Whole world is mourning the death of our holy father Pope John Paul II. As many of us know he was well respected church leader around the world. He was a peacemaker and the champion of human rights. In all his preaching and writings he upholds the dignity of human life from the conception to the natural death.

Fr. Tony Andrade. USA, 08/04/2005

I wish to put an end to your misunderstanding with my ‘American Dream’ article once and for all!

My schooling in Barkur was about 37 years ago.  It was a time when people walked for miles and miles using their bare/naked legs and traveled by bullock carts too, those who could afford!

Today, it’s different.  My children have difficulty in understanding such incidents, but they will, eventually.  What will be after 30-40 years from today, we do not know.  Due to generation gap, we all have differences of opinions, as we can see in this forum itself.  [My children may complain that my parents were so poor, they could not give us a car for high school graduation, as gift!!]

In those years, jobs were none forget about opportunities, which were rare.  (You will never understand this at all.)  I moved to Bombay, did some further studies, courses, training, etc, and somehow got into some good jobs.  The income was just hand to mouth, thus buying an apartment with savings was out of question.  I took a job in the Middle East, and by working hard, with dedication & skills I moved up with better positions. After few years the question came, like ‘what next?’ ‘What will my children do after their graduation?’  Just as, I, or most of the middle class/income families struggled and yet could not buy any shelter I did not want my children to suffer in the same manner.

During my years in the Middle East, I traveled overseas, to Europe and US, studied and analyzed the situations, thus we had a dream to move to USA. And we thought it worth to give a try.  This was our dream, I wanted to share with the readers, not for myself, but someone could get some inspiration out of it.

There was no Internet, not much technology. Computer/Information Technology came in couple of years later and smiled on thousands of faces which gave them dreams, opportunities, to go all over the world without much effort, or struggle.  (What would have been without this IT jobs?) Did these IT guys have to struggle?  Definitely, not! They got more than they can ask for, a fortune.   What will be after 25-30 years, to today’s things, will they be outdated and become too old fashioned?  Does anyone know?  The future generations will ridicule the present, as the present ridicules the past!

In 1988 while I was still in Middle East, I got an opportunity, out of the blue, to get invited by BETA (British Equestrian Trade Association) (work related) to go to London, where I got the most memorable opportunity of meeting Prince Charles.  To me it means a lot.

Here in USA, New Jersey, while my daughter was Vice President of Catholic Youth Association, she had the opportunity of her lifetime; was given an audience by Mother Teresa.  This by no means an ordinary achievement, considering…….

Whenever disaster strikes or help is requested, we have tried to help, specially back in Barkur, and in India.  (There is no need to boast myself here, but I am forced to come out of the cell, to open those eyes, which were blind, or could not see the good in others.) I have sent substantial amounts in donations to  ‘Home for the Aged’ in Sastan where we built a Lunch Room for the aged.  Raised & donated substantial donation for Barkur Church used for its repairs.  Raised funds for Tsunami disaster for India, these are only to name a few.  I have helped many a families back in Barkur, names, I don’t dare to put here.  Our door is still open to all those who need some kind of help, we continue to contribute within our limitations.  I am sorry, I don't mean to mention, but for the sake, you don’t go too far.

I don't blame altogether Mr. Abhijeet for his criticism. He is young but lacks maturity. Sometimes critics can bring out the best result in you. What hurts is the kind of demeaning language he used.  I still don't understand how can a person with Master’s degree use that cheap language.  I am sure as he grows he will mature.

We are proud to be Indian Americans in USA, and we are proud to be Indians first.  We are trying to give back to the society in whatever way we can.  I see there is nothing wrong in every one's dream, without any dreams, think what your life will be, don't you have dreams, if not for yourself, have at least for your children??

Every one has a goal, a dream, aim/ambition, a purpose in life, whatever you call it.  You have to keep the burning desire within you.  You can work towards achieving your goals, and your wishes may be fulfilled.  There are hundreds and thousands out there, many of them have broken hearts, don't lose it.  Keep it burning, your door will be open soon, you have to aim high and work hard for success.  Don't you get it? The message is quite clear.

From Gandhi, Nehru, through present day, most of those famous personalities were educated overseas, from Universities such as Harvard, Oxford, or Princeton.  Are these all wrong and you are right, Abhijeet?  I don't want to undermine any University in India.  No doubt India is progressing, when it is said and done, not yet, may be in couple of years later.  If one or two sectors are doing better, it does not mean India is shining?  There needs lot more to happen.  When you retire say after 25-30 years, you will be looking for healthcare and finance for living, that time you will remember my advice.

