur – One Mr. Emmanuel Furtado, who returned or escaped from
captivity from Mysore King, Tippu, settled here at Barkur around
1799 is the grand great old man. (Barkur Parish was formed in the
year 1861). When I was, (5th generation) at about 9
years old, 3rd generation, decedent, viz. my grand
father Gaspar Furtado breathed his last at the age of 82, in the
year 1970. At that point of time there were as many as 11 Furtado
Households at Barkur, with almost 65 plus members! I have funeral
group photograph, to substantiate this claim. Today, just 5, (3
families totally sold out their belongings and further 3 empty
houses) account for mere 15 members!
Anyone still have doubts, just check the Maryknoll Hr. Primary
School and its Student strength and composition, to compare the
variance…..just a year back, in 2008, it was 80% less than what
was in 1965!!
The above case hold good with majority of middle class families of
Barkur and the condition of upper middle class the situation still
pathetic. It is the economically poor, preferred the birthplace,
and preserved the rich tradition of Barkur in them.
In my opinion, Barkur, has suffered and suffering both qualitative
and quantitative demerits of migration. This brain drain, or human
capital flight, I mean. by sending away the skilled professionals,
the home town is a big looser. Our Catholic identity in the town
itself challenged. No fresh talent, absence of effective
leadership, boredom with same old faces, for decades, a cause of
worry. Moreover, small families, less number of children, their
diversified admission in different Schools responsible for this
imbalance as well as cohesiveness.
Are there any ways and means to encounter this peculiar situation?
There is a silver lining, first grade College at Barkur, offering
post graduate courses in MSW, M.Com etc must attract younger ones
to study more…. and at least few to embrace teaching in this
deemed University of tomorrow, when many other courses likely to
be added up. Globalization and liberalization thrown out lot of
new opportunities to younger ones – educated need not go out, even
go out, need not leave out Barkur…….Manipal, Udupi even Mangalore
are nearby cities embracing for drastic change, surely offer new
employment hopes……. Better net work of Roads connecting remote
villages to be taken up….this will encourage likely sellers, to
hold their properties…… Likely up-gradation of State Highway to be
National Highway connecting Udupi – Barkur - Shimogga – Bangalore
will be a boon in coming days with increased frequency of Buses
and public transport….. Well maintained Railway station at Barkur,
a perfect link to Mumbai, may be utilized extensively…..
Friends, the above are my personal observation. At times, either
situations force us or conveniences attract us to settle in new
places / countries, absolutely nothing wrong…. But let us not
forget or pretend to forget the place we born and grown…..we at
Barkur-on-line just doing the same in a small way to keep you
connected to your roots…..
On behalf of Barkur-on-line Team & ICYM Barkur Ex-Members
Association,
P. Archibald Furtado
– Muscat – 27th September, 2009.
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