Highways & bridges This is about the hundreds of trucks moving every day on National Highways 17 and 48 carrying manganese and iron ore to the Mangalore Port. There have been sporadic protests on the hazards posed by these monstrous vehicles to human life, roads and bridges, and environment. Reports appear in the newspapers every now and then, but there has been no let-up in the situation. Recently the Barkur Bridge on the Brahmavar-Halady road developed cracks and traffic on this road was stopped, causing enormous hardship to the people and heavy financial loss to the government.

This is nothing but the logical consequence of the inaction and indifference of the authorities. This was waiting to happen. The same fate awaits the many bridges on the national highways.

Prof. Mathew C Ninan, Brahmavar (Udupi dist) The Law makers, Govt. Officials, please read the above remarks of renowned Principal of Little Rock School and take action……………..

Felciana D’Silva, Kuwait. 22/08/2006

Hi Peter, You are right indeed. You don't need any explanation! Obviously, the stomach is not empty any more upon the first bite! We Barkurians are satisfied with one bite of food!

Are we? I know, our readers want to read something new, something that they have not heard, read, or imagined before, otherwise the site gets boring. But still, do we get bored or disgusted to have a bite of mango pickle, or uttappa dosa? What's happening to our bridge? I guess, there is water under the bridge, right? Is the water red, turbulent, still or quiet?

If only our Barkurians were to get little more turbulent, we would have had an Airport by now! When we aim high, our minds work towards that goal, even subconsciously. If we are content with what we have, there will never be any efforts, hence, nothing will be achieved.

James Fernandes, USA, 22/08/2006

Only one egg Mr. Fernandes, or is it half or first byte only? Will you explain?

Peter, Abu Dhabi, 21/08/2006

A rainy day at Barkur ... with photographs by Sydney John Lewis, Bennekudru, are excellent! Good photography.

Glen, Bangalore, 21/08/2006

Dear Manoj,

Wish you all the best in your venture. Friends from Moodahadu Kudru -

Prakash, Preetham, Praveen, Noel, Rohan, Peter, Vinod, Roby. 21/08/2006

How many eggs can you eat on an empty stomach? Hope to someone will respond!

James Fernandes, USA,20/08/2006

It's great and we all get emotional to see our India's flag fly high and flutter rapidly, especially in our Barkuronline.com site. Happy Independence day to all of us, Indians!

"ASK WHAT WE CAN DO FOR INDIA AND DO WHAT HAS TO BE DONE TO MAKE INDIA WHAT AMERICA AND OTHER WESTERN COUNTRIES ARE TODAY" Lets do what India needs from us. (Dr. Abdul Kalaam), PRESIDENT OF INDIA. The entire article can be found at http://www.indiagrid.com/cgi-bin/viewarticle.cgi?dmmy=ok&postid=5214&stq=&cat=art.

I feel like asking, using the above quote, "Ask what we can do for Barkur......."

If each townspeople bring up their house, village or town, why do we need another heaven when we are alive? Oh, yes, after death, surely! Something to think about:

1. In America many a children upon passing high school get a car as a gift for passing high school from their parents or grand parents.

2. Even a road sweeper drives to work using his/her own car. I still look at the moon and wonder...........

James Fernandes, USA,16/08/2006

Bon Voyage Dear Vinod, (Electrical Point, Mangalore). On behalf of Electrical Point, attending Haveli electrical products conference in China on 12th August 2007.

We wishing you happy journey to Shanghai and pleasant stay there. Best wishes from

Jerome M. Sequeira & Fly Johannesburg. 13/08/2006

Hi

I am Sooryakanth Shetty. I saw www.barkuronlie.com, and it is a amazing website... God bless Barkur website. Regards,

Sooryakanth Shetty, 13/08/2006

Nice site keep it up and thanks for Barkur Masala.

RK SHETTIGAR, 13/08/2006

I think we found the ‘Padarasa Baavi’ of present day Barkur. This is literally not a real mystical well, but a really well known real person, with wealth of abilities to get things done for Barkur, because she loves Barkur, she lives in Barkur, she talks Barkur, she eats Barkur, and she breathes Barkur!! A person of repute, named Swarnalatha Kamath.

