Mangalurean Dr Devid Frank Fernandes honoured by UN

Shodhan Prasad
September 23, 2018

Mangalorean born Entrepreneur Dr. Gen Devid Frank Fernandes Thottam a Philanthropist-cum-Producer of South Indian Movies living in UAE is being recently honoured with Hon. Ambassador Lt. Gen. Commander Middle East Chancellor by U.N. in the Philippines.

Frank’s Journey of life:

1951 born hardworking 10th standard pass student, Frank Fernandes left his small home town Thottam in the year 1967 searching for a job and landed in Mumbai, a dream city for many aspiring talents.  After a brief struggling life he got an opportunity to join Larsen & Toubro (L&T) as a Machine Operator where he served until 1969.  Later enroot his striving for betterment; he got an offer from Shapoorji Pallonji Constructions in a role of Supervisor where he served for 3 years until 1973.  Going forward in Mumbai he moved to another company SDS Chemicals where he was offered a job of ‘all-rounder’ and served there for 3 years term.

It was in 1977 Frank’s dream explored to greater heights as he was called to move out of India to the land of golden sands Dubai where he got an offer from UASC (then Kuwait Shipping) and served there as an Operation Clerk.  He got an opportunity to learn the shipping and freight forwarding operations which he never dreamt would later become his main trade.  His experience and interest grew in the course of time and in the year 1989 he founded Mosaco Shipping & Forwarding Company LLC with 8 staff to begin with. Later in the year 2001 his venture in the name Ferns Shipping Company got to birth and was simultaneously growing which later in the year 2016 jointly had more than 100 staff working. 2 Warehouses & Distributing Centers in Jebel Ali, Dubai added to the growing business which is well managed by his Sons now and monitored by him in the day to day activities. Today Mosaco Shipping is a household name in the UAE known for their professional service in their trade of business. True honesty and best service has gained them lots of awards and accolades which added reputation to his business.  The company has succeeded in retaining a diversified customer base across the full spectrum of multi- modal logistics and transportation services with proven value to customer’s global logistics requirements. It has nurtured its growth in both local and international market. Currently, they cater to worldwide Sea, Air and Land destinations strongly backed by its vast network of overseas forwarding agents and correspondents.

Frank’s Films:

A successful businessman turned orator developed some likeness towards Dramas in the UAE where he started promoting and sponsoring some of the great Konkani & Tulu famous dramas to present. Having tasted success in business and later with some likeminded people looking into an opportunity to push him into film production, he explored the new filmy business which he named ‘Ferns Movie International’ which later became a well-known tri-lingual production house.

It was in 2008 his first movie in Konkani ‘Kazar’ (Marriage) came into production which was directed by the well-known stalwart of Konkani, National Award recipient Richard Castelino and which received State Award from the Government of Karnataka in the year 2009 when it was released.  Frank cast his youngest son Larry Fernandes along with Harshika Poonachcha.  The movie which was initially scheduled to get released on 9 September 2009 got delayed by two months and finally released on 27 November 2009 blessed by  Bishop of Mangalore, Rev Aloysius Paul D'Souza during the first show at Adlab's Big Cinemas in Bharat Mall, Mangalore.

Ferns Movie International’s second movie in Kannada 'Ellellu Neene, Nannallu Neene' and again directed by Richard Castelino was produced in 2009 which got released in 2011 April. Son Larry Fernandes was cast along with 'Ambari' film fame Supreetha who played the female lead in the movie. The songs of the movie were shot abroad in Bangkok, Singapore, Malaysia and in India like Shimla, Madikeri, Bangalore and Malpe.  The premiere was done at Renukamba Theatre, Malleshwaram on April 14, 2011.  Mangalore-based A J Group chairman A J Shetty inaugurated the screening of premier show.

In 2012 the third production a religious Kannada movie titled ‘Karkalada Pavada Purusha Santa Lawrence’, which had Walter Stephen Mendes as Producer and Co-Produced by Frank Fernandes, Rajesh Mendes, Jagadish Shetty Devidayal, Alwyn D’Souza & William Rebello was released in 2013.  This was directed by Pravin Thokkuttu and the cast included Ravichetan as the hero and Shobharaj as the villain. Other members of the cast included Swastik Shanker, Bhavya, Rekha Dutt, Tennis Krishna besides dance by three dancers from Turkey. The film had seven songs, two were sung by legend S P Balasubrahmaniam.

