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Elaine Fernandes (eldest D/o of Mr. Lindsay and Patsy Rego) is
a staunch activitist of women's issues. Having worked for an NGO in
Mangalore, she has gained the insights into the causes and solutions to
womens issues. She was selected by Rotary International to represent
India at Toulouse in 1997. She also was the first Lady Executive Member
of the Chemists & Druggists Assocation for South Kanara.
Currently based in Dubai, she works for a reputed private firm and is
the Jt. Secretary of the Indian Association of Dubai (Ladies Wing). She
has two sons - Rahul and Ranjan. |
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Editorial
Dear Friends,
As we approach the lovely month of May, we are reminded of the famous hymn -
Let us mingle together
Voices joyful and gay
Singing hymns to our Mother
This is the month of May
In May, we Catholics revere and honor Mother Mary, the greatest of great woman ever on this earth. She was a loyal and loving mother, patient and understanding and she stood by her son Jesus at all time - especially during his last moments on the road to Calvary. She is the embodiment of love, peace and understanding and a model role to every woman in this world. In today's world of challenge and change, women are subject to a lot of pressure - be it on the personal front or on the professional front. It is at times that we are at crossroads that we are put to the test. Let us at these times think of the courage that Mother Mary had to see her own son nailed to the Cross. Of course we cannot be like her, but we can always TRY to be like her.
We would like to bring to you a Woman - DARED TO DREAM. She Dares to Dream and she makes her Dreams come true!
Yes, she is none other than Ms. Octavia Albuquerque
Ms. Octavia Albuquerque is indeed a remarkable lady. An ex-MLA and a Rajyotsava awardees, she is a very down to earth and unassuming personality who is lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Though she is in her 80's she still appears to be so full of vigour, enthusiasm and is so involved in her social work, which she does with great love and pride.
Says Ms. Octavia Albuquerque "I had so much at home and I had a deep desire to share things. I had a socialist bent of mind despite living in a capitalist environment. This is the force behind all my work and this very thing has driven every aspect of my all life all these years".
Being the daughter of a Deputy Collector and later through marriage she was the daughter-in-law of the late Mr. Felix Pai Albuquerque, the famous tile business magnate of Mangalore, she got the exposure and opportunity to turn philanthropic dreams and desires into reality. Her husband the late Cyril Albuquerque too was a guiding force and encouragement to her in all her activities. Unfortunately he passed away when she was just 54 years old but yet she did not deter from her set goals of doing good to society.
Ms. Albuquerque with her children, grand children & great grand children
Ms. Octavia Albuquerue has always had a soft corner for the underprivileged and less fortunate and her late paternal grandmother instilled this sentiment in her. Born into a well to family, she was quick to observe the widening gap between the haves and have-nots. Her political bent of mind was perhaps influenced by her father who was instrumental the Salt Satyagraha movement in Mangalore.
She was instrumental in starting the Ladies Social Service League with a group of about 30 - 40 ladies of Mangalore who used to visit the sick and the dying in hospitals and homes. This association branched into units at Hampankatta, Bijai, Urva, etc., and there was the plan to even cover the rural level, which however did not take shape.
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| Sonia Pinto, Puttur/UAE | Sunday, January 20, 2008 |
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| Have seen her kindness to the boarders of Ashiniketan as a little girl...A part of her kindness touched my heart.Its the little acts of kindness,which though none may see,esteemed great in the eyes of God...God bless her every endeavour and continue to inspire more around her! |
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| Gladys Mudarth, Mangalored | Thursday, July 12, 2007 |
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| I would like to help you with the Cyril Octavia Albuquerque Foundation. |
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| francis d'souza, kinnigoly | Wednesday, July 11, 2007 |
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| best of luck and god bless you |
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