Deekshith DV

Pics by Meryick D’Silva
Daijiworld Media Network—Mangalore (DV)

Mangalore, Oct 12: Don’t let the cabbie cap, brown shoes and curling moustache fool you. A former armyman, sprightly Michael D’Souza operates a cab even as he approached his 100th birthday on October 16, 2014.

C R Robert Michael D' Souza lives on Microwave Station Road, Hat Hill, and leads a solitary life maintaining his own garden, dog, and ducks.

D’Souza served in the British Indian Army under Field Marshal Cariappa. After he retired from the armed forces, he worked in the Public Works Department (PWD). After retiring from the PWD, he worked as a cab driver in places like Kinnigoli and Manipal.

Recalling his past and displaying his licence, D’Souza said, “I started driving at the of 18 as my father had a lorry in Ooty and I practiced with it. The British government issued me my licence which was later renewed.”

The Indian government issued him a licence in 1959 it was renewed again and is valid till 2019.

Though he turns 100 soon, D’Souza is physically fit and coyly says, “I have no BP or sugar even at this age.”
He goes late to bed but rises early at 4 am, since this was his practice from his days in the army. After losing his wife Eliza, he does all his work by himself. D’Souza always keeps himself active and is a true role model to the present generation.

Narendra Nayak, rationalist and a good friend of D’Souza said, “I have known him from the past 42 years. We used to go for walks and meet up. He used to approach me for suggestions when required. Really, I did not know that he was almost a hundred years old. But last year, when I asked his age I was really astonished to hear this. So, I assured him that his century will be celebrated and we friends have decided to do so. He is always active and even climbs multi-storied buildings without using the elevator".

D’Souza’s friends and neighbours have decided to honour the centenarian by holding a function at Canara College auditorium at 5 pm on Thursday October 16.