A FORTNIGHT AT BARKUR, THE  NATIVE TOWN.

That morning of Sunday the 8^th Dec 03, at Mumbai airport was unusually sharp and clear with dew sprinkled on every blade of grass, on our way to domestic terminal by free coach, though slower enough, with formalities, to miss the first Jet Air flight to Mangalore!

The unpleasant customs officer’s sermon ‘not to carry two bottles of two liters each’ eventually ended by shelling off few notes too was forgotten.

Four hours of waiting…it is also a blessing in disguise, as enough time to give some courtesy calls to our intimates and chat for fairly longer times being a public holiday. My son who accompanied me, after having a glass of milk, found our luggage carton being the best mattress for the moment, enjoyed best of his dreamy sleep.

Somehow felt the time was moving fast and Jet Air announced the departure of its flight to destination royal. There are some travelers to differentiate or to compare the in-flight services offered by Air India and this private airline! We were happy to see the new look Mangalore Airport and more specifically the road journey was pleasant compared to earlier trips with better maintained road up to Mulky and thereafter on busy NH-17, till that junction with a huge artistic arc welcoming everyone to historic Barkur! It is said various people visit this place with distinct reasons ranging religious, pilgrimage, commercial, socio-political… but very few to discover ruins and romance!

Almost all buses at any given time full-packed, as many as 50 auto-rickshaws waiting to take you to the interiors at the Bus stand Kalchapra alone sufficient to explain the importance of the place.

Surrounded by things and events that take one’s breath away, one will wonder what could possibly describe it all – enchanting, elegant, and exceptional…. The words breeze through my mind as look around wondrously.

The old landmark of Kattale Basadi’s getting a face lift and compound wall, the lake Chaulikere with ample water, newly laid tar road, shops, well built houses and complexes – unbelievably beautiful place staring at you, imploringly…!

During the following days, found time to visit the newly built Hall Guru Bhavan, near Kalikamba Temple, Barkur Railway Station with almost all basic facilities donated by various public specified people, the Bennekudru Garodi and huge temple under construction, the spot identified for the bridge at Moodahadu – kudru…. and others like excavation work and findings, will further attract the visitors in days to come!

Two great events were celebrated together this time viz. the parish feast of St. Peter’s Church and Bennekudru habba – on same days. The Sunday Corpus-Christi High mass followed by well attended ‘a mile and a half long procession’, with huge three bells ringing all through, the Kannada sermon by Rev.Fr. Anil D’Souza of CODP, the Mother Teresa film etc made the day more meaningful.

The vesper on Tuesday started with shorter procession of patron St. Peter’s Statue, and concluded with colorful fire works. The Church was decorated with lightings both in and out, ICYM was active with stalls, games and refreshments and the choir was superb. The next day was a unique day with grand mass in the morning at 10.00 a.m.was well attended.

This time, evening entertainment was special – some talented senior CYM members presented Pissant the famous farce by Lancy Pinto Nayak was liked by all. Earlier a short but meticulous stage programme was organized. The filmy and other dance performances by the members and others also of high quality. Then it was Savinaya group of Sastan to present Kannada play -  ‘Hi, Pummy’

The local short-cut Kannada dialogues (not depending on prompters), few special characters like that of Toddy seller Sheenanna, the Muddanna Shetty the land lord, forgetful School teacher - their performances will be remembered for days or years by Barkurians! The play back music and singing, stage sets also deserve praises. In totality the day ended with rich food – for mind, body and soul.

On 18^th Syndicate Bank inaugurated an extension counter of its Bank at National Junior College campus, is a delayed but welcome step.

Near Heradi School, at the first floor, the New English Medium High School functioning at the moment under the supervision of retired History Lecturer Mr. M.V.R Achar. The land ear marked was cleaned but compared to NJC campus, very small. Understand the building will come up very soon.

On 19^th Dec. the Mary knoll Hr. Primary School celebrated School Day. Vicar Vara Fr. Xavier Pinto, of Kallianpur presided over the function was well organized and well attended. Being the old students of this Institution we are happy to note the progress over the years.

On following Sunday the souvenir commemorating our vicar, Rev. Fr. Sylvester D’Souza’s, 75^th Birthday was released another handiwork of talented Mr. Eric Soans. Certain facts of parish priest’s early life stunned me, a man of prayers and concern for all – youngsters and elderly, poor or uneducated… yes personally I feel he should not retire from active life, at least till his health permits, let him be allowed to serve in our Barkur parish.

The Rotary Club, The Lions, ICYM and many organizations are very active and educational institutions as well. The sleepy town for few, our Barkur is full of activities in these days!

Dear friends, may I, in conclusion, take this opportunity, to extend our best wishes to you and your families for a Merry Christmas and the Happy New Year – 2004.

On behalf of Barkur online and ICYM - Barkur Ex-Member’s Association,

P.Archibald Furtado, Muscat, 31st  December 2003.