Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Jul 16: Renowned author, 'Laughter Guru' and founder of the Bondel Laughter Club, John B Monteiro, passed away at the age of 86 on Tuesday, July 16, due to age-related ailments.
John B Monteiro was well-known for his bestselling books such as 'Corruption - Control of Maladministration' (300 pages, Allied Publications) and its update 'India’s Painful Crawl to Lokpal' (360 pages, published by Strategic Book Publishing & Rights Co.) 56 years later. He also authored 'The History of CASK (Canara Association of South Kanara) and Other Centenary Institutions of Mangaluru' (400 pages).
Monteiro was a prolific writer in both print and electronic media, including the prestigious coastal region website, daijiworld.com, and was a permanent panel writer for the Daijiworld Weekly. Additionally, he had his own website, www.welcometoreason.com, which is now defunct.
Monteiro's writings were simple, filled with historical anecdotes, and carried a sense of humanism. His work was devoid of vulgarity or negativity. His love for writing was evident and touching, whether he wrote about a celebrity or a person digging graves at the parish graveyard. He took care of the English section of the Bondel parish bulletin, 'Bondelchem Bonder', a monthly magazine.
Monteiro's lifestyle was simple and enterprising. He would rise sharply at 5 AM, perform initial prayers, and read before preparing tea for himself and his wife Lynette. Despite Lynette's passing on August 11, 2017, he continued this routine. He would then walk to the nearby Bondel Public Grounds to conduct the 'Laughter Club' sessions for over 20 minutes. Monteiro introduced the concept of laughter therapy to Mangaluru after retiring from L&T in 2000.
After the 'Laughter Session', he would attend the first Mass of the day at St Lawrence Church. He preferred a quiet life, avoiding unnecessary socializing and WhatsApp chats.
Born on July 17, 1938, in Bantwal, Mangaluru, to the late Hilary Monteiro and the late Carmine, John pursued his initial education at the nearby church school before completing his graduation at St Aloysius College, Mangaluru. He then moved to Bombay to pursue post-graduate studies in economics, political science, and public administration at Bombay University.
After earning his post-graduate degree, Monteiro briefly taught at St Aloysius College before moving to Bombay, where he worked for reputed companies, including a 30-year tenure in the communications department of L&T. During this period, he contributed articles to well-known dailies such as the Evening News of India and Free Press Bulletin.
Monteiro was also known as an 'unknown donor' who contributed to humanitarian causes, adhering to the Biblical dictum, 'the left hand doesn’t know what the right hand is doing' (Matthew 6:3).
Comparisons have been drawn between Monteiro and Khushwant Singh, the renowned writer and former editor of the Illustrated Weekly of India. Both enjoyed good wine and whisky, along with the company of beautiful women. Monteiro's wife Lynette, however, would always note that he preferred vodka because it did not smell. Notably, it was Khushwant Singh who published a special edition on 'Mangalorean Catholics' in 1970, with Monteiro writing the lead article, 'Canara Catholics'. Monteiro reproduced this edition 50 years later to commemorate his daughter Primrose's golden birthday in 2020. Primrose is currently the managing editor of ‘Femina'.
At the L&T campus, Monteiro discovered the 'Laughter Club' phenomenon and led sessions during lunchtime for his colleagues in Ballard Estate, South Bombay. Upon retiring and returning to Mangaluru, he dedicated his time to writing and social work, continuing the 'Laughter Sessions' at Bondel Grounds.
John was father to two children, Primrose (Prima) and Mohan, who are settled with their spouses, Kevin D’Souza and Neisha Lobo, respectively, and their children, Zach and Maya.
Funeral details: Viewing at Johnlyn Cottage, Bondel, Mangaluru on Thursday, July 18 at 2.00 pm. Mass in St Lawrence Church, Bondel, Mangaluru at 3.30 pm, followed by burial in the church cemetery.