Just as the Baavi was turning copper into gold, Swarna can turn her spirit of compassion into a Hospital in Barkur, and this 7 storey hospital will be named in golden letters, “Swarnalatha Gopalakrishna Kamath Hospital, Barkur’. Yes, this is possible. If Thonse Pai brothers could put Manipal in the world map by starting the Medical college, why not our Kamaths do the same in Barkur, starting with a 250 bed general hospital to begin with?

Thonse Pai’s were not Korodpathies when they started this venture. I was about 10 year old, had been to my uncle’s house in Udayavara, for the annual parish feast. A group of people were going from house to house taking any money or pledges they could get, to build a medical college. This event took place in 1955 or so. On the feast day, people were semi drunk (Vatis an illicit liquor!) after lunch, and these guys were promising in thousands of rupees. One guy said, ”I will double the amount than that of my neighbor, for I own more coconut trees than him!” I followed these collection guys, because, just to find out who gave how much, as I was asked by an elderly lady! Now Manipal is well known.

Even the timing of collecting donations is very important! These people were seen in many a villages, parishes, school premises, and thus we have a mighty Manipal today. The average family annual income was about Rs. 10 or 15, then, perhaps. You, see folks, Swarna has already bought a plot in Barkur and is building a house for her daughter.

God works in mysterious ways. Because God knows that Barkur will develop tremendously, therefore, God made Swarna to build that house, thus her grand children will benefit out of our prospering Barkur. Yes, that’s how miracles happen. God normally does not send butterflies, but he sends caterpillars. It’s up to us to take care of the caterpillars if we want to enjoy butterflies. Now Mrs Swarna, all you have do is take up the challenge.

Contact the thousands of people you know, in Barkur, Bangalore, Bombay, Poona or in Bhadravathi. Not just the Kamaths, Nayaks, or Pai’s, but the Christians, Shettys, Poojaris, Mogaveeras, Mohammodans, and Brahmins, because, Barkur is a cosmopolitan town. Drop by drop Suvarna river or River Sita are formed, now Rupee by Rupee, brick by brick, stone by stone, pillar by pillar, storey by storey, tile by tile, this hospital can be built!

Now, readers, if you want to dismiss this page as, “James must have written this after a modern day Vatis, ” fine with me! I might not be the loser!

James Fernandes, USA, 13/08/2006

 Greetings

Chi.Prashanth and Chi.Sou.Sushma
S/O Smt.Vandana and Late Shri M. Manjunath Kamath, Bangalore and D/O Smt.Anajani and Shri Y.Mohandas Kamath, Barkur
Married on 10th August 2006.

Wishing you a very happy and prosperous married life and happiness always. With warm wishes...

Smt. Vandana Kamath and family, Bangalore,
Smt.Anajani and Y. Mohandas Kamath and Ashwin, Barkur, friends and relatives and All from www.barkuronline.com,11/08/20006

Desire for progress should develop from within. If the attitude of the general public is such that, “My grand father could not read or write, but he lived a happy contended kingly life, and he was neither a borrower nor a lender,” then why do we need schools, colleges, banks, factories, shops, hospitals, or sports arenas? Those were the ‘good old days”, right folks? (Present miserable days will be ‘good old days’ in a decade, even for us!!)

All these three hundred and fifty six temples were built by hauling such heavy and mighty stones when there was no such thing as a road, then why do we need roads now? How did the kings march their soldiers, horses, carriages, or supplies, without roads? Or, are those roads occupied by thorns, thistles, grass, or rice fields? I really wonder. People waded during low tide by wrapping the lungi around the head, or crossed the rivers using logs of wood at high tides, then why do we need mechanical boats or three lane bridges? If our elders lived that way, can’t we live the same way? Lethargy indeed! We may disrespect our elders if we import better living standards. I even feel guilty to use a spoon and a fork!

People can cure diseases from plant medicines, why do we then need Western expensive pharmaceuticals? For whose glory or prosperity, anyway? Is this the attitude? If the bullock cart can haul a few vegetables, hand knit baskets, or shaped by hand mud pots, why do we need a truck? Expense is proportionate to income. What’s wrong in that? Forget about producing more. It’s cheaper to live off of the land. The plants grow if and when it rains, why should we take trouble to store water for dry season? Why sir, why? Why should we waste muscular energy? If our fate has decided to be poor and ignorant, why should we get out of poverty and ignorance? If the hell is destined for us, why should we try for heaven? Well, these statements are false. Look, so many of us are educated, work hard, and have become quite rich indeed, thousand times better than our elders, and now why should we bother whether there are roads, bridges, or hospitals in Barkur?

We have better things to worry about, right folks? No sir, I dare not ask the ‘Job descriptions’ of people in ‘Authority without Responsibility’ or “Responsibility without Authority?”

James Fernandes, USA, 08/08/2006

I was born and brought up in Barkur. But I had to leave Barkur after I got married but my roots are still in Barkur. So I visit Barkur at least once a month (last year and this year I visited 35 times!!!). So you can understand how rarely I am seen in Mumbai. There is hardly any person in Barkur who doesn’t know me.

I have a daughter named Anusha who is equally crazy about Barkur and because of whom I bought a land in Barkur. Presently I’m constructing a house on it. When I came to know about this website it was like "MARKATASYA SURAAPAANAM TANMADHYE BHOOTSANCHARAM" in Sanskrit (a ghost entering a drunk monkey's body). I’m extremely enthralled.

Thank you for bringing my roots back to me right at my PC.  You have done a very good job. I'll be always indebted to you.

Barkur Swarnalatha Gopalkrishna Kamath, presently in Mumbai. Barkur address: "Gopalkrishna", Behind Panchayat Board office, Barkur-576210, 04/08/2006

Me and my mother are crazy about Barkur. I’m the grand-daughter of Barkur Gopalkrishna Kamath and Barkur Sumathi Gopalkrishna kamath. Thank you for bringing Barkur so close to me. (despite the fact that I visit Barkur every 6 months!!!)

Barkur Anusha Kannan Kamath, Mumbai:Vivekanand Engineering College,Chembur, Mumbai-71. Barkur : "Gopalkrishna",Behind Panchayat Board Office,Barkur-576210, 04/08/2006

It is really a good expectation from Shubha to have articles from great writers / scholars of the town on a weekly basis. There was a time some such write-ups flown over here in the archives, though they may be on people or events or issues from Mr James and Mr Archie and in these days they too are scarce. So the vacuum can well filled by your nominees, and  me too is one who enjoys Mr Ram Bhat's regulars. Wish Ms Kamath a happy married life.

MM ALVARES, alvarsmm@hotmail.com,  04/08/2006

JUST FEW COMMENTS – MR. ALVARES.

Let us unite as one and put pressure, party affiliations leave aside for the time being, don’t bother about political mileage over the opponent and get the project completed.

Mr.  Alvares, your call and observation in tune with the ground realities. If there was no role of politics, by now 5 bridges might have built! Please don’t test the patience of common man and the time will come to

Boycott all players, once the voter wakes up. He has given a long rope with a hope after the other that his hardship is over soon.

Who is ‘common man’ me and you – when the haves and have-nots, both lethargic what is expected…… every one suffers but bears it…. ‘What is acceptable and tolerable to all how one man make a difference’ is the general thinking.

Unity, just forget it……if it was there, Barkur would have been a different town by now…! Someone asking to write about Panchayat Leaders, Members  - if these friends can not come out as one to convince, persuade to lay Roads, like Kachhur - Barkur link…….alas it is ‘bad fortune of this town’ once the capital of Kings, as per your own claims.

Today the place is abandoned due to lack of communication, no better Schools, I mean English Medium, no decent Hospital, a family restaurant of repute….. and modern facilities… if the situation continues the place become a home for aged and retired, less privileged and one who left with no options for better choices…….!

