Ward Day celebrated at Kudru in Barkur

People of Kudru ward of St.Peter’s Church celebrated the Ward feast recently. They all gathered at the residence of Wilfred Roche, member, Grama Panchayath and participated in many games and competitions conduced. The stage programme commenced with the prayer. Rev.Fr. Alban D’Souza, Parish Priest presided over the function. Brother Darryl, Eugene Quadras, Vice President, Parish Council, Sr.Asha, Irene Pais, Secretary, Parish Council, Danny Picardo and Antony Prakash D’Souza were present on the stage.

Wilfred Roche welcomed the gathering. Karnataka Konkani Sahithya Academy award recipient poet of the ward Antony Prakash D’Souza was felicitated for bringing accolades to the ward. He was presented with traditional shawl, garland, fruit platter and the memento. The most elderly people of the ward Angelina D’Souza and George D’Souza were also honored in the occasion. Eugene Quadros distributed the prizes for the winners of the games and competitions. Fr.Alban D’Souza addressed the gathering and appreciated the efforts of the ward leaders in organizing such feasts which unites the ward people.

A well rehearsed and planned colorful entertainment programme  was presented by the ward people. Dolphy D’Lima, Grama Panchayath Member opined on the whole proceedings and also shared some knowledge on various government schemes which can be availed for the benefit of the ward people. Ward Gurkaar Henry Patrick D’Souza offered the vote of thanks.

The day concluded with a sumptuous dinner cooked and shared by the ward people. Sharmila Pinto anchored the proceedings of the whole day.

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New Power Generator inaugurated at St.Peter's Church

The newly installed generator of St.Peter's Church was inaugurated recently. It was inaugurated and blessed by Parish Priest Rev.Fr.Alban D'Souza.

Rev.Fr Tony Andrade, Fr. Charles Lobo, Fr. Nelson Furtado. Brother Darryl  and vice president of parish council Eugene Quadras, president of Catholic Sabha Staney Lewis were present at the occasion

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Kachchoor Maltidevi Temple Adorned in Colours for Annual Festival

The annual festival of Kachchoor Sri Maltidevi Babbuswamy Temple in Barkur is being held from January 19 to 22. In this connection, inaugural of various development works, and meeting of temple devotees are also being organized. 

This temple happens to be the base centre for about 1,000 religious centers dedicated to Babbuswamy  in different districts. About 70,000 devotees are expected to congregate here for the festival. 

A procession comprising vehicles bringing vegetables, provisions and other offerings to the temple was taken to the temple premises from Jodukatte in the town on January 19. Various religious rituals were held at the temple on Thursday.  

On Saturday January 21, different cultural programmes followed by the inaugural of the temple hall by Chief Minister of Karnataka, D V Sadananda Gowda, at 8.30 pm, are slated. Former Chief Minister, B S Yeddyurappa is expected to inaugurate the meeting to be held thereafter. 

The temple hall, which has a seating capacity of 1,000 and dining for 600, has been built at a cost of Rs 1.75 crore. It also has been equipped with a spacious parking lot.  

District in-charge minister, Dr V S Acharya, will preside over the meeting, while the temple’s Bailakere portico will be inaugurated by MLA, K Raghupati Bhat, who also happens to be the president of the reception committee. The newly built arch will be inaugurated by MLA, Halady Srinivas Shetty.  

The emblem of Sri Maltidevi Educational and Cultural Trust will be released by Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president, G Parameshwar. Krishna J Palemar, minister, will inaugurate the Vasanta Mantap, while Mangalore mayor, Praveen Anchan,will inaugurate the renovated Bailakere tank. 

Various other people’s representatives, entrepreneurs, and temple Gurikars etc from across different districts will be present.  

In a release, reception committee president, K Raghupati Bhat, temple office bearers, Tallur Rama, D Jagannath, Chennappa Mulky and others, have sought support and cooperation of everyone concerned for different programmes undertaken the temple.

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Ward Day celebrated at Nagermutt

The people of Nagarmutt ward of Barkur St. Peter's church, celebrated the feast  of their patron St. Thomas on 15^th  January. The celebrations started with a thanks giving mass at the church in the morning. Festivities kicked off at 3.30 pm at the residence of Ronald and Delphine Andrade (Late Paul and Louiza Andrade)  with the games conducted by the organizers Roshan and Lancer.

