Q n A Part 4  Answers to Philip Richard..by BARKURGAAR  Click here...

How did the Barkur Parish Feast celebrated this year?  Who was the Pirjenth? or Sponsor? Similarly, how did the Brahmavar or Sasthan Parish feasts take place this year?.

Can someone cover these feasts for Barkur.com?  Do these feasts take place anyway? Or are these considered as fashioned?

Whenever, I peel oranges, I remember the Barkur Feasts, because, that's where I saw and ate oranges for the first time, and that too only once a year, until I reached Bombay footpaths!

James Fernandes, 31/01/2004

The annual Barkur parish feast was celebrated on 14^th  and 15^th   of December, 2003 as usual... The Pirjenths were the family members of Late Gurkar Mr. Peter D’ Almeida of Halekody. We ran a greeting card wishing all Barkurians and our visitors in our homepage. Brahmaver Vodlen Festh , which is usually is the last in the year was not celebrated this year , due to some unfortunate reasons.  Sasthan Parish Feast is the first one of 2004 was celebrated in the first week of the year on 6^th and 7^th January with usual pomp and gaiety.

But it seems the enthusiasm of the current generation about the Parish Feasts is dying a slow death... at least that's what I feel. I remember we as kids,  used to start collecting money to be spent in the Festha Saanth (saanth maari as they call in Shirva, Pangla and Katpady areas) for a Bokro or  Goavlli for the crib, a catholic panchaang,  some rides in the paallne (Merry-go-round) , and few Chocobars at the CYM stall for self and the non-Christian friends , which they owe us at the Barkur Habba, and a kilo of Mitai -a collection of assorted sweets , white in color- (all the budget is meticulously planned ) from the month of October. Then asking for a Besaanv with every known relative, however distant may be in the festha saanth , thinking they would spare a rupee or two... adding to the collection . And ofcource longing for the maaspoalli ...

Kishoo, 31/01/2004

Friends, now two suspense questions - who is next personality for the month of February, the other - which is next portrait?.... make me to check site everyday, a routine formality, un-knowingly cultivated, for the last few months. hurry up ...!

Felciana D'Silva, Kuwait. 31/01/2004

Now Elections Time - any idea, who is /are contesting from Brahmmavara Assembly seat and Udupi Lok sabha, from various parties?

Bhaskar L. Poojary, Mumbai, 31/01/2004

The portrait featured in the 'Hello Zindagi' is cute indeed. Actually, I thought, that the cat is saving the goldfish from drowning!

James Fernandes, USA, 29/01/2004

I was a product of National Junior College, but feel ashamed, that I was not knowing, this temple of Education, is conceived by people like the one John P.Sequeira!! There are tens or hundreds or may be thousands, studied here and raised to various great or small positions in their life, but like me not knowing man behind this great work. Today educational institutions are coming up, everywhere, as mushrooms- many a times, with a selfish or business motive, NHSC started in this semi-urban town way back in 1948, with pure social concern, of mass education, is truly lived up to its objectives. Due to various reasons, the College not developed to be a First Grade College, in the past 15 - 20 years, I sincerely feel, absence of people of Mr J.P.Sequeira's calibre, to take leadership is one of them. Salutes to you, Great Soul, May your Soul rest in eternal Peace! Barkur-on-line must be congrtulated, for its special effort, so is the writer - in one word thank you very much. Proud Old students of NJC- Barkur.

Barkurgar, 24/01/2004

It is a worthy suggestion, to bind all hall of famers in a Book form. Also these people and specially JPS, a personality need to be known to all barkurgars. Hence I propose to Mr Soans, the Editor,- if Mr Archie, or barkur online agrees , to translate in Konkanni, this article to find a space in Pedruchi Chavi, Easter issue. Any comments ....?

Felciana D'Silva, Kuwait. 23/01/2004

The informative Vivaha special, interview of Austin, great portrait of J.P. Sequeira - all long, very long articles, will have more than sufficient stuff, to read them time and again. It is heartening to note the progress of the site in these days...why no Q's and A's?

Vincent D'Souza, 23/01/2004

(Please send your questions....answers will be ready!-Kishoo)

John P. Sequeira, (JPS):

I remember hearing then that JPS took the lead and enormous heat, in convincing others why the school had to be named 'National High School' rather than St. Peter's, Rama-Krishna, or Medina High School.  Democratic approach was his style, which has worked ever since.

It's because of this high school I did not end up as a hotel-bell-boy or a copper smith's helping hand, or a plantation worker, the then available survival occupations for the poor and the uneducated, even though there was no trade or income, except that the agents, some hotel owners, or money lenders, (bonded labor-lords) milked the profit.

