Shillong, Oct 14: Rich tributes have been flowing in for educationist Brother Eric Steve D’Souza of St. Edmund’s School, Shillong, following his demise on Sunday after a prolonged ill health. He passed away in Regina Mundi in Goa.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Sunday mourned the demise of Brother D’Souza who inspired many a Meghalayan during his stint in St. Edmund’s Shillong.
Taking to X, the Chief Minister said, “With profound sorrow, I learnt of the passing of Brother Eric Steve D’Souza, an exceptional educator renowned for his dedication to education and compassion. As an esteemed member of the Christian Brothers congregation, Brother D’Souza spent many years serving at St. Edmund’s School in Shillong, leaving an indelible legacy. As a devoted Christian Brother, his pioneering spirit founded Providence School, a beacon of hope for underprivileged children. May Brother D’Souza’s inspiring legacy brings comfort to his family, the Christian Brothers congregation, and the countless lives he transformed through education and compassion. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
Notably, the Chief Minister studied at St. Edmund’s School, Shillong, before shifting to St. Columba’s School, New Delhi. Brother D’Souza was one of the Chief Minister’s teachers at St. Edmund’s School, Shillong.
The announcement of Brother D’Souza’s demise was made by Brother Solomon Morris, the current Principal of St. Edmund’s School, Shillong, on Sunday afternoon. According to Brother Morris, Brother D’Souza passed away this morning at Regina Mundi, Goa. His demise followed a prolonged illness. Brother Morris also informed that the mortal remains of Brother D’Souza will be brought to Shillong for burial. The mortal remains are likely to arrive on Tuesday, and the funeral will be held on Wednesday.
Tributes have also been flowing in from hundreds of St, Edmund’s Past Pupils Association or SEPPA groups, including the Shillong and Tura Chapters, expressing shock over the news of Brother D’Souza’s death. Lovingly called “Dasu” (a short name for D’Souza) by countless students who passed through his guiding hands, they termed his demise an “indelible loss” for the teaching fraternity of the country.
“Chipping In” to Bollywood
A member of the Christian Brothers congregation started by Blessed Edmund Rice of Ireland, Brother D’Souza is known across the country and beyond as the first teacher to author a book on Computer learning for students, aptly called “Chipping In”- a basic text book on computer literacy during the early 1980s when the computer revolution had just begun in the country.
He was a teacher and guide for Bollywood’s iconic superstar Shahrukh Khan when he was a student of St. Columbus, New Delhi.
Many years ago, during an interaction with his former student Shahrukh Khan on a news channel, Brother D’Souza recalled his interaction with Khan and his mother on the last day of college.
“I remember asking what do you (Shahrukh) plan to do with your life and you said, ‘I am going off to Bollywood.’ And I said, I think that’s a little absurd because you know no one there, and you said you’ll get there anyhow. I turned to your mother and asked what do you think? And she said, ‘If my Shahrukh says, it’ll happen, it’ll happen.’ I wish I had the same faith in you as she had,” said Brother D’Souza.
Shah Rukh told the audience that, “You Know I don’t have idols, but if there is one man in this whole wide world I look up to, it’s Brother D’Souza. He taught us a lot about life and channelized our energy to do good.”
A teacher to countless young minds in Delhi and mostly Shillong- where he served as a teacher in St. Edmund’s School for decades, Brother D’Souza was a name that symbolized education. He started Providence School in St. Edmund’s campus, Shillong, to provide quality education for the underprivileged children.
Known for his love for music and fine arts, He encouraged children to take up music and stage plays.
From the famous school concert “Mikado” (1986) that went on to be screened across the seven seas, as far off as North America, to the much-loved school concert of Smike (1988), Brother D’Souza’s magical hands guided the success of many a school concert.
An avid footballer, he was known for his powerful left kick that left many a goalie shaken during a match.
Clearly, Brother D’Souza will be dearly missed by each of those who came across him in life as a student.
