By Fr Adolf Washington

Bangalore, Oct 27: “Anglo-Indians like Freddy Young, Jim Corbert and Frank Antony have contributed to the nation. People like Frank Antony used his personal money earned from practice of law to establish educational institutions of the finest standard in India. The Anglo-Indian community is a product of love for whom service matters most, be it in the field of education, health sector, hospitality industry or the railways.” Governor Hans Raj Bhardwaj told a gathering of Anglo-Indians from across the world at the inauguration of the Anglo-Indian Jamboree at the Palace grounds on Tuesday October 26. 

He said “Many Anglo Indians have migrated abroad, but those who remained have adjusted well to the Indian culture. Their quantity may have diminished but their virtues of service remain.”

Archbishop Ignatius Pinto in his message spoke of his long association with the Anglo-Indian community when he was in Kolar Gold Fields. “That was a time when there were over 2,000 anglo Indians in Kolar Gold Fields alone”.  “The community is closely knit that has also absorbed much of the Indian ethos.  Their spirit of service is commendable. I am sure the community also helps the less fortunate. Some in the community have the talent and the spirit of service but lack the wherewithal and so need to be helped," he said 

Fr Adolf Washington, Anglo-Indian priest from Bangalore observed that the community was thankful and proud to have a country we can call our own and be allowed to share our culture with others as much as we assimilate the culture of others.

Anglo-Indian MLA Derrick Fullinfaw added that “This is the only community that has no community hall in the state and so we must press for one”.  He also added that the present government has given the community additional reserved seats in the nursing institutions and one seat in the MSc..

Later during the programme a book ‘Kolar Gold Fields-down memory lane” by Bridget Kumar was released. Anglo-Indians from across India and abroad are participating in the four-day Jamboree starting October 26. The events include hockey and cricket tournaments, dance and music competitions and a contest on the lines of American Idol.