Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (MB)
inputs from city correspondent (MM)
Pics Dayanand Kukkaje
Mangalore, Jun 30: Former union defence minister George Fernandes on Saturday evening launched a foundation in memory of his brother Lawrence Fernandes, in Fr Muller Charitable Institutions here.
The late Lawrence was one-time mayor of Bangalore city. Fernandes handed over a cheque for Rs 50 lac (five million) for creating an endowment fund to perpetuate the memory of his late brother, to FMCI director Fr Baptist Menezes and exchanged the deed of endowment.
George Fernandes, in his speech, recalled that a proposal for the setting up of a Foundation in his late brother Lawrence's name was put forward on December 26, 2006. He said that Fr Muller institution was the ideal choice for its long record of 127 years in the service of the poor and needy. He said the day was special for his family. His late brother gave shelter to many poor and the needy persons, including Nagaland students. His house in Bangalore was always open to the poor and the needy persons.
While saying that Rs 50 lac was a small amount, this symbolic gesture would go a long way for a good cause, he assured.
His other two brothers, Aloysius and Michael Fernandes, Foundation's liaison officer Frederick D'Sa and director-designate of FMCI Fr Patrick Rodrigues were also on the dais.
Earlier, Fr Menezes welcomed the the dignitaries and the gathering. Administrator Fr Denis D'Sa proposed the vote of thanks.
George Fernandes in Daijiworld's archives: