Prominent Konkani Media Figure Vinod Fernandes Passes Away at 64
Mangaluru: Vinod Fernandes, the Founder and Director of Divyavani Live YouTube Channel, a prominent voice in the Konkani-speaking community, passed away unexpectedly at his residence in Vamanjoor, Mangaluru, in the early hours of April 7th. He was 64 years old. The cause of death was attributed to cardiac arrest.
Fernandes, born on October 2nd, 1960, leaves behind his partner Janet, sons Avinash, Anupam, and Jeetan, and daughter-in-law.
News of his sudden demise has sent ripples of grief throughout the Konkani community, particularly among those involved in religious and cultural activities within the region.
Fernandes was a well-respected figure known for his dedication to promoting Konkani language and culture through his Divyavani Live YouTube channel. The channel served as a platform for devotional and religious programming, along with other culturally relevant Konkani content, reaching a wide audience within India and abroad.
Prior to his work with Divyavani, Fernandes hailed from Gangolli, Kundapura Taluka (now Udupi District), Karnataka. His roots in the community ran deep. His mother, Delphin Fernandes, was a teacher at Saraswati Vidyalaya Primary School in Gangolli, where she taught English. His father, Valerian Fernandes, served as the Physical Education Instructor at Saraswati Vidyalaya High School and was actively involved in the parish administration, renowned for his participation in the church choir as a Latin singer.
Fr. Pratapananda Naik SJ, a close friend, neighbor, and fellow parishioner from Gangolli, expressed his deep sorrow at Fernandes’ passing. Fr. Naik shared that he had collaborated extensively with Fernandes in recent years, recording numerous Konkani interviews and “Mannkam Môtyam” videos for the Divyavani Live YouTube channel. Fernandes had recorded 37 Konkani programmes featuring Fr. Naik, with 26 already edited and uploaded. He also filmed 40 “Mannkam Môtyam” videos, with 27 made available online.
Fr. Naik further revealed that they had planned future recordings for May and September of this year, with Fernandes particularly eager to produce a one-hour Konkani film adaptation of Fr. Naik’s Konkani monologue play, “Zudas.”
Those who knew Fernandes describe him as a healthy and disciplined individual who led a simple and value-based life rooted in the teachings of the Catholic Church. He was known for his regular walks and adherence to a traditional diet, further emphasizing his commitment to a healthy lifestyle.
The unexpected nature of Fernandes’ death has prompted reflection on the fragility of life. Fr. Naik, in his statement, emphasized the suddenness of death, comparing life to transient water bubbles, underscoring the importance of being prepared and dedicated to one’s mission.
The funeral service for Vinod Fernandes will be held at Vamanjoor Church on April 8th at 10:00 am. Fr. Naik, along with numerous members of the Konkani community, are expected to attend to pay their respects and celebrate his life.
Vinod Fernandes’ contribution to Konkani media and culture will be deeply missed. His dedication to preserving and promoting the language and traditions through his YouTube channel has left an indelible mark on the community. His passing marks a significant loss for the Konkani-speaking people both within India and around the world. He is remembered for his serene smile, his dedication to his work, and his unwavering commitment to his faith.