Friends, 

After reading James Fernandes, let me share some simple Economics lessons taught by my Professors way back in 70’s. This was the time late Premier Mrs. Indira Gandhi declared emergency in India in 1975. There was lesson on population and its alarming growth, in remedies, one of the sub chapter on Family Planning. At that time 30 – 35 years ago, it was conceived as a forceful legislation to control the ever increasing population by compelling small families, with 1 – 2 children. Our professor predicted that day will come; people will voluntarily opt for small family and eventually a huge shortage of human hands to work in fields. In other words, any family with one child or two, some 30 years back, whether they hail from agriculturist or labor class, taken every care to educate their children, at least better than them, surely not wanted to be in the paddy fields.  

Our districts, may it be Mangalore or Udupi, sense of education and dreaming as well as planning for a better future for the children, white collared job is the main cause to find no field workers in our villages. There is nothing wrong to aspire better in one’s life. 

Just today when I read about MA, M.Com, MSW courses in a place like Barkur, it’s a great leap of progress. My time there was no Mangalore University even, and seats in above said higher education may be just in tens or hundreds, in the Mysore University . Today just within a span of 30 – 35 years, Barkur is a deemed University!! 

Yes, leaving cultivating fields’ baron is a sin. It’s high time to think of co operative farming so that, machines may be made use of. If one can’t plough, keep buffalos, give it or sell the same, if not, lend it to the person nearby, who can with larger piece of holding may cultivate with a profit. Yes, lending is having a threat, the person who took it may claim it’s his own….in 70’s in Karnataka we experienced the same….. still we can hope for a green revolution in our natives….. 

M.M.Alvares, alvaresmm@hotmail.com – 10/08/2008.

It has been brought to my attention that there is an acute shortage of rice planting laborers in Barkur.  The few ones who are there seem to have an upper hand over the landlords.  They show up to work about 9:00 am.  Work for an hour to take a coffee break of about 45 minutes.  The hirer has to provide free coffee and snacks.  They work for an hour and go for lunch break.  If they like you they may come back to work, if not the land lord has to finish the work.  For about two hours work, they demand entire 8 hours wages.  Do they know the meaning of work ethics? Yes many a land lords who have second income in Bombay or abroad can afford to meet such demands, thus the laborers prefer to work for them, and so much so they deny to work for the local poor rice plot holders.  I guess, every one has the ability to make choices, chose the fringe benefits, but aren’t they eating their own seeds? 

Oh, well, I also heard there is shortage of women to work in the rice fields. Why only women have to work in the fields? Why, men can’t plant rice plants?  My grand father at the age of 80 was planting equally along with other young women.  It’s not below dignity to work in, in your own rice fields. One does not lose his manhood! 

So much so, the plots are left unplanted, a Mortal sin as far as I am concerned. Or the plots are sold to residential home building.  Could it be that lack of greenery can keep the rains away?  Why the rains are delayed year after year? 

There is plenty of rice in Punjab, why, they use mechanical means throughout, so much so, some women have studied and gone to Space! Do you think a rice planter as above will help solve the problem?  Yes, pretty soon.  And then, the women will teach you how to operate this machine, how to repair, and maintain, and then they will teach you about work ethics, that’s fair wages for fair work.  They will tell you and pay you ONLY for two hors work in a eight hour work day!  Happy Transplanting.

James Fernandes, USA, 08/08/2008

I am the one always prefer to keep a low key approach, when it comes to Barkurian activities in Mumbai. But for the last few years never missed the chance to watch the cultural programmed presented at Vile Parle Hall and one at Shanmukananda hall. Few occasions received invitations for other activities. Busy and mechanical life as everybody knows, at Mumbai, hardly allows many to concentrate in such activities. I have full appreciation to the SPA group, who kept the spirit of Barkur alive. When I read the grand celebration time in Dec at Barkur, in Archie’s Corner, thought of just putting one or words. Let me congratulate President and other office bearers first as they are pirjents this year! It is a well thought suggestion, to adjust dates to suit the participants in large number.

