Tribute To My Dearest Friend Dr Olinda Pereira- a Mentor, Social Worker, Role Model, Educationist-Sadly Missed!

Tribute To My Dearest Friend Dr Olinda Pereira- a Mentor, Preacher, Role Model, Educationist-Sadly Missed!

 Mangaluru: “Gone Is The Face We Loved So Dear, Silent Is The Voice We Loved To Hear; Too Far Away For Thoughts To Reach, Sweet To Remember Her Who Was Here, Who, Gone Away Is Just As Dear. Dr Olinda-You were a very special woman. Your qualities, capabilities and your infectious laugh have shown many to be strong persons with a warm, kind and loving heart. Dr Olinda, You as a Daughter of the Heart of Mary, has in more ways than one, tried to imitate Mary- her model in O-wnership, L-eadership, I-nteriority, N- urturing, D-edication and A-vailability (OLINDA!). Through her exemplary life, we all know, she has meant so much to so many people all these years from the time she made her first profession in the wake of Vatican II exactly fifty seven years ago. As we always celebrate the beauty and significance of 15 August, we would have all thanked the Lord in a very special way for giving us three Golden GIRLS in our life: Mother Mary, Bharat Mata and Dr Olinda Pereira. But unfortunately, Dr Olinda who would have celebrated her 95th Birthday on 15 August 2020, will be Sadly Missed”

That is how I would describe the passing away of Dr Olinda Pereira, a Great Human Being whom I loved and adored very dearly. Although I became very much associated with her after my return from USA in 2013, it seemed like we knew each other longer than that. I became closely associated with her when I covered every event that was organized by Vishwas Trust- a NGO that she founded for the care-taking of the seniors- and she appreciated my involvement and participation during her 90th Birthday bash, held on 15 August 2015, and she gave me a big hug for making her happy by my presence. (Ref: Mangaluru: You’ve Come A Long Way, Baby! Friends Cheer ‘Golden Girl’ Dr Olinda Pereira at her 90th B-day Bash ).

This morning, Sunday, 31 May 2020, I received a Whatsapp message from Ms Violet Pereira, the proprietor of Mangalorean.com stating “Alfie, Your friend Dr Olinda Pereira is No More”- the blow was hard, the shock was severe when I read the message. I did not know her death was near, but God knew she was in her old-age and the hills were hard to climb, so He closed her weary eyes and whispered “Peace Be Thine”. The last time I met Her was on my birthday, 18 March 2020, when she invited me to Vishwas Trust saying she had a birthday gift – and I went there she hugged me and handed over a couple of roses, a note pad and a gold colour Parker pen which I have saved them as a souvenir- and that was the last interaction with Dr Olinda before she passed away today.

I miss Dr Olinda Pereira so dearly because she was warm and quick to make everyone feel comfortable. She had a special way that warmed the hearts of everyone who knew her and the qualities that made her the wonderful person she was have left us all with many beautiful memories. She did touch the hearts of many through her politeness, graciousness, and friendliness. The large crowd comprising of relatives, well-wishers, religious people, educationalists and friends that showed up to view her body this morning ( 31 May 2020) kept at School of Social Work-Roshni Nilaya, Valencia- Mangaluru (where she was the FOUNDER Principal there) proves that she was loved by many.

This morning Her body was kept for public viewing at Roshni Nilaya Auditorium, where a short prayer service was led by Fr James D’Souza and Fr Joswin D’Souza- Parish Priest and Asst Parish Priest respectively at Valencia Church, Fr Arun Lobo- Director of Mangaluru Diocese Counselling Centre, and Fr Clarence D’Souza SJ, residing at Fathers Residence, Fatima Retreat House, Mangaluru- and was joined by nuns, priests, relatives, and friends. Speaking to Team Mangalorean, Sr Philomena D’Souza- Provincial of India Province (South) of Daughters of the Heart of Mary Congregation said, “Dr Olinda was a very committed peoples’ centered person who dedicated her life totally for the development of the society. Being the Founder principal of Roshini Nilaya School of social work, she was a role model to all the staff and students, and also others who knew her”.

