Media Release

Mangaluru, Mar 28: Started in 2002, by Bondel resident, John Monteiro, Bondel Laughter Club had suspended its daily sessions for two years in the wake of Corona virus, was re-launched by Fr Andrew Leo D’ Souza, parish priest, Bondel, at PWD Maidan, Gundu Rao Road on Sunday, March 27 to the applause of dozens of laughter enthusiasts.

Speaking on the occasion, Fr Andrew appreciated the initiative and persistence of John Monteiro and conveyed his best wishes for the continued success of Bondel Laughter Club. It levies no fees from participants who are dubbed laughter-cracks in good humour.

John Monteiro, veteran journalist and author (English) had anchored laughter club sessions in Mumbai in 1980s until he retired to Mangalore in 2000 and launched Mangaluru’s first formal club at venues in Bondel and Kadri Park. Even before that he had held demonstration sessions in Mangaluru, including one week-long sessions on Lighthouse Hill for returning office-goers.

A committed laughter-crack, John Monteiro has invested time and resources to spread laughter culture. He has printed a brochure titled Come, Laugh Your Way to Health! which he has offered tosupply gratis to those seriously interested in starting neibourhood laughter clubs. Contact: M 98862 76608 - 9 AM to12 noon). Besides, core members from Bondel will help in the launch with promotional site visits.

Prima D’Souza, journalist, Mohan Monteiro, HR professional, both from Mumbai, daughter and son of John Monteiro, Khalid Ansari, retired professor, KTP, Bonaventure D’Souza, retired official of Doha Government and Cyril Maben, retired Librarian, Karnataka Theological College set the scene and helped out with the relaunch.