Pics: Stanly Bantwal

Daijiworld Media Network- Mangaluru (SB)

Mangalur, Feb 5: In a condolence meet held over the death of former union minister George Fernandes at Bejai Church Hall on Tuesday, February 5, Catholic Sabha Mangaluru Pradesh (R) passed a unanimous resolution on renaming the Mangaluru Junction railway station as George Fernandes Railway Station and install George Fernandes statue at Bejai Circle.

Mangaluru bishop Dr Peter Paul Saldanha who attended the condolence meet said, “George Fernandes was born in Mangaluru, ruled in Delhi and has stayed in the hearts of Indians. He loved his native and kept close relationship with the people of Mangaluru. He was a true fighter. Being a leader of labourers he served poor and became their voice. He is the great son of India. He kept open his doors for poor and exploited. Now he will be remembered as a role model.”

In his condolence speech Anantha Asranna, priest of Kateel temple said, “Now George Fernandes has become a saint. The good deeds he did in his life have given him a holy place in hearts of people. He lived simple life and taught the same to others also. He will be an inspiration for us all.”

Remembering George Fernandes, Felix D'Souza, Mumbai based labour leader said "George Fernandes loved the language Tulu and he used it wherever a native met him. Being a simple person he won the hearts of the labourers of Mumbai, Bihar and other parts of the nation. He was the real fighter and genuine politician. Now he is no more with us. But still he leads us by his thoughts."

Ivan D Souza, MLC, Stanly Lobo, president Catholic Sabha, Bantwal, Susheel Noronha , leader, JD(S), Stany Alvares, president, Rachana, Michael Fernandes, brother of George Fernandes, Franklin Monteiro, leader, BJP minority cell, Thonse Jayakrishna, labour leader, Mumbai, MP Noronha, secretary, Diocesan Parish Council, Lancelot Pinto, corporator, Pradeep Kumar Kalkura, Kannada Sahitya Parishat, Harikrishna Punaroor and many representatives of various organisations were present.

Earlier the bishop, office bearers, members, relatives and followers of late George Fernandes visited the cemetery where the ash of his mortal remains are buried and conducted a short prayer service.

Rolphy D’Costa, president, Catholic Sabha welcomed the dignitaries and gathering.