Paul Cardoza was a cherished figure in the hearts of countless people for over four decades, as he passionately served the students of JSS College Vidyagiri in Dharwad, people of all age's came here to taste canteen's delicacies. Beyond the exceptional food, Paul's canteen held a special place in the hearts of many as a cherished hangout spot. It was more than just a place to eat.
Paul never missed to engage in small chats with his regular customers offering advice, sharing a joke, or simply listening which showed his warmth and belongingness. He used take interest in students who visited his canteen and guide them to lead a ideal lifestyle. Many people formed lasting bonds with the canteen, largely due to Paul's genuine care. Paul's canteen has always been serving the food at very low prices. Affectionately he was known as Mamu.
Paul had served us, from our childhood days. We used to go with our parents which slowly turned out as a hangout with friends there to eat Sabudana Vada's, Mysore Bajji(Goli Bajji), Masala/Egg Dosas and how can I forget the egg rice? During our 11th and 12th standards at JSS RSH PU Science College many a time we had our glass of morning tea at around 6:30 and around 7:00-7:30 Idlis and Vadas were available which were served in two varieties Mix, dipped in a bowl of sambar and chutney and Normal one's in a plate. My personal favourite is Puris and we used to have tea and attend tuitions at Hanchinmani classes and have breakfast to continue with college. In the afternoon Paul's served Egg rice, Fried Rice and Egg curry Chappati. I prefered to have chappatis with egg curry, remembering those days we most of the time never attended the other half day of college, sat in JSS ground, played games, gossiped until 4:30 go to Paul eat some snacks mostly Masala Dosa, Egg Dosa, Mysore Bajji(Goli Bajji) or Sabudana Vada, attend the evening sessions of tuition classes. After the evening classes a plate of egg rice or maggi.
I remember many a time Paul serving us the first tea in the morning and the last Maggi before they closed at night. Many a time when we would be short of money and he used to serve us with a happy heart with just a simple request "ಮಾಮು ನಾಳೆ ಕೊಡತೆವಿ".
A few days back when we visited he was proud of his old students those who visited him decades after completing their education, he felt sad about changing culture in education and the relationship between students and teachers, mentioning everything has changed nowadays it's all about money.
The city of Dharwad mourns the loss of Paul Cardoza, fondly known as Mamu, whose vibrant presence and booming voice at Paul's canteen will be deeply missed. Mamu's legacy continues in the memories of the fortunate students who had the pleasure of being served by him.
Beautiful written
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