“As Founder of Vishwas Trust, since its inception until her death, she has served hundreds of senior citizens through the Trust, with love and care. Sad to note that Our dear founder principal of our College, passed away, and left for heavenly home this morning. She has completed her purpose on earth with great dedication, commitment, and compassion…We thank the Lord for choosing this day to take her to His heavenly home the 31st May, being the feast of the Holy Spirit and the day on which Roshni Nilaya was founded in May 1960. May the Lord be her reward for her tireless living services to humanity…. to build persons..May her soul enjoy the eternal bliss that awaits the chosen of God”, added Sr Philomena.

Dr Olinda was a great woman and was very active during any event even at this golden ripe age. I know since her fall while walking inside Vishwas Trust corridor, and since then due to treatment, it had worn down her body. I know it exhausted her strength. And I know it took her life, as she was getting old and weak. But her ailment couldn’t dim her smile. And what a smile it was! Everything good, everything wholesome, everything pure about womanhood was found in her smile. But there was more—a hint of joyfulness and fun, a sense of self-confidence, an unmistakable kindness. It was the kind of smile that drew people to her. That smile was there the first time I met her in 2013, and that smile was still there the last time I saw her on my birthday in March 2020. If anything, her smile was brighter and more joyous the last time I saw her. Her old-age was helpless against it. She was always happy, joyful, smiling and active-and as they say “AGE IS JUST A NUMBER!”

Dr Olinda Pereira was doubly blessed with beauty—inside and out. Her old-age and health could do nothing to diminish either. She was looking good all the while. It was a beauty that shone through her eyes and smiles every day of her life. To know her was to love her and to root for her. We should all be so lucky to have as many friends as Dr Olinda did. She touched more people in her 95 years of life on Earth than most of us could in 100 years. From her doctors and nurses to her relatives and friends, no one entered Her orbit without being inspired by her. Her zest for life and the competitive fire burned brightly to the end. Her confidence and adventurousness were undimmed. She maintained a positive outlook in the bleakest of situations. ( Vishwas Trust mark I-Day and 92nd B-Day of their Founder Dr Olinda Pereira)

Let me give a background on the life and journey of Dr Olinda Pereira through these long ninety-five years- Dr Olinda Pereira and one would picture her only as a pioneer in the field of education or women empowerment. Always engrossed in her work, she has the will and the way to serve Humanity. Her special interests are in the Women’s development and one can see that from the numerous associations she has associated herself with. She has been the School Assistant at St Mary’s High School and was earlier the Founder Principal of School of Social Work Roshni Nilaya, Mangaluru. She was also the Director of the Institute of Social Service, Prabhat Tara, in New Delhi and her love for the Elderly has encouraged her to start and be the Director, Vishwas Trust (Home-Based Care for the Elderly) which is rendering yeoman service to the elderly.

Talk about her contribution to women and it would definitely run into volumes. Being a silent worker, she believed in helping without acclaim. One very notable feature of her contributions to the Catholic Women of India is that she was instrumental in organizing the Council of Catholic Women of India. This has been a great move and has helped the Catholic women of India to come together under one forum to discuss the pressing issues that pertain to women’s development and also interacts with the world body of International Catholic Women (WUCWO). Dr Olinda Pereira has been responsible for developing a syllabus in Women’s Studies in the MSW Course and for attempting to set up a Women’s Studies Centre. True to her commitment, she wishes every woman march forward to progress. In her years of public service Dr Olinda has contributed immensely not only to the people of Mangaluru but to all over the country. She has received several honours and recognitions because of her selfless work.

