Media Release
Mysore, May 4: Prof Cletus D’Souza is an eminent personality in the entire Mysore University.
He has served the esteemed University for over 40 years before retiring in November 2013. In honor of his immense service to Department of Studies in Biochemistry, Mysore, a 2-days National Symposium on 'Lipids and Cardiovascular diseases' was organized by Department of Studies in Biochemistry, University of Mysore on April 13 and 14.
Professor Cletus was felicitated during the occasion. Vice Chancellor Prof K S Rangappa, director of NAAC, Prof.H.A Ranganath, chairman of the Biochemistry department Prof B S Vishwanath, veteran doctor M A Shekhar were present at the inaugural event.
Professor Cletus Joseph Michael D’Souza, fondly known among all as “CDS” was born on 2nd November 1951 in the coastal city of Mangalore to Alexander D’Souza and Beatrice D’Souza as the only child. His father was a high school teacher at St.Aloysius School. CDS was gracious, gentle, warmhearted & benevolent even as a kid.
Prof Cletus was a kindergartener at Nazreth Covent, Mangalore. He completed his primary education from Capitanio School & was admitted to St.Aloysius Institution in the same city, from where he finished schooling and also obtained his bachelor’s degree in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics.
His association with Mysore University began in 1972, when he joined for post graduation in Biochemistry. Soon after graduating from Mysore University, he was offered to pursue research in the same department by the then Chairman, Prof.Ramaiah. Thus, Prof Cletus started serving Mysore University as a Guest faculty & Researcher in 1974. He then became a permanent faculty in 1979; rose to the rank of s Reader in 1987 and became a Professor in 1996.
Prof Cletus obtained doctorate in 1979 for his research on 'the structure & function of an ether lipid'. He has worked as a post doctoral fellow at Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada (1980-1982), where he extensively researched on “Phospholipid turnover in neuroblastoma cells”. He has played a key role in establishing post graduation center at Hemagangotri, Hassan in 1993. He had a sabbatical at the Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute (CVRTI), University of Utah, Salt Lake City (1997-1998). He has guided over 25 doctoral students & has published more than 50 scientific articles in reputed national & international journals.
His service extends to BioScience, Genetics, Botany, Molecular Biology & other departments of Mysore University. He is a popular teacher not only in Mysore University but also in Madras University, Sri Krishnadevaraya University, Bangalore University, Davanagere University, Gulbarga University, Kuvempu University, Pondicherry University, Karnataka University, Mangalore University and many others across and outside Karnataka state, where he has delivered many invited lectures.
Prof Cletus vast knowledge and ability to speak on any subject has earned him the title- 'the walking encyclopedia'. His ever-smiling face, positive attitude, patience, generosity, humorous way of teaching are etched in the minds of people he meets. The University Grants Commission has recognized his dedicated work and has awarded him the position of Emeritus Professor.
Prof Cletus D’Souza was seen during the felicitation, with family members and the faculty of Biochemistry department; Beatrice D’Souza (mother) and Edith D’Souza (wife), Richa D’Souza (daughter-in-law), Denver D’Souza (son), Fidel D’Souza (son) , Dr Gopal Marathe, Prof Kemparaju, Dr Jyothi and Prof Vishwanth.