One more observation I personally had is the speed and the quality of ongoing work on bridge is not at all encouraging…. Any clarifications……….?

Philip Richard P.,Philiphpass@hotmail.com, 04/08/2006

Dear All,

1.Awaiting for some good article related to Shimasana Gudde Temple(Like Kshetra Mahathme).

2.And lets try to publish General article on weekly basis from well known personalities in Barkur like Dr.Manjunath Somayaji, Ram Bhat Sajangadde, Sudhakar Rao, Eric,...

3.And can you give informations like dates of all three common religious festivals and Ooru Jathre, Church feast, Kambala, High school & College Annual days, Expressions Programmes, Ganesha Chathurthi, Navarathri fests. Generally all next coming events in Barkur for this year. So that we can plan well to visit Barkur.

4.Give brief introduction about our present Barkur Panchayath leaders and ask them What are actions they took for Barkur bridge problem. Thanks Kishoo. Its really a good job.!!!!!

Shubha Nayak, Andheri, Mumbai, 30/07/2006

Hi All,

I acknowledge and appreciate your efforts for bringing "Namma Barkuru" online. I congratulate all of you. The site is very informative. You are trying to recognize many personalities, which is really good. Being in a village many of them are unnoticed. All of you are doing a GREAT JOB.

One more information to you all: Miss. Sushma Kamath who was personality of month some time back, is getting married on August 10th. Let us all wish her a happy married life. Regards

Deepak Shetty, Engineer - Design Division, Toyota Kirloskar Motor – Bangalore, 30/07/2006

Kishore and his team are doing fantastic job.. All the Barkurians are now able to get to know whats happening in their birth place.. Keep it up Kishoo.. All the very best,  and may Good God bless.. Ciao..

Ashwin Kamath, Shree Durga Traders, Barkur, 30/07/2006

I appreciate the efforts taken by Mr Kishore in  maintaining the web site. The contents are interesting and  informative. The response of the public to the lethargy of the authorities in not completing the bridge must be given wide publicity.

K.Narayanan, SMS College, Brahmavar, 28/07/2006

It is just a little solace that the organizations like Catholic Sabha Barkur took initiative to address an issue concerning all of us. No doubt, this Broken Bridge is a victim of dirty politics of the area. For about 2 years now, we are hearing the repair, re-construction with renewed promises, assurances, time target – prolonging again and again and budgeted amount …added every time….by all political leaders and the State Govt. Officials.

Throughout last year all heavy weights visited the spot and average Barkurian on toes to see that new Bridge will ready within no time. Yes that would have been if L&T was awarded the tender. In Charge Minister Mr. DT Jay Kumar, then promised lot many things last year…. Now it is the turn of Dr. VS Achar… in between Mr. Oscar Fernandez Mrs. Manorama Madwaraj too paid visits and as usual promised that the matter will be taken seriously.

Now I feel whether Barkurain is paying a price for electing an honest man an independent in Mr. Hegde as their MLA. Let us unite as one and put pressure, party affiliations leave aside for the time being, don’t bother about political mileage over the opponent and get the project completed. Please don’t test the patience of common man and the time will come to boycott all players, once the voter wakes up. He has given a long rope with a hope after the other that his hardship is over soon.

MM ALVARES, alvaresmm@hotmail.com , 28/07/2006

Now almost 2 weeks, the Map, rather photo-picture of Barkur and nearby places filled with lot many spots of general and personal interest. A general map and this images have a big difference, as it is a real satellite picture and authentic and actual in size and view. As someone written, our Geography students must be encouraged to browse such useful sites. I have observed most of the historical places are already marked, relating Barkur, but is there any possibility to mark 10 keri's - Colonies, (already some 7 kere's lakes identified) of ancient Barkur?

Philip Richard P. 28/07/2006

I fail to understand one thing - invade, destroy and kill innocent in the name of protecting one's boundary and others be a silent spectator till everything is finished... On the other side send medicines, and observers, food packets once the man made devastation is over' - What exactly happening in Israel and Lebanon?