There was a Koraga boy studying while I was schooling in this high school.  [No, not the School Clerk Mr. Koraga or his children, a different boy.] I am not sure whether he completed his high school or not.  This boy used to live just east of JPS' house, perhaps in JPS' vast property.  It's quite possible that JPS must have encouraged him to go to school.  Some one had to, especially in those days. I hope every child, including every Koraga child in the Barkur region is

in this or in any other High School today.  I am sure JPS had this dream in mind, and this would be the best tribute to JPS from us the Barkurian beneficiaries for JPS' sacrifices, to ensure that "No child is left behind."

There is a group called Spoorthi to help some Koraga or similar or any less fortunate child.   If you want to know more about Spoorthi, please access 'www.spoorthi.org'.  maaibhaas.com had featured an article in appreciation and to spread the word.

If ever there will be a 'Hall of Fame' monument built in Barkur to honor the post independence heroes, who helped shape Barkur to uplift the lifestyles and the living standards, let John P. Sequeira be on top of the list, in letters of gold, for bringing in the SEAT of education to Barkur.  May his soul rest in peace.

Thank you Archie for the well researched article, for our benefit. Well done, indeed.

James Fernandes, USA, 21/04/2004

It is great indeed, I am taken aback to read about Mr.Sequeira today, after 40 long years! Great people never die, as he left great works behind him for us and coming generations....Thanks,

Philiph R.P.-21/01/2004

The 'Wall of Hall of Fame', now decorated with Nehru of Barkur, Late John P. Sequeira. One of the best tribute, ever flashed, in this Site. 'Well started is half done'it is said, this will going to be rated as, One of the Best Compartment in the colourful Folders of Barkur-on-line. Thank you very much.

F.X.D'Souza, Mumbai. 21/04/2004

Congratulations Mr Peter Furtado, on being featured as 'Personality of  the Month'. You must have been  in Zambia, when SPA took birth on 17th April,1988, so we were unfortunate to miss you Uncle, during those days. Understand now you are an 'fatherly figure' to lead, guide and direct its manifold activities of this Association.
A rare elderly man, mingling with youngsters at ease, is a special quality I admire in you, for which myself was one witness during the Weeklong ICYM's Silver Jubilee Celebrations - Dec - 2002.

Still remember those encouraging words, in action,  in Maryknoll High School Hall, in promoting fund raise drive for just conceived ICYM Ex-Member's Association!

Continue the yeomen's work with same spirits, is our prayer, to be an inspiration to us, fellow Barkurian's!!

Thanks Mr James Fernandes, for introducing such a wonderful person! On behalf of ICYM Ex-Member's Association, Barkur,

P.Archibald Furtado, Muscat. 20/01/2004

Thank you Souzas, F.X. or Vincent. I understand that you want some messages or articles translated for the benefit of the readers in Konkany. (The following is for discussion. Not to be taken seriously!)

My personal Konkanni is limited to perhaps 129 words.    Most of my Konkanni  words were borrowed from old or colloquial Barkur Kannada.  When I was in southern region of South Kanara, I felt, I should have learned Thulu to understand the Konkanni better. When I went to Bombay, I had to learn a little bit of Marathi, more Hindi, and English in order understand and converse in Konkanni. Therefore Vincent, my Konkanni is Kannadified, Thuluvafied, Maratified, or Anglicized, in other words, completely murdered, desecrated, chutnified or globalized!   So much so, the original Konkanni is strange to me now!  Like modern English versus Shakespearean! I find it hard to read the books written in impeccable Konkanni these days, even Kishoo's complimentary copy! Just the other day, I attended a Konkanni function wherein a Konkanni farce was presented by Austin Prabhu, his sister Queeni, brother Stany and others.   Their Konkanni was so different and difficult I could not comprehend most of the story.  I might, if they repeat, shortening the litany!

How can one love from the liver? (Kalzanth thawn mog kelo.) I don't get it!  (There is a tribe in Africa who exchanges marriage vows, saying, "I love you from the bottom of my Liver."  (Source: Internet.)

A Konkanni girl born and brought up in USA told me the other day, "I understand your mother tongue Kankaninny 50 Percent."   I looked at her puzzled and amazed! She said, "It's 50 percent English. Isn't it?"  That's her concept of Konkanni because my/(most of our) Konkanni is reduced/elevated to such a standard. This may be the case in certain parts of the world, or is it going to be 100 percent English?

I used to sell milk in Barkur.  To some people the measure I used was 'kutten' and for others it was measured in 'shidhen', even though the measuring cup was one and the same!  This is an example how flexible the language is.  What is spoken in Barkur, Konkanni or Kankaniny?

Kishoo is swamped.  He is already biting more than what he can chew!  But, yes, these might be translated, may take some time though, unless surprise help is on its way!

