Good work. Keep it up.

K. Narayanan. 29/09/2006

What happened to the Circle road? What happened to the road from Sasthan to Saibarakatte? At least no body has to worry about repairing these roads!

James Fernandes,USA, 25/09/2006

You expressed it very rightly Mr. Antony, it is only politics and politics only .......Keep it up .

Felciana D'Silva, Kuwait, 25/09/2006

20/09/2006

Its a very beautifully conceived site. Well Done!! And thanks for adding a link to Kinnigoli.com

Roshan Antony Tauro, Erfurt, Germany, 19/09/2006

"Why grand children love grand parents? Because they join hands to face their common enemy."

James Fernandes, USA, 19/09/2006

Congratulations to Mr. Thomas Picardo, USA, Pandeswar, Barkur, for sponsoring the (Monthi Fest,) the traditional Harvest Feast coupled with the Nativity of Mother Mary, celebrated in Barkur Parish, every year with pomp and gaiety. Those who share all blessed with more.

Thanks Kishoo for providing all those lovely pictures. May all our barkuronline.com readers be blessed with rice (full meal) daily. If I had saved one fistful of raw rice everyday, I would have been a millionaire today. Hope an youngster will start the same today.

James Fernandes, USA, 10/09/2006

Happy Birthday

Gratian D'Silva (Barkur/UK)

Dearest Gratian,

On this special day as you are celebrating your birthday, we wish you a very happy birthday and pray mother mary to shower her abundant blessings on you today and every day. Have a great day!!!!!!! Wishes from your ever loving wife and kids,

Sheela , Glenish and Glenston. ( Barkur/UK).
Herald D'Souza and Family( Piusnagar/UK)
Charles Macharenhas and Family, Dubai
Flora D'Souza, Piusnagar, Mr & Mrs  D'Silva, Barkur. 08/09/06

Ganesh Chaturthi Ganesha, the elephant-headed son of Shiva and Parvati is widely worshipped as the god of wisdom. Ganesh Chaturthi is a festival in his honor and is celebrated with gaiety and fervor. Images of Ganesha are installed within homes as well as in places of assembly. Elaborate arrangements are made for lighting and decoration and Ganesha is fervently worshipped for about seven to ten days. On the  last day  thousands of processions converge on the beaches , tanks and rivers for immersion the holy idol. This immersion is accompanied by drumbeats, devotional songs and dancing. Ganesha is one of the most popular deities in the Hindu pantheon. He is closely associated with the daily lives of millions of Hindus even today. As he is reputed to be a remover of obstacles he is propitiated before the  beginning of any new venture whether it is the building of a new house, the writing of a book, the beginning of a journey or the starting of a new business.

His images adorn the walls of innumerable business establishments across India. It is customary for businessmen to seek his blessings each morning before they get down to business.

Ganesha is also the God of wisdom and prudence. These qualities are signified through his two wives: Buddhi (wisdom) and Siddhi (prudence).

Bhasker L. Poojary, 01/09/2006

The latest we watched…………….. The eagerly looked for the mega movie “Kabhi Alvidha Naa Kehna” from Karan Johar is far from any justifiable compromise for the general Indian public, rather the movie triggers wrong signals to the haunting deterioration of human values and cultures that are very basic to the Indian family system.

Such movies seem to endorse the wrong doings of the families and the aggrieved spouses would only pick the thread from the movie, for their own justifications. Marriage is an unexplainably powerful institution of invisible bondage between the couple for that that matter all religions profess the same ideals and is the very definition in the Indian system of mutual agreement to disagree on their respectful differences and reconcile for the overall betterment of the family, be it, in laws from either side or even a distant relative.

The exploitation of mega stars in a big banner by Karan should have some acceptable limits for Indians to accept and tolerate such conceptualization. We Indians, unfortunately seem to learn plenty of negative things from movies and I personally see a great threat to the Indian family system and we would from now probably see even the respective spouses of good and happy families having a re-look at their own stock of things for parting as friends! Any comments........

M.M.Alvares, alvaresmm@hotmail.com, 01/09/2006

Couple of days back, the BJP lead State Govt. in Madhya Pradesh, passed an ordinance to remove names like ‘ National, Indian’ in privately managed Educational Institutions with immediate effect, failing which the recognition and affiliations to Universities as well as other facilities the Government now offering will be stopped. – Pl. refer Deccan Herald Daily dated 27/08/06.

Now a needle of doubt creep in my mind –if  the present Karnataka State Govt. where the BJP is a power sharing partner, follow the same in our State, then the alma-mater where you and me and hundreds studied, The  National Junior College, National Hr. Primary School, National ITI etc  may loose  their long cherished identity as “National” .