Let me advise you on one or two more things:

"Do not judge or else you will be judged."  “Try to be a role model even for one person, your life will be worth it.”

Read this, "An important attribute in successful people is their impatience with negative thinking and negative acting people, as you grow your associates will change.  Some of your friends will not want you to go on.  They will want you to stay where ever they are".

With this, I have nothing more to add.  After this, I don't want to see any more messages, please.  Peace to one and all.

It seems that Mr. Abhijith shetty did not visited his hometown for sometime. Naturally after staying overseas sometime, someone can get the feel of loving his country. Thanks to our bollywood movies. To realize the fact that let him go to his hometown wherever he belongs to and can feel the smell and heat. Electricity will cut off for 12 hours, no proper roads open with pot holes, filled overflow drainage systems, corrupt bureaucrats and politicians, traffic on the highways, mosquitoe bites at night, sleepless night because of loudspeakers playing ?   Locals coming for donations with begging bowl, meeting with one of your unemployed classmate- jealous with your achievements, relatives or friends surrounding with you like a honey bees meld with your personal affairs. ?. You name it. I am sure he will run away back to America!

Don't believe in BJP slogan ? India is shining ? It is just another slogan for the vote bank. Any way I am not a great fan of American products or the country. They like to bully with other country affairs for their personal gain. You know now how they selling F-16s to our neighboring country.? Did they find weapons of mass destruction? Moral of the article: Criticism of public men is a welcome sign of public awakening .It keeps workers on the alert.

Manoj Sequeira, Johannesburg. South Africa. 01/04/2005

Abhijit/Rajendra: He was not comparing the quality of education of any country. It appears that he could not afford higher education in India, whereas it was much easier to get higher education for his children in USA. That was his dream! Rajendra: The topic of culture is a different issue. All he said was his dream was achieved. I still don't understand, in what way that article downgrades Barkur, India, or any quality of education. Of course, I am not educated enough to understand the issue! As for better quality articles in Barkuronline.com, Barkuronline.Com, is still waiting. Until then, this is all we have!

James Fernandes, USA, 01/04/2005

Congratulations to  The Expressions team for the grand celebration wish you all the good wishes.

Henry Lewis, Kuwait, 31/03/2005

I am 100% agree with what Abhjith's comment on "Americans dream come true". The article was just a family matter and praising themselves. During my stay in US for 4 years. I just leant that they are far behind in culture. We have thousands of years of culture behind us. Regarding the quality of education, the comment was worthless in the article. You can always find quality education in India. Thats why we are generating huge talent pool. All American parents appreciate our culture of arranged marriages.

Rajendra, Engineer, Bangalore, 31/03/2005

Mr. Abhijit: I do agree with you that the quality of teaching in Barkur or in Texas is  superb indeed, as evidenced by the lack of a single grammar or spelling error in your reply. Congratulations, on your Master's degree. I still maintain the fact that the author of the said "American dream' achieved what he achieved. By the way, one of his daughter had an audience with Mother Theresa in New Jersey for 45 minutes.

James fernandes, USA, 31/03/2005

To have dreams and ambitions in life, thereby work hard to realise them, is motivation for growth. Some have dreams to land in States, others in Gulf or European countries and few may be trying to migrate to New Zealand and Australia. That is purely personal.

For a small man, small dreams, for bigger one huge ambitions! It is very much true for youngsters, the attachment towards natives is more, compared to elders settled for longer period at distant place. India is a great country, even this day, if there is two party system, in politics, surely it will prosper to be a super power soon. The greatest asset with us is our quality population, unfortunately we consider it as a liability!!! I endorse, Abhijeet's demand for more quality write-ups here, as it was last year........... or so. Very happy to read about Expressions function, it is a beautiful report with snaps. with regards,

MM ALVARS, alvaresmm@hotmail.com, 31/03/2005

Vijay Suvarna's article on "Tulasi" was very inspiring. Yes indeed many of us have seen "Tulasi katte" in each and every homes of our beloved Hindu community. When I was  growing up in my home town I remember going to "Tulasi Puja" with my Hindu friends. Here in Minnesota (USA) some of  my Hindu friends do have a "Tulasi" plant in their homes in a small flower pot.

