Q n A Part 6  Philip Richard and John Gonsalves

Dear Barkurian,

Why don't you give your name? Are you talking on behalf all nameless and voiceless or bit shy like me?

Believe me I am not an authority nor have resources to print any Books. But Kishoo can truly plan something titled BARKUR ON LINE pages in a Book form.There are about 30 - 40 POMs, 10-15, HOFs, this itself will be plus 100 Pages! Where is space for Archie's Or Fr. Tony or Memories!

Of course, one can plan  a larger book in the form of Deepavali Visheshanaka published by Udayavani paper. About 200 pages and to the best of my calculation the cost to print about 2000 copies is Rs 50K with selected photographs. But as you said and promised RS 3K OR 5K MULTIPLIED BY SOME 40 GENEROUS PEOPLE YOU CAN HAVE  BALANCE FOR SOME PUBLIC UTILITY PURPOSE.

Now who'll bell the cat, if this suggestion receive acceptance let me try my pen to include one from my side, too. I'm not a born Barkurian, also Non resident Barkurian! I will be happy to have a copy of such a book but...........

Nothing is impossible, people are there, and donors are there let Kishoo come out with his version, till then let’s wait.

MM Alvares, 31/10/2005

Dear Friends,

While looking at the just on line Personality - Jerome Fernandes, one thing you certified that the Barkur WebPages open for haves and have nots.

More than a simple and humble by spirits, this learned man serving in Postal Dept for so many years. During once in two years our holidays in Barkur, which last for just a week and Mass on Sunday, I happened to saw this person. Its you introduced him to all of us.

Back at Maigaon, few really few are aware of your site - why don't you publish some selected articles in Book form - Relatives and well wishers can come forward to sponsor a page for his / her likes. Choose articles from Hall of Fame, Personality of Month, Memory Lane and utilise Masala as fillers here and there.

Some more matured articles on the History of Barkur and Barkur Church required. You can choose few pages from Fr. Tony's Pages also. Archie’s Corner is having enough stuff to be blended as a Book itself. You must rope in  James Fernandes  and Edwin Sequeira to have our days glimpses. In totality, this Book will serve as a reference as well as introductory marvel to focus Barkur and Barkurians.

By the way, if this suggestion materialise, please accept a small contribution of Rs. 3000/- _ Please provide Bank Account No.  - don't put my name - to Sponsor article on HM PN Boja Rao and HM Itti Master, who have immense influence on me, even this day.

Act now, and hope there are people who accept this small suggestion.

Barkurgar. 29/10/2005

A LOVING TRIBUTE TO MY BELOVED FRIEND MARY TEACHER.

Mary teacher with Fr. Tony

One of the well-known figures of our times, Mary a teacher of Barkur, is no more with us.  She responded to the call of God on October 20 at 4 am to  enter into that dwelling place He had prepared for her in heaven. During her earthly dwelling she did God's will and shared the gifts and talents He had given her for the good of our community.  She served as a teacher for many years in our Parish Maryknoll School. Although I was not one of the fortunates to be taught by her in our Maryknoll Primary School, later after her retirement I became close to her. I have many fond memories of the wonderful life she lived among us in our small town of Barkur. Those of us who met her in our life journey will cherish those memories forever. Every morning she came to church for the 6:45 am mass regardless of sunshine or rain until she became physically ill and homebound. I saw in her that gift of faith and devotion to the Lord. Her gentle smile, her simple way of life and her commitment to her church and the community will be remembered always.

In the name of my church of St. Thomas the Apostle and my family back home in Barkur I express my heartfelt condolence to the grieving family of Mary, our teacher, and assure them of our humble prayers and support at this time of sadness and grief. May the soul of Mary rest in peace in the presence of God Almighty in His heavenly kingdom. Thank you Mary for being my friend and praying for me as I continue to serve the Lord and His church as a priest.

Fr. Tony Andrade., USA, 26/10/2005

A rambling thought from my inbox: I read somewhere that lots of dogs bark when the mighty elephants walk with their trumpets turned on, like these: Mathew: 6:2 "When therefore you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be honored by men. Truly I tell you, they have their reward in full. 6:3 "but when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing; 6:4 that your alms may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will repay you. It's nauseating to eat lobsters everyday. It's nauseating to hear publican praise himself that he feeds the poor and gives alms to the temple, everyday. I personally do not know of exalting myself: However, I am afraid, if this dog has rabies which bites! The peacocks which display their feathers are targets for bullets!

James Fernandes, USA, 25/10/2005

It's like sports MMA. One has to treat, behave, and take part as competition in any field. Competition is healthy. Look at any sports. Look at the Cars, Medicines, or any products. Even though 'rivalry' is evident, it's the spirit of competition that strives to gain world records, to do better than before, better quality with the excellence, and similarly, better songs, better shows, in Konkanni, etc. Kicking the other man's leg just before the finish line, is down right foolishness, which of course is an "uknown entity" amongst us, right? By Killing Abel, what did Cain gain?

James Fernandes, USA,23/10/2005

Wilfy's each and every song is a masterpiece, few are containing matter in a nutshell for a Ph.D. thesis. Future generation as do the present will remember him for years.

Eric is a better organizer and possess some excellent leadership knacks. His PR is too good, as it is said, what one doing not that important but take it known to others whatever good one doing is very important to certain people. I do appreciate artists and Singers of our mother tongue - KONKANNI.

MM ALVARES, alvaresmm@hotmail.com,22/10/2005

Hi MMA: Wilfy Rebimbus is great because he helps others to come up even in his own profession, unlike some self admiring the so called leaders, who hammer every head that tries to pop up above any average person, even when such heads are not in anyone's path. [Unlike Crab mentality at its lowest.]

Similarly Eric Ozario is also highly charitable to promote Konkanni not just its songs or shows, but as a language as well. These and other Konkanni Greats are admired even by Kudmies, Kharvis, or Gowdas.

James Fernandes, USA, 21/10/2005

WISH THE FUNCTION EVERY SUCCESS.

I do endorse a point in your latest update - Wilfy Nite is the Top ranking Entertainment in Konkani for the last 25 years. Whoever and whatever comes only next to him.

Rivalry is not expected but need to have broad mind to accept facts. All artists are great or think  by themselves, but the public or the spectators made them great!!!

MM ALVARES. 20/10/2005

Congratulations to Alphonse & Josephine on your 25^th Wedding Anniversary. From your school days classmate,

Joe Martis, USA, 20/10/2005

Hi folks: Is there a registry/publication called "Mangaloreans Who's Who?" If not, a good idea to make money, hey? One can get lot of entry fees, and advertisements, and publicity too!

From my inbox: "Best in World: Food: Chinese House: British, Salary: US , Wife: Indian

Worst In World: Food: British,  House: Chinese,  Wife: US, Salary: Indian

What a pity! She could take up the project, "Mangaloreans Who's who?" Any comments?

James Fernandes, USA,19/10/2005

Happy Silver Wedding Anniversary

Alphonse-Josephine Gonsalves
(Barkur) Mumbai

This is to wish you a very happy 25th wedding anniversary. May the Almighty God shower upon you His abundant blessings and keep you under His loving care. With loads of love,

What is the root cause for corruption? One may say, Greed! Some one else may say Need! If the basic necessities such as food, house, education job, and basic morals are NOT met comfortably, corruption of various measures is here to stay. In the so called developed countries corruption is in thousands or in millions, but not for 5 or ten bucks. However, the SLOW developments of Barkur and Brahmavar are not necessarily due to corruption alone, (if any), but the slow lethargic attitude. I heard this, "Why should I donate money to the school? My children are not attending this school." With such attitude, progress will come to a halt! Let's not blame corruption alone!

James Fernandes,USA, 16/10/2005.