Olinda Pereira born on 15 August 1925 in Mangaluru, had her Ph.D. Mysore University, Mysore; M.A.., Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi.; B.T., St. Ann’s College of Education, Mangaluru; and B.A., St. Agnes College, Mangaluru, (Madras University). She was later an Internee, Institute of Women’s Studies, Manila, Philippines- 1996; Administrative Assistant, Provincial House, Nairobi, Kenya: 1991-1994; Director, Institute of Social Service, Prabhatara, New Delhi: 1985-1990, 1997-1998; Exchange Professor- School of Social Work, McMaster University, Hamilton Canada. 1978, 1979, 1984; Principal, College of Social Work, Roshni Nilaya 1961- 1984; Member of National Committee on Women in 1979

Dr Olinda Pereira was a recipient of various awards namely: Mahatma Gandhi Peace Award, McMaster University, Hamilton 1979; Women Achiever Award – St Agnes College 1997; Sandesha Award for Social Service: 2002; Rachana, Woman of the Year: Mangaluru Catholic Chamber of Commerce 2008; Woman of the Year Award – Mangalore University 2009; Veera Rani Abbakka Award for work in the field of Social Service -and Outstanding Manager Award 2011-Mangaluru Management association; and many more.

Dr Olinda Pereira was a person of courage, strong faith, values, ideals, love, and years of wisdom made her who she is. She always stood up for what is true and what is right and knew what was truly important in life. I feel she was indeed a blessing from God, and I respected her with love and gratitude. She has helped shape up many families, their ideas and beliefs, and through her example of steadfast, fervent, and humble and friendly touch, Dr Olinda had been an inspirational role model for her family/other families, relatives, and friends. Her spiritual life bears witness to the joy of loving, the dignity of every human person, the value of little things done faithfully and the surpassing worth of faith in God. We all should simply adore the qualities and ideals she had, thereby accepting her as a role model in our lives.

The best feeling in this world is living in a family- and for Dr Olinda, the Vishwas Trust was a family. From it, she drew love, friendship, moral support, and fulfillment of every special need within her hearts. Wherever we are, whatever we’re doing, whenever we really need to feel especially loved and cared for, we can turn to family. She had always provided stability within her family-it was understanding, patience, and believing in each other that tied this family together. To her family members ( staff/volunteers), namely Ms Felcy Pinto and Ms Lidwin Lobo, ( 20 years and 12 years respectively service at Vishwas Trust), and Ms Renuka, Ranjini, Chithta and Sathwik, Dr Olinda had been the source of warmth and comfort, their confidante, their support and encouragement, their help and adviser.

Expressing her thoughts, Ms Felcy Pinto who has been with Dr Olinda for nearly 20 years at Vishwas Trust says, “Dr Olinda Pereira more than my boss, was like my mother. It was a great privilege to work with her for nearly 20 years, and Ma’am was a kind, and very patience minded person. She will never give up. Caring, affectionate, and no words in her dictionary to say NO. Ever ready to face challenges. Two days before she passed away, she was in office, inquiring with me if there were any meetings planned. I have learnt from her to be patient and be positive. Three days back I spoke to her when she was in the hospital, and told her “Ma’am buses will start from 1 June 1st, and I will join for duty since I have missed Vishwas Trust for over two months now”. She said, “I will also come Felcy.”Sadly, these are the last words, that Maám spoke to me. Dr Olinda Pereira was a gift to us and for the Society. Thank you Ma’am for everything you have done to me. I am always grateful to you. Her presence made a difference. There is only one Ms. Pereira in the world, and you will not get another one. May Her soul Rest In Peace”.

Yes, Dr Olinda was a woman of deep faith-the faith she is imbued with is a triple one – faith in God, faith in others & faith in herself. When one goes through what she has achieved in her last 95 years, one will easily realize that all this would not have been possible if she was not a woman of faith. The second quality which strikes me is her fortitude. In spite of the many challenges she has had to face, she has persevered and come out from every situation even stronger. Being born on the day we celebrate the feast of the Assumption of Our Lady, I cannot but help feel that the faith and fortitude which Mary possessed has rubbed off in good measure on my dearest friend Dr Olinda.

