Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD)
Udupi, Jan 14: Dr Gabriel Fernandes, research scientist and philanthropist hailing from Barkur breathed his last on the wee hours of Saturday January 13 in USA. He was 86.
Dr Gabriel was a renowned research scientist, philanthropist, educationist and a great donor.
He was born in Mooduhadu in Barkur village on March 25, 1936. He had his early education in St Anthony Primary School Moodahadu and Airody Sastan. He cleared his SSLC from National High School Barkur and moved to Bombay where he secured his BSc degree.
Dr Gabriel moved to USA as an assistant to research scientist and returned to Bombay to get his MSc followed by PhD, a right and rare recognition for his invention and furtherance and development of biological fields which he started in Pune and Mumbai. He worked as laboratory assistant in the Indian Cancer Research Centre at Tata Memorial Hospital and also obtained poultry training from a government farm at Pimpri, Pune. Dr Gabriel published more than 200 research articles, around 100 reviews, and about 250 abstracts. He also delivered lectures in various universities, national and international conventions. He was a recipient of various awards and honours such as distinguished scientist from Association of Scientist of Indian Origin in America.
He was also known for his philanthropic work both in his native in Barkur and in the US. Barkur Government First Grade College had an auditorium named after him and ‘Village to College Scholarship’ extended economic support to deserving students who continued their higher studies. He set aside a big portion of his savings and donating the same for public utility projects like constructing much needed roads, helping poor families to construct houses, initiating to create health fund at St Peter Church Barkur, as a permanent donor to Kavita Trust, The Expressions and ICYM Barkur.
Dr Gabriel is survived by wife Clara, son Ashuthosh and daughter Anjie.
Funeral details are awaited.