Mangalore: Thousands Throng to Pay Last Tributes to Johny Suratkal

by Gladson D`Almeida
Pics Praveen Tauro
Daijiworld News Network - Mangalore

Surathkal, Aug 18: "You are dust and to dust you shall return" are the words pronounce by the priest when he applies ashes on the foreheads on Ash Wednesday.  That is what life is.  So short and nimble! Hanging on the edge always.  It is up to one as how he makes this short life sweet and memorable one.

Johny Suratkal perhaps had a very short life here on earth or to put it in other words God needed someone as good as Johny to be close to Him always.  He did not get a single soul that would surpass Johny in simplicity, humility and other virtues.  So He called Johny to His abode.  But in this short span of life, Johny had made his life sweet not only to himself but to all who knew him. He was a man for all reasons and all seasons.  Johny's life was short but the legacy left by him would remain ever in the midst of all of us.  The mourning crowd gathered in a large number to be part of his final journey and his burial is a witness to convey what Johny was to the entire Mangalorean community spread round the globe, especially here in Mangalore and in Kuwait.

While hundreds of people visited his family and consoled his sorrowing family members, specially wife Rita and son Ryan, hundreds more gathered to pay tribute to this noble soul during his final journey.  The jam-packed Sacred Heart Church of Suratkal perhaps witnessed one of the rarest and memorable moment ever in its history.  Crowds just flocked in to have a last glimpse of this great son of Konkani.

Fr Victor Pinto who was the parish priest of Suratkal and perhaps has had some close moments with Johny, preached a touching homily during the Mass.  Dr Edward Nazareth, who was with Johny during his last moments, and Elias Sanctis, who represented Johny's near and dear ones from Kuwait, delivered moving eulogies.  They spoke in volumes about Johny and his noble virtues and deeds.  Henry D'Silva Suratkal, a close friend and neighbour of Johny's and one who had worked relentlessly in promoting Konkani in Mumbai with Johny, responded to the eulogy on behalf of Johny's family.

The choir led by musician Melwyn Peris created a melancholic atmosphere, helping everyone present to join the sorrowing family of Johny.  A lght drizzle at the end of the Mass could be seen as nature's way mourning at the death of this noble and humble son of Konkani.  Or else they may be the tears of joy rolled down from the eyes of angels and all those souls above who are happy that they would soon be joined by the noblest one.

It is true that Johny's life sojourn has come to an abrupt end.  When he came down from Kuwait a couple of months ago, he might not have ever thought that he would never return.  He might not have even dreamt that he was nearing the end of his earthly journey.  All happened in a flash of moment, reminding each and everyone of us once again that everything except death in our control.  We have no other way than saying "yes" when the Master summons us.  Johny's might have had many more dreams to fulfil, but God knew that he had done more than his mite.

"The fear of death follows from the fear of life.  A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time," said Mark Twain.  How true he was !  Johny for sure was fully prepared to die at any time. 

That is why he lived his life fully, gave himself in the service of others when he was alive.  No one can confidently say that he will still be living tomorrow.  That is why life is full of uncertainties.

Adieu, dear Johny.. We shall meet on that beautiful shore…There's a land that is fairer than day and by faith we can see it afar...we shall meet on that beautiful shore, Johyab

Daijiworld has covered the entire funeral ceremony live on text and still picture basis for three hours non-stop. The text and pictures are available in the archives:   Please Click Here