Fortunately we have Rev.Fr. Aranha, a modern thinking priest at natives, who is very accommodative, the way I found him some three years back.Just like to have an idea, any sort of arrangements for 2-3 days boarding facility if people like me plan to attend….because at present no close relatives staying at Barkur moreover don’t want to disturb others. I hope there may few like me and if the web pages publish any thing in this regard or reply to my email, I will be very grateful.

Philiph Pasannah, philiphpass@hotmail.com, 02/08/2008

Happy Birthday

May every special happiness fill this day for you and may the year bring everything you look forward to. Whatever dream you're dreaming, may each one of them come true; whatever plans you're making may they all work out for you. Wish you all happiness, health and prosperity with many many returns of the day. From your Love,

Vhodlimai,  Barkur, 31/07/2008

Condolences

Our Heartfelt condolences to Patthi Aunty, Fareena, Melani and all the members of the family. We Pray that God Almighty give them strength to bear this great loss. Eternal Rest Grant unto him O Lord. And May Perpetual Light Shine upon him May the soul of the faithfully departed through the mercy of God Rest in Peace. Amen. From,

Denis Fernandes, Juditha, Joel & Jovita., Kachur/Mumbai. 31/07/2008.

Dear Kishoo

My heartfelt condolences to Dias family at this time of great loss . May  the soul of Charliaba rest in peace and let perpetual light shine upon him. May Almighty give enough strength to all in the family to bear this loss. I share the grief of Dias Family. Regards,

Hansel Ralph Furtado ,(classmate of Peter Dias),31/07/2008

Our sincere and heartfelt condolences to Patthi Aunty, Fareena / Deepak Sequeira, Melani, Baby Denora and all the members of Dias family. Almighty God give strength and support to bear the great loss and may his soul rest in peace Amen. From

Jessy Menezes, Keith, Maria & Herbert., Barkur, 31/07/2008

Our heartfelt condolences to Patthi Aunty, Fareena, Melani. Praying Almighty to give them strength to bear this great loss. May his soul rest in eternal peace.

Anita Pereira /nee Lewis, Pithrody,/Dubai,31/07/2008

Heartfelt condolences on the sad demise of our beloved Charliebaba. May his soul rest in peace and may God give strength to Pattihoni, Fareena, Melanie and the family members to bear the loss.

Jacob Dias, Barkur/Bombay,31/07/2008

Our heartfelt condolences to Patthi Bai, Fareena, Melani and all the members of the family. Praying Almighty to give them strength to bear this great loss. May his soul rest in eternal peace.From,

Crasta family, Trasi, Udupi, Kuwait,31/07/2008

Very sad news indeed. May Charliebaba's soul rest in eternal peace and may God comfort his family at this time of great sorrow.

Richard Lewis, Udyavar/Bangalore,31/07/2008

Dear Fareena & family, Aunt & Melani..please accept our heartfelt condolences on the sad demise of your beloved Dad. May her soul rest in peace.

Lovlin & Fly, Dubai,31/07/2008

Condolences

My maiden mission experience during our scholastic years , when we had to undergo few weeks stay in Hangaluru ( outskirts of Kundapura). Though we had put up for few days with Late Rev Fr Sylvester, it turned out to be rich and cherishing moment of my entire life. His love towards poor was overwhelming and more over towards the children. It spoke volumes of simplicity in priestly life . One of the instances where in finds no salt in the kitchen while doing house blessings ( of a hut ) , it was just touching experience I have ever had in my life, which is almost similar to the experience that I had in Khalighat -Dying institute of mother Theresa at Kolkotta.

Fredrick Fernandes, Kuwait, 30/07/2008

It is sad to know the demise of Fr. Sylvester D' Souza. Though I met him in Barkur when he was a Paris Priest only for a couple of occasions, it was heart warming to talk to him. His concerned for youth and children was remarkable. May His Soul rest in eternal peace and perpetual light shine upon him .AMEN.

Wilfred Gonsalves, Barkur/Qatar, 24/07/2008

Rev. Fr. Sylvester D’Souza is one of the best priests we liked and admired most. His days in Barkur, though very short, i.e. just above two years, as parish priest, was marked by peace and harmony in the locality and especially, his motivation, concern and support to youth activities during  ICYM Silver Jubilee days in 2002, still fresh in our memories.

