Media Release

Udupi, Dec 26: Stalwarts of CYM Barkur, joined together at Sauhardha Community Hall on Monday, December 23. It was a nostalgic moment to meet, recollect and enjoy a great evening marked with lot of fun, frolic and contentment.

CYM family is huge with 400 plus members scattered over the entire globe. Almost 125 past and present members gathered under one roof, no doubt a record on its own.

The concept conceived, planned and executed so meticulously by Vincent D’Almeida and his team created wonders.

Sauhrdha Community Hall was ready with theme Christmas – Praveen Carvalho, Divyananda Gonsalves and Sylvan D’Almeida, made necessary arrangements for sitting, backdrop, flex etc

Christmas stars, Bouquets with fresh flowers with Barkurian fragrance were arranged by Sylvan D’Almeida. Ophelia Gonsalves and Usha Rodrigues, made all preliminaries in place to welcome and registration of all respected guests and participants.

Patrick D’Silva was ready with the sound system, lighting and decoration, in line with Christmas theme. So were Rodrigues Caterers with welcome drink and Refreshments.

MC for the historical evening Franklyn Fernandes started the proceedings with prayer with the hymn Haryek Ghadi Tuka Somya followed with a brief introduction and purpose of get together.

Dolphy Muscarenhus and Team set the suitable Music/DJ for the evening. On behalf of the Organizing team, Kishore Gonsalves, extended a warm and hearty welcome to the guests, priests, past and present members of CYM Barkur.

Vincent D’Almeida, the brain behind this historic get together, gave an overview of the life of 43 (1976-2019) years of CYM, its contribution to the church, society and most importantly how CYM moulded all of those assembled in the hall.

Present director and Vicar, Fr Philip Neri Aranha and past Director Fr Reginald Pinto were introduced to the audience by Praveen Carvalho and Herald D’Souza respectively. Son of Barkur Soil, Fr Cyprian Henry D’Souza was welcomed with the presentation of bouquets.

Parish priest Fr Philip Neri spoke from his heart to declare, such a get together is the first of its kind in his priestly life, and present CYM needs the guidance from elders to groom and train them in coming days.

Fr Reginald Pinto recalled his memories associated with Barkur and CYM youth of those golden years, the love and affection of members. Fr Valerian Mendonca, who was here in Barkur for five years, informed that CYM and youth of Barkur are unique and always have a very special place in his heart. Irrespective of the places like Mumbai, Bangalore, Arabian Gulf, Europe, USA and any part of the world, first they are Barkurgars.

Services of former directors like Fr Joseph D’Souza, Fr Patrick Rodrigues, Fr J N Lobo, Fr Mark D’Sa and Fr. Sylvester D’Souza were remembered by Archibald Furtado. The contributions of founder director Bishop Henry D’Souza, Fr Apolinaris Crasta, Fr James D’Souza, Fr Benjamin D’Souza, Fr Alban D’Souza, and Fr Valerian Mendonca were remembered by Fr Philip Neri Aranha, who also thanked them for their great concern, love and encouragement at all times.

Dr Manoj D’Lima took time share his nostalgic moments in CYM and fondly remembered the departed former members Lawrie, Harry Sequeira, Peter Alva, Norman Furtado, Richard, Sumana, Marceline, Ivan Quadrus, Alwyn D’Souza, Josie Picardo and others on this historic occasion and prayed for their souls to rest in peace.

Anthony Prakash D’Souza, who won prestigious Karnataka state award for his first published book ‘Kaat Tutcho Vell’, a collection of his poems, was felicitated with traditional shawl, garlands and memento. Kishore Gonsalves briefed about Anthony’s new book of great stories ‘Massan’, which was released during the occasion.

Veteran Film maker ‘Konkani Cine Kala Samrat’ Harry Fernandes Barkur was honoured on the occasion. Vincent D’Almeida introduced him, highlighting his manifold services to filmdom. In his reply, he declared that Barkur is very dear to his heart and thanked CYM. He said that in the event of getting the money invested in ‘Benddkar’ back, he is ready to produce a new film with Kishoo Barkur penning the story.

Archibald Furtado, a regular column writer in Barkuronline.com, was introduced to the audience by veteran former President of MKCC Muscat and was honoured with shawl, garlanding and a memento. Barkur Gram Panchayat President Shaila D’Souza was recognized for her leadership by Franklyn Fernandes and was felicitated with shawl, garland and Memento.

Kishoo Barkur, a multi-talented personality, was introduced very briefly to the gathering by Anthony Barkur, who recalled his distinct quality of encouraging budding artistes, writers and his service to Daijiworld.com, Kavitha Trust and deservedly felicitated him on this historic occasion with shawl, garland and memento.

Former and present animators of CYM Noreen Lobo, Herald D’Souza, Sabitha Fernandes, Dolphy D’Souza and Vivet Fernandes were recognized for their services and felicitated.

Distinguished guests of the get together Jerald Gonsalves, VP Pastoral Council, Edgar Fernandes, Catholic Sabha President, Ivan Suaris, SPA Barkur – Mumbai, Dolphy Muscarenhus, Udupi and others were invited on the dais to be honoured by the parish priest.

Vincent D’Almeida rendered, emotionally blended, vote of thanks to all who helped, cooperated, contributed for the success of this reunion of ICYM Family. He also declared a small contribution to Snehalya Mangalore amounting to Rs 25,000 for less the fortunate ones to celebrate Christmas.

Raffle Draw was conducted and the prizes in the form of Titan watches, which were sponsored by Pius D’Costa, were won by three former presidents of CYM Alwyn D’Almeida, Franklyn Fernandes and Joseph D’Souza.

Melvia Fernandes recollected good olden days in CYM and expressed her gratitude to CYM who has played an important role in making her what she and her friends are today.

Variety entertainments like songs by Sylvan D’Almeida, Vincent D’Almeida, jokes by Alwyn Andrade, Fr Philip Neri and Kishore Gonsalves were presented to the audience.

The man of the moment, Vincent D’Almeida, who conceived, planned and executed such a wonderful reunion of CYM Stalwarts was specially felicitated with three bouquets by Archibald Furtado on behalf of 125 to 150 strong team, to express their gratitude and appreciation.

The glittering function culminated with a sumptuous special dinner and the auditorium, which was filled with red colour witnessed nonstop dance.