The stage program was presided over by Rev. Fr Albun D'Souza, Parish Priest. Fr. Tony Andrade, Br. Darryl, Eugine Quadros, Vice President, Sr. Asha,  Sr Violet and  and Herald D’Souza, the present Gurkaar or Luwaad of the ward. Gurkars of all other wards and Office bearers  of various associations of the church were present.
 Herald D’Souza welcomed the gathering, and  the prizes were distribute by  Eugene Quadros  to the winners of the games. Former Gurkar and the first  female gurkar of the ward Zita fernandes was felicitated. Fr Tony Andrade from Nagermutt ward, now serving at USA, addressed the gathering.

Trisha D’Souza, daughter of  Titus and Leena D’Souza who won gold medal in 4X400 relay, silver medal in 400 mts and 600 mts race in State level athletics tournament, currently pursuing training in Bangalore for national level and Jennifer Carvalho, daughter Elcy Carvalho, who won gold medal in long jump in district level and participated in state level, two  achievers of the ward who excelled in sports  were also felicitated.

Members of the ward who are shining in their respective disciplines, Panchayat member Shaila D’Souza, Benedicta Andrade, Franklin Fernandes, Vice President ICYM Udupi District Council,  ICYM President  Austin D’Almeida, ICYM Secretary Jasmine Andrade,  Lancer Fernandes, Sabitha Fernandes, and children holding positions in various associations in the church as well as in their schools were honored. Postman Shekar, Electrical linesmen Narasimha, Raghu and Santhosh were honored by the Parish Priest as special recognition for their service.
Lancer  Fernandes  proposed vote of thanks.

Cultural program  presented by the team lead by Austin D’Almeida  and  anchored by Roshan D’Souza  from 7 pm to 7.45 pm showcased the talents of ward and  kept the gathering entertained. The day was concluded with a sumptuous fellowship dinner.

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Naveen Dais takes over as the new President of 'The Expressions'

The members of "The Expressions", a group of like minded people, got together for the sole purpose of promoting talents, recently chose their new office bearers for the next term. Multifaceted Naveen Dais, Barkur, one of the founder members of the group and a dynamic leader, efficient organizer, musician and singer and an entrepreneur in and around Brahmavar was elected as the president of the group in meeting held at the residence of Alwyn Andrade. Eric Soans of Thuruthuthuthu and Veeyol Veenya Songim fame retained his position of Secretary fifth time in succession.

Other committee members elected are as follows:

Founder President and Convener : Kishore Gonsalves, Barkur

President : Naveen Dais, Barkur

Vice President : Reubina Rodrigues, Sasthan

Secretary : Eric Soans, Barkur

Joint Secretary : Sujatha Andrade, Barkur

Treasurer : Patricia D’ Almeida, Barkur

Cultural Secretary : Praveen Carvalho, Barkur

Joint Cultural Secretary : Roshni Dais, Barkur

Public Relation Officer : Alwyn Andrade, Barkur

The handing over ceremony to the new office bearers was held immediately after the elections. All the members were present on the occasion.

Outgoing president Alwyn Andrade handed over the charge to the new president Naveen Dais. Accordingly, all the other outgoing office bearers handed over their charges to the respective incoming office bearers. Outgoing President Alwyn Andrade in his address expressed his gratitude to all the members of The Expressions for extending him full support during his tenure for the successful completion of programs like Expressions 2009.

New president Naveen Dais in  his speech thanked all the members for choosing him as the president for the next term and requested them to provide him full support to enable him to discharge his duties effectively.

Election was conducted by Kishore Gonsalves, Convener of The Expressions group. Few newly joined members were welcomed into the group.

Chryssel Fernandes Bags 3rd Rank in Hindi Prachar Sabha Exam

Chryssel Fernandes, student of Little Rock Indian School, Brahmavar, bagged the third rank in the state in the primary examination conducted by South India Hindi Prachar Sabha with 92 marks.

She is the daughter of Christopher and Meera Fernandes of Barkur, now residing at Brahmavara and a student of local Hindi campaigner Vasudev Bhat.

Bennekudru Moodahadu Bridge ready for inauguration

The most awaited project of people around Barkur, the bridge between Bennekudru and Moodahadu Kudru built at a cost of Rs.2 Crores is almost ready for the inauguration.

People are happy that the project, though a bit slow, finally taking its shape. This new bridge along with Dr.Gabriel Fernandes Road cuts down the distance from Barkur to Sasthan to 5 kilometers as against the earlier 12 kilometers eliminating the necessity to travel to Brahmavar and then to Sasthan. The bridge also reduces the dependency on the boats to cross the river.

