By Ivan John Saldanha
Mangaluru, Feb 8: Mangaluru is steeped in heritage institutions with lofty history, since 1918, an exclusive place is the Ladies Club on Lighthouse hill, the generosity and foresight of one person is recalled.
The founder Lucy Martina Sreshta nee' Saldanha (1892-1960) is a unique personality for serving the women who had no place in society a century ago in these regions. February 3 the club with all who care for this club present, marked an event that will be recorded in the club's history for all time.
The descendants present from overseas were Ashok Sreshta, Martin Sreshta, Cecelia Sreshta (Leela), Joy Saldanha, Hermie Sreshta, Wilma Sreshta, Joann D'Souza, their presence was a great boon that initiated and promoted this day of celebrating the Founder. The games and interaction and sumptuous lunch served brought a deep sense of belonging and camaraderie to the occasion.
The founder Lucy Martina Sreshta born new year day, 1892; is the daughter of a prominent government official of the British times in Mangaluru, hailing from a well-known Saldanha Prabhu line with roots originally in Omzoor, as is the case with most Christians. She was carefully nurtured and developed into a polished socialite who travelled far and wide with her husband Maurice Sreshta (1872-1952), who changed his surname from Pinto to Sreshta.
He was elected vice chairman of the town municipality (1929) and later member of the legislative council, Madras Presidency (1932). Lucy, spent some time in London, England well-honed in the culture and intellectual heights of the times, she developed a serious interest in playing the piano and singing opera. In founding the Ladies Club, she had a unique vision for Mangaluru, her great love, like many of that era. Her ancestral home is now the old classic (original name - Ingledon) manor house in 'Roshni Nilaya' that the family gifted away, in 1960. They also had a farm in Manjeshwar and that was her great interest too, she was devoted to the cattle and farm till the end.
Lucy Sreshta, not only founded this jewel for women of the times in the lazy coastal town, but it also served many suffering women of Mangaluru and is yet seen as a social and utility for the cause of women. Thousands recollect this club for the many Christmas/New Year and other social functions and activities organised over the decades, when Mangaluru was a sleepy place.
Lucy Sreshta, not only founded this club in 1918, but was Hon secretary and devoted her life to the institution until her death in 1960. She is credited as the builder of the library with excellent books, which was a great asset to all concerned in times gone by, though now it may not serve the modern generation. Her pioneering efforts also resulted in setting up a 'Club Store' selling various kinds of products made by local women - particularly pickles, preserves, provisions and condiments which were a boon to all, and in time of rationing. She set up tennis, sports and indoor games for the members and guests. She obtained the present site from the Government of the time and was responsible for construction of the building completed in 1923, which stands solid.
Grandson, Ashok Sreshta in his speech explained some aspects of the history and facts : Her exposure to life in Ceylon of those times, early 1900s and the British Raj ruling and specially her deep sense of human worth prompted her to promote the idea of equal opportunity for the girls in education and social life to prosper equally. It all boiled down to the idea of starting this club in Mangaluru and she worked to obtain land for this. She introduced Tennis for the ladies, which was an aristocratic sport then.
Her travels and visiting various countries in Europe enhanced her vision and knowledge. She visited Austria, Spain, Italy and England, a rarity among women of Mangaluru and men too. Her broad and modern outlook admiringly brought the pet name “London Lucy” perhaps. In Europe she trained as a ‘Soprano singer’ and she was well known and admired for her strong voice and singing which was a rarity in Mangalore society. She acquired skills on the piano and for the welfare of the ladies donated her prized piano to the club for the good of the ladies. The Sreshta family culture, standing and discipline of the time allowed them to be recognised as unique.
During times of ‘ration' of WWII she was a leading member of the community to ensure that rations got to the deserving in the right measures. Her focus on girl’s education prompted her to ration a vital commodity kerosene to high school/matriculation exams students who need lanterns study at night and prepare well and uninterrupted for the exams. The club has about 131 life members and 30 ad-hoc members, activities are reserved only for members and invited guests. Prez: Shirly Coelho, VP: Vimla Pais, secretary: Genette D’Souza, joint secretaries: Cheryl Aranha & Olivia Pais, treasurers: Reny Corea & June Pais.
A monthly bulletin for members is published detailing the current activities. It lets out the premises for selected weddings and occasions on strict understanding. Activities are mostly social service to help the marginalised, entertain and educate lady members and support welfare activities; National events and different festivals celebrated are a big draw. Cooking sessions and culinary skills are developed for interested women, cookery books etc. are available for sale.
With Mangaluru city hurtling towards the development of a 'Smart City’, the question on the minds of people is how will things change - change is the only permanent possibility and needs acceptance. The historic 107-year-old 'Mangalore Club' is wished all the very best to carry forward the legacy, spirit and ideals of the founder Lucy Sreshta and the generosity and kindness of Mangalurean ethos.