Pics: Spoorthi Ullal / Abhijith N Kolpe

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)

Mangaluru Feb 2: The condolence meet of late George Fernandes, former union minister was held at TV Raman Pai Hall on Saturday, February 2 and organised by Citizen Council.

Former bishop of Mangaluru diocese Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, chairman of Nitte Education Trust Vinay Hegde, chairman of Alva’s Education Institution Mohan Alva, Michael Fernandes brother of George Fernandes, MLA Vedavyas Kamath, MP Nalin Kumar Kateel offered floral tribute to Late George Fernandes.

Former bishop of Mangaluru Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza said," George Fernandes was a great leader of all time. In his initial days he joined Mangaluru seminary for 3 years and stepped back from it and he traveled to Mumbai. The service that he has given to the country is commendable which will always be remembered.”

“George always liked to do his own work and never depended on anyone. He fought for the rights of labourers and his work was recognized all over the country. He was the leader in starting Konkan Railway which was his dream; he was one of the greatest leader and one of the best defence ministers that our country had,” he said.

Chancellor of NITTE University Dr N Vinay Hegde said," At the age of 16, George Fernandes traveled to Mumbai, where he had to toil hard in his life. He fought for the labourers and in this process he developed political contacts. He was a courageous man, never bothered about his life as he wanted to do something for the country which was unique quality in George Fernandes.”

He also said," George Fernandes was most courageous leader. When he participated in protests, he was arrested and spent 1 and half years in jail, but he won hearts of the people. He was a tremendous speaker and orator. It is unbelievable that he was fluent in 8 languages and was an upright honest politician.”

Chairman of Alva’s educational institution Dr Mohan Alva said," George Fernandes was never involved in any kind of corruption and he never made any property for himself taking advantage of his power. He was one of the leaders credited for the success of Pokran and Kargil.”

Michael Fernandes, brother of George Fernandes said," George Fernandes was known for his strong anti-corruption views. We four brothers were in to politics but never into corruption. I urge that the proposed renaming of Bejai new road to George Fernandes road should be left out. As George Fernandes was the reason to introduce Konkan Railway, it’s better to rename a road after his name near to the railway station instead of Bejai new road.”

Labour leader from Mumbai and office bearer of Jayakrishna Parisara Samrakshana Samithi Felix D’ Souza said, "George Fernandes was a true leader. As a leader, he has remained in the hearts of the people. He stood like a rock with labourers. He was very courageous and bold in taking decisions for the welfare their labourers. His demise is a great loss to the nation. His contribution towards the development of the country is enormous. George Fernandes was a father of Konkan Railway which was very useful. He kept his promises to introduce Konkan Railway within a short period of time.”

MP Nalin Kumar Kateel, MLA Vedavyas Kamath, former MLA Yogish Bhat, mayor Bhaskar Moily and others were present.

Prayer service at Bejai church

The prayer service in memory of late George Fernandes former union minister and well known labour leader was held at Bejai Church on Saturday, February 2.

Michael Fernandes, brother of George Fernandes handed over funeral ashes of George Fernandes to parish priest of Bejai church Fr Wilson Vitus D Souza.

Principal of Lourdes Central school Fr Robert D Souza said," George Fernandes was a great leader and he was a leader of the labour. Today the defence has become strong in the country and it’s because of George Fernandes. He was with great leaders Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Abdul Kalam and were popularly known as Amar, Akbar and Anthony. George Fernandes will be always remembered for his service to the nation.”

Ashes of George Fernandes were buried at Bejai church cemetery.

Mayor Bhaskar Moily, former MLC Capt Ganesh Karnik, corporator Lancelot Pinto, Shashidhar Hegde and others were present.