Mangalore: Prof Alban Castelino passes away at 90

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (NM)
 
Mangalore, Jan 6: Prof Alban Bernard Castelino, retired professor of St Aloysius College and eminent theatre personality, passed away at his residence on Monday January 6, following prolonged illness. He was 90.

Prof Alban, who was well-known in Mangalore for his contributions to social, cultural and educational sectors, was an educationist, editor, literatteur, stage actor, theatre director, musician, choir-master and musician.
 
He is surived by his wife Getrude Cecilia Castelino, daughter Annette Pinto and three sons Oscar, Noel and Denzil Castelino, all of them well settled in life.
 
The funeral cortege leaves residence near Kadri Tollgate, on Wednesday January 8 to St Sebastian Church, Bendore, at 4 pm, followed by public homage at 4.30 pm and Mass at 5 pm.
 
Born on December 11, 1924 in Kadri to the late Marcel and the late Monica Magdalena Castelino, Alban was the eldest among five children. He did his schooling at St Sebastian’s Higher Elementary School, Bendore, followed by secondary and degree education at St. Aloysius College. A BSc graduate of 1946, Alban Castelino received gold medal for securing the highest marks in physics. He later then completed his MSc with distinction from St Xavier’s College, Bombay (now Mumbai).
 

Teacher with a difference

After studies, Alban Castelino joined the teaching faculty of St Aloysius College, Mangalore, where he served in various capacities – as a lecturer, reader, professor – till his retirement in 1980. Popularly known as Alban Maestry, he did not confine teaching to traditional methods of lecture, but disseminated knowledge by making the best use of mass media. He used print, radio and sometimes television shows to discuss topics on science.
 

Man of distinction

He contributed writings on science to the Konkani weekly Raknno, edited the book on Konkani folklore “Vovio ani Verse’, served as an editor of “Vaishantik Sandesh" published by the Society of Vincent De Paul, and was also part of discussion on science programmes in the Akashvani, Mangalore.
 
In addition to literary works, he earned fame as a theatre personality and subsequently as a director. At one point of time in Konkani theatre, Prof Alban Castelino had become a household name. He was part of a huge list of popular dramas, to name a few, ‘Xipai Sant’ in November 1988, ‘Agnesachem Balidhan' in November 1989, 'Khursache Vatter' in 1997, ‘Jezuchem Lhan Ful’ in 1997, ‘Jezu Nazaren’ in 1984, 'Somiacho Pashanv’, ‘Konkanni Sanskritik Sanz in 1987 and ‘Khatavin Khaliz’ in 1981.

Awards and accolades

Organisations working for the development of Konkani have recognized the contribution and efforts of Prof Alban Castelino, popularly known as 'Alban Maestry'. He was honored by Raknno, Mandd Sobhann, Konkani Natak Sabha, Catholic Sabha, Bendore, United Youngsters, Jeppu and many others.