Q n A Part 6  Philip Richard and John Gonsalves

Happy 25th Birthday

Sydney John Lewis (30th Jan.)
Bennekudru, Essar Shipping.

Dear Sydney,

Wishing you a very happy birthday and many many more happy returns of the day. May God bless you abundantly in evrything you do. Wishes from

Congratulations

Barkurians over the world coming out well, so is Miss Kavita. Best Wishes and congratulations to your parents too. A personality to be imitated by students and youngsters.

Barkurgaar, 30/01/2006

Congratulations , Kavitha Gonsalves, it is indeed a great achievement, keep it up.

MM Alvares, 29/01/2006

Discussion is the first step in decision making then deciding, dictating, digging and constructing. But let's not build castles only in the air, 1% in real. We are shell bound to think I for myself and my family. We owe a lot to the society, which we have forgotten.

Feliciana D'Silva. Kuwait, 30/01/2006

This forum is a place for mere discussion, I guess. People can come up with brilliant ideas, start new businesses, but if you ask anyone whether they had any support initially, they would say, “Support, what’s that? I had plenty of disheartening discouragement.” “Who do you think you are? Opening a garage is a eating job or what?”

Ask VL Roche. If he had a little more support, he would have become the TATAs of not only Barkur, but of undivided South Kanara, by pursuing his Tunnel Digging thriving Empire. Well, my brother Gabriel, you upon opening the village to college website managed to add another $12,000 or so. And that’s an achievement! Barkurians may donate when sending a child to college becomes their priority. I feel they have their own priorities, bringing up their own standard of living, helping their own kith and kin, and their own charities, etc. As long as no applicant is denied college education for want of funds, I guess, you have met your goals! If such is not the case, Barkurians will join hands and will help you to send such a child to college! I can vouch for that!

Feliciana and others: I have no qualms in naming the Church Hall “St Bartholomew.” or “Pope Paul II, or Mother Theresa.” Hope the functioning of the hall will maintain the reputation of the named! The named one may not like if people start fighting while questioning the financial accounts in a few years, as is the case in the neighborhood, as rumored! But differences of opinions are the sure signs of progress! Ask any politician! As Mr. Poojari said, we may need a name to name the bridge too. Instead of the bridge (at this slow pace), it can be converted into  a dam. Thus we can harness the rain water, irrigate all that land, may be produce some electricity, water front houses, boat rides, fishing trawls? Another money making project? “Yes, James, dream on!”

Mr. Sudhakar gave his mother’s name to a college, Right? With regards to Stations of the Cross: This can be a retreat resort. This can be a holiday or picnic resort. The indoor closed Carmelite nuns can come for a week and have some fresh air and some sun rays! The city parishes can arrange Annual meetings over here! Take a boat ride to HangarKatta, and watch the Arabian Sea washing the shores of Parashuram’s land, without grumbling, every day without fail. I may even ask Fr. Tony to bring some of his parishioners for a tour or retreat! Yes, Feliciana, who will bell the cat! Thanks folks.

James Fernandes, USA, 29/01/2006

Mr. Fernandes your suggestion is good, who'll bell the cat? Received PC Dec Issue well planned by my Kuwaiti Barkurgar. Congratulations and Thanks. Next turn whose..? Hall work started very good. What is wrong in naming it after Apostle Bartholomew. Parish Priest and Mgmt will be very happy to do so, no reason to say no.

Feliciana D'Silva, Kuwait. 27/01/2006

There are times and days the site is very active - but your regulars are not. Fr Tony is one generous also missing. Archie’s pages need frequency, so is HOF and POM sections. Fernandes thought provoking short notes fill the bill at the moment, keep it up and thanks.

PHILIPH RICHARD P. 27/01/2006

Even the 'Barkur Bridge' can be called or named after the Holy Man of Jesus age, who Christian's and specially Barkurians believe to be visited in the early first century.

I just gone thru the related articles, fine they are not conclusive proofs, but substance is there, once you link it with usages and legends with history, scientifically though difficult. According one learned man of our community, there are no written records going back to 2000 years, still there is a possibility of sea-voyage and trade, hence the visit of holy people.

