(This is the story of a remarkable Mangalorean – Denis Pascal Albuquerque. He was a different thing to different people and while we count him as family, we also thought it fit that his contributions to Konkani be brought out, so that the present generation, which has the benefit of hindsight and modern tools of communication, can see in stark contract, the simple and dedicated lives people like Denis lived, in Mangalore. We cannot claim to have covered every part of his contributions which is why we also spoke to a few of his contemporaries (famous today, may we add, on account of proper media to document their contributions) and mates, who, in their reminiscences, had a mix of interesting things to say about how he impacted them. We hope this feature is an interesting one for all to read).
Introduction
Denis & Apoline Albuquerque
A teacher for 37 long years, an altar server, a dramatist, a violinist, a choir member, a journalist, a writer, a speaker, a composer, an active parishioner, lover of Konkani and above all a faithful husband, a loving father and a doting grandfather ? this would accurately describe the late Mr. Denis Pascal Albuquerque (known as Denis Mistry or Albuqer Mistry, but who we will refer to as Denis, in this feature). Had he lived, he would have completed 100 years of age on October 9, 2005.
The Early Years
When Lawrence & Margaret Albuquerque were blessed with a son, a 100 years back, little must they have realised that this baby would turn out to be quite so talented & carve a niche, for himself in the consciousness of Mangalore’s Konkani culture and community. Lawrence was a police constable and this played a major role in Denis’ formation. Lawrence’s retirement from the police force meant that the family had to uproot from Kankanady to Bejai, where Lawrence purchased a house in 1909. Though not economically well off, the family managed to make ends meet and Denis spent most of his early years in that house. He was the eldest of three children, but was unlucky not to have the companionship of his siblings through his lifetime. One sister, Alice, died at the tender age of 6 months, while the other, Christine, lived to an age of only 20 years, passing away a mere 4 years into her marriage.
Education & Work
His formative education was received first at Bejai Elementary School and then at St Aloysius High School. Young Denis, on completing his education, followed the footsteps of his father by working for a year, as a clerk, at the District Police Office, Mangalore. However, his real calling lay elsewhere. His heart & mind belonged in the field of education and that’s exactly what he did by joining as an untrained hand at the Urwa High School in 1927-28. He re-joined them in 1929-31 after completing his training in 1929 at the Government College. He then joined the Bendur Church School in 1931 and was with them till 1940. A vacancy in St Aloysius Middle School beckoned him in 1940, where his hard work and dedication was rewarded when the Jesuit school management promoted him to Assistant Headmaster in 1944. He went on to retire in 1965, after serving on the rolls of St Aloysius High School rolls for the last 3 years of his teaching career. Post-retirement, he joined the tile factory of Regosons, Bolar as Manager for some time before fully enjoying retired life.
Ethos
Denis did not believe in using connections or fame to achieve his goals; rather he felt that a person’s true self-worth would be sufficient to take him places. He believed that gates should open not by name or fame, but by love for an individual. He never hesitated to help the needy and shared whatever spoils that were left, with them.
His ethos also manifested itself in the kind of dress he wore. Not for him the westernized shirt, trouser, blazer and shoes. Instead he wore the ‘double kachcha’ or the ‘pudvem’, the ‘kutaom’ or the bandhgala blazer and leather sandals, and carried it off with regality, very rarely seen these days.
Family Life
Newly married couple
Denis married Apoline Pinto (Appi or Appibai as she came to be known later), daughter of John Salvadore & Carmen Pinto, of Magundy Estates, Chikmagalur on December 28, 1931. Though his wife came from the ‘Magundy Pinto’ family, they still led a simple life. His wife supported him in his every endeavour of human love and kindness, besides looking after his temporal needs.
‘Ten Commandments’ pose with his Mother
They imparted these values to each their 10 children (Cliffy, Liddie, Archie, Ruby, Ophie, Norie, Ossie, Cynthie, Jessie & Maisie), born between 1934 and 1951, whom they referred to as their ’10 commandments’. 6 of his children became teachers like him, two became bankers and two took up secretarial careers. 8 of them (barring Cliffy & Archie) survive in good health and spirits till date, some in Mangalore and some in Bombay.
Disciplinarian
His ex-students will surely remember him as a man of discipline. He believed in the saying ‘Spare the rod, spoil the child’, when it came to education. Hence not many of them may have seen his loving and caring side.
Konkani Literature
Denis absolutely adored the Konkani language and was a prolific writer under the pennames of ‘Pezargar‘ or ‘Dinesh Pai‘. His fluency with the Konkani language enabled him to speak confidently by raising toasts at weddings, giving heartfelt eulogies at funerals, etc.
He made various contributions as correspondent of the Bombay-based chronicle ‘Poinnari’. He was on the editorial board of ‘Raknno’ for eight years. He also made contributions to ‘Mithr’, ‘Amchi Mai’ and ‘Amar Konkani’. Besides this, his ‘Lighter Vein’ articles and short Konkani poems have also been published.
It is because of his simple living and high thinking that he never got the credit he deserved for a long time. He never ran after recognition. In fact very few people in the Konkani world of today would even remember that such a man existed. Recognition, however, did finally come in fits and starts.