What‘s there in name…. few may ask but is it not a proud privilege to be an old student and a worthy product of this 60 year old Institution – ‘NATIONAL JUNIOR COLLEGE’. An former student of NJC Barkur,

Barkurgaar, barkurgar@hotmail.com, 31/08/2006

Congratulations

Dear Rohit and Blanch 

Congratulation on the arrival of a cute baby girl in your life. Wishes from

Dear Krishna Mogaveera:

Thank you for your encouraging inputs to this site. Now, I request and perhaps beg you to come up with an article "Mogaveeras of Barkur Hobaali." I am sure, we know what is Pattana, Hobaali, nalku or hadinaaru hobali etc, of South and north Canara Districts. The tremendous contributions of this proud, strong, brave, devout, and hard working community in our Tulu Naadu, especially in Barkur, needs to be put in writing and is to be recognized in Barkuronline.com

Is the seat of "Mangala Poojarigalu" still vacant, in Bennekudru? There is plenty of information on internet regarding Mogaveeras. Please come up with an article within 3-4 months. In the event Barkuronline prints a book, I want this article to be included in that book, to represent this community. There is a world famous, and very powerful, and highly charitable foundation, called "Mogaveeras Vyashapak Mandali" in Bombay, founded in 1902, (100 years ago), running schools, colleges, banks, industries, boarding houses etc, helping each and every Mogaveera child as needed.

I guess, rest of the communities can learn from this Mandali. Hi Krishna, since we don't get help from the rich and famous, or educated intellectuals, I will certainly help you to complete this article, in spite of my broken, insipid or boring ability. Let it not be said, we did not try.

James Fernandes, USA, 29/08/2006

Hi,

Mr. Antony's  poem " Barakur Santhe" and Mr .Eric’s "Tiruvina Mane" are heart touching writings. Antony you triggered our childhood memories through your poem, thanks. All the best for both of you. Would like to see many more poems, stories from you guys.

I met Father Tony, a year back in Minneapolis .It was nice surprise for me to see Barkur's son of soil heading a church in USA. Today again, from Dallas tried to reach him over phone.

Thanks Kishoo. Thanks for all your efforts to bring all Barkurians together through such a wonderful Barkur online.com

Krishna Mogaveera, 5319, N. Macarthur Blvd, Irving, TX USA -75038, 28/08/2006

Increasing traffic always demands better and broader roads and surely a sign of development. Fine, those sacrificing land must be compensated in a fairly manner. It is this factor, make many to think - why me only to give-up? Yes while constructing State and National High ways, train tracks, high tension electric lines, dams etc. Govt. is either compensating a part of the value of the land and property or some alternative offer. When it comes to local roads, the story is different - Punchayats or local body Govt. officials and political leaders first ask people 'to clear the would be Road'.

This is not an easy task to convince the would be effected, moreover, no compensation! That is why, in my opinion, Barkur have a 'very poor net work of Roads'. Interestingly, many are leaving the place and comfortably settled in neighboring towns.

PHILIP RICHARD P., 28/08/2006

Happy Birthday

Baby Denora Sequeira
D/O Fareena and Deepak Sequeira, Abudhabi

Sweet Denora,

Many Many Happy Returns of this day for you our little one. We thank God for giving us a sweet blessing like you. May your Third Birthday Bring in lots of Joy and Happiness in your life & we all wish you a very Happy Birthday.

Love and Kisses,

Nana & Papa ,Kallainpur,
Nana & Papa ,Barkur,
Mom & Dad ,Abu Dhabi
Melanie Aunty, Barkur
Rohan Uncle, Lidwin Aunty & Riyola ,Kuwait
Gilbert Uncle, Linda Aunty Glyden and Gleeven, Mumbai, 27/08/2006

Wide Roads to begin with: I do remember that, a lot of people did not want any single electric post planted in their rice fields or in the coconut farms or on their property. A few trees had to be cut to avoid electrocution. Was the loss of a few trees greater than the benefits we enjoy today because of the presence of electricity? I am sure it was not easy to place all those rail lines from Mangalore to Goa, without protests from thousands of property owners along the way.

As Mr. Pai pointed out, all those people sacrificed their land for electric lines, rail lines or for other road-lines, were/are the heroes of our country. They are the broad minded people with a civic mind to help support the progress of our country. Just as children resist bitter medicine, some people need education or much convincing about the benefits of bitter medicines. I know at least two people who were afraid of needles thus missed intravenous treatment and suffered.

If cows and buffaloes are tied down in the middle of the roads, the manganese laden Lorries would drive along the sides of the road, thus the roads will broaden automatically! Thank God, these protesters did not stop the rivers and floods from flowing through their property, nor the rains falling in their neighbor’s yards! Could they?

May be, there should be plays, dramas, movies, lectures/sermons, or yakshagaanas depicting the benefits/safety of roads and broader roads. Mr. Pai, the deaths of those people who died due to road accidents will not go in vain. I feel sorry for their loved ones. There will be broad roads, smooth roads, and safe roads, in our life time, for sure. By this time, I may gulp quite a few , “One more for the Road!” What a life!