In  his article Vijay Suvarna explains very well the spiritual aspect and medical use of this "Tulasi" plant and the purpose of having it in the front yard of every homes. Thank you Mr. Suvarna for sharing your wisdom with all of us. May God bless you and continue to inspire you to write many more articles to the Barkur.com web site

Fr. Tony Andrade., USA, 29/03/2005

Hello Mr.James I have defferent opinion than you. Iam also 25 years old, I studied in Barkur  only. Even I walked 2.5 miles. Walking was fun, it was not hard, and we really had quality education in Barkur. I dont think you will get that education here in USA also. I did my masteres here in University of Texas. I gained good education here, but I don’t think its that  great compared to India. I really don’t understand mentality of some people here in USA (especially  people who settled here long back).They think coming to USA itself is great acheivement, and they  still think India is very poor and corrupt. Grow up guys., India is one of the fast growing economy  in the world, and it produces largest numbers of quality engineers and technical people in the  world. Please feel proud about India, instead of complaining, and don’t post articles like, "I came to  USA, my dreams come true, blaa blaaaa", people from Barkur desrve more standerdised articles .

Abhijith Shetty USA, 28/03/2005

Friends,

whenever time permits will browse the various web-sites like Udayavani, India times, DDInews, Daiji Dubai etc and many a times Barkur.com to look for something from natives. No time I considered it is a trumpet for Hegde or Catholics. In most of their columns, an appeal is made to add to the  written paragraph. But most us engaged with our own world. Just other day one man, involved with this site told me - 'sometimes it is like enjoying the prostitutes in secret, but no-one like to disclose their identity, forget about marrying her' Alas, a bare fact - the clarification stunned me. Let us work in union for better reading, knowledge and brotherhood.

Vincent D'Souza, 24/03/2005

There is a half truth in Mr. Vignesh's opinion. He is not totally wrong. The volume of its contents truly Christian centered. It is just not because the manager's of the show not entertaining articles written by any one in any secular general subject. Let this discussion open up new pages to cover the Hindu friends even Muslim feelings in coming days. Mr. Fernandes, Mr.Chrles Lewis gave their views. Let us encourage people for their good work, at the same time friends like Mr. Vignesh and others who are blessed with writing skills exhibit their talents on this platform in days to come. Let us not carried away by mere emotions, all the best!

MM.ALVARES, alvaresmm@hotmail.com. 24/03/2005

Hello Mr. Abhijith:

The "American Dream" article you are referring to is unique in itself. The dream is perhaps fittingly true to the writer, but not necessarily to different readers. Migration to US was very rampant about 15 to 35 years ago. Whether you agree or not, some came as students, and stayed on, others came as green card holders (Nurses, x-ray tech, doctors, Engineers, etc., ) and stayed on, and still others with money, came as businessmen, and stayed on. Whether you agree or not, most of them came for economic development, and very few may be for on vacation or for gambling!

Some of them, studied in USA and returned, for again most of them were independently rich. Meanwhile, the technology/colleges/living standards/businesses in India for middle class has gone up. One cannot compare the 40 year old views to that of today. 50 years ago, I too could not see the footsteps of a college in Barkur. I worked in Bombay for 13 years, yet could not afford a roof on my head. Mr. Abhijith, "what is great in USA for some, is not necessarily great for most of the 20-25 old Indians in USA today." The said article author had his views, you and your views, and I have had mine. Even in Barkur, 60 years ago, there were doctors, teachers, lawyers, landlords, hotel owners, and most of the Barkurians were farmers or daily wage earners. It's difficult to compare under such conditions. Even today, there are quite a few Barkurins earning less than $2/- per day. Can they afford college for their children? Please understand, "Where I am coming from." My children can never understand that I too walked 3.5 miles one way to high school, bare foot, crossing 2 rivers as well!"

James Fernandes, USA, 22/03/2005

Dear Vignesh

In the first place, have you ever gone through all that has been given in Barkur.com ? Have you ever able to differentiate the castes of various people mentioned all over in Barkur.com by their names ?  Since you have questioned if Barkur.com is restricted to only Christian community,  I can give few of the famous names that appeared in Personality of the Month .

