Pics: Abhijith N Kolpe

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (ANK)

Mangaluru, Feb 21: “A memorial will be erected in memory of late George Ferandes here at Bejai church premises on Sunday, February 23, initiated by Bejai church,” informed Bejai Parish pastrol council member Vincent.

Addressing media here on Friday February 21, Vincent said, “George Fernandes was one of the greatest leaders that India is blessed with. Having unshakeable faith in and tremendous respect for democracy, this great man worked tirelessly for its progress and wellbeing. He was elected nine times as the member of Lok Sabha and once for Rajya Sabha. The credit of establishing the Bombay Labour cooperative bank in Maharashtra also goes to this dedicated personality.

Late George Fernandes

“Fernandes fell a victim to Alzheimer’s syndrome and breathed his last at the age of 88 on January 29, 2019. Recognizing the great man’s service to the poor and the downtrodden, labourers, social work, journalist and as a seasoned politician the government of India has conferred the Padma Vibhushan Award on him and made this popular and well-loved leader’s name immortal. In the wake of this historical event, a tomb has been erected in the birth place of George Fernandes under the initiative of Bejai church with an attempt to commemorate the great achievements of this great leader.”

“Although George Fernandes is no longer with us physically, an attempt is being made to immortalize his memory in the minds and hearts of all, by erecting a memorial on his mortal remains, according to his religious customs.”

“On Febraury 23, bishop of Mangaluru diocese Dr Peter Paul Saldanha will inaugurate and bless the memorial of late George Fernandes. Former MLA J R Lobo, Mangaluru South MLA Vedavyasa Kamath, MLC Ivan D’Souza, Fr Vinod Lobo, corporators Shashidhar Hegde, Vinayraj, Sudhir Shetty, Shakeela Kava, Jayanand Anchan and Lancelot Pinto will grace the occasion.”

Bejai church Parish Priest Fr Wilson Vitus D’Souza, assistant parish priest Fr Pramod Crasta, Bejai parish pastoral council vice president Francis Ashok Pinto, secretary Preethi Gomes and corporator Lancelot Pinto and others were present.