Pratibha Karanji at Barkur

Cluster level Pratibha Karanji (Fountain of Talents) held in Barkur Sri Vidyesha Vidyamanya National  English medium school at Heradi. recently.

“Art eases the life and artistic skills to be nurtured since childhood. The competitions like Pratibha Karanji are providing the best platform for such talents”, said Mr. B.M Somayaji while inaugurating the Pratibha Karanji Competitions.

B. Shantaram Shetty (President, Barkur Educational Society)presided over the inauguration. Jayaram Shetty, B. Sudhabar Rao, Headmistress Preethi Rekha, founder Head Master M.V.R. Acharya, Aroor Timappa Shetty were present on the dais.

Assistant teacher Prakash Acharya conducted the programme. Asha Banu, Cluster resource person thanked those who were responsible for organizing the event. The host school, Sri Vidyesha Vidyamanya National  English medium school secured 6 first places in primary, higher primary level and 16 first places in high school level and qualified for taluk level Pratibha Karanji competitions.

Kevin Misquith and Mile stone Band rock Barkur

As promised the energetic youth of ICYM Barkur with dynamic Kevin Misquith along with his band Milestone rocked Barkur on the Christmas evening. A full pledged music show after the gap of 10 years at the grounds of St.Peter’s Church Barkur left the music buffs in and around Barkur wanting for more with its shear variety of different genres of music tried in Konkanni.  Kevin Misquith was accompanied by Royston Pinto, Joshal D’souza and Ashwin Sequeira with vocals while the band Milestone with Jackson Noronha on keyboards, Patson Pereira on Drums, Clyde Lobo on lead guitar, Rikith Soans on Bass guitar and Ashwin on Acoustic guitar scored the back ground music

Songs written and composed by Kevin Misquith along with Poetries of eminent poets like Sahithya Academy award winner Melwyn Rodrigues, Kishoo Barkur, HM Pernal, Wilson Kateel, Clement Fernandes, Sanjay Borkar of Goa composed to tune and music by Kevin Misquith were performed.

Being the Christmas day, with a short stint of Christmas carols at the beginning, the show started spot on at 07.00 pm with the opening number Mhajea Anjaa performed soulfully by the leader Kevin set the mood for the evening, followed by Thak Din Than Din by Royston. Third song of the evening Kalij Mogaan Bharlam by Joshwil Ujire ensured a evening of different genres of music. The next three songs of the evening were well received with thunderous applause by the audience. Those songs were Thembe Thembe from the upcoming album of the same name, sung  by Kevin, Thoon mhanongo mhajem written by Kishoo, Barkur sung by Ashwin and the cult song Kenna Kenna, written by Wilson Kateel and sung by Royston Pinto. After the 3 songs Pokri Kalakar Group Cloyd and Joy took the stage for the first joke of the evening.

It was pleasing to see the crowd clapping and singing songs like Thoon Mhanon, Thembe thembe along with the band. The cult song Kenna Kenna which won the best lyricist for the poet Wilson Kateel at the Global Music Awards, was sung by Royston sent the youngsters in the crowd crooning along with the singer.

A short game of guessing the popular tunes played by the band was conducted by Clement, was won by Franklin Fernandes. He got a copy of the album Hee Jinn by Kevin. Cloyd and Joy duo continued their rib tickling comedy acts.

In a short break Kevin Misquith was presented with a bouquet by Rev Fr Alban D'Souza, Parish Priest along with Mrs Eugene Quadros, Vice President of the Parish Council. ICYM animators Herald DSouza and Noreen Lobo, President Austin DAlmeida and Franklin Fernandes were present on the stage.

A medley of popular Konkani songs like Kalzanth ullas barla, Rosalina, Suryachim Kirnam, Claudia, Molbar Chandrem, Kontar Korun, Mog Tuzo Kitlo Ashelo were very nostalgic for the elders present in the crowd.

Pavlle, written by Sahithya Academy Winner Melvyn Rodrigues with scintillating performance by Kevin Misquith sent the crowd into roaring applause. Thovlem Kaliz a poem by Kishoo, Barkur , composed by Kevin was sung by Clement. Next song Kan Kan Kangna written by Wilson Kateel and sung by Royston Pinto stirred the souls of the crowd with the meaningful lyrics. Kalza thar by Kevin and Royston duo kept the crowd asking for more.

The last song of the evening Hee Jeenn performed by Kevin was the best one which gave Goosebumps to the audience. It was a amazing concert with young talent on display. The show was quite different from regular Konkani nites, it was like a western band performing with melodious and energetic music in a very casual way which was liked by all. 