BHASKAR L POOJARY, MUMBAI, 27/01/2006

Hi Mr. Alvares,

Thanks for your prompt response to James suggestion. I agree it is true we need a better larger cemetery. In fact when recently one of my brothers passed away, because of lack of independent space for the new grave we had to dig one of our parents grave to bury him up in the same plot.

We all have a habit of making or offering new ideas but unfortunately our Barkurians seem to have least interest in any of these good suggestions. I am wondering who will go forward in locating and buying a plot etc. I doubt any one of us will offer a dime for trying to go forward. May be I am dead wrong; people will however most likely will donate funds only to services offered or endorsed by the Church or Temples.

May be I should have tied up closely my Village to College Scholarship activity www.villagetocollegefdn.org (please take a new look at the website) with closer ties to a Church/Temple. Then many people would have quickly donated large sum of money to educate underprivileged children by our fellow privileged class of Barkurians!!.

I just want to inform our readers beside kind 2 donations from James and Kishoo, and a kind word offered by Alvares, I have not heard a word or a email from any of our privileged NRIs or even local Barkurians so far for my recent appeal, for promoting this Scholarship activity. I am really very much disappointed with the lack of any kind of interest from few of our affordable fellow Barkurians, looks like I may have to give up any future hopes involving our local friends for such a worthwhile activity!!

I would love to hear fernandes@uthscsa.edu from  the readers why this lack of interest or response. However, I hope for a  new larger cemetery, I am sure good many will donate large sum of funds to purchase land and equip the cemetery and I will certainly give my share of donation if others too come forward soon.

Gabriel Fernandes, USA, 27/01/2006

Silver Wedding Anniversary

Norbert & Hilda Menezes, (Barkur), Mumbai

Dear Norbert & Hilda,

Let your silver wedding anniversary, be a beautiful celebration of your love and commitment to each other. May your happiness grow deeper your friendship stronger and your love sweeter throughout all the days and many more years of your life. And may your silver wedding anniversary turn into golden one.  May the Lord continue to shower his blessings on you both and always give you both good health, peace and happiness.

CONGRATULATIONS From,

Congratulations

Rohit and Blanch D'Souza

Dear Rohit and Blanch,

We wish you a happy wedding anniversary and many many more happy returns of the day. May god shower his choicest blessings on  both of you .

Best wishes from

Daddy, Mummy Barkur, Rahul, Kazakistan, Carol , Mumbai,  Rolbin  from Barkur
Daddy, Mummy, Thottam , Bryan, Dubai, and   Benita from Thottam. 26/01/2006

My hearty congratulations to the team of the Barkuronline for giving the detailed information about Barkur. My suggestion is to add some more information about the surrounding villages of the Barkur.

Zubera, 26/01/2006

Fr. Tony's article on "Life and Death...” with pictures of the cemetery brought back memories indeed. I understand that in this tiny little land thousands of people are interned. Some families have reserved graves or vaults, and some of them are re-cycled. Even people dead in Bombay, Bangalore, and Middle East are brought and buried in this soil.

Based on the visible crosses in the pictures, it appears that the cemetery is over crowded. Well, folks, is there a need for a larger cemetery? Since there is hardly any land near the church, may be an acre or two land close by? This could have a small altar, with a cross or grotto like structure in the center, to help conduct the last burial rites? A satellite cemetery? Any discussion folks? Or am I clapping with one hand?

I had visited a beautiful place about 300 miles from Chicago. Stations of the Cross. All the 14 stations are built using life-size statues, out door, open air. The beauty is that, you pull up your car in front of each station, press a button, and you can hear the sad narration from a tape recorder's pleasant voice. You do not have to get out of the car! You do not have to kneel with both the legs, with just one knee, or pretend to kneel! During Lent this place is highly crowded.

No, I am not suggesting such a luxurious Stations of the Cross. If built, this could be a fantastic tourist attraction. You can have shop to sell religious articles, candles, flowers, holy water flowing from tap, a small canteen or cafeteria, and even a motel for people to stay overnight. This way of the cross could be built around the new cemetery. People can jog, morning or evening walk, or drive, and enjoy the plants, flower beds, flowing water canals, a small pond with raised fish etc!

Ha, how serene this plot could be? There are no realities without dreams. Any comments?