In 2016 Frank produced Ferns Movie International’s first Tulu movie ‘Jai Tulunaad’.  Co-produced by N.G. Shivanna Nandihalli & Ali Nisar Ahmed the movie had muhurat in Feb 2015 at Nandihalli Tumkur.  Directed by Praveen Thokkottu the movie had Avinash Shetty as male lead alongwith Sonal Monteiro as female lead.  Navin D Padil, Aravind Bolar, Bhojaraj Vamanjoor, Bhavya, Swatik Shankar, Nayana Grahan, Alisha Andrade and Manmohan Rai were also part of star cast. For the first time Frank Fernandes also acted in ‘Jai Tulunaad’ and had Sarojini Shetty, Sai Prashanth D S, Shivanna Nandihalli, Jagadish Shetty, Ravi Gokak, and Byndoor Meese Gopala in some of the scenes.  Kannada music direct Rajesh Ramanath provided the background score for the movie.

In May 2016 Frank produced Ferns Movie International’s blockbuster ‘El Aslyar Ek Na’ Konkani Movie which was the first Konkani Movie which had premier released abroad in Dubai. This high budgeted Konkani Movie created a history in Dubai with more than 1600 spectators witnessed screening in one Theatre for the full day with 4 shows.  Distributed by Sandhya Creations who arranged the stars arriving glamorously in a white Limo while more than 400 people welcoming them on red carpet laid in front of the theatre decorated with huge cut outs and roll up stands erected at the venue was something out of the world. Fr. Robert of Dubai Church and Michael D' Souza, MD of Ivory Grand Hotel Group did the honours of the Premier release. Well known Konkani Writer-Director Pradeep Barboza who also acted in this movie along with actress/singer Priya Menezes, had Alphonse D'Souza, seasoned actor Deepak Paladaka, Lavina Fernandes, Claud Dlima, Joseph Mathias, Prathap Menezes, Godwin Castelino, Lucy Bai from Kuwait, Mellu Melwyn D Almeida & Frank Fernandes who also acted in a special role.

Frank’s Social Life:

Frank was actively participating as Sponsor in very many social organisations in the UAE and had promoted charity events with his contributions.  He was also the elected President of ‘Tulunadochhaya 2017’ a mega Tulu Ayona Event in the year 2017 held in Nisarga Dhama, Pilikula.  A 2 day successful programme under his leadership had more than 2 lakh people gathered and had collected and contributed huge amount for the event’s expenses appreciated by all.

Frank’s Awards:

Frank Fernandes in his path of business career has won lot of awards and accolades, some of them are listed here below:-

• In the year 2015 was bestowed with ‘Yeomen Service Award’ by Canadian Canara Vision at Versailles Convention Centre by Member of Parliament, Canada
• Received Participating Certificate for ‘Establishing Global Peace’ by International Open University of Humanity, Health Science & Peace (USA), at Kaula Lumpur Malaysia.
• In the year 2015 Astamata Udupi Pejaver Seer Swami Vishwatheertha felicitated him with ‘Pariyaya Award’
• In 2015 Jain Swamiji from Thousand Pillar Basadi, Moodbidri felicitated him with ‘Charukeerthi Battaraka’ Award.
• In 2016 all the major Associations of Karnataka in the UAE have continuously felicitated and awarded during their annual celebrations.
• Was presented with ‘Geetha Yoganugraha Prashasthi’ Award at Bhagawath Geetha Mangala Mahotsava Samaramba, Kidiyoor, Udupi.
• In 2017 ‘Appreciation Award’ was presented by Kala Jagathu (R) Mumbai
• In 2017 his company Mosaco Shipping bagged Dubai Governments E-Service Excellence Award.
• In 2017 United Nations Organisation (UNO) awarded him with Honorary Doctorate in Malaysia.
• In 2017 Appointed as UNO’s Consul General for UAE in Malaysia
• In 2018 was bestowed with ‘Global Peace Prize’ during the 38th People’s Choice Excellence Awards Ceremony for Entrepreneurship & Humanitarian Service.
• In 2018 Appointed as ‘Vice Chief of Missions & Business Ambassador of UAE’ by International Commission of Diplomatic Relations, Human Rights & Peace in Philippines.
• In 2018 Awarded ‘International Driver’s License’ with Diplomatic Immunity by International Comm. Of Diplomatic Relations, Human Resources & Peace UNO in Philippines.
• In 2018 Awarded Honorary Brigadier General for U.S. Federal Police Chaplaincy, U.S.A.
• In 2018 Awarded Major General for U.S. Federal Police Chaplaincy, U.S.A.
• On 12th September, 2018 he was promoted as Honorary Lt. General for U.S. Federal Police Chaplain, U.S.A. with 3 Star in citation during their 2nd annual Global ISCAAR Inter-Govt. Court Convention.
• In 2018 he was also appointed Honorary Commander for Middle East by UNO
• In 2018 he was also appointed Chancellor for UAE & India by UNO
• In 2018 he was also conferred with Diplomatic Passport by UNO in Philippines.
• He was also presented with ‘Diplomatic Identity Card, with position ‘Vice Chief of Missions & Business Ambassador, UAE.