Besides, F.X. feels that not all 'right people are portrayed.'  This is where the need is.  Not only to identify the right persons, but also to help collect and submit data.

James Fernandes, USA, 20/01/2004

Swagatha Gopura, the Welcome arc at Brahmmavar Junction, snap attractive, otherday Daivastana, also happy to see 5 generations. Put-up new look Basadies photo too, carry on the good work.

Bhaskar L. Poojary, Mumbai, 18/01/2004

Thanks for your greetings James Fernandes. I think it is nothing to do with the time; it is dedication and determination. There is a saying that, "you can eat a whole elephant - not one time, little piece at a time." If we all of us think this and dedicate our little time a day for community activities, this world would be a better place to live tomorrow. My salute to you for your share in devoting your time for community activities.

Austin Prabhu, USA, 18/01/2004

The criteria to qualify to be featured in PC (Pedruchi Chavi) put up by Mr. James are right. But many a times, what is happening is 'right people are not focused at right time at right platform?' Some people are modest and few more modest!! I too feel, compared to many, Mr. James, indirectly contributing to the causes he himself spoken. I also have a doubt, whether I read extensively in those pages, about others specified by Mr. Vincent, involved in barkur.com??? even to say about the Web-site itself... Any comments please...?

F.X.D'Souza, Mumbai. 18/01/2004

'When nobody is doing anything, so great to mention, for Barkurian's, otherwise with a selfish motive, it is you doing something through barkuronline, self lesly,  hence I feel, your short notes worthy to be known in mother tongue Konkanni - in Chavi'. Also with some beautiful work, published in this web pages time to time. When there are no heros, small good work looks great to me. Thanks.

Vincent D'Souza, 18/01/2004

Friends, After a long break, I think direct link to FEEDBACK functioning! It is easy and one can scribble what one feel immediately. Now about your new Feature Portraits, it is said " if one fails to understand one's parents, grand parents, the fellow never understands his / her own children" So at the outset a better move by you gentlemen, host and his team, but let us have or show some portraits, to glance and of course to comment, if allowed, please?

M.M.Alvares. 18/01/2004

Five generation photograph is very interesting and happy to see in our website. I wish the family all the best and expecting more and more long and happy generations.

Edwin Picardo, Barkur, 17/01/2004

Thank you Vincent D'Souza for implying to recommend me to be mentioned in Pedruchi Chavi Publication.  Feels good only when I deserve it!  I have not earned the entrance 'key' or chavi.

In order to be featured anywhere, I must contribute to Barkur by social works, to uplift the poverty (if any), to eradicate illiteracy, shelter the homeless, heal the sick, help the aged, guide the wanderers, feed the hungry, or teach the overfed to control their hunger to avoid diabetes or

BP (!), open a gym for the sedentary couch-potatoes, find or create jobs

to the jobless, teach some trade/job oriented courses, or teach how not to squander the inherited fortune (!), build roads, etc.  All this can be  achieved partially by donating money, intellect and/or sweat and time!  Well intended intentions are not enough we need accomplished actions!  I  have done nothing to help Barkur.

Submitting a few 'cut and paste' jokes, or comments in this column, read by a dozen or two people, chuckled/disliked for a fraction of a second and then forgotten, does not qualify me to be featured anywhere!  I have not earned my wings!

Kudos to Kishoo, Naveen, Austin, and Atina!

I am thrilled to read in Daijidubai.com acknowledging Kishoo Barkur, (amongst few others), saying, "We owe a load of gratitude to the select but selfless band of people who supported us along the way: …………, Kishoo  Barkur, …..,  are those who constitute the editorial board of www.daijiworld.com," as it celebrates its third 'fat and praiseworthy' anniversary.

Naveen Sequeira is thanked for his technical support along with others.

Austin D'Souza Prabhu is acknowledged as contributor/reporter etc. and Atina D'Souza, (Austin's teenage daughter) is acknowledged as well, who handles/supports the 'Young World' column in daijidubai.

Good job Atina, Austin, Naveen, and especially Kishoo for your selfless contribution and all other numerous people mentioned by Walter in Daijidubai.com.   In addition to their support to Daiji, Kishoo has barkuronline.com, Naveen has maaibhaas.com, and Prabhus have Mangaloream.com, etc.

Are you guys blessed with triple the time?  Keep up.

James Fernandes, USA, 17/01/2004

Happy to read report on celebrations, at Kachhur Daiva-sthana, thank you.

Bhaskar L. Poojary, Mumbai , 15/01/2004

Barkurians of past well-known in all fields, as do the present! It is a welcome step to remember few of them. Better late than never,- curious to read about many of them, as Mr James rightly put it..! Please make it a regular affair, all the best!!