James Fernandes, USA, 24/01/2006

Happy Birthday

Rev. Fr. Vishal Lobo

Dear Fr.Vishal Lobo,

Many Many Happy Returns of the Day. (21.01.2006),From,

Habbu, Maria & Keith. Barkur.21/01/2006

Mr BD Shetty deserve special thanks!!

Few people only as generous as one MR. BD Shetty. One can see his gifts at the BARKUR RAILWAY STATION .Thank you Mr. Shetty, not only the student community but the general public will remember your contribution.

Church Hall can suitably named after by Apostle Bartholomew - but, I doubt the opinions and suggestions tabled over here are, by Alvares, Fernandes and other learned citizens with a vision, considered or just our friends occupying specious space of website?

Surely this is not to discourage you.... but our experience in the past  like 150 Jubilee, PC to publish 4 times, Ring road to connect church etc are the examples to think on these lines.

Barkurgaar, 18/01/2006

A thing of beauty is a joy for ever. And what explains this better than the Taj at Agra!

Plans to construct the hall at Barkur must be so and it just not a concrete slab!! Donations will flow if followed up properly. The belfry of Barkur – built by Fr Rosario still unique in the diocese, and make the hall also one in 100!!!!

Fantastic idea Mr Alvares to make it a timeless beauty in memory of St.  Bartholomew.

Felciana D'Silva, Kuwait,18/01/2006

As usual I am at the last leg of my annual vacation. Normally I spend the days with family at distant Mangalore, since now no close relatives are residing in Barkur. There is ancestral house, not seen maintenance in the recent past. For a change this time I was living with my distant cousin, for few days. Many events and people caught my attention.

1.Once upon a time Benne Kudru Garodi had a thatched roof structure though it was attracting devotees from far and near. Now a beautiful temple is built and I was surprised to see such a massive and artistic place of worship. Believe me this will be a centre of attraction on the banks of beautiful Sita.

2.This is about 35 years back situation, another place of reverence in Halekody – Kachhur was thronged by devotes, only couple of times in a year. That is Maltidevi Shrine. I was told of huge plan to reconstruct the gudi, with a budget  of few Crores. Surely it has signs of becoming one more must see site for a visitor.

3.Earlier, the National High school area  had deserted look during hot summer and school holidays now  it is a busy location. Further fort area un-earthed and cleaned. Lot to be done still. What is important is our Barkur is awakened to preserve its lost glory now.

Why I liked to call your attention on above few things is – it is time to Christians of Barkur to get-up. Church Hall is under construction. It is more appropriate to name it after the Great Saint Apostle Bartholomew. Every body contributed and contributing to the noble cause – I too sacrificed a little.

Dr. Fernandez, MM Alvares, James Fernandez and many others opined in favor of the worthy suggestion.

Agree my memory is poor, but in one of the Pedruchi Chavi, last year or so, Archibald has compiled statements from few history books which highlighted the prominence of Apostle Bartholomew and the rich legend attributed to him and the place Barkur. They too may be in archives of Barkuronline. A reflection on those points just more than enough to substantiate.

Today while many just tracing / digging / creating their own stories / even build temples for film stars, I think just name a Hall in memory of a saint surely receive acceptance from all concerned and right thinking people.

On the contrary if this recommendations goes to deaf ears and blind eyes – ST. BARTHOLOMEW only have to come to the rescue of such decision makers.

Philiph Richard P.18/01/2006

Hi, glad to hear some latest news from Barkur. I thought there were some objections were raised for building the Hall. However I am glad the work is in progress to complete the Hall which was due long ago. Regarding the name, actually who is financing the major cost of the Hall? They should have some say and perhaps they may have already decided the name. If not it is very interesting and perhaps historically based idea to give this name. I am wondering if there is adequate supportive evidence to show that St Bartholomew was indeed in Barkur? Specially to convince our local Parishioners for agreeing to incorporate this surprisingly but fitting new name!!

Archibald may have something to say about this as he is our Historian!!

Gabriel Fernandes , USA, 15/01/2006

Which Hall? College hall? Or the Church hall? St. Bartholomew is well known all over the world. Isn't it a common practice to name after the highest financial donor?