Frank Fernandes contribution to charity, social service, peace mission and business development has led him to be the recipient of various awards and accolades.  As he says ‘my main motto is to do service to mankind on humanitarian grounds and build peace globally with cantonment’.  He has committed to continue the peace work with all his effort to go round the world with the same clear vision.

It is hard to believe but true a 10th standard pass from High School mastered the world with his larger than word motto, gained vast knowledge of various religious manuscripts and with fluency in Sanskrit slokas and upanishads spreads the peace magic everywhere he goes.  His oratory capabilities are being witnessed by most of his audience wherever he is invited on the stage and delivered the peace message.

Listening to him speaking in Konkani, Tulu, Kannada or English with ease interspersed with Sanskrit verses is an absolute pleasure.  He has clearly demonstrated that no matter where he lived his emotional connect with his moors was strong and steadfast.

Frank’s success story is a dream he nurtured in his childhood and is all the more exemplary because of his humble background he came from.  Looking at other rich people in the vicinity during his earlier days, he always dreamt of becoming a businessman.  But the difference in Frank is that he did not allow his dreams to overpower him.  Instead he overpowered his dreams in his own inimitable style to care out his success story. Above all, he is a humanitarian, with concern for the fellow human being and is known for his wide-ranging philanthropic activities which have benefitted many individuals and institutions across the country.

 Frank is blessed with two very profound qualities like a sonorous voice and a photographic memory and he has accentuated these qualities with his reading habits.  He is a voracious reader who reads all sorts of books and scriptures and these qualities have made him a top notch public speaker.

He adheres to a daily regimen of exercise and eats moderately which he says keeps him healthy and energetic to face the rigors of life.  You will doubt his age when you see his personality and one will surely follow his way of life to keep themselves fit.  However he always gives the credit to his wife who he says is always supportive and caring ‘and that’s the secret of my good health & youthful looks’ he admits.

Frank gratefully recalls the calming effect his wife Alice (Correa) Fernandes in his life as she had taken up the full responsibility of the family and has given him 4 handsome sons, Oliver Fernandes, Larry Fernandes, Nelson Fernandes Herick Fernandes and a beautiful daughter Sharon Fernandes who is married to Loyel Sequeira and who resides in Ireland, Dublin.

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News Network
April 26,2024

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Mangaluru/ Udupi, Apr 26: Voting underway in Dakshina Kannada Lok Sabha constituency amidst tight security, with voters exuding enthusiasm to cast their franchise, many of them for the first time.

Dakshina Kannada saw 71.83% voter turnout till 5 p.m. (Beltangady 75.59%, Bantwal 73.69%, Puttur 75.2%, Mangaluru 73.45%, Sullia 78.35%, Moodbidiri 68.62%, Mangaluru North 69.75%, and Mangaluru South 61.81%).

Udupi-Chikkamagaluru saw and 72.12% voter turnout till 5 p.m. (Karkala 73.53%, Kaup 74.50%, Kundapur 74.28%, Chikkamagaluru 66.13%, Mudigere 73.48%, Sringeri 58.64% and Tarikere 69.06%).

A good number of people turned out to vote during the early hours. Voters are bearing the scorching sun while stepping out to exercise their franchise as heat wave is sweeping through the state. 

The polling process remained largely peaceful, with long queues observed at polling stations from 7 am onwards in several polling stations. However, technical glitches caused delays at a polling station in Karopady, and at St. Xavier School Bejai, where polling was reportedly delayed by nearly two hours.

