Mangalore Diocese News

Media Release

Mangaluru, Jul 6, 2024 : Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) mayor Sudheer Shetty Kannur, along with MLA Vedavyas Kamath and Michael Fernandes, brother of George Fernandes, inaugurated George Fernandes Road on Saturday, July 6.

The road from Circuit House to Bejai Circle is now named after the late George Fernandes. Fr Johnson Sequeira, principal of Lourdes Central School, blessed the new road named in honour of the late George Fernandes.

Richard Moras from Konkani Lekak Sangh expressed his heartfelt gratitude to mayor Sudheer Shetty Kannur and MLA Vedavyas Kamath for their support in making this day a reality. He noted that while George Fernandes' policies and politics were not always popular with his contemporaries, he played a crucial role in establishing Father Muller Medical College Hospital in Kankanady and St Joseph's Engineering College in Vamanjoor. Fernandes is also celebrated for his tenure as railways minister, where he launched the Konkan Railways project through Konkan Bonds, transforming it into a profitable and employment-generating venture along the coastal belt. As defence minister, Fernandes was instrumental in improving the living standards of military personnel and securing essential technical support.

Addressing the gathering, mayor Sudheer Shetty Kannur stated, "George Fernandes was an inspiration to many. Today, we are proud to name this road after him. For me, this is the greatest accomplishment of my tenure. George Fernandes led a challenging life, fought for people's rights, and earned respect wherever he went. He was the only politician to contest elections from jail and win. His work as defence minister during the Kargil War was commendable. Capt Brijesh Chowta has directed us to install a statue of George Fernandes at Bejai Circle, and we will do so. We also plan to name the Kankanady railway station after him in the future."

MP Capt Brijesh Chowta shared, "George Fernandes was an inspiration to me, and I see many similarities between us. I recall seeing him up close for the first time during a President's parade in New Delhi when he was defence minister. Although George Fernandes was born in Bejai, his karma bhoomi was in Bihar. He always worked for workers and students, contributing to various sectors. After submitting my nomination for the Lok Sabha elections, I paid my respects at his grave. His epitaph reads, 'Do your work in such a way that you do not need to say anything; your work will say it all'. I request that a statue of George Fernandes be installed at Bejai Circle, and his contributions and ideology should be taught to our children."

MLA Vedavyas Kamath remarked, "I congratulate the mayor, and today, the efforts of Richard Moras have come to fruition. It is not common to remember people after their passing, but if we do, it is because of their significant achievements. George Fernandes stood strong against numerous challenges and was dedicated to his work. He ensured connectivity to Goa and Mumbai from Mangaluru by launching the Konkan Railways. The contributions of George Fernandes should be included in textbooks to educate future generations."

MLC Ivan D'Souza commented, "George Fernandes was an inspirational figure. On this occasion, I extend my heartfelt thanks to Byrathi Suresh, Sudheer Shetty Kannur, Vedavyas Kamath, and Richard Moras. I am delighted that the MCC has taken this initiative. The road from Circuit House to Bejai Circle will be named after George Fernandes. Everyone should remember his contributions across various sectors. Despite being the defence minister, George Fernandes was a humble man who inspired millions with his simple lifestyle."

The inauguration was attended by Michael Fernandes, brother of the late George Fernandes; MLA Mangaluru North Dr Bharath Y Shetty, deputy mayor Sunitha, corporator Varun Chowta, Bharath Kumar S, Ganesh Kulal, Premananda Shetty, Praveen Chandra Alva, Lancelot Pinto, Shakeela Kava, Premananda Shetty, Shashidhar Hegde, former MLA Nagraj Shetty, former mayor Bhaskar Moily and Richard Moras of Konkani Lekhak Sangh.

Corporator Lohith Amin welcomed the gathering.