Pics: Thejaswi U Poojary
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)
Udupi, Sep 13: The Udupi District Congress leaders paid floral tribute to senior Congress leader late Oscar Fernandes, on his fourth death anniversary, at Udupi District Congress Office on September 13.
Oscar Fernandes’ wife, Blossom Fernandes, offered flower garland to the statue of Late Oscar Fernandes, located in front of the District Congress office.
On this occasion, Congress leader Father William Martis paid homage in his speech and recalled that when the Ajjarkad ward faced a drinking water crisis, highlighted the immense contribution of Oscar Fernandes to the people of Udupi and said, “When he entered politics, the SSLC pass percentage was very low, so he took the initiative to start tuition classes and ensured better results the following year. The Oscar Fernandes Circle is not Brahmagiri Circle—it should rightly be named Oscar Fernandes Circle. There was a garden there once, which was later removed for a useful purpose."
Fr Martis said, "When Ajjarkad ward faced a drinking water crisis, it was Oscar Fernandes who ensured a continuous supply for three years. During the 1972 municipal elections, all three Congress candidates, including Oscar Fernandes, were elected by the people. When it comes to social service and selfless work, there is only one name- Oscar Fernandes.”
Geetha Wagle, Mahila Congress State secretary, said, “Oscar Fernandes was the one who brought me into politics. He introduced me to political life when I was just 14 years old, and this year marks my 39th year in politics. Soon after completing my SSLC, he gave me the opportunity to compere an event attended by Bangarappa, a day I will never forget. Whatever I am today in politics, and my commitment to staying with one party from the very beginning, all credit goes to Oscar Fernandes.”
Ashok Kumar Kodavoor, Udupi district Congress president welcomed the gathering.
KPCC campaign committee president Vinay Kumar Sorake, KPCC vice-president M A Gafoor, leaders Uday Kumar Shetty, Prasad Raj Kanchan, Dinesh Hegde Molahalli, working president Kishan Hegde, Raju Poojary, Sarala Kanchan, Ibrahim, Dinesh Putran, block presidents, and Congress workers were present.