- In 1980, he was honoured by his beloved Bendur parish.
- This was followed by the Lions Club in 1982.
- The Konkani Natak Sabha honoured him in 1984.
Denis wrote a book of Konkani Proverbs called ‘Arthabarith Sangnnyo’ (Meaningful Proverbs) was published by the Konkani Institute of St Aloysius and was released by the then Vicar General Msgr Alexander F D’Souza in 1986 at a Konkani writers and journalists meet.
The big feather in his cap came on September 20, 1985 when the then Chief Minister of Karnataka, Ramakrishna Hegde honoured him and his co-author of ‘Konkani Vyakaran’ (Konkani Grammar) Fr Philip Nazareth, in the midst of a gathering at Don Bosco Hall organised by the Konkani Bhasha Mandal (R), Karnataka.
Konkani Music & Drama
Denis could also give voice to his words as he could sing and play the violin and the gumtam (a native percussion instrument). He also composed music. He became quite an expert at the gumtams. He was a consistently part of the musicians? team that provided background music for various plays at Don Bosco Hall.
Playing the ‘Gumtam’
He wrote and brought forth the Konkani play ‘Lagnacho Baandh’ (Bonds of Matrimony) and other short plays like ‘Madhyasthinn’ (Mediatrix). He directed many plays too.
The musical ‘Amchen Daaiz’, (referred to by many of his contemporaries in their reminiscences later) brought out the best in him in terms of acting, singing and playing the gumtam.
Death of a Son
His creative spirit and that of his wife Apoline suffered a massive blow in March 1979, when their beloved son Archie succumbed to a heart attack. His failing eyesight was another factor that played a role in slowing Denis down.
The Twilight Years
The fact that most of his recognition came after the death of his son must have made those moments, very poignant ones for Denis. During this time, their Golden Jubilee of marriage came up and was celebrated by his children and extended family with a thanksgiving mass at Bendur church and at ‘Blue Cottage’, the residence of his daughter Ruby.
The Happy Couple shake a leg!
On moving residence from Bendur to Falnir, he suffered the onset of loneliness with the death of his beloved Appi, wife of 56 years in April 1987. The last time he wrote anything of note was when he penned these four lines to his departed wife in his diary:
‘Oft some shining April morn
Is darkened in an hour
Blackest grief over joyous homes
Might befall as a cover‘
At the initiative and behest of his Bombay-based daughter Ophie, Denis, reluctantly, moved residence to Bombay in August 1990 and lived his last years in Nalasopara at the residence of his bachelor son Ossie and spinster daughter Norie.
When it all ended on August 5, 1993 and Denis’s lifeless body was laid out, he had seen 88 summers, had seen a full life, a life that the present generation would be envious of with its simplicity and sharing.
God had blessed him with creativity, longevity, a loving & devoted wife, 10 children, 23 grand-children and 7 great grand-children. The numbers of his great-grand children numbers have only swelled after his death.
With Sonali his granddaughter
Denis has not died. He lives on in his family and friends, his students and colleagues, everyone whose lives he touched in one way or the other.
REMINISCENCES
Joachim Pereira, Bejai
‘Denis Mistry was a man of truth & justice. He would not take anybody’s side, while meeting out his justice. He had a strong build and personality. Students would shiver when they saw him in school. However, he was a loving and affectionate teacher. With his loving talk, he would be a magnet for students, drawing them towards him. Initially I too used to feel scared to talk to him. However in 1965, the musical ‘Amchem Daaiz’ brought us close to each other. He played the role of the bridegroom’s father in the play and I played the bridegroom! He was interested in Konkani folklore, specially playing the gumtam, at which he was very good. In the same play ‘Amchem Daaiz’, we had sat together and played gumtam together. After that we became very close to each other to the extent that Denis Mistry would say ‘Please call me when you have to play gumtam at your place’. Later, on account of failing eyesight he became ill and this was compounded by the death of his son Archie, due cardiac arrest. To see Denis Mistry then was to see a man who had lost his zest to live. Beyond that I lost touch with him, only to hear of his passing in the 90s. His memory is alive and well in my mind. I wish that the name of this great champion of Konkani folklore be written in gold in the annals of Konkani’.
(Alban Mistry), Bendur
‘I have great pleasure to state that the Late Denis Mistry was well versed in the culture of our ancestors. He knew the art of playing the violin and the gumtas, besides being an expert at singing the ‘vovio and vers’ at weddings, as well as gumtam songs. He wrote and directed many Konkani dramas. As a Konkani writer, he wrote many articles about traditions and customs of our ancestors. He knew many Konkani proverbs and could write commentaries on them. This resulted in his book ‘Arthabarith Sangnnyo’. His death was a severe loss to the Konkani speaking community?.
Rev Percival Fernandez, Auxiliary Bishop of Bombay & Secretary General of CBCI
‘I knew Denis Mistry when he lived in Kadri. He lived not far from where I lived. However, when I got to know him, I was in High School. I acted in one of his drama’s put up by Bendur Youth at Don Bosco Hall in 1951 or 1952. It was then that I came to know him closely. He was a real gentleman with a vision that he would convey to anyone who came in contact with him. I respected him as a Teacher, as a Writer and as a Gentleman who loved the Church and loved to work for others.’
