-Prof.Peter Archibald Furtado
A Legacy of Talent, Service, and Leadership:
In the rich tapestry of Barkur’s history, few names resonate as deeply and affectionately as that of Mr Augustine D’Lima—a man whose journey from the green fields of Nagermutt to the global banking corridors of Kuwait exemplifies dedication, versatility, and community spirit.
Born the youngest son of Late Francis D’Lima and Nathalia Furtado, on 24th August 1950, Augustine grew up in the tranquil yet vibrant setting of Nagermutt, Barkur. The tributary of Sita, the Sankadi Saal flowing at the centre was the source of inspiration with fish in plenty and the hills, coconut groves, rice fields around were giving thrill everyday as they changing to seasons – torrential rains, occasional floods, didn’t dampen the spirits in the locality…as Auggu spent his early days, in this surrounding, it was clear he was destined to be a multi-faceted personality. Truly no exaggeration, whether it was academics, sports, theatre, or leadership—you name it, and you found it in him.
Roots and Early Education:
Augustine’s foundational years were shaped at Maryknoll Higher Primary School, Hosala, Barkur, where he studied from 1st to 5th standard. He continued his high school i.e. Form VI to SSLC (Class XI) and then One year pre-university education at present National Junior College (NJC), Barkur, and the very institution that would later welcome him back as a beloved lecturer. His academic brilliance truly came to the fore when he secured a BA with 10th Rank from Milagres College, Kallianpur, affiliated to the University of Mysore. He was the blue-eyed boy of the eminent Principal and research Historian Dr P. Gururaj Bhatt, and enjoyed an illustrious academic and sporting track record.
He pursued a Master’s MA, in History from the prestigious Karnataka University, Dharwad, passing with flying colours. His keen intellect and command over the subject made him a natural teacher, and it was no surprise when he returned to his Alma Mater, NJC Barkur, as a Lecturer in History. Though his tenure was brief, it left a lasting impression on both students and peers.
Banking Career and Global Journey:
Augustine's career took a significant turn when he was selected as a Probationary Officer for Syndicate Bank in Suratkal, followed by Hospet and then in Belgaum. Transferred to Baroda Gujarat and come back to commercial capital of India Bombay, as Assistant Manager in PM Road branch Fort. Here in Bombay, Augustine studied Law for 2 years, (LLB), simultaneously Augustine completed CAIIB This new chapter marked the beginning of a stellar career in banking. Though NJC lost a dynamic teacher, the banking sector gained a capable and charismatic leader.
Destiny took him further afield to the Middle East, where he joined the famed Burgan Bank in Kuwait in 1976, undoubtedly a long 23 years career. His professional achievements there were remarkable and earned him respect in the financial and expatriate communities. He retired from Burgan Bank as Trade Finance Manager a position of repute and responsibility. Probably it needs pages together to describe them….!
A True All-Rounder:
But Augustine was never just about academics or banking. He was a natural actor, and during Barkur’s heyday in the 1970s, he played heroic roles in many Konkani dramas performed on the make shift open-air stage at St Peter’s Church, which he helped construct in 1978. His performances in Doth Dha Hazar, and in others on parish feast days, in Kannada plays like “Ajji Aasti” at NJC alongside veterans like Nagesh Rao in 1971 are fondly remembered to this day. He was very fond of buffalos pair and used to take them to Kambala in Yadthady etc Fishing too was dear to his heart and his ever smiling face earned him huge friends circle…
A passionate sportsman, Augustine was known for his excellence in cricket and volleyball, often leading his teams with skill and sportsmanship. Both his Alma maters NJC Barkur and Milagres College, Kallianpur proudly preserve the one of its celebrated students photographs in its Roll of Honour even today…Yes, as a young man, he played a unifying role among the Nagermutt youth, fostering camaraderie through initiatives of the St Peter’s Association of the Church. Augustine’s passion for Cricket so deep, for years he represented Burgan Bank team in Kuwait speaks in volumes….
Philanthropy, Faith, and Leadership:
After a fulfilling professional life abroad, Augustine returned to Bangalore, where he seamlessly transitioned into social work and community building. A generous donor and ever-available volunteer, he endeared himself to church circles and social organisations.
Among these, the St Peter’s Association Bangalore (SPAB) held a special place in his heart. Over the years, he served in various roles, ultimately rising to the position of President, where his leadership continues to inspire.
He was, and remains, a bridge between generations—connecting the youth of his era like Stany Pais, Karamchand Sequeira, Wilfred Gonsalves, Michael DSouza, Janet DSouza, Norbert and Mark Fernandes, with seniors such as Leo D’Almeida, James D’Lima, Albert Sequeira, Jerome Picardo, (a versatile NHSS teacher was Augustine’s mentor who was instrumental in inducting his favourite student as faculty member – Lecturer in History in NJC Barkur) Cyril Sequeira and others. He worked closely with visionary priests including Fr Bernard D’Souza, Fr Mark Valder, Fr Mark D’Sa, and Fr Stany Tauro, and earned the admiration of vicars like Fr Aloysius Rosario and Fr Joseph D’Souza.
In brief about Family and Legacy:
Mr Augustine D’Lima is not just a respected professional and social worker—he is also a devoted husband and father. Married to charming lady Jacintha from Kundapur – proud daughter of late Louis and late Milly DCunha.
Understand that they met each other in Kuwait as Jacintha too was a Banker serving then in National Bank of Kuwait. The fairy tale couple of late 70’s in our Barkur was blessed with two daughters and a son. In brief, Eldest daughter Sandra DLima a clinical Researcher working in USA, Sarah DLima – professionally a HR Manager serving in Dubai and son Ajay DLima Autistic. Its apt to add a point at this juncture – Augustine who at the peak of his lucrative professional career in Banking in Kuwait, at his youthful age of 49, voluntarily retired to look after their son autistic son, a responsibility lovingly the parents continues even this day, a perfect example of true parenting and love…!
Today, as he continues to contribute to society with humility and grace, Mr Augustine D’Lima stands as a symbol of what it means to live a life of purpose and impact. From the lush agricultural fields of Barkur, where he once toiled with pride, to the sophisticated corridors.
The ‘Team barkuronline.com’, take this occasion to salute one its most illustrious son Augustine DLima, a rarest among the rarest breed of people – simplicity and humbleness personified in a towering handsome man and a family of virtues and values. May Almighty Lord Bless you and the whole family with good health and happiness, as we deservedly honour you as Personality of the Month.
Congratulations, Best wishes and sincere thanks.