From the editor’s desk :-

His life was gentle; and the elements
So mixed in him that nature might stand up
And say to all the world, “This was a Man!”
- Shakespeare

Dear Do..Re..Me..Fa.. browzers,

Once again a hearty welcome to you for this popular music column of the esteemed web portal ‘daijiworld.com.’  Your staunch support and encouragement injects in me a great zeal to present to you bright & rare music stars month after month.

In this special episode I wish to present to you a legend, who was a most popular personality in the 20th century, a Konkanni music pioneer, a great artist, a famous actor and a renowned writer.  His life was filled with great challenges and he has succeeded in reaching the goals to an extra-ordinary level.  His life was of commitments totally dedicated to his family and to the society at large. 

This exceptional personality whom I’m referring is none other than the great legend of 20th Century late Shri Simon Sylvester Rasquinha who passed away on 29th of August 1987. Although this shining star disappeared from this earth 17 years back, his name is spelled out by the stars in the sky for eternity.  I am sure, as long as sun and the moon are existing, late Simon Rasquinha’s name will remain.

As we commemorate his 17th death anniversary on 29th of this month, let us emulate his exemplary life and use our God-given talents for the benefit of the humankind and for the greater glory of God!

Thank you dear browzers for taking your time out to browze this column.  We shall meet again next month, same site and same column with yet another sweet music chord.  Until then, bye!

Yours in Do..Re..Me..Fa..,

Gerry D’Mello, Bendur.

“THE ANGEL OF ANGELORE” & THE RECIPIENT OF “BENEMERENTI” PAPAL  AWARD LATE SRI SIMON SYLVESTER RASQUINHA (1910 – 1987)

Late Sri Simon Sylvester Rasquinha was a most popular figure among the Mangalorean Catholics in the last 20th Century.  Among his relatives, he was well known with his pet name “Silab”.  Within the Konkani literary  circle, he was popular with his pen name “Kaidelghar”.  But most of the Konkani Community knew him as a talented artist and as a proprietor of “Simon & Co.”  which is famous for statue-making both within & outside India.  Stage art lovers knew him as a gifted actor, director, comedian, songster and a poet!  The life profile of this versatile genius with a multifaceted personality and diverse talents is really fascinating.

Birth & Education :-

Simon Sylvester Rasquinha was born on 22.05.1910 in a village called Kaidel in the Bajaal Parish of Mangalore. His parents were Bonaventure and Rita Rasquinha who had 8 sons and 4 daughters, Simon being third among them.  He had his primary education in St.Joseph’s school, Kankanady and his higher elementary studies in St.Sebastian’s School, Bendur.  Being poor, he could not afford even a high school education.  After passing 7th standard, he started earning as a paint-mixing assistant to the great artist Albert Martis of Mangalore.  Without any technical training, he self-acquired the artistic talents of statue-making, wood-carving and painting.  In 1932 at the tender age of 22 years, Simon founded an institution called “Simon & Co.”  which today has grown into an institution of rare repute!

Simon was married to Alice on 2nd May 1938 and in their happy married life, they had 4 daughters and 3 sons.  He had his residence at Simon Lane, Angelore which was named “SILALIS” a rhyming combination of his and his wife’s name, and a word which can be read backwards!&nbs