Pics: Mummy Digital Studio, Udyavar

Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (HB)

Udupi, Feb 1: International Federation of Karnataka Christian Association (IFKCA), Udupi held a condolence meet to pay homage to visionary railway minister and a former defence minister George Fernandes, at St Francis Xavier Church, Udyavar here on Thursday, January 31.

Fr Stany B Lobo, chancellor of Udupi diocese and parish priest of Udyavar Church offered his condolences and said, “George was the best union leader who brought Konkan railway to coastal belt, which connects Mumbai to Mangaluru. George did this with lot of difficulties. He was in jail during emergency, and later won the parliamentary election. George was hard working, dedicated and had the ‘never give up’ attitude. .

“If anyone works for a good cause and is dedicated towards work, he will get success. Let his life style be followed by all,” he said.

Levis Lobo, honourary president of IFKCA said, “He led a simple life and independent life. He was a committed and dedicated man. He had all abilities to become the prime minister after to Atal Bihari Vajpayee. But today, no one is so committed. He has all qualities to be conferred with Bharat Ratna award.”

Ex-serviceman and president of Railway Yatrika Sangha R L Dias remembering George’s childhood said, “He was good at extracurricular activities than academics. He was a social person, so quit seminary.

“He fought for struggled hard to get a new railway line from Bombay to Mangaluru, during V P Singh government. When he did not get support from the government, he established independent body called ‘Konkan Railway Corporation’, to realize the dream,” he said.

P V Bhandary, a psychiatrist, A V Baliga Hospital, Perampalli said, “He was an able administrator and a distinguished politician. He knew 10 different languages. He united unorganised workers. While he strongly opposed MNCs, today’s government welcomes MNCs. He had farsighted vision and had own principles. Today, people are running behind liquor, money and there is no respect for values. He suffered with Parkinsons and alzheimer’s disease.”

Philip Neri Cornelio, president, IFKCA, presided over the programme.

Veronica Cornelio, former taluk panchayat member, and William D’Mello, who had served as driver of George Fernandes, were present.

Stevan Colaco, general secretary of IFKCA, compered the programme.

All the guests and gathering offered floral tribute to the portrait of George Fernandes.