Really, I don't know the person but just read in Barkur site. May be plenty of Leo Dalmeds hiding there and here. As you said, it is a mission of Kishoo Barkur to dig such great Souls and reflect on them.

By the way we are not wrong in expecting more updates in Memory lane promised by my friend priest Father Henry now. Same time new HOF's New POMs  fresh Jokes............... Laa la  la More Questions and Answers.......... Why not?

MM Alvares, 16/10/2005.

Yesterday we heard the big news - Karnataka State is at the Top in Curruption Rankings according World Bank Survey! Is that spread to our place also, I mean while witnessing the delay in executing Repair of the Barkur Bridge Project, one have to think on these lines!! Barkur - Brahmmavar needs special attention, hope what spoken be realised, by forum, Thank you.

MM ALVARES, alvaresmm@hotmail.com, 14/10/2005

It is really our people to be congratulated for their patience!? It took more than an year to start the work, and now work started, Alas, the politicians, the beaurecracy, so called Contractors are playing with the sentiments of general public!! I am not surprised if one more Monsoon pass-by Kavady round-about, if this is the situation!!! All cry, morcha and shouting slogans etc useless if there no follow-up by dedicated leaders. Now Barkur is like an island, going back to 40 years!! Let us pray, we are away, God help and safeguard the children and students.

VINCENT D'SOUZA.14/10/2005

Let us more information and details about this Sarvodaya Soceity please. A great achievement indeed. Can they also work towards the development of Barkur as a Tourist Destination?

MM Alvares, alvaresmm@hotmail.com, 13/10/2005

Barkur is having all features to be a tourist attraction. First provide basic amenities. Panchayat adminstration sholud take lead. Give a new look to ageing temples. Clean the lakes and introduce boating in Chaulikere. Benne kudru is best place to relax.  Everything  is unique but suffering because no awareness.  Good news is that the  College is bit interested to focus on history.

Gajanana Rao, 13/10/2005

Thanks to your  barkuronline.com ,  due to which I could able to meet Farther Tony at Minneapolis US. Keep up the good job, the great Barkur's  Barkur online team. Big salute to my Birth place Barkur

Krishna, 09/10/2005

Now the rain fall is very little and right time to construct temporary mud bridge across Sita. Feb 2006 is the target to complete the New Bridge which looks not feasible! Then a miracle in the event of all 365 deities of Barkur pray together? it may be ready. The speed and the work-in progress situation not at all convincing. Poor people and less fortunate, especially students have horrible time. Poor planning and egos of some complicated the issue more. One should politics away from developmental work, which in our place a distant possibility!! God please come to the rescue of poor Barkurians.

MM Alvares, alvaresmm@hotmail.com.08/10/2005

Hi Kishore, this is Roshan from Afghanistan. I congratulate you for bringing website of Barkur to this position. I am proud enough to say that our place  has been brought in front of the world due to your website. Congratulations. Thank you, and take care.

Roshan V.B. DSouza, Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, 02/10/2005

Our Website – BARKURONLINE ,What it was, is, and will be!

On behalf of Barkuronline Team and ICYM Barkur Ex-Member’s Association,   P. Archibald Furtado, Muscat, 28/09/2005.

Our Mangalorean folks in the US, please don't sing the popular Konkani song `Ye ye Katrina', lest you will be imprisoned by Uncle Sam!!!

Diana, Mumbai, 25/09/2005

Our hearty congratulations to Mr. Charles Lewis, MD, InfoWin Tech Solutions Pvt Ltd, Bangalore , on the inauguration of the new office at Bangalore on 25th September 2005.

Anirudh, Marina and Kishoo, Barkur,25/09/2005

Woh. Very nice poetry indeed. Worth reading this on line.Some more  MMA. Good luck.

John Gonsalves, Muscat, 23/09/05

And now  Poetry too!Whah, the Power of Barkuronline!  Bringing out the talents of MMA!Beautiful indeed...............B.com manghe more!