By the way, lot of Barkurian ancestors have had travelled to Bombay via Madras! I can see MMA's frustration. I hope this won't cause mass migration from Barkur? Rome wasn't built in a day. If you want the bridge built right, then it needs more sun light (time?) Quick fix gets lost quickly. I used to ripe mangoes by boiling, turned out to be fit for pickle. Hope they cleaned all the exploded debris from the rice fields.

James Fernandes, USA, 15/01/2006

Dear Barkurians,

Last week I had been to Barkur to attend a wedding. Hurdles and inconveniences to cross the River Sita are there but thanks to Motor boat. The journey via Saiberkatte and almost Koteshwar round to reach Udupi just horrible!! While looking at the work in progress status on New, say repair work,. It will be ready before monsoon.

The very purpose of this note is different - I was happy to see the New Hall Work in progress and as per the information it takes care of around 600 people comfortably. Nearby Schools also make best use of it. Now I strongly feel it should me named after ST. BARTHOLOMEO THE APOSTLE - who as per your own sources and legends who believed to be visited this place in Ist  Century. Is it not your privilege and duty to remember Christ's Apostle in a fitting manner?

People look for small ruins, statue, hearsay stories, purana's etc and glorify the place, temple, and make the people aware of its rich past. Friends you are lucky and blessed to have such a background, each and every Indian Catholic must be proud of.

I just had a fast glance at Pedruchi Chavi, well supported by Kuwait- Barkur Community. Good work. Congratulations.

MM Alvares,14/01/2006

Wish all our Muslim friends and their families Eid Mubarak, Happy and peaceful feast.

Bhaskar L. Poojary, Mumbai, 11/01/2006

Though I did'nt get the answer for the previous message. on MVR... let me enquire about Pedruchi Chavi December issue..... The fire and the spirit in compiling these tiny booklets, which made us to anxiously wait, is over?

One thing the local managers of the Book must bear in mind - Pedurchi Chavi may be a casual thing for those in Barkur but NRI Barkurian's it's big thing. Emotional attachment for the last 3 - 4 years has reached to that level, now habits doesn’t allow to die so easily. Please let's have the clear picture...!

Felciana D'Silva, Kuwait. 11/01/2006

(Though we have not heard it officially, Pedruchi Chavi , the parish bulletin is released on 8^th January, 2006 and in the process of posting. We are awaiting for more information.- Kishoo, Barkur)

Body Guard: A union leader was soliciting votes for re-election. He had body guards with him. When asked, "Why do you need body guards? Can't you defend yourself, since you are upright and honest?" He said, "It's easier to be fearless when body guards are around."

The questioner said, "If in order to be fearless you need body guards, then their presence serves to conceal your cowardice. Are you sure, you are a leader?"

Crash, Crashes everywhere: I read about plane crashes, computer crashes, waves crashing (Tsunami), snow crashing blizzards, wind and water crashing hurricanes Katrina, Rita and now Zeta on her way! "Feliciana why female names?" Do I like the computer crashes? No, no way! A website which used to send Viruses got crashed! What an irony! There are thousands! It's like: "A man digs a pit to catch an elephant during day time. At night he hears a sound and goes out to investigate half asleep. He falls in the pit and gets trampled by the elephant." The lesson is don't send viruses! The bullet intended for someone can boomerang!

By the way folks: Thousands of people died due to Tsunami, Katrina or Rita. "Where were all these survivors buried? Any idea? This is a quiz!"

Please read again! 

Challenges before The Country in the New Year: [I just lifted this page from the CBCIsite.com.] New Delhi, Jan. 09, 2006:

1. Right to food: A country that has 70 percent of the population depending upon agriculture for its livelihood, has 320 million people going to bed without food and 10,000 dying of hunger-related pangs every day. Ninety-nine percent of adivasi families in Jharkhand and Rajasthan are facing chronic hunger this year. 250 farmers committed suicide in Yavatmal in Vidarbha, Maharashtra this year alone.

2. Unorganised workers: They constitute 90 percent of the labour force in India, but they have no unions, no rights, no social safety nets, no provident fund, no pension, no job security, no schools or health centres for their children, any future or hope.

3. Street kids: They work at the traffic crossings, as child labourers, rag pickers, hounded by the police, brutalised, packed in ugly, perverse juvenile homes, even adult prisons, left to die in a democracy where President Kalam says that the children are the future of the nation. Which children? Of which country?