F.X.D'Souza.Mumbai , 15/01/2004

A vibrant site, keep it so, updates needs frequent new inflow, regular one are very good. Best of Luck, in NEW YEAR 2004.

Felciana, 15/01/2004

Friends, is there any arrangement to have Pedruchi Chavi, on line in barkur.com? Sometimes we get a copy, but many a times not, few headlines, if loaded in the site it will be useful to people like us. I expect both these two communication weapons, to work together and translate,and publish, few special articles, for the benefit of Konkanni speaking masses of Barkur. There is no exaggaration, few of them are of class!At times feel envy, why not me write?! Chavi must introduce Mr James Fernandes and others.. of course we read about Kishoo, Archie over there, it is more good, if there is a link to this parish booklet. By the way, is the X'Mas issue out now or .......?

Vincent D'Souza, 15/01/2004

It was apt and befitting to choose Rev. Fr. Cyprian Henry D’Souza as personality of the month. I had a pleasure to know him personally and I have learnt a lot from him.  He is a man with exceptional talents.  He has proved many detractors wrong every now and then with his grit and determination.  Therefore, he is highly successful in God’s vineyard.  I along with my family wish him best of luck and fulfillment in his priesthood. Regards,

Ronald, Thelma & Shanelle (Barkur) - Kuwait 12/01/2004

"Visiting Barkur is a bit like surfing Tele vision. You fill from one  image to another, one mood to other at the flicker of a second,  while taking a round by an autorikshaw"

Philip Richard, 12/01/2004

Congratulations Dear Sydney, keep it up, your works not only artistic but also attractive!

Dear host who are the other winners and is it possible to flash their  fotos too....? Is the Pedruchi Chavi, X'Mas issue sponsored by SPA out....?

Barkurgaar, 11/01/2004 

(We will publish the names of other winners as soon as possible. Photographs are not available...(at least we did not receive any...cribs are demolished already!) No, the said Pedruchi Chavi is still in printing.-Kishoo,-for barkuronline.com Team)

HISTORY BEHIND THOSE FAMOUS PORTRAITS

It is said 'famous one need not be Great and Great men may not be famous'.There were scores of such 'great men' lived in our Barkur ?Few left relics behind them, though many only pleasant memories.. such legacies like the Educational Institutions, Hospitals, Roads, Bridges, Dams, and Houses of God etc.Many lived a saintly living in  the service of society, not craved for fame????

It is an attempt through a special column, in this New Year 2004,  in your 'BARKURONLINE' to encourage you to come out and introduce  such personalities of 'yesterdays Barkur', not amidst us, but alive  in your memory ? for the benefit and knowledge of present generation???

Please send-in your opinions / feedback

P.Archibald Furtado, Muscat 11/01/2004 

"Harvest is plenty, laborers are few!"

I do strongly agree with Archie that we (the beneficiaries) have an obligation to show gratitude and  respect to all those personalities, posthumously at least, who shaped the present day Barkur or Barkurians.

1. Let us select 12 names of personalities. B.Team must agree on these names.   If more than 12, there is the year 2005. The order of monthly presentation is solely on availability of data, and/or at random pick up.

Criteria for selection:

Identify the legacy they have left behind.  Teacher, lady teacher,  School founder, donor, social works, doctor, priest, pundits, non-Christian priests, politician, nun, landlord, charitable works/deed/, guide/ mentor, etc.

2. Data collection:  To help collect data consistently, and present the data evenly, as much as possible, we must follow some basic requirements such as, Name, spouses name, age or date of birth (if available),

education, occupation, ACCOMPLISHMENTS, contribution to Barkur/humanity,children and their names/education/occupation, and grandchildren.... (if we get names, we must get all names, if not number of grandchildren may suffice. example for consistency.)

3.  Who will collect the data?  Select a few names to obtain information.How to collect the data?  Any incentive?  Phone calls? E-mails, any souvenirs in the high school archives?  Talk to the elders.  Talk to their children, these are the best sources, to present both negative as well as positive observations.  If expenses involved?

 4. Let us ask our visitors to send us a few lines by e-mail OR on SANDESH? 'what impresses them most about each personality, what is it that reminds them when they hear each name. etc.'

5.  Yes, I can compile the data, with my pinch of salt or lime, without mirsang!

6.  Once compiled, the team will provide comments, and upon general  approval, the articles can be published.

But for my 'fishing' and the Barkur High School, I would have remained as a 'Spoorthi' child, hence, I owe my two cents to those personalities.   I am not at all ashamed to admit this!  It took 40 years for me to get my BA degree on my own!

Thanks for the opportunity! Let the games begin:  ????

James Fernandes, USA,11/01/2004