James Fernandes, USA, 23/09/2005

Barkuronline

We the millions saw ‘Apple’ falling,

None but Newton, questioned it why?

At Barkur, thousands seeing ‘heap of ruins’ lying,

But it’s ‘Barkuronline’ saw in it a future so high!

It’s a work of few magic minds and hands behind,

Section by section so peculiar and splendid.

Like the twelve tiny statues at the altar around,

To support and add beauty of mighty St. Peter indeed.

 We only enjoy them, but contribute very little,

You continue it adding few more segments for leisure.

Why that creep my mind, its in-sufficient still?

May be we’re like ‘Pepsi’s Dil mange more’!

It needs a vision and velour, even to dream so,

In days most of us busy in our own world.

It’s a relief; still there are guys, to think of others

Wish you friends, all the best, though there is no reward.

 Archie, James, Harry, Naveen and Tony Father,

Above all talented Kishoo is there to anchor.

We miss you Eric and Fr. Henry of Pilar,

Still many names… and talents I missed for sure.

Every name and pen is great over here,

And the people and events you pick still greater.

God Bless you all, and your families, it’s our prayer,

Let ‘Barkuronline’, shine like a pole star today and forever.

MM Alvares, 20/09/2005

Our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family of late Bona Bappu on his sad demise & pray to the almighty lord to grant eternal rest to the departed soul.

Jyothi Furtado & Family-USA.13/09/2005

Condolences to the family members of Late Shree Bonaventure (Bennaba) D'Souza. May his soul rest in peace

James Fernandes, USA 13/09/2005

Extending our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family of late Bonaventure D'Souza on his sad demise.

John & Joyce Gonsalves & children - Muscat, 12/09/2005

Want to  in be touch with You. I saw your r every day messages and I am interested  in joining you.

Roshan D’ Silva, 12/09/2005

DEAREST GRATIAN,

ONCE AGAIN HERE IS YOUR BIG DAY ! A SPECIAL DAY IN YOUR LIFE WHICH COMES EVERY YEAR TO REMIND YOU THAT HOW OLD YOU ARE , THAT'S YOUR BIRTHDAY!!! ON THIS SPECIAL DAY WE WOULD LIKE TO WISH YOU A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND GOD'S BLESSINGS. HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY!!!!.

FROM YOUR LOVING WIFE AND CHILDREN;
SHEELA, GLENISH & GLENSTON( BARKUR/ UK).08/09/2005
 

Wish you all a HAPPY MONTHI FEAST, a special celebration instrumental

to unite the Mangaloreans over the Globe.

M.M.Alvares and Family.08/09/2005

We the President, Office bearers and Members of ICYM Barkur Ex-Members Association, wish all our Friends and their families back home in Barkur, else where India and abroad ' A very Happy Feast of Nativity of Blessed Virgin Mother Mary'.

Let this unique occasion of Monthi Fest, it is our earnest prayer, let the spirit of family get-togetherness and added joy of new harvest bring cheer and prosperity to all of us.

Have a wonderful Feast! 08/09/2005

It's shocking, Almighty saved human loss miraculously. Best way was to construct New Bridge parallel to the existing one as Archie and others suggested in your web pages, last year itself.  People lack vision. Village to College information is useful. Carry on friends...

MM ALVARES, alvaresmm@hotmail.com 05/09/2005.

Could you please elaborate the Map further, Mr Fernandes, sorry, I even failed to locate Benne Kudru!

Philiph Richard.,26/08/2005

(Keep looking! - Kishoo)
 

Barkur from above

Hi folks! This is how our Barkur looks from above, through the eyes of the Satellites. Confused? Just locate Bennekudru and rest of it is easy!