4. Female foeticide: The longing for the male child and scorn for the girl in India has drastically increased in the last decade, more so in prosperous parts of the country.

5. Right to shelter: The poor find shelter under the open sky in graveyards and garbage dumps. For the hard working, honest, poor people who run the unorganised sector of India’s neo-liberalised cities, and serve elite households as domestic and skilled workers, it was yet another signal that this democracy does not belong to them.

Understanding the problem is itself the beginning of a solution.

James Fernandes, USA, 10/01/2006

Felciana's observation as to why the names of the mother and wife are left out, reminded me of this: "A doctor in Udupi has a brother who is a Lawyer in Barkur. However, this Lawyer in Barkur has no brother who is doctor in Udupi." How this Lawyer is related?

Yes, they are relatives! I know it's an age old joke. It does not mean every reader knows the answer?

James Fernandes,USA,09/01/2006

MM Alvares wrote: 'Mr. Fernandes might be getting some greeting cards by mail....' Just a few. Let us not measure by the number of cards one gets, nor by the number of dinners one is invited to! (Sammaans!) Amithab gets thousands, so what? Actually, in lieu of sending greeting cards, I prefer or suggest that such money be used to support a needy person, if not in Barkur, else where!

Even exchanging presents has no value. I gave a sweater to someone. "I had an exact same sweater 5 years ago, was the mean response!" I said, 'in that case, I can use it myself since I don't have a similar such a nice one.' "No, No no, I can use it, and he kept it!" Is this any culture?

I just heard a friend telling me how offended he got. He had to tell someone! (Just as I am telling as above!) He personally went and delivered his sister's wedding invitation card. And he personally invited saying, "Saibano, Please do come to grace the occasion, for, my sister admires you..."

"Hey re, your job is to deliver the invitation. Attending the wedding or not is my business, and you don't tell me to attend." This guy pulled off the invitation card from the hands of this 'saaib  (vodlo monis=big shot) and took off.

James Fernandes,USA,08/01/2006.

This refers to your latest update in POM section. I was fortunate to be taught by him i.e. History in PUC Classes. A wonderful Lecturer indeed.

Now coming to your article - why there is no mention of his Mother, even his wife's name nowhere in this elaborate, well worded and beautiful article. At last I miss to read his date of Birth to that extent!! Any apathy for females, dear barkuronline? Hope it is not a deliberate omission on Archie’s part and expect a joiner to this effect to clarify. Thank you very much and a Happy New Year.

Feliciana D'Silva, Kuwait, 08/01/2006.

Yes, we want to read how the parish feast got celebrated. [The richness of the feast used to be judged/measured by how many pigs were slaughtered in the village!] I too want to read and see some pictures of the Feast market and of the Friday market, plants, fruits, fish, animals, and of course people too! Yes, pictures cost, and to write, it takes time.

Any volunteers? If we had sponsors, we could compensate. May be the well to do EX-ICYM stalwarts (who do not want to write) can sponsor the young/teenage Barkur ICYM members, thus they could improve upon photography, observation skills, and writing skills in English, Konkani or Kannada. I could pitch in a few bucks. Philip, Alvaris, Barkurghar, want to discuss more on this? Any volunteers to contribute little articles to Barkuronline.com?

[I read somewhere: 'All Mangalorean D'Souzas are not Bishops. However, all Bishops are D'Souza's!!!']

James Fernandes, USA, 07/01/2006

I am really touched by the article appeared in "Personality of this month" on Mr. MVR Acharya, who is my true idol when it matters ones hand-writing. I always admired his style of writing; a mention of it is made in the article too, which is rarely seen these days and his style of signing is unique. I tried to copy his writing style and even signature on many occasion, just to see if I can come close to his style, but Acharya Sir has his own BEST style and no one on this planet can come closer to his. I sincerely wish Acharya Sir a healthy, happy, peaceful, prosperous and a very l...o....n.....g...... life.

Charles F Lewis, Bangalore, 07/01/2006

Feedback columns are the barometer of any popular site. Social and other issues are discussed over here. It is a good sign. Greeting Cards do lost its glitter. Communication by e-mail cheap and quick. Latest Personality of month Mr. MVR bit long, but once I read it fully touched my heart. Congratulations!!!

