Shillong, Oct 13: Brother Eric Steve D’Souza died on Sunday around 1.20 pm in Goa without meeting his former student and actor Shah Rukh Khan though appeals were made on social media to the star to meet his mentor in the past.
Bro.D’ Souza had taught the actor at St. Columba’s School, New Delhi.
Brother was also posted in St Edmund’s School, Shillong for several years.
In June this year, after meeting the ailing brother in Goa, Congress leader Szarita Laitphlang, who is also a student of Br.D’Souza, made a request to the film star on social media. “This feels like my final plea, my last attempt to reach out to @iamsrk to humbly request his presence by the side of Brother Eric S D’Souza. Each day, Brother ‘s health weakens, his condition worsening with every passing moment. Mumbai, just an hour away by flight, holds the possibility of bringing solace to his ailing heart. DASU has left an indelible mark on all of our lives, shaping us into who we are today through his unwavering commitment to instilling values. Your visit would mean the world to him, a beacon of hope in his darkest hours”.
When asked, Szarita said on Sunday that the mentor died without meeting his beloved student.
She had in June also posted a video of an award function where Khan is seen acknowledging that after his parents, Brother D’ Sousa, who was also present, is dear to him.
“Over these past few months, I’ve been visiting him faithfully. Despite the photos not capturing his true condition, I noticed a glimmer of response whenever @iamsrk was mentioned in Brother’s presence. It’s a testament to the deep bond they share. As his condition worsens, I feel a sense of urgency to act on behalf of our mentor. There’s something holding him back, and perhaps a visit from his favorite student could bring comfort”, Szarita has posted.
It was reported that the nuns, who were attending the patient, had also commented that the brother must be waiting for Khan”s arrival.
Szarita also condoled the death of the teacher.
Br.Solomon Morris, Principal, St. Edmund’s School, Shillong announced on social media addressing all ”’SEPPANS’ that the Christian Brothers family is ‘deeply grieved to announce the sad demise of one of our finest and talented Christian Brothers, Br. Eric Steve D’Souza. He passed away this morning in Regina Mundi Goa. His mortal remains will be brought to Shillong on Tuesday as far as we know and the funeral will most likely be held on Wednesday. The details will be notified as and when we get the news from Goa as the logistics of bringing his mortal remains are being arranged. Please pray for the members of his family as we mourn his loss’.
CM condoles death
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma condoled the death of Bro.D’Souza.
Conrad said, “With profound sorrow, I learned of the passing of Brother Eric Steve D’Souza, an exceptional educator renowned for his dedication to education and compassion. As an esteemed member of the Christian Brothers congregation, Brother D’Souza spent many years serving at St. Edmund’s School in Shillong, leaving an indelible legacy. As a devoted Christian Brother, his pioneering spirit founded Providence School, a beacon of hope for underprivileged children. May Brother D’Souza’s inspiring legacy bring comfort to his family, the Christian Brothers congregation, and the countless lives he transformed through education and compassion. May his soul rest in eternal peace”.