Messrs Chooda Poojari, B Seetarama Shetty, B Shantaram Shetty, Dr Sheshagiri Rao, Dr BLN Adiga, Rtn Jayarama Shetty (All are Hindus) and Kasim Saheb (Muslim); in Memorylane ? Kooradi Sadashiva Kalkoora (Hindu) and Late Budan Basha Saheb (Muslim);  in Hall of Fame column you will see the names of  other celebrities like Messrs P N Bhoja Rao, Yajna Narayana Rao, KTN Raman Nambiar, Sreenivasa Hebbar, Dr Krishna Bayiri etc?  All of them are Hindus. Besides these you will find articles like , Know more about Ganapati, Shiva, Ugadi, Upanayana, Tulsi and Vivaha etc.  which are all certainly not from the Christian faith but purely observed by the Hindus.

Barkur.com invites every soul, irrespective of their caste, creed, gender and status to contribute something for the readers.

Barkur.com is the brainchild of Kishoo who is instrumental in its existence.  It was not at all a easy task to start this already famous website.  Perhaps, Kishoo must have gone through many tough situations and he must have faced them bravely.  I sincerely wish him strength and courage to overcome unwarranted situations, if any, in the coming days.  He needs everyone’s prayers.

Barkur.com is NOT there to praise every Tom, Dick & Harry, but it is certainly there to praise the good deeds of many famed personalities in Barkur or in the surrounding areas. Appreciating the good works of a person will encourage others to follow suit thus several thousand needy and distressed will be benefitted.

Barkur.com is there to bring back old memories through their column Memorylane in which Hindus, Christians and Muslims have contributed to the best of their abilities. In all, in one line I can say is that Barkur.com is the BEST thing to happen as several thousands have  been benefited and many long lost friends and relatives have come closer in life.  I have been able to establish contacts with many of my childhood, High School and College friends only through Barkur.com. 

Whatever the jealous readers comment and remark, for me Barkur.com is the best website. 

Vignesh, I hope you will take active interest for the success of Barkur.com !!!

Charles F Lewis, Bangalore ,22/03/ 2005

Hi Kiran Upadhaya: A just compliment from you makes us feel good. Thank you. Barkur is unique. I read lately, (internet) there was an underground tunnel all the way to Kota, from one of the 352 temples. The irrigation/canal system, still eveident from the temple tanks/ponds to second crop suggi rice fields is marvelous indeed. Folks, let us capture the memories of Barkur, from our elderly Barkurians, (before they disappear!) for, each one of them have different style and information about Barkur, just as the ten blind men describing the elephant. Besides from the educated, can we get a few views from the Koraga the basket or pottery makers, or the fisherman's point of view? Yes, sir, who will bell the cat?

James Fernandes, USA, 21/03/2005

Hey guys, I really got surprised by one article called "Americans dream come true" (In special Article section). What is speciality about settling down in USA.? I am so staying here. Its not   that great. Barkur.com desrves higher standard compared to such a silly article. Its saying "my kids got better education in USA". You can get highly standardised education in India when compared to USA. I hope concerned person will filter such articles in future.

Abhijith Shetty, Detroit ,USA, 21/03/2005

Hello Mr. Vighnesh:     

1. No, sir, Barkur.com is not restricted to Christians alone. Nor to Barkurians alone. To the best of my knowledge, not one sentence forwarded to B.com by any man, woman, child, Christian, Hindu, or Muslim, old, or young, has been put in the waste basket, not even yours! 
2. This site is open to Amar, Akbar, or Antony equally. A very few Amars take advantage of the site, by sending news or articles on social issues.  [Don’t cover the swimming pool with sand, just because, you can’t swim!]
3. No Akbar has sent a single line. In fact, some Antonys made efforts to write about Barkurians, some of who happened to be Muslims in our POM site.  A book got published on PN Bhojarao, based on the articles published in this site!  Thanks to Kishoo for his originality of creating this wonderful site.  (I personally got an opportunity to sharpen my pencils!)
4. There are plenty of High schools graduates, College graduates, others doing well in lucrative professions/businesses, however, if they cannot participate in these forums to share their success, so that some young Barkurian may gain some guidance,  I feel, Barkur is the loser.  Barkurians, can’t we be a little more charitable?
5. Mr. Hegde makes news therefore he gets coverage. Practically, all the news papers cover him as well.  If he was not meeting the needs of the people who elected him, he would not have been elected at all year after year. Any coverage by B.Com is not without merit.  Let us be frank here.
6. I personally do not know what grants he gave to Church. He had helped build a wall/fence, which also borders the school compound. If he helped the church by providing grants, this shows that he is for ALL the people irrespective Amar, Akbar or Anthony mentality.
7. In fact, Vignesh, you did a favor to Mr. Hegde! By criticizing him, he got all the more publicity!  I do respect your respect for other communities.
8. Now, I would have appreciated you, if you had given some news about Akbar or Amar, and had we denied, your constructive criticism could have carried more weight.
9. There is one Sudhakar Shetty, who is doing tremendous work for the Barkur college.  He is yet to get necessary coverage.  Hope the school/college officials release ‘press release,’ on him and the school accomplishments.
10. Similarly, there are plenty of Akbars, Antonys or Amars, doing social deeds. However, either the doers or the beneficiaries have to bring to our notice.  We have covered, whatever little we have come to known, like sports, schools, church, temples, roads, or bridges, with very little manpower or support we get.
11. I was personally confronted saying, I am giving too much coverage to my brother and sister!  Oh, well, charity begins from home!