Msgr Rev. Alexander F. D?Souza, Mangalore
‘I had the privilege of receiving his services for Konkani language, when I was editing ‘Raknno’ from 1961 to 1972. His short articles on various topics contained his wisdom and experiences which he shared with readers of Raknno. He had a fund of knowledge of the special culture of our community, and he was always happy to share this treasure with all those who consulted him. On special occasions, when a show was to be put up by cultural troupes, Denis Mistry was there, cutting an outstanding figure, in the costumes of our ancestors and holding the gumtam in his hand. He would lead the group, singing traditional songs, which are now not known to the present generation. Along with Fr. Philip Nazareth, a Konkani scholar, Denis Mistry authored the Konkani Grammar book which is a lasting monument to his expertise in the Konkani language.’
Msgr Rev. Fred V. Pereira, Mangalore
‘I remember with gratitude, Denis Mistry, as an educationist and a lover of Konkani music on his birth centenary. I have very happy memories of him. Going back to the time when he was Assistant Headmaster of St Aloysius Middle School, I remain grateful to him for my formation as a student. His late son Archie, being my classmate, made it easier for me to be closer to Denis Mistry & members of his family, right up to this day. When I was posted to Milagres church back in 1962, I came in contact with Saturnine Moras, VJP Saldanha and many other lovers of Konkani music and we planned the musical ‘Amchem Daaiz’ at Don Bosco Hall. At that time, I was happy to have the services of my one-time guru, Denis Mistry, who along with Joachim Pereira of Bejai helped us with the traditional gumtas, bringing to mind incidents from the Holy Scriptures. We had a troupe of 100 persons for that grand musical. Denis Mistry is alive today, through his students serving our community.’
(Liyab), Bendur
‘I count Albuqer Mistry among the people who have had a great influence on me and whom I liked in turn. Though grim in appearance, he was loving and kind, thus endearing himself to everyone who knew him. He particularly loved the Konkani language, Konkani literature and Konkani culture; as a result, he was extremely interested and took and active part in dramas and other social activities of his time. While bowing to the memory to this great man, I wish that many more like Albuqer Mistry rise from amongst us, specially in these times when concerted efforts are being made to preserve and keep active our language and heritage.’
Flavia Agnes, Bombay
‘He was popularly known as Mistry or the Headmaster. A generation of boys have known him, feared him and then in turn loved him. My own brother used to be scared to attend Sunday morning mass at Bendur church as a child, as he was nervous that Mistry would be there!! I’m sure that a many other boys who studied at St. Aloysius must have felt the same. He was one of the great personalities of his time.’
, Chicago
‘I was very small at the time I saw Denis Mistry for the first time. We were coming back from Bendur church after attending 9:30 mass. A tall muscular person with double kachcha, holding a huge umbrella in one hand and a violin in another was walking past us with big steps. I just looked at him and admired his height as well as build and thought of myself, ‘When I am going to grow like him?’ It never happened! I am still a small figure in size! Denis Mistry was a well disciplined educator and a born leader. He played a major role in Bendur church choir, St. Vincent De Paul Society, Catholic Action League, Parish Council, Konkani Natak Sabha, Mangalore Philharmonic Choir (led by VJP Saldanha), you name it. Even though I never spoke to Denis Mistry myself, I admired him as a role model. The best thing I liked in Denis Mistry was his discipline and his simplicity. It is very hard for us, the next generation, to fill his shoes! During those days, there were many stalwarts creating thunder in the Konkani world. Denis Mistry was part of those stalwarts, among who were VJP. Saldanha (Khadap), Cyprian Pinto (Chippa Mistry), Saturnine Moras, Simon Rasquinha, MP D’Sa, Fr. Sylvester Menezes, JB Rasquinha, Felix Noronha, Prof. Alban Castelino, AR D’Souza, JB D’Souza, CB Fernandes and Joseph Aranha. Being an ex-Bendur parishioner myself , I can very proudly claim that most of these stalwarts were Bendur parishioners. I used to admire their courage, strength, unity and workmanship to promote Konkani language, heritage and culture. Even though all these people were well educated; their love for Konkani reached for the stars.’
Dony Lobo, Doha
‘Denis Mistry was indeed a great man. Personally, I came in close contact with him when I joined the St. Aloysius Middle School just after my father’s death and he, having known my father for many years, and knowing how much I missed my father, did his best to be close to me in many ways, especially advising me on the studies, and other activities. It was he who encouraged me to learn to play the traditional hand harmonium when I was in the 4th standard, and in the 5th standard, thanks to his help, I became a sensation in the school, playing the harmonium on the stage. Soon thereafter I learnt the big sized old fashioned church organ which I started playing in the Milagres church and St. Aloysius Chapel and also often at Bendur, Valencia and Rosario churches. It was around this time that the play ‘Amchem Daaiz’ was being prepared, and it is there I learnt from him the way of singing the gumtam songs as well as other traditional folk songs.’
About the Authors: |
Author: Darryl & Charmaine Albuquerque- UAE