Lion Dr. Austin Prabhu – Truly a majestic Leo at heart

Dr. Austin tied the knot with Terry Pinto, from Bombay on October 25, 1980. Terry is originally from Mangalore. The couple has four children – Anita, Anil, Atina and Angel. Austin migrated to US on September 28, 1981 to join his wife Terry, leaving behind his beloved city and its people. Austin is indeed a dynamic personality. Such persons come on earth once in centuries. Austin is a dynamic leader, a great actor and a even better writer. He has always been a fighter and not the kind to sit quietly in the face of any crisis or adverse circumstances which may arise in life. One of his strong points is mentoring and developing leaders. During his last visit to Mangalore, Mangaloremithr.com’s Richard D’Souza took the opportunity to speak with Austin. Here are excerpts from the interview.

Dr Austin you began your career as a Journalist. Tell us about your experience in this field. What made you to take this detour in your career?

Yeah, it was in 1972, I joined the then popular Konkani weekly ‘Poinari’ as Manager at the request of its editor late L M D Costa. Certain unfavorable conditions at work place made me to quit the job within two months and I came back to Mangalore. At that time I was a regular writer for Konkani magazines. I used to write especially for Mithr & Jhello owned by late ‘Jo Sa Alvares.’ At that point in time, he was looking for some able hands to write for his magazine Jhello. I met him, and showed my interest to carry forward his work. He agreed and thus I started my journey in the journalism field. After 6 months, I took over Jo Sa’s other magazine ‘Mithr’, for which I was paid a royalty of Rs.10, 000/- My father arranged a loan for me for this cause. Within next 6 months I took over ‘Kannik’ from Sirivanth. Eventually I became the editor and publisher of three Konkani magazines in a year’s time. I put in my entire efforts to market these magazines. The sale was good, people started appreciating the magazines, it was then I thought that I can make a career out of this.

Unfortunately, I published one article in Mithr, based on that time’s hottest issues in the Konkani community. That article was published with-out cross checking the sources. It was against a priest. He filed a case against Mithr in Mumbai. It was difficult for me to then handle both the work simultaneously of running the paper as also legal issues. I used to run to Bombay every now and then to attend to the said court case. I used to find it really difficult to concentrate on my work. The situation became even worst during the emergency, which was declared then by the Indian government. In those days all the papers had to be checked and stamped by the DC office before printing. It was real tough times for me. However, later the priest finally agreed to with-draw the case with certain conditions. I was really tired by then and thought it was enough. Moreover even the sale of magazine was starting to decrease. In between I was also financially cheated by my Bombay representative. In these eighteen months I suffered a lot, mentally, financially as well as physically. All these incidents forced me to quit from this field, with me handing over charge of ‘Kannik’ to Harry Boy and Jhello & Mithr to Dolphy Casscia.

You were one of the most active youth leaders in the 70’s. Tell us some of your achievement as a leader in those days?

I was very shy till my high school; in fact I was the last person to take up any leadership role in my school days. But during my ITI education time in ITI Training Center at Nantoor, a clash occurred between the students and police, which changed my life forever. At that point in time, that the police for the first time fired in air during an incident in Mangalore. From this I learnt that, I should raise my voice whenever there is a genuine cause. Due to this incident I changed myself, and started using my talent.

During the Thyagi Masoode - anti religion bill protest meeting I gathered around 60,000 people from all over Mangalore (according to Central Bureau of Investigation) at Nehru Park, Mangalore on April 1978. I gave a fiery speech in Konkani and for the first time in the history of the city managed to wake up every Mangalorean Catholic who always loved to be in their sleeping cells. As a result there were protests all over Mangalore Diocese. I have never seen such protest by Mangaloreans afterwards. Now I am feeling proud about it. Not only that, this protest helped me to gain a positive mind frame as a religious leader, which I had lost because of the case against me by the Bombay priest. I think this protest was the highest achievement of my youth days.

I have continued my leadership spirit till date. But the most painful part which I see today is that while we gave our leadership to others, our religion is not encouraging us to take leadership. It in-fact is hindering one’s leadership skills and abilities. It should not be like that; everyone should understand his/ her responsibility and use every opportunity to fight for genuine causes.

You are now living in the US, but you are originally from Mangalore, seeped in its culture. Tell me is there any difference between these two cultures?

The two cultures are entirely different and it is hard to find any similarities between these cultures. Initially it was very tough for me because there are no family values out there, whereas in our culture we giving prominent place to family and relationships. But I now am very sorry to say that I don’t find much difference because our modern generation is focused too much on westernization. Youngsters here too don’t have much respect for their parents and relatives. The younger generation here, have also lost their way by means of internet chatting. The pub-club culture is slowly dominating our respectful culture. I am not opposing internet or modern technology, but what hurts me is that, more people are using it for bad things. There are plenty of positive opportunities in e-media and in modern technologies, unfortunately bad is ruling over good.

You served as a leader in both Mangalorean and American organizations. How has your experience been working for these two diverse organizations?

There is a big difference in leading Mangalorean/Indian organization and American/ International organization. There is more discipline, cooperation, commitment and no selfishness in American organization when you compare it to our organizations. Our Mangalorean organizations are lazy and very slow to take any actions, whereas American organizations are doing exceptionally well, they have the professionalism. I have earned respect from these Lions clubs. The Mangalorean organizations are less cooperative and more selfish. We have to learn a lot from these foreign organizations, unfortunately no one is ready to listen or ready for any transformation. The Mangalorean organizations will be more effective only when they adopt professionalism in their work style.

What has been the happiest moment of your life?

The happiest moment was being elected as the Governor of District 1-A. of the Loins Clubs in Illinois, and I am proud of being the first Governor of Indian origin.

What has been the bitterest experience of your life?

One priest who took me to court.

What do you like the most?

The computer and the internet.

What you don’t like?

Drinking and smoking.

Whom do you love the most?

My wife and my children.

Who are the role models of your life?

In leadership George Fernandes is my role model. Apart from him, I am inspired by King Martin Luther, Bill Clinton and Barak Obama.

What is your instant reaction when you are angry?

I sit silently.

What do you do when you are feeling extremely happy?

I love making others laugh.

Do you have any unrealized dreams?

Yes, I want to be the Lions Club International Director. But there is lot of competition and very little chance for Indians (to become director).

Where would you prefer to live after your retirement?

I like Mangalore very much. But because of my family’s immediate needs I can’t. But I will plan a trip to Mangalore at least once in six months.

What is your message to the youth and society?

People must come out of their houses and show their strength to the society. People should be broad minded and start the habit of working for others. Everyone should do their bit for the society. Leave the habit of grabbing from society, start the habit of giving. This will give life-long happiness and society as well as individuals will grow too. Stand on your own feet; do not lean on others. Do not be a selfish person. Do not waste your energy by listening to gossip, ignore it. Nothing is impossible in this world. Take one-step at a time and you will be surprised - you will be running a marathon very soon. Make some time and learn to live for others.

Mangaloremithr.com salutes Lion Austin Prabhu and wishes him the very best in life.