One event……….. three locations……… 

The sense of affection to a region or community has at all times most dominant sources of loyalty and chain of actions associated with that…….. The place Barkur also fascinates us. ‘Nammuru Barkuru’ in the facebook pages one such live example. St. Peter our patron and our Church yet another icon unifies us, our roots and branches somewhere, sometime, some years breathed, felt or experienced its soil, surrounding and waters…..a cushion all time warm enough to bring us under one umbrella and its best witnessed last week during the Patron Feast being simultaneously celebrated at Barkur, Dubai and Mumbai………….by Barkurians.

St. Peters Association (Barkur) Mumbai:

We have mentioned on many an occasions, that there are more Barkurians in Mumbai than in Barkur, it’s a fact. As long back as in 1984, when few of us were about to formalize, the start of an Association, conducted a survey and it was confirmed by the statistics then, hold good even today. It’s almost a generation now, and the total number of Barkurian families settled in Mumbai must be doubled. Two events organized by SPA, viz, patrons feast in June and the public entertainment function generally held during November – Divali holidays, practically every year, are more than any formal Get-togethers, for us.

We were also invited and informed of SPA’s Silver Jubilee celebrations, in 2013 - 2014 expected to be grand historical event will be given its final shapes….Its firm beliefs, united we inspire to improve and innovate and join hands to be stronger as Barkurian Community……Its yeomen service always appreciated and more so in encouraging children by way of scholarships, and recognition to their achievements….

No doubt, CYM Barkur, had a stellar effect, in the unification efforts earlier and history repeats itself in UAE too………..Barkur-on-line too has done its bit in this mission…..and its effective  utilization is expected in coming days. 

Here is report of the celebrations at Mumbai on 1^st July at Chakala, Andheri. 

The Association’s former honorary chief secretary and NRI entrepreneur Vincent D’Almeida was the chief guest on the occasion.He explained the social activities of the Association since its founding; its endeavor is to help the poor parishioners in Barkur parish and the forthcoming silver jubilee celebrations.

 
Entrepreneur Harry Rebello Chembur, Clement Abraham Lobo, dramatist Henry D’Silva Suratkal, ‘Divvo’ Konkani illustrated weekly publishers Lawrence Coelho and Suzanne Coelho, organizer Alwyn D’Souza Nallasopara, Lenny Suvares, James D’Silva, Herald B D’Almeida, Wilfred Gonsalves, and Joseph D’Almeida were present.The Association’s former presidents Richard Carvalho and Henry Roache were present on the dais.

Joint secretary Ivan Martis, PRO Jolvin Furtado, managing committee members Antony Gonsalves, Wilfred Sequeira, John Gonsalves, Bony Sequeira, Rolph Monteiro, Reginald Crasto, Arthur Mendonca, and Norman D’Souza were present.

Treasurer Antony Dias presented the Annual Accounts.

7  Children were felicitated with Educational Award for year 2011-12 who have scored Above 75%   in SSC & HSC,  First Class in Graduation and Post Graduation.

The Association vice-president Norbert Menezes welcomed the gathering. Honorary chief secretary Ivan Rebello explained the social welfare activities of the Association.  Treasurer Antony Dias presented the annual accounts.  The silver jubilee celebration committee president Felix Barnes and executive president Ida Roache provided information on the silver jubilee celebrations. 

Ivan Suvares introduced the guests. Secretary Eric Carvalho compered the programme and Joylan Fernandes proposed the vote of thanks.

A Konkani music concert was staged by popular musician Antony Tauro as part of the entertainment programme. 

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-Inputs from Eric L.Carvalho, pics by Rons Bantwal 

The Emirates Barkurians 

The latest development is the formation of similar platform in UAE – under the banner ‘Emirates Barkurians’……Thanks to the visit of Bishop Henry D’Souza the event encouraged Barkurians in UAE to come together………! 

Many hands and minds must have put in their efforts, as the photo–albums making rounds in the various social web-sites substantiate its claims of great success.