James Fernandes, USA, 24/08/2005

Hi Felciana: To be frank with you, I would like to write about so many families of yester years. There were the D'Silvas, the Rebellos, the D'Almeida's, the Soans, the Monteiros, the Diases, the Lewises, the Gonsalveses, the D'Limas, the Sequieras, the Fernandes, the Menezes, the Andrades, the Furtados, the Pintos, Oliveras, the Lobos, the D'Souzas, the Picardos, the Roches, the Mendoncas, the Barnes/Banz, and many more. (I think the Alvares reached Barkur lately!)

But I need some details, facts, dates, etc. Most of the families never kept any family tree records, forget about recording their achievements, because, people performed as the need arrived, and not for name, records, or for fame! I knew men who saved people from drowning during floods or from ponds, men who saved children from snake bites, etc. They acted because it was the proper thing to do; may be they were heroes for a day, but then life goes on! Each family had contributed to Barkur parish in particular, and to Barkur in general. There were the generous rich and there were the rich misers, there were the generous poor (Maane maari Paraupakari), and utterly poor, to qualify a few. There were Vaag Maarcho .... or Ghur Dharcho... or Sorop Marcho....; Vaag marcho monis was known for killing tigers, of course! I came to know later that he used to carry cow dung mixed with cow urine to the jungle, and spread it in a secluded spot. Wait for the tigers to arrive thinking that there is cow nearby. What a smart, but cheap way of killing a tiger!

If the British sitting comfortably on the back of the elephants, could kill the helpless, cornered, crouched tigers, why not kill them for food? It's against the law to kill Tigers after Independence, right? I did eat some tiger meat. No different from today's chewing gum! There was a man, for whom even the Cobras bowed down. The ready to strike hooded cobras used to glide away from this man, and let themselves get killed. You reminded me of the several Marys of Moodahadu Kudru: Bombai Mary, Fodtho Mary, Vodlen Mary, Dhakten Mary, Banz Mary, Randpin Mary, Roche Mary, Namaan Mori, Voiz Mary, Moten Mary, Saaden Mary, Kudden Mary, Radkure Mary, Baddu Mary (!): Oh, well, that's how they differentiated the Marys, a name very common in those days. Thank you MM Alvares for your compliments; Even though, I don't fish for them, they do make me feel good, though!!

James Fernandes, USA, 14/08/2005

Why do they need such powerful explosives? If the flying debri has affected 40 houses in the surrounding vicinity, then how much more debri must have fallen in the rice fields? The concrete pieces are sure to contain corroded or rusty iron rods or nails. If the bare feet (I wonder how many wear boots!) farm workers and buffaloes or other animals walk on them, and get cuts, these can be 'injurious to health' (sepsis?) unless treated properly. Hope a "Clean-up" project will start soon. But then the paddy fields are under water! Harvesting time, one has to be careful, at this rate. Of course, our farmers know better than I. Thanks folks.

James Fernandes, USA, 10/08/2005

It is Mr James trying his best to give the site Barkur very best. While thanking him, let me expect regular contributions from others.

Bridgework is in progress, a good news to hundreds of thousands using this route! I think your feed back programme, at times not performing well with links very slow!!

MM Alvares, 10/08/2005

Frog in the Well?

The following is the philosophy of Charles Schultz, the creator of the "Peanuts" comic strip. You don't have to actually answer the questions. Just read the message straight through, and you'll get the point:

1.      Name the five wealthiest people in the world.

2.      Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.

3.      Name the last five winners of the Miss America.

4.      Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.

5.      Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.

6. Name the last decade's World Series winners.

How did you do?

The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields.   But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.

Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:  

1. List a few teachers/priests who aided your journey through school.

2. Name three friends who have helped you through difficult times.  

3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.  

4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.  (Or demeaned and made you feel small!)

5. Think of three people you enjoy spending time with.

Easier?  The lesson:

The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, with the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones who care.

 "Don't worry about the world coming to an end today. It's already tomorrow in Australia." (Charles Schultz)

 Joy :

We live in our own little worlds.  But it's OK... We know each other! It’s better to be a small frog in a small pond, than to be a big frog in a big lake?

From my inbox:  James Fernandes, USA, 07/07/2005.