Polling staff at a booth near the Mulki police station mistakenly marked the wrong finger with ink during voting. They reportedly applied ink to the index finger of the right hand. According to sources, at least 50 individuals had their index finger of the right hand inked. Deputy Commissioner Mullai Mulihan clarified, "The matter was promptly addressed by the sector office. This error affected 8-9 voters"

A total of 18.18 lakh voters in the Dakshina Kannada Lok Sabha constituency and 15.85 lakh in Udupi-Chikmagalur hold the power to determine the fate of candidates competing for their respective segments. The polling process is currently underway across 1,876 booths in Dakshina Kannada and 1,842 polling stations in the Udupi-Chikmagalur segment.

In Dakshina Kannada, a closely contested battle is anticipated between Captain Brijesh Chowta representing the BJP and Padmaraj R Poojary from the Congress. Meanwhile, in the Udupi-Chikmagalur constituency, Kota Shrinivas Poojary of the BJP and K Jayaprakash Hegde of the Congress are the prominent contenders.

Details to follow.

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News Network
April 12,2024

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Udupi, Apr 12: A family’s visit to a resort to enjoy Eid-ul-Fitr holidays turned tragic as a 10-year-old boy drowned in the swimming pool at Hengavalli in Kundapur taluk of Udupi district on Thursday. 

The deceased has been identified as Mohammed Azeez, a Class 4 student at Darussalam English Medium School in Hoode.

Azeez was, who had gone to the resort along with his parents, was playing in the pool when he lost balance and drowned. Even though he was rescued, he was in a critical condition and later breathed his last. 

The family members have accused the negligence of the resort management as the reason for Azeez's death. They said that the incident occurred due to the absence of safety equipment like life jackets and the lack of lifeguards near the swimming pool.

A case has been registered at Shankaranarayana police station and investigations are underway. 

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News Network
April 12,2024

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Bengaluru, Apr 12: The two men who allegedly plotted and executed the blast that rocked Rameshwaram Cafe in Bengaluru last month have been arrested from Kanthi in Bengal's East Midnapore district, the National Investigation Agency said Friday morning. 

Mussavir Hussain Shazeb and Abdul Matheen Taha were caught after a joint operation by central intelligence agencies and police from Bengal, Karnataka, Telangana, and Kerala, and are en route to Kolkata, the anti-terror agency said in a statement.

The available evidence indicates Shazeb planted the explosive device, placed inside a backpack, at the popular eatery. Taha was responsible for planning the attack and for their disappearance.

These are the second and third arrests in this case; last month Muzammil Shareef, who extended logistical support to the Shazeb and Taha, was taken into custody.

Residents of Karnataka's Shivamogga district, Shazeb and Taha were traced to Kanthi after officials conducted searches at 18 locations across Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and even Uttar Pradesh.

The blast at Bengaluru's Rameshwaram Cafe on March 1 injured 10 people, customers and staff.

Fortunately there were no deaths; the bag containing the explosives was placed in a relatively less crowded area and against a large pillar that absorbed the brunt of the explosion.

After the blast, the NIA released photos and videos of the accused, as seen on CCTV cameras across Bengaluru. In one such clip, the accused - wearing a face mask - was seen boarding a bus.

The agency had declared a reward of ₹ 10 lakh for information leading to the arrest of each accused. The agency had also questioned their acquaintances, including college and school friends.

The Rameshwaram Cafe, which suffered extensive damage after the blast, reopened eight days later, with enhanced security measures including metal detectors.

BJP’s reaction

The Karnataka BJP on Friday attacked the Siddaramaiah government after the arrest of two men by the NIA in the Bengaluru cafe blast case, saying that the terrorists were 'brothers' of the Congress.

Taking to social media, Karnataka BJP stated, “National Investigation Agency (NIA) detains ‘Brothers’ of Congress in Rameshwaram Blast case. Ever since Jihadi Tipu Sultan’s admirers came to power in Karnataka, terrorists have got a free ride.”

“Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s ‘Ease of Doing Terror’ Policies have prompted ISIS to now set up its shop in Karnataka. The only guarantee that CM Siddaramaiah has fulfilled is converting prosperous Karnataka into a terror hub,” the BJP stated.

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