GFVV celebrates 82nd birthday of George Fernandes

GFVV celebrates 82nd birthday of George Fernandes

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, Jun5, 2012 : The George Fernandes Vichara Vedike (GFVV) organized a symposium in Town Hall, Mangalore on June 4, Monday as part of the 82nd birthday celebrations of George Fernandes, the legendary socialist leader.

 

Yogish Bhat, deputy speaker of the state legislative assembly, inaugurated the event and said in his inaugural address that George Fernandes is a remarkable leader, a role model for all political leaders.

Speaking about Mr. Fernandes’ excellent performance as the defense minister, Mr. Bhat said that Fernandes considered China to be India’s biggest threat while everybody else was considering Pakistan to be India’s biggest threat.

Stating that Mr. Fernandes supported helpless farmers and played an important role in the formation of the Konkan Railway when he was the railway minister, he said that the vedike has done a great job by organizing this seminar in honor of Mr. George Fernandes.

Maurice D’Sa, chief secretary of the vedike, read out the vedike’s proposals to rename Mangalore Central Railway Station as George Fernandes Railway Station, to construct a new park in Mangalore called George Fernandes Park, to rename the New Bejai Road as George Fernandes Road, to name the Bajpe Karamber to Old Airport Road in his name, and to include the life of George Fernandes in school syllabi.

J. C. Madhuswamy, former minister, and Michael Fernandes, brother of George Fernandes, also addressed the gathering.

Speaking about the present condition of Mr. George Fernandes, he said that Mr. Fernandes does not even know that today is his 82nd birthday as he is suffering from Alzheimer’s disorder and Parkinson’s disorder. According to High Court orders, he ought to be with his official wife and his brothers are only allowed to visit him, he said. Stating that Mr. Fernandes is unhappy about living in Delhi, he said that he is emotionally disturbed, but the law does not permit his brothers to take care of him.

B. Somashekar, former revenue minister; Jayakrishna, president of Parisara Samithi; Jayaram Shriyan, Tonse Jayakrishna Shetty, Clarence Pais, R. L. Dais, H. K. Balasuri, and C. Pereira were also present.