He lived a long and dedicated spotless life, of 80 years in the service of God and men. May the departed soul rest in eternal peace.

P.Archibald Furtado, Muscat ,24/07/2008

Congratulations

Dr.Manoj D'Lima
President, ICYM, Udupi District

Dear Manoj,

Congratulations on being elected as the president of ICYM Udupi. We wish you and your team all the very best for the future endeavors. With regards

Gratian D'Silva & Family (Barkur/UK). 22/07/2008

We are very proud of you  and your achivements and pray for God's choicest blessings on you and wish you very best  in all you do.

Rev. Fr. RCM Aranha, Parish Priest , Barkur, Dolphy and Irene D'Lima, Barkur, Malcolm Dheeraj D'Lima, Barkur, Herald D'Souza and Family, Barkur, Gerald Gonsalves and Family, Barkur, Norene Lobo and Family, Barkur. Anirudh, Marina and Kishoo, Barkur, Vishwas, Sushma amd Praveen Carvalho, Barkur, Eric Soans, Barkur, Sydney John Lewis, Barkur and Naveen Dias, Barkur, 20/07/2008

It’s a great moment of proud feeling  a fellow Barkurian Youngman Dr. Manoj D’Lima is elected as the President of ICYM Udupi District.

While congratulating Dr. D’Lima, we wish him and his team of office bearers all the very best during the forthcoming year, to make the abbreviation ICYM more familiar, popular and a platform to youth of the region to involve actively in large number, in all the parishes of the District.

We have seen in him most of the qualities of a dynamic leader, persuasion skills and maturity to lead the youngsters at the right direction, being the President of Barkur unit last year. This experience with the co-operation of the council of other office bearers and Directors, let’s hope will inspire to bring out best in Manoj in the interest of the youth. Congratulations once again. On behalf of ICYM Barkur Ex-Members Association,

P. Archibald Furtado, Barkur / Muscat   21/07/2008

Congratulations Dr. Manoj as ICYM Udupi Dist. President elect. Well done and keep up the good work along with your team.God Bless you.

Wilfred Gonsalves and Gonsalves Family,Qatar,21/07/2008 

Dear Manoj, hearty congratulations on being elected as President of ICYM,Udupi dist. Best wishes

Ivan, Nancy, Michelle &Max.Barkur/Mascat,21/07/2008

Dear Manoj..Put passion, Zeal and enthusiasm into everything you do. Congratulations and best wishes to you and your team. with love and prayers.

Valerian Capuchin, Matpady/Barkur/U.S. 21/07/2008

Dear Manoj, congratulations. I am happy to hear that you are elected president of ICYM Udupi district  and  all the best .

HARSHA, BARKUR 21/07/2008 

Bravo Barkur-gar, you have the tacts and qualities to lead youth of the district, all the best and congratulations to Barkur CYM for winning the award 2007-08.

Philip Richard P. 21/07/2008

Congratulations Manoj. Wishing you and your team all the very best in your endeavors.

John Gonsalves, Barkur/ Muscat 21/07/2008

Dear Dr.Manoj, Congratulations and May Almighty God bless your mission. With Lots of wishes and love from,

Jessy Menezes, Keith, Maria and Herbert, Barkur21/07/2008, 

Dearest Dr.Manoj... hearty congratulations on this occasion...We are so very proud of you...keep up the same record and shine as always... take care... n God Bless you Best wishes from all the members of ICYM Barkur...

Sharel D'Almeida, Barkur 21/07/2008

Happy Birthday

Karthikeya
S/O Ganesh and Prafulla G. Kanchan,Barkur

You are a little Angel
Who sparkled our life with
Joy, Laughter & Fun

Its your day dear son, We thank God for providing you as a precious gift as in our life and pray God to show his choicest blessings in every step you take. With tons of love, kisses and wishes from, Your loving parents,

Ganesh and Prafulla Kanchan (Barkur), Udupi. 20/07/2008

Also wishes from

Anirudh, Marina and Kishoo, Barkur. 20/07/2008

Happy Birthday

Sanita Crasta

Wish you happy Birthday my love, from,

Allen, Dubai, 19/07/2008