Aussie woman in M'lore in search of mother's grave

August 8, 2013

Aussie_woman
Mangalore, Aug 8: She is firm and at least wants to see her mother's grave and pay her respects. Agnes Fernandes from Australia, who was born in Mangalore and was given for adoption, had made a futile attempt to meet her biological mother in 1969.

Now again, after 44 years, the 82-year-old Agnes who has never seen her mother has come all the way from Perth in the hope of getting to know something about mother and perhaps see her grave. Accompanied by her daughter Persine, the octogenarian arrived Mangalore in July and from then has visited many churches and houses in search of clues.

Revealing her story to Deccan Herald, Agnes said she was a premature baby born in Mangalore in 1931 and a Tamil Christian couple from Puducherry with the surname Nathan adopted her through Antony's Charitable Institutions in Mangalore.

Agnes could not walk for the first three years of her life but thanks to the Nathan family, who took extra care and gave her medication, she was up on her feet. The Nathan couple later moved to Singapore, where Agnes was brought up.

Agnes fell in love with a Punjabi Sikh, Rameshvar Singh, in Singapore and married him. Agnes and Rameshvar later migrated with their six daughters to Australia. However, the urge to know about her biological mother always haunted Agnes.

First attempt

In 1969, Agnes, her husband and their youngest daughter Donette, came to Mangalore to find her mother. “I met an elderly nun serving in St Antony's Charitable Institutions and aware of my mother's identity. She told me that my mother was working as a domestic help at a headmaster's house probably in Jeppu and looking after his children,” she said, adding that the nun managed to contact her mother, who agreed to meet Agnes. However, Agnes' mother changed her mind at the last minute.

“I was disappointed, but I do not blame her. She had not seen me for 38 years and may have been emotionally overwhelmed. I can understand a mother's pain, as I have six daughters,” said an emotional Agnes.

Baptism certificate

“I managed to get my certificate of baptism on Monday and for the first time, I learnt that my mother's name is Monthi Fernandes. My father's name is not written in the birth certificate, but, I have a godmother named Santana Souza. I was born on January 20, 1931, and was baptised on February 6, 1931,” said Agnes. She added that she had visited different churches in Mangalore, hoping for information or to find her mother's grave. “I am 82, but I am still my mother's child. I want to know who she was and what she looked like. I do not think she will be alive, as she may be over 100.”

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News Network
December 17,2025

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Melkar, Dec 17: The 17th Annual Day and Graduation Ceremony of Melkar Women’s PU and Degree College, themed “Fusion-2K25,” was celebrated with dignity and enthusiasm, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s academic journey. The programme reflected the college’s steadfast commitment to academic excellence, character building, and the holistic development of students.

The event was inaugurated by Mr. Asif Mohammed, whose presence greatly enriched the occasion. The celebration was further graced by the chief guests Mr. P. B. Ahmed Mudassir and Mr. Nissar Fakeer Mohammed, along with the distinguished guests of honour Mr. B. A. Nazeer and Mr. Ibrahim Gadiyar. In their inspiring addresses, the guests encouraged the graduating students and appreciated the dedicated efforts of the management, faculty, and students.

The annual report was presented by the Principal, Mr. Abdul Majeed S, highlighting the institution’s academic progress, notable achievements, and extracurricular accomplishments during the academic year.

The presidential address was delivered by the esteemed Chairman of Melkar Women’s PU and Degree College, Dr. Haji S. M. Rasheed, who emphasized the vital role of education in empowering women and shaping responsible citizens. He also stressed the importance of discipline, dedication, and perseverance in achieving success.

Cultural programmes and academic recognitions formed an integral part of the celebration, showcasing the talents and achievements of the students. The graduation ceremony was a proud moment for the outgoing students as they were formally conferred degrees and wished success in their future endeavours.

Ms. Mashmooma Fathima served as the Master of Ceremonies. The welcome address was delivered by Ms. Fathima Nida, and the programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Ms. Ayisha Suhana.

The event successfully achieved its objectives and was highly appreciated by the guests and attendees.

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News Network
December 19,2025

Mangaluru: The Mangaluru CEN police have arrested a 23-year-old man for allegedly posting provocative and misleading content on an Instagram page named “mr_a_titude”, targeting the Bajpe police.

Mangaluru Commissioner of Police Sudheer Kumar Reddy C H identified the arrested as Abhishek M, a resident of Katipalla in Mangaluru.

A case has been registered at the Bajpe Police Station under Sections 353(1)(c), 353(2), 56, and 57 read with Section 189 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) in connection with the post.

According to police, the accused uploaded a photograph of a hotel on the Instagram page and alleged that accused persons in a murder case under the Bajpe police jurisdiction were being given “royal treatment” by the police, including being served beef meals daily from the hotel.

The post further accused the police of supporting criminals, misusing their authority, and betraying public trust. Police said the content was provocative in nature and aimed at inciting public outrage against the police.

Following the post, a case was registered at the Bajpe police station, and further investigation was transferred to the CEN police station.

Police records indicate that the accused has a criminal history, with multiple cases registered against him, including murder, attempt to murder, assault, and robbery at the Surathkal Police Station, and one case at the Kaup Police Station.

The Commissioner said the accused was traced and arrested using technical evidence.

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News Network
December 19,2025

Mangaluru: Public transport in Mangaluru is set for a state-led transformation as the government moves to deploy 100 new electric govt buses to replace unreliable private services. The initiative aims to provide a dependable alternative to private operators who have been frequently "cutting trips," leaving thousands of commuters stranded.

The announcement was made by Deputy Commissioner and MCC Administrator Darshan HV during a public phone-in session. The move specifically targets routes where private bus service has become erratic, ensuring that citizens no longer have to rely on a fluctuating private sector for their daily commute.

Restoring the Govt Presence

The transport crisis was brought to the forefront by Ramayya, a resident of Bajal, who highlighted a growing trend of private buses skipping morning and night trips. With the previous KSRTC (govt) services discontinued, residents have been left without a fallback option.

To fix this, the DC confirmed that the PM-eBus Sewa Scheme will bring 100 government-owned electric buses to the city:

•    Phased Deployment: The first 50 of the new 100 government buses are scheduled to arrive by March 2026.

•    State Infrastructure: Two new government depots, including one at Mudipu, are being prepared for operations.

•    Recruitment: The state has already begun training a new batch of government bus drivers to ensure the fleet is operational the moment it arrives.

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