OF HEROES ~ The Founder

GOACOM BIOGRAPHY SERIES ~ OF HEROES

The Founder

Dr. A.C.L. de Sousa

1883 - 1958

By: John J. D'Souza

Our next hero is Dr. A.C.L. de Sousa, also a medical doctor, but whose lifetime achievements and service to the community warrants a special place in our collective memories. This narrative can only provide a summary of his work and life, which even today is seen reflected in the institutions Goans create for themselves in many parts of the world.

The word "Paradigm Shift" is a current fashionable term originating in business management circles. It is used to describe a radical shift in the outlook or priorities of a group or company often resulting from the enlightened insight and leadership of one person. This seems to have been the case in Nairobi Goan community in the late twenties. There were around then a number of number of thriving clubs and institutes mostly based on sports or other narrow interests, but none capable of addressing the outstanding problem of the time - the education of Goan youth. Before then, most Goan school children waited their turn to get into either church schools, or government schools organized broadly on ethnic lines. In many cases children were sent to boarding schools in Goa.

Dr. de Sousa took the initiative and formed the first Goan Overseas Association in 1927 and obtained the mandate from the government of the day to build and run the Goan Schools in the town. The community closed ranks with generous donations, the major patron being Dr. Rosendo A. Ribeiro, after whom the school was named. Dr. de Sousa served as the president of the school board for more than three decades and saw its evolution into a fully fledged secondary school in the late fifties. The school mitigated the age-old social consciousness of parents, and gave their students a basic education, imbued with self confidence and distinctive character still evident today.

Dr. de Sousa was a formidable person with immense presence. When students saw his white Pontiac in the school parking lot, or sensed the distinctive whiff of his cigar in the school corridors it was time to quieten without prompting from teachers and stay clear of the front offices. At Goan homes, the mention of his name, or impending arrival, was known to have instantly cured many a sick child.

He was a fearless politician in the white dominated Kenya Legislative Assembly the speeches he made there in defence of his Indian constituency were brilliant and played a part in preventing Kenya becoming a 'whites only' colony, as was the case with Rhodesia. During his lifetime he founded and edited The Goan Voice a weekly newspaper, and played an important part in establishing affordable housing estate for Goans which is named after him.

Dr. de Sousa outlook on the question of Goan identity is as relevant today as it was more than fifty years ago. At one time he served as the Honorary Portuguese Consul in Nairobi. However, when it came to supporting the cause for India's self determination, he left us in no doubt on this subject. The delegation of the of the Indian National Congress visiting Kenya in the late forties was given full use of Dr. de Sousa's own home for their entire stay while he and his wife were away on holiday in Goa!

His legacy today is reflected in the many Goan Overseas Associations in the world serving the needs of our dispersed community. His protégés can be counted among the founding members of these institutions. The memory of his tireless efforts for the cause of Goan well-being inspires us all to do likewise.

End.

GOACOM BIOGRAPHY SERIES ~ OF HEROES

The Founder

Dr. A.C.L. de Sousa

1883 - 1958

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