ANTHONY FRANCIS PINTO

This news clipping in today's TOI newspaper brought me to tears and fondly reminded me of a great family friend by name - ( Late ) Mr. Anthony Francis Pinto of Mumbai.

How is he relevant here. ? A - Mangalorean Roman Catholic ( Milagare's Church ) started a Fund in the late 60's called the " Milagare's Death Benefit Fund Society. A measly Re.1/ was the registration and annual fee to join in.

In times to come over the years it grew into a huge Corpus Fund and no Mangalorean Roman Catholic - was bereft of a decent burial as per Catholic Rights absolutely free of cost.

Uncle Pinto ( who was our neighbor ) such a nobleman, every time, I met him in his residence ( which was almost every day ) in my heart and mind - used to fight an inborn want of touching his noble feet and seek his blessings, but, knew he would not approve of it.

I was always in awe of him as it dawned on me that he was totally a self-made man and of great achievements created out of his bare hands, all with a man who would have just gone to school.

I am unable to restrict myself and a tearing urge to briefly enumerate his profile as I know.

A father of 5 children - Three boys and two girls. ( Presently baring the last son - all are settled Overseas ).

1) He started his humble career as an employee of Rallis India Ltd and during his free time owned and managed a Laundry, which in time - thriving business all with his dint of hard work and sweat. Later On, when the opportunity arose and knocked on his door he did not hesitate or back out, he embraced with both his arms. He went to own a few acres of land across a river and converted that into a Dhobi Ghat catering to Industries and all major Hospitals in Mumbai. By this time his youngest Son was groomed into taking over the mantle under his able tutelage.

2) Prior to this he had owned and managed a small restaurant too.

3) All his Children were brilliant students and did their parents proud of Academic Excellence.

4) When he was forced to retire from all service and business by his doting children, he had also accomplished yet another feat most unbelievable which is going to be my 5th and last point as the Icing on the Cake.

5) Since the '60s to 90's Mr.Pinto with his most intelligent and brilliant mind had built and nurtured a huge Volume of Trade Shares building up a Corpus, nominating all his children as heirs to his Shares Legacy.

Tell me friends, is not an Overwhelming Story of a Man who all his life lived frugally and never visited a hotel to beat his hunger and thirst. At best he would have partaken a Cutting Chai by the roadside stall.

Tears well my Eyes as I place this Narrative in front of you all.

How I wished, I was his Son.

Salutations to You - Uncle Pinto.

Unfortunately, I am unable to Tag - Anita Judith Pinto as she does not maintain a Facebook Account.

God Bless the Pinto's -