Three generations of Barkurians roughly since 1955 – 60 found their livelihood in this part of the Gulf, comprising seven regions – Abu-Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah and Ras Al Khaima. It is estimated that, out of every 100 NRB’s (Non-resident Barkurians) more tan 10 are serving in UAE, hence it is welcome coming together in the interest of community, to set an example to others to follow the suit.

Though the Indian immigrants are part of various social and religious communities in the ‘United Arab Emirates’, they do not forget the hardships of people in their hometown. They contribute generously and dispense the contributions through local Church, at times of need, for disaster relief efforts provided to victims regardless of religion, educational institutions.

All these Indian associations of various natures are organized to provide a structure for preservation of the deep spirituality, culture and family values which Barkurians and other Mangaloreans have brought with them.

These associations hold annual gatherings to deepen the faith and celebrate their cultural and linguistic traditions such as ‘Monthi Feast’ with a Konkani Mass, at par with all pomp and splendor in the natives……..Its most appropriate at to call back here that, the ‘Pedruchi Chavi’, the parish booklet used to get published 4 times in a year in 2004 – 2008, on a rotation sponsored by the Barkurians specially living in various Gulf countries and other places as well.

Here is the report of Patron’s feast celebration from Dubai

Emirates Barkurians celebrated their Patron Saint, Peter’s Feast in Dubai on 29^th June 2012 at the residence of Naveen Sequeira of Barkur, the newly elected President of Karaval Milan, a popular association in Mumbai.

A great number of more than 50 Barkurians gathered with family and friends hailing from different Emirates to make this day a special occasion 

Though the programme started with a delay caused due to the guests coming from Al Ain, Abu Dhabi and R.A.K etc., it was most definitely worth the wait. 

Naveen Sequeira, was the chief guest and Walter D Almeida from Abu Dhabi  was the honorary guest for the occasion.  

The progamme started with a warm welcome from compere of the day , Pius James followed by a word of prayer  

The Chief guest and the honorary guest were honored with flowers as the office bearers joined them. Great words of support and encouragement were spoken by the two dignitaries.  

President of Emirates Barkurians, Herbert Menezes welcomed, wished and thanked all Barkurians for making it to the venue and supporting this group. 

The 2^nd part of the progamme followed by entertaining the crowd that comprised of various games and fun factors conducted by the Vice President  Vera Monterio Crow which kept the crowd busy and amused. Compere  Pius kept the crowd going with his non stop humor. 

Timely snacks and beverages were served between the progammes to keep away the heat and hunger.  

Made to order lunch was catered by Canara Restaurant, Dubai to revitalize the pallets of Barkurians; the same was sponsored by Walter D Almeida  

After the sumptuous lunch many issues were discussed on a tea break and it was planned to meet up again on the 7^th Sept. 2012 to celebrate Monti Festh… the feast of nativity followed by an outing on a holiday on the demand request from the crowd.

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-News by Vera M.C. Pics by Allen Crasta

Feast at native town Barkur:

Being the new parish priest, Rev. Fr. Valerian Mendonca at the helm, the parish celebrated Feast on, 29^th June with the grand Mass celebrated by Fr. Tony Andrade. It was a rainy Friday, children busy at their Schools, Church was full to its capacity with elders and guests, at 9.30 a.m. There were about 20 priests of the varado and native Barkur.

It’s a pleasure, we too in Muscat have the main Church at Ruwi, dedicated to St. Peter & Paul, apostles and every year it’s a grand celebration in this church. Let our patron Bless all of us abundantly to be healthy and prosperous.

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On Behalf of Barkur-on-line Team & ICYM Barkur Ex-Members Association,

P. Archibald Furtado, Muscat – 03/07/2012, archibaldfurtado@yahoo.com 

For a series of  high quality articles covering many subjects,  by Mr. Archibald Furtado, go through the archives. Click on the respective subject