Mangaluru: The man who realised the Konkan belt’s dream of having rail connectivity was former union minister George Fernandes. After the great son of the soil passed away on January 29, a condolence meeting held in Bejai Church Hall, on Tuesday, by the Catholic Sabha, Mangaluru Pradesh had passed unanimous resolution of now working towards renaming Mangaluru Junction Railway Station after George Fernandes and also installing a statue of the socialist icon at Bejai Circle.
Bishop of Mangaluru Dr Peter Paul D’Souza, who attended the meet said that George Fernandes was born in Mangaluru, ruled in Delhi and lived in hearts of the Indians.
“He loved his native place and he maintained close relations with the people of Mangaluru. He was a true fighter, a leader who stood for the rights of the poor and became the voice of the voiceless. The doors of his home and office were open for the poor and the exploited. He was the true son of India,” said the Bishop.
Kateel Temple Priest Ananth Asranna said that George Fernandes has become a saint now because of the good work that he did during his lifetime has made people keep him up there, in the holy altar of their hearts. “He lived a simple life and that is one of the biggest lessons that we should learn from him. He is an inspiration for all of us,” he said.
Mumbai-based Labour leader Felix D’Souza spoke of George’s love for Tulu and how he conversed in Tulu every time he met a Tuluva.
“His simplicity won him hearts. He was a real fighter and a genuine politician. He is no more with us, but his thoughts will lead us,” he said.
Ivan D Souza , MLC, Stanly Lobo, President Catholic Sabha, Bantwal, Susheel Noronha , Leader, JDS, Stany Alvares , President , Rachana, Michael Fernandez, Brother of George Fernades , Franklin Monteiro, Leader ,BJP minority cell , Thonse, Jayakrishna, labour leader, Mumbai, MP Noronha , Secretory , Diocesan Parish Council, Lancelot Pinto, Corporator , Pradeep Kumar Kalkura, Kannada Sahitya Parishath, Harikrishna Punaroor and many representatives of various organisations present.
Earlier the Bishop, office-bearers, members, relatives and followers of late George Fernandez visited the cemetery where his ashes were cremated and prayer service was conducted.
Rolphy D Costa, President, Catholic Sabha welcomed the dignitaries and the gathering.
