Udupi: He was very much loved by his students, and most of all, he was a very popular teacher too. Louis Mendonca, former principal of St Mary’s Pre-University College, Shirva, aged 89 years, passed away on Thursday, February 12. Louis Mendonca is the father of well-known eye surgeon in Mangaluru- Dr. Norman Mendonca, who is also the Professor & Head, Department of Ophthalmology, Fr Muller Medical College, Mangaluru.
Louis Mendonca joined St Mary’s High School in 1949 as its headmaster, and he served for 32 years and during his tenure the school got transformed into a college, where he retired as its principal. Mendonca was very dedicated and committed to his designation as a principal. He encouraged students to involve themselves in sports and cultural activities, thereby helping them in the all-round development of their personality. He was the mentor, philosopher and guide to thousands of students who are now in high positions in the country and abroad. He was also instrumental in the development of the Shirva Manchakal area- supply of electricity, upgrading of the local hospital, eye check up and medical camps.
Hailing from Shirva, Louis Mendonca worked for the eradication of leprosy in Shirva and after retirement he started the higher primary school in Belur which is now a high school and bagged the best school award. He served as the president of Medical Relief Association of Shirva, President- Lions Club, Udupi, Lions Zonal president, and president of Headmasters Association of South Kanara. He played a vital role in establishing 500 self-help groups for women empowerment.
Mendonca was a recipient of many awards, among which is the ‘Papal Award Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice’, and ‘Sandesha State Award 2010’. Karnataka State honoured with the ‘Best Teacher Award’ , and in the year 2012, USWAS Shirva honoured him with special USWAS Decennial Award.
Louis Mendonca leaves behind his wife Mary; Children namely Juliette/George Castelino, Merlyn/William Vaz, Late Dianny, Dr. Norman/Nancy Mendonca, Edrian/Venkatesh Sethuraman, Manohar/Mayola; and Grandchildren: Dinesh/Priyanka, Shareen, Chrissie, Raylon, Mark, Caroll, Megna, Harini, Leanne and Luke.
Funeral Mass is at Our lady of Health Church-Shirva at 10am. For more details contact : 9845681312