Philip Richard P, 06/01/2006

Barkur is such a place Mr. Alvares, where everything is unique. So are our teachers, priests and laymen. We, while accepting your compliments wish to express our thanks to you too. I do endorse Mr. Nagarkar's opinion on Fr Gonsalves,  to project him as POM soon.

Barkurgar, 06/01/2006

If there is righteousness in the heart, there will be beauty in character: If there is beauty in character, there will be harmony in the home; when there is harmony in the house, there will be order in the nation; when there is order in the nation, there will be peace in the World. Source: Internet.

James Fernandes, 06/01/2006

Congratulations

Gratian and Sheela D'Silva, Barkur/UK

Dear Dad & Mom,

Congratulations and God's choicest blessings on your 13^th  wedding anniversary.

With love and hugs, your loving kids,

Glenish & Glenston, Barkur/UK, 04/01/2006

Dear Gratian and Sheela

Wishing you both many many more happy returns of the day and happy years ahead.

Regards,

Anirudh, Marina and Kishoo, Barkur, 04/01/2006

Many of us just aware of the 'face value of Mr Acharya, now you nveiled the real 'intrinsic value' which is astonishing to note! Every good human beings life has lot to learn for the present and future generation!! A good teacher never retires as the saying goes...is 100% proved, in Prof. Achar's life as he celebrates worthy 75^th   birthday on 15^th   March 2006. Congratulations and best wishes,

Bhaskar L. Poojary , Mumbai, 04/01/2006

Hurrah Mr. Achar,

50 years as a teacher!! At 75, your enthusiasm and interest in life, love for education - simply great.

I think by portraying a person like Mr. Achar, you added great weight to your contents and website as well.

Truly I wonder sometime, a small place like Barkur, harbor typical people and it is the site host’s effort to trace and  locate them and focus on such greats deserves special kudos.

Surely you started the year 2006 with good things and I hope the flow will continue.

Mr. Fernandes might be receiving few greeting cards by mail, me not even a single in this year, everyone near and dear wash their hands through e-mail – that’s progress!

Of course I was expecting some news, photographs of X’mas and Parish feast and new year celebrations. Will you oblige?

All the best friends, specially Mr. Acharya!!!

MM Alvares, 03/01/2006,  alvaresmm@hotmail.com, 04/01/2006

Congratulations

It gives me great pleasure to acknowledge and congratulate very Rev. Fr. Mark Gonsalves who has recently finished his 25 years of priesthood with great distinction and success. I am sorry that I too was late to congratulate you dear Rev. Fr Mark when you offered The High Mass to thank God in St Peter’s Church on December 20^th 2005.Rev Fr Mark it gives me great pleasure to salute and acknowledge what you have done for the parish of Barkur during your days seminary, deacon and later during your sacerdotal years.

I still remember your kindness when I was an altar boy way back in 1975. Your kindness touched my life. I thank you and your brother Mr Gerard Gonsalves for your kind invitation to attend the Sacerdotal Silver Jubilee celebrations on December 20th of your illustrious career as a priest and vicar of a big parish. I heard the function was very grand with all its pomp and splendour during the mass and great fireworks during the Vesper and sumptuous meal after the Vesper.

What I knew you is that you are a simple and God fearing person. Briefly, your parents were simple and humble and so you are. You have been endowed with simplicity, pious ness and humbleness. Dear Barkurians, let us acknowledge and recognise the service rendered by Rev. Fr Mark who was ready to help the poor and needy always. He is a man with paragon of virtues. May the Lord Jesus help you, Rev Fr Mark in serving the Lord for many years and may the mankind benefit immensely with your endless, selfless, dedicated and unconditional service to your parish and your diocese of Bellary. You have been very successful in your motto as a Gods minister in touching lives, bridging distances, healing rifts and building bonds. My hats are off for your yeoman service to humanity. I wonder why Barkur online has missed you so far in naming as our POM.

I along with my family wishing you the very best in your remaining sacerdotal years. May God give you more strength, fortitude to serve our Lord and the humanity. I once again congratulate you for having finished your 25 years of priesthood with utmost distinction and religious fervour.

With best wishes from,

D. Nagarkar and family, UK, 03/01/2006