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The pioneer to dream and form first ever Barkurian St. Peter’s
Club in Fort, Bombay -
SANKADY SANTHAN BANZ
Sooner we started to scribble few little things for this site, it
was about this person wanted to put in records, a historical land
mark event, in the life of ‘Barkurians in Bombay’.
Santhan Banz, by birth a Syrian Catholic, whose local head quarter
is at Brahmmavar, was born at Sul-kudru near Mabukal. An
enterprising Santhan though keen, deprived of even primary
education! His greatest asset was attractive and handsome
physique. Now, we talking about pre-independence era i.e. early
30’s of the 19th Century. At about this time with the help of some
good Samaritan, young Santhan Banz somehow reached Bombay. Days
were very difficult and no education, no technical expertise but
only dreams…. and sincerity to achieve something with utmost
honesty.
If our memory doesn’t deceive, were told by Santhan Banz himself
that, he started a career as a ‘house boy’ in one rich British
family. Smart young man learned spoken English, say butler
English, and mannerisms, discipline and sincerity, gradually
impressed the family. The kind hearted English Officer advised
Santhan to learn driving and promoted as ‘domestic driver’.
Attractive Santhan, always a trusted servant, has the patronage
from the noble family, and by that time decided to switch over to
Roman Catholic fold, together with his elder brother Salvador Banz.
The twin reasons – viz. there were hardly anyone or in substantial
numbers, called themselves as Syrian Catholics and no single place
of worship there at Bombay, secondly his proximity to Catholic
church leaders and the awareness of the so called ‘Kallianpur
schism of 1887’, according to Santhan, silly emotive reasons,
resulted in the breaking away from the mother Church.
He always mentioned that the then, (yet to be a Bishop,
subsequently elevated to be the first Indian Cardinal) Rt. Rev.
Valerian Gracious was Parish Priest of Wood House Cathedral, had
immense influence on him. A regular Church visitor to accompany
the British family had utmost faith in Almighty’s wonders, while
watching the plight of less privileged, always praying to work
wonders through him, not only for his family but for all those
many trusted in him.
Married to Johanna Buthello of Kundapur, a lady who has seen
hardships and encountered trials and tribulations from close, was
the right life partner, Santhan was longing for, made a new
beginning in the metropolis of Bombay. They were blessed with
three talented children - Simon, Flora and youngest Felix
(Ex-President of SPA Mumbai)
As a Driver in BEST – Bombay Electricity Services and Transport
Co.
The just started BEST managed by British at the top, was looking
for Drivers… and then young, good looking, handsome, tall Santhan
was rightly picked up for the post.
To stick to and to continue… knowledge of English was essential,
at this time somehow he managed to learn and sign in English; we
mean two letters – S and B! From here no looking back, a long
tenure of service, a helping hand to all those, economically poor
from the natives coming to Bombay in search of jobs, it was
Santhan and Johanna’s house was the place to spend nights, a home
away from home, for some guest house, for many an orphanage.
St. Peter’s Club, at Handloom House Fort:
The idea of starting a Club at Handloom House Fort must have
cropped in Santhan’s mind for long, nothing is impossible for a
willing heart, once he got a permanent employment, started to give
this project it a concrete shape. At this time of late 30’s and
mid 40’s so called Bombay’s geographical limits were very small
and its activities restricted at and around Fort, Colaba,
Dockyard, till Byculla area. To get a place in the heart of the
city was a challenge and he used to admit it’s a divine
providence, and managed to get the required building and space.
As usual the Club hardly charges a nominal rent and this was kood
/ club always occupied to its capacity. He also introduced ‘death
fund’ for its members. Many trained, educated and elevated to
highest positions in life, from here. Being a great devotee of
St. Peter, the patron saint of Barkur church, the club was named
after this Apostle. At one point of time, it was this Club, house
for economically poor hailing from Barkur / Brahmmavar / Sastan /
Giri / predominantly Syrian Catholics, though Roman Catholics also
were there, to live together.
Santhan Banz then left the family at natives and he always used to
re-collect one incident – in 40’s how a small note given by
Cardinal Gracious, worked to seek admission for his two children
at Milagres School and hostel at Kallianpur.
Just starting of a club and its successful running was the visible
proof of Santhan’s commitment for welfare of fellow brethren but,
he will be remembered by poor for innumerable match-makings of
domestic servants, ayah’s, cooks, house boys, orphans, and rescue
work from the henchmen, hospitalization of needy, bearing the
responsibility of burial and last rites of anonymous and faceless
poor in the community.
The artistic huge altar dedicated to the Saint Peter, once
venerated by scores, still could be seen at his grandson’s
Derrick’s house now located at Pratiksha Nager, Mumbai as the old
building was collapsed / demolished in late 70’s. and allocated a
new site at Antop Hill area.
Goodbye to dream city Bombay and second innings at Sankady:
After retirement, Santhan Banz, found his new settlement at
distant Sankady, starting from scratch, buying a new plot of land
admeasuring about 5 acres, once abandoned as wasteland to convert
it as most productive, engaged himself innovative agriculture,
irrigation - Jaggery making Ghanno, Rate-madaga watering using
buffalos, involving in Kambala’s etc and social work. In 1979,
once young M.P. Oscar Fernandes visited Kavady, garlanded Santhan
Banz, in appreciation of his social values and goodwill.
He was surrounded mostly by Hindus, and popularly called ‘Bombai-Naikru’.
Here too was at the forefront to start a primary school at Kavady,
in 70’s, Consumer’s Co-operative society and so on. Even though he
was an active member of St Peter’s Church, Barkur, also a
benefactor of Orthodox Syrian Church, Brahammavar and Sastan and
the useful link and arbitrator. He made it a habit to celebrate
two feasts, very dear to his heart, on a grand scale viz. 29th
June – Sts. Peter & Paul’s and September 8th Nativity of Blessed
virgin, ‘Monthi-feast’ with neighboring non-Christians, every
year, a event still cherished by poor Hindus at large in the
locality.
As all of his children were at Bombay, Santhan Banz lost his wife
in the year 1968? though feeling loneliness, always fascinated by
the very name Bombay and used to pay a visit almost every year,
even at the age of 75+ traveling by Bus. He was rightly honored by
the members, for his yeomen service, in the year 1969.
Conclusion:
Our valued visitors, especially younger generation may surprise to
know people like legendary Santhan Banz lived midst of us in the
19th century. Memories at times fade away but great people’s
ideals still holds good.
Very humorous and gifted with the talent of cracking jokes and a
man never craved for recognition, never took a receipt for
donations, a man believed in a good name is better than riches,
always distanced himself from politics, must be imitated by those
in social / public life. If one has the will there is a way, even
an un-educated man can achieve and do all these things means it’s
a challenge to all of us….
Of course there do many rightly deserve a place in this ‘Hall of
Fame’ portals, lack of information, and other details are blocking
us in our mission. Once more, we expect our valued readers to
send-in the particulars of such great men and women to our Host so
that forgotten legacy is brought to light.
On behalf of Barkur-on-line Team and ICYM Barkur Ex-Members
Association,
P. Archibald Furtado,
Muscat, 20/06/2008. |