James Fernandes. , USA, 20/03/2005

Barkur.com is not restricted to any faith community. The web Master Kishoo De Barkur and his team members are making a tremendous effort to reach out to all faith based communities of Barkur and else where. If you can, please open your eyes and read some of the articles I wrote in my column. There  you  see I wrote about "Dewali the festival of Light"  and in some  other articles I always gave references to the people of other faith such as Muslims and Hindus. You are free to send your valuable articles  or any news you think is worth posting it on our Barkur.com web site.  Why can't you do that??.  Stop grumbling over the silly things and try to be more supportive to the good work of some our talented Barkurians   do to bring our communities together.

Do you know how  Mahatma Gandhi concluding his daily  prayers? Listen  to this:-

"Raguphati Ragava Rajaram, pathitha Pavana Sheetharam.

Ishwar, Allah tere nam subko sunmathi de Bhavan" .

Remember, in the eyes of God all are equal and He has place for all of us in His Heavenly Kingdom. Therefore we should make every effort to meet our God in the life of one another.  Mother Teresa of Calcutta once said "by serving the poorest of the poor I see God in them" let us do our very best to keep our communities together and meet our God in the midst of our communities let us not to divide ourselves in a way you think.  

Did you ever met Jayaprakasha Hegde in your life?? If not you better do that when you visit your home town.  I met him personally on several occasions and I know him well. He has a good heart and he helps all people whoever comes to him. I admire his simplicity and kindness. one can easily approach him and with a great smile on his face he welcomes people of all faith and listens carefully to their needs. Vighnesh my fellow Barkurian you need some enlightenment in your life to see everything in a positive way. God bless you .

Fr. Tony Andrade , USA, 20/03/2005

Why Mr.Vighnesh is so unhappy for using the title barkur for this web-site? When he admits Mr Hegde is a good man then what is wrong to give credit to what good things he is doing? He is one of the rare breeds of Politician's I come across and do admire, in these days of communal, caste, creed, religion based cancer-like politics. I am expecting a quick and elaborate explanation from the managers of this site, to enlighten on this or any privately run site.

Lastly, it is upto me to open, read and give opinion - nobody is compelling, pressurising or influencing me to subscribe to the feelings and opinions published over here. There is no bias, as Christian, Hindu or Muslim, all of us love and happy to be Indians first then Barkurians, Kallianpuri-an or any other....!

G.S.LEWIS, Kallianpur, 20/03/2005

I am very much proud to say a Barkurian, and I can give a speech about Barkur including present situation there . It is only because of BARKURONLINE

Kiran Upadhya, Bangalore, 18/03/2003

Is it BARKUR .COM is restricted to only Christian community ? I am observing more than 90% of news is containing about church and other things which related to Christians. Why is it so?

I’m agreeing you spend a lot of time and money in this regard but as you mentioned name pf the place  for  your website, you should also give  detailed coverage of other communities also. In that no quote of Muslim community also. Why this difference ? If its  not so , please reply in detail to my query.

And in your website you are giving too much importance to Mr. Jayaprakash Hegde. Is it required that much? Is it because  he released lot of grants to church?  I am not against him, he is a good man too, but  I feel that much popularity through this site is not required . And he is not a Barkurian . Waiting for your reply.

Vignesh, Bangalore 18/03/2003