Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi

Mumbai, Mar 5: A memorial mass and condolence meeting for late Louis Mendonca will be held in Mumbai on March 15 by his old students from St. Mary's Shirva.

Louis Mendonca, a popular teacher, former principal of St Mary's Pre-University College, Shirva and a social worker passed away on Thursday, February 12 this year.

The memorial Mass will be offered at 10.30 am and the condolence meeting will be held at 11.30 am followed by lunch at St. Xavier’s Institute, opposite S.L. Raheja Hospital, Mahim Causeway in Mumbai

All ex-students and friends are cordially invited. The organizers have asked to confirm the attendance by phoning these numbers: 9833097782, 28572647, 9819562725 and 9819875072

About Louis Mendonca:

Louis Mendonca was born in Shirva on 19 May 1926.

Having joined the St Mary’s High School in 1949 as its headmaster, Louis Mendonca served for 32 years and during these years he saw the school develop into a college and retired as its principal. During his service he encouraged students to take part in sports and cultural activities and thus helped 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 especially on the areas of supply of electricity, upgrading of the local hospital, eye check up and medical camps.

He 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 established 500 self-help groups for women empowerment.

Among the awards he won were the Papal Award Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice, Sandesha state award 2010 and the best teacher award from the Karnataka government.

In the year 2012, USWAS Shirva honoured him with special USWAS Decennial Award.