Felciana D'Silva, Kuwait, 26/07/2006

Hi all Brahamavar & Barkur's Friends ! Take care and have a nice day ! Your Friend

S.Sana Aliya, Brahmavar, 26/07/2006

An effort to be acclaimed by history lovers

Both the picture cum write-up on two distinct historical landmarks of ancient Barkur, viz ‘Shri Pancha-lingeshwara Temple’ and ‘Kattale Basadi’ - deserve compliments to their authors.

Periodically, such special features in our web-site add to its attraction. Last year, The Kal-chapra structure, its commemorative postal stamp, articles on excavation work at Kote-haadi, special focus on ‘Benne Kudru Garodi’ and ‘Babbu Swami / Malti Devi Daivasthana at Kachhur’ also are the efforts in the same line to show case Barkur as a Cultural and historical destination for visitors.

While having such an enormous treasure in its womb, Barkur need to have dynamic leaders and promoters to ensure it a respectable place in the Tourist map of Coastal Karnataka.

But, the first amongst all is to get the Bridge get ready, good number of our visitors highlighted the plight of commuters, now it is time to put pressure on authorities concerned and see to that the link is ready latest by year end.

Thanks once again,

P.Archibald Furtado, Muscat, 26/07/2006.

Importance and significance of Jain Basadi is well narrated. There are lot of spots for students to venture in Barkur and thus the holiness of town also highlighted. Best of luck.

Bhaskar L. Poojari, Mumbai, 26/07/2006

We are with you in raising the voice in any of the matter which causes public inconvenience.  For your information my residence is also in Barkur above the Bank & I am also feeling the PINCH.

My daughter has to travel to Kota round about spending her precious time in travel.  Our business is also affected along with traders of Barkur.  Not only with regard to Road there is no proper attention paid to Electricity and Fresh drinking water.  Electricity supply goes off now & then without any prior notice  even though there is no water problem this year in reservoir producing Hydel Power.

Regards,

Jayadeva Bhat M,Senior Manager. Corporation Bank, Heradi, Barkur, 26/07/2006

Dear Praveen and Sushma, You are blessed with a baby boy. Many congratulations,
Antony and Cynthia. Also wishes from

Roshan, Philomena and Charles Lobo, Barkur

Eric Soans, Barkur, 24/07/2006

Did this really happen?:

A powerful man who was out of town during Katrina, who had securely locked his house, cars and garage, gets a call from his neighbor,

"Your house and your cars are gone, sir. Sorry, I could not salvage anything."

 "That's impossible. How can that be? The key to the house and all the keys of my cars, are right here in my pocket!"

James Fernandes, USA, 22/07/2006

Happy Anniversary

Joylan and Premila Fernandes,( Barkur) Mumbai

You are 100% right Felcy, in-depth geographical surface of mother earth can be seen through this Wiki Mapia web wages. You can travel through mouse while sitting in the drawing room. Fortunately, lot many important and private spots identified in our districts of DK and Udupi. Most of the landmarks in Barkur also highlighted - is it possible to take a copy of the page and paste it lightly at the back drop of Barkur welcome page. Yes, it cost nothing if one agrees and admits and thank for good things - what Archie says in his latest addition in corner. We miss HOF columns once rich with rich articles! It is better to have Poems section as regular feature....let 's encourage budding poets!!

MM ALVARES, alvaresmm@hotmail.com, 18/07/2006

Hi Archie: "The more you give the more is expected of you." Yes, we need your articles, the motivating articles, the uniting articles, the promoting articles, the inspiring articles, not for entertaining but to produce results eventually, if not today, at least tomorrow. We all know the ink from your pen (made in Barkur) flows much smoothly.

Thank you, keep writing.

James Fernandes,USA,15/07/2006

Keep the good work going on Mr. Fernandes, we are always stand by our favorite Barkur site. Though updates are few, they are of quality. Instead rubbish plenty let us have few but better things in our site. I just marked few spots in map have a look.....

Philph Richard,15/07/2006