Tributes pour in for La Martiniere ex-principal Elton deSouza
LUCKNOW : Elton Stein deSouza, the former principal of La Martiniere College, Lucknow, died due to multiple organ failure compounded by Covid infection at Era’s Medical College here on Sunday morning. He was 76.
Later in the day, he was laid to rest at Nishatganj cemetery. He is survived by his sister, nephew, niece and their families.
He became the principal in 1993 and retired in May 2011. He spent his entire life at La Martiniere, first as a pupil at La Martiniere Girls’ College (then a co-ed institution) and then as a resident scholar.
He returned to his alma mater as a teacher and then gradually became its principal—a post that he held for 20 years, according to the college’s obituary to him.
In his condolence message, the incumbent principal Carlyle McFarland said, “A memorial services in the college chapel will be held when physical congregations are permitted. The flag of the college will fly at half-mast for three days as a mark of respect.”
Following Elton deSouza’s passing, a virtual condolence book has been uploaded by La Martiniere College, Lucknow, for the well-wishers to post their messages.
Principal, La Martiniere Girls’ College (LMGC), Aashrita Dass in her facebook post said deSouza’s demise was a tragic news that had shocked and saddened the LMGC family beyond words.
“The college has indeed lost a dear, revered, most respected friend and well-wisher who was always at hand to guide and advise us with his wisdom and experience,” she said.
“DeSouza started his education in LMGC and always remained a part of his very first school. Not a single school event took place without his presence, cheering and appreciating the efforts of the staff and students. He took pride in the girls’ achievements just as he applauded his boys,” she said.
“As a student of LMGC, I knew him as the dignified, gentle, soft spoken principal of the Boys’ College and as a staff member I remember him for his encouraging and heartening words whenever he interacted with us. It was only when I took over as the principal of LMGC that I realised that he was a priceless, trusted advisor and a staunch supporter of my vision for the school and I came to know him as a sincere, humble, capable and witty person he was,” her facebook post reads.
Adrian Michael, bursar of La Martiniere College, said, “Elton deSouza was a teacher par excellence (my English teacher in college), my mentor in church, a perfectionist and is credited with transforming the college from a strength of around 1000 boys to 4600 boys during his tenure.”
Mala Mehra, the principal of Hoerner College, said her association with him dated back to over three decades. Whether it was a Chapel service or a school function, he treated his colleagues with utmost respect and personally seated his guests. Age was no barrier as he was a friend. He giggled at silly jokes and we had a hearty laugh every now and then, she said.
“An authority in English language, I always teased him for the big words he used. ‘Sequestered’ was one which became a joke between us as in a meeting where the large part of educationists sat mum at his use of that word!! I could walk into his parlour at home unannounced and he would be the perfect host. The college campus, where he also stayed, was a playground of sorts for me where I could come and go as I pleased,” Mehra’s Facebook post reads.
Career counsellor Amrita Dass described Elton deSouza as a remarkable leader and human being whose indelible legacy as an educationist will be everlasting.
His former pupil Alok Nigam said the sad news was indeed like bringing the curtains down on a legend. He was not a principal but a guardian to all his pupils, Nigam said.