The crowd went into dancing frenzy for round of non stop baila numbers at the end of the show.

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Christmas at Barkur News in Pics

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Barkur Parish Feast News in Pics

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ICYM all set to rock Barkur with Kevin Misquith and the Milestone at Christmas

The dynamic youth of Barkur, organized under the banner of ICYM have carved a niche for themselves in the history of Barkur for the last 35 years. With their motto of “Leadership through service” they have come a long way contributing to the overall development of youngsters in Barkur and many trained by this movement are thriving in diversified fields in all walks of the life. The association has marked two important milestones by celebrating its Decennial and Silver Jubilee years with grandeur and the legacy continues.

The music lovers in and around Barkur are in for a delightful treat presented by the ICYM Barkur, lead by the dynamic President Austin D’Almeida and the talented Franklin Fernandes,  Vice President of ICYM Udupi District Council. This year the ICYM youngsters have joined hands with ‘The Milestone’ band to rock your world on 25^th December, the Christmas day.

‘Kevin Misquith and The Milestone band’ is one of the most youthful, dynamic and talented music bands of Mangalore. The Milestone has carved out a place for itself in the hearts of Konkani Music Buffs despite the fact that the band came into existence barely a year ago, in 2009.

The Milestone has always enthralled the audience with their performances ranging from soft ballads, disco, rock, pop, folk, fusion to foot tapping Baila numbers. Milestone plays all kinds of genres with a blend of coastal essence to go with it. The Konkani music on the west coast of India particularly from Mangalore and Goa is the soul of the band.

Milestone would not intend to have any barrier of language to it, but Konkani language and music is their first love and always is their priority.

Kevin Misquith, Lead vocalist, a well known singer and composer, is the main force behind the formation of Milestone Music band. He is popular among the Konkani music lovers around the world. Making his appearance in the Konkani music scene at a very young age, he has performed consistently since his entry into the music field.

Kevin Misquith released his first Konkani debut album, ‘Rupnem’ in 2004. Following the huge response for his debut album, he released yet another Konkani hit album ‘Tuji Yaad’ in 2007. His latest Konkani rock album, ‘He Jeen’ in 2008, was an instant hit with overwhelming response from the Konkani and Non-Konkani music lovers, and was a huge success. ‘He Jeen’ won the ‘Best lyricist’ award for the cult song ‘Kenna Kenna’ and was also nominated in the best composition category at the Global Konkani Music Awards. He not only has recorded these music albums but also has staged several music shows.

Arguably, the band's secret weapon is their dual vocalists; Kevin Misquith and Royston Pinto who are magnetic as they reel off undeniable hits like ‘Mhajea Anjaa’ ‘Thak din dinna’ etc. They throw the audience's devotion back and forth between themselves, mixed in with their teasing and playful wit, that leaves the fans without a moment to gasp for breath. Lead Guitarist Ashwin Sequeira enhances the magic with his voice. Jackson Noronha, the man on the keyboard, and bassist Rikith Leonard Soans also provide the confident, stable groundwork needed to create such a successful musical uprising. Patson Pereira, is a talented musician on the drums, hailing from a family of musicians he not only plays the drums but is also well versed in playing instruments like the Guitar, Piano etc is an asset of the band.

Apart from the hit numbers of the past, the music concert in Barkur will also host the songs from the upcoming album “Thembe Thembe”. The album is set to be released in Jan 2012, features  lyrics from the most eminent  Konkani poets of recent times which include the likes of Melwin Rodrigues, Kishoo Barkur, HM  Pernal, Wilson Kateel, Sanjay Borkar, and Kevin himself.  Kevin Misquith has composed the music for the album while various accomplished music arrangers like Darrel Mascarenhas, the recent recipient of Best Music Arranger award at ‘Soad-3 International’ Global Konkani Music Awards, along with Patson Pereira-Jackson Noronha duo,  Ashwin Xavier Pinto, Dolwin Mendonca, Roshan D’souza, and Rony Coates  have arranged the music. To purchase a copy of the album, you can write to ‘thembethembe@gmail.com’.

The show starts promptly at 6.30 P.M., on the grounds of St.Peter’s church. It may be recalled here that the last full fledged musical nite by an established artist that was staged at this venue was the ‘Wilfy Nite’ on the Christmas day, as a part of the Silver Jubilee celebrations of ICYM Barkur, organized by the Silver Jubilee Committee in the year 2002. So why wait? Join the ICYM for an elegant evening of celebration and dancing, with a live band.

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