Shillong, Oct 17: Shillong gave a tearful farewell to one of its most recognised teachers- Brother Eric Stephen D’Souza, a Christian Brother who not only published India’s first computer text book, taught Bollywood superstar Shahrukh Khan, but also established the first school for underprivileged children to receive quality education.
Walking in the footsteps of Edmund Rice- founder of the Christian Brothers congregation, Brother Eric Stephen D’Souza, a teacher who stepped forward to helping the poorest of poor students to have quality education by establishing the Providence School, was laid to rest at the Catholic cemetery in Laitumkhrah on Wednesday evening.
People from across different walks of life came together in Shillong on Wednesday afternoon to pay their last respects to Brother Eric Stephen D’Souza, fondly known to thousands of students as “Dasu” as his body lay in state at the St. Edmund’s School chapel where a special service was held.
Brother D’Souza spent over 50 long years as a Christian Brother teaching generations of children, a majority of his time being in Shillong.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma took time off from his busy schedule, the visit of the Vice President of India taking place on the same day in Shillong, to attend the funeral service and lay a wreath on the casket holding the mortal remains of Bro D’Souza.
“I will always cherish the fond memories of my encounters with Brother D’Souza during my school days in St. Edmund’s. I recall fondly how I use to reach school early just so that I could get some extra time to speak to him and take in the advice he gave. Those were golden words he gave,” recalled Conrad Sangma while speaking to The Meghalayan Express after placing a wreath and offering his condolences.
The funeral service concelebrated by the Bishop of Shillong and other priests witnessed hundreds of former St. Edmund’s School students, under the aegis of SEPPA come forward to play a proactive role, particularly receiving the body of Bro D’Souza at Guwahati airport and the funeral service.
Son of Major General Eustace D’ Souza of the Maratha Light Infantry and Noella D’Souza, Eric Stephen D’Souza joined the Christian Brothers at a young age and went on to become one of the most well known teachers of the institution.
His sister who came all the way from Japan for the funeral was moved by the overwhelming love and support for her brother. ” knowing him… He’ll find a way to guide us in days to come” were her parting words during the condolence service.
A host of dignitaries and former students of Bro D’Souza, including Tripura king Pradyut Barman, former minister James K Sangma, and several bureaucrats, doctors, leaders in various fields of service took part in the service to bid a final farewell to the man who gave his all for the education of all he came across.