Last Hug! Fr Cedric Prakash Sj with His Dear Aunt

She was a compassionate woman; compassion was her trademark. She reached out to everyone: the poor and the lonely; the orphan and widow; the old and the sick; the educated and the illiterate; the lowly and those in high places. It was simply remarkable to see the wide range of her friends and contacts. Her ability to reach out to all – was just amazing. In the final analysis, it was only unmitigated compassion that mattered.

She was a courageous woman; made so much in the likeness of Mary, the mother of Jesus. She lived most of her life and died as a religious in the Congregation of the Daughters of the Heart of Mary. It was very fitting that she was born on the 15 August, the Feast of the Assumption and she went home to the Father, on 31 May, a day which is traditionally kept as the Feast of the Visitation. Her whole life was truly a ‘Magnificat’ meaningfully lived! She went where others dare not go! She walked the unbeaten path. As a pioneer, she will be hard to emulate.

L-R : Alfie D’souza (Team Mangalorean), Dr Olinda and Fr Cedric

She was a charismatic woman; it is profoundly symbolic that she was called to the Lord on the day on which the Church celebrates the Feast of Pentecost! Throughout her life, it was apparent, that she internalized the gifts of the Holy Spirit and she communicated, she shared these gifts with so many others across the spectrum of humanity. She never hesitated to give and not to count the cost! On this day, while we mourn the death of Aunty Linda – we also celebrate her memory and strive to live the rich legacy she has bequeathed to all of us: to be compassionate, courageous and charismatic persons in our world today! May she rest in peace! May she intercede for us all from above.

In conclusion, to my dearest friend Dr Olinda Pereira, I end this tribute saying, “Throughout your life, you made it your mission to be loving, kind, gentle and true. Even at the time of your death at 95, you were not old or young. You defied description. You’re a time-tested classic! You seemed to be more carefree in spirit and younger at heart with every passing year. To us, you sparkled like a brilliant gem. And the years have not diminished your special glow — they only made you more luminous. We cherish and admire your life. More than our role model-you were our heroine! Throughout your lifetime, you lived full of love from family and friends, unbridled joy, unforgettable moments, and ultimately, happy memories.

I truly believe Dr Olinda Pereira is at peace and is united with her dear ones and friends in heavenly bliss. Finally, all I have to say to my friend is, ”We will all think of you in silence. We often speak your name, now all we have are memories and your picture in a frame. Your memory is our keepsake with which we’ll never part. God bless you in his keeping, but we’ll always have you in our hearts and in our memories. You are sadly missed by me, and everyone dear and near to you”. Ending this tribute with a quote, “Those who have lived a good life do not fear death, but meet it calmly, and even long for it in the face of great suffering. But those who do not have a peaceful conscience, dread death as though life means nothing but physical torment. The challenge is to live our life so that we will be prepared for death when it comes”.

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light show upon Dr Olinda Pereira-May her Soul Rest in Peace. Amen

PLEASE NOTE : PUBLIC VIEWING OF DR OLINDA PEREIRA’S BODY IS AT ROSHINI NILAYA SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK, VALENCIA, MANGALURU FROM 11 AM- 7 PM ( ON 31 MAY AND FROM 7 AM TILL 3 PM (ON 1 JUNE). BODY WILL BE TAKEN TO VALENCIA CHURCH FOR PRAYERS/BURIAL AT 3.30 PM. PUBLIC ARE NOT ALLOWED AT THE VALENCIA CEMETERY DUE TO COVID-19 GUIDELINES-ONLY 20 PEOPLE ARE ALLOWED (FAMILY MEMBERS/RELATIVES)

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• Funeral Announcement of Dr Olinda Pereira
• Former Principal of Roshni Nilaya Dr Olinda Pereira (95) Passes Away