James Fernandes, USA, 26/08/2006

Dear Sir,

This decision by Government to widen the Manipal-Udupi Road is wise plan towards the infrastructure of Udupi. Few families will be affected, but their cause is for the benefit of the country. Look at our military men who sacrifice their life for the country but these people everyday see many people die due to the inconvenience of narrow road structure, causing many deaths. How would one suggest to make a road from Sharada International to Kadiyali which indicates, the protesters do not want to commit to the Nation but take other’s property for granted. We Konkanas always ready to give our life to the nation.

Konkan Railway is now great success and known as marvel of the west coast. Thanks to former minister George Fernandes. Once this road project is complete, it should be named as Konkan Broadway. We assume Udupi belongs to us. Go ahead you bold guys! Let there be wide Road, do not be deterred by the protests, these wide roads will diminish the narrow thoughts of our society.

More of all many young lives will be saved. Udupi Roads are very bad, The civic body does every attempt to widen the road but few protesters seek their own benefit by objecting the project. Government’s decision must be the final to widen the Road of Udupi.

Sadanand Pai, 25/08/2006

Lethargy: What does it mean? The dictionary says sluggish indifference. Locally, my sources tell me, “Why are you wasting your time?” The local people do not care.

Apparently, some people in authority say and influence others, I believe, by saying, “Barkuronline.com is a private website, thus the local people do not have to respond to discussions on roads, bridge, cemetery, schools, colleges, or on anything!” Do elephants care for barking dogs?

Obviously, there are quite a few educated persons who could supply some brief paragraphs on local events, festivals, school/church/temple activities, but for some unknown reasons, support is negligible. I am sure, they have their reasons, and since support is voluntary, I cannot complain. This is a free site. If people cannot take advantage, I am not the loser. I can plant, I can water, I can harvest, I can cook, I can serve, I can hand feed, I can munch and chew, but do you want me to swallow it too for you?

Kishoo works in the middle of a sea. Whenever he goes to Barkur collects data with difficulty. It takes about six months to gather data on some POMs. Reluctance to share information, yet people want to be recognized. People brag on phone about their performance, but when asked to put in sentences in an e-mail, they disappear! What a thankless service Kishoo got into? Thank God, he has not closed this site!

It’s not fair to get beaten up with ones own good social work! Marina, manages to get some data, Thanks Marina. Kishoo and other photographers have spent their own money to give us those pictures. Forget about their hundreds of hours spent. May be we need patrons, donors or God fathers. Can I be a patron without sparing a paisa? Folks, there is no honor without burden. There is no authority without responsibility. Please note even the Pope gets, ‘ring around his collar.’ There is plenty of harvest. At least the birds know to feed on free seeds.

The birds are not lethargic.

James Fernandes, USA, 24/08/2006

Hi Manoj,

Wish you the best of the best in your venture and may the Good God bless you in every walks of your life.

Fari Sequeira, 24/08/2006

Fr. Tony:

You remind me of the New Testament quote, "Harvest is plenty, but the laborers are few!" It appears, all those who have a better writing skill have found jobs outside of Barkur, and no one is left with a writing skill. Literally, there is no manpower to work in the rice fields; hence, some fields are left for grazing grass to grow!

barkuronline.com has no such news gatherers as correspondents. Nor, the temples, church, schools or colleges have developed a habit of "News Release System." It takes time to get comfortable with new pair of shoes! It takes time to accept barkuronline.com! For lack of complete and accurate information, terminology, dates, names, and even proper permission,, etc, barkuronline.com  may be reluctant to publish inaccurate or incomplete information, which might lead to confusion, thus "Prevention is better than cure," Sir.

Yes, Fr. Tony, excuses galore! 'Adi biddaru, moogu mele!, I learned this in Barkur!

Bye the way, does anyone care for those who have left Barkur, as much as those who have left Barkur care for Barkur? No replies necessary!

James Fernandes, USA, 23/08/2006

DID WE MISS SOMETHING??

Everyday I open our Barkur.com web site to see if there are any new updates or messages posted. Yes, indeed there are new updates of a dental clinic opening and many messages.

What about the pastoral visit of our Shepherd, Most. Rev. Dr. Aloysius Paul D’Souza to the town of Barkur on August 12-13th? Is it not important for the people of Barkur? I think we are missing something important here. Is there no one to write about his pastoral visit to our historical town of Barkur and the Church of St. Peter the Apostle?

I hope the Barkur.com web site team looks into this matter and makes sure all of us Barkurians, who are spread out around the world, receive some news about our beloved Bishops visit to Barkur.

Fr.Tony Andrade, USA, 22/08/2006