Mangalore’s Dawning Star in Mumbai: Secretary of MPCC, native of Taccode - Felix D'Souza

By Victor Mathias (Vitori), Karkal

[November 3, 2003]

Not many Mangaloreans have entered into the field of Indian politics for various reasons.  Yet, a fistful of people have reached real high level in this field and have set a big and lasting impression.  They have by far created great respect and reputation for themselves by their selfless hard work and sincerity. 

One among such stars is our own Felix D'Souza, a dawning star in Mumbai's wide skies.  He is one of the brightest leading lights of our community - the one who makes us all proud.

 Hailing from a lower middle-class agricultural family from Taccode, Felix D'Souza, aged 42 years, has recently been appointed secretary of Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC).  This is a highly competitive state level post in any political party.  

Felix was born on May 2, 1962 at a place called Surlai in Taccode, on the banks of Falguni river.  His parents are - late Alex D'souza and Mrs Lillian D'souza.  Having completed his primary education in Taccode, Felix did his PUC in Mulki and then acquired a mechanical Diploma from St Mary's, Mumbai’s.

 Employment:  

Felix D’Souza Joined Bombay Suburban Electrical Supplies [BSES] at Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation [MIDC] as a mechanical operator and in 1985, he was promoted to the post of Supervisor.  Since 1995, he has been giving his valuable service as Foreman for this organization.

Trade Union activities and politics:

Felix joined as a basic member of Bombay Electrical Workers' Union [BEWU] in 1982 and later rose up to be a major power there. He worked as secretary of the Union from 1990 to 1993 and vice president from 1994 to 2000.  From 2000 onwards, he has been serving the Union as its president.  As the trade unions in Mumbai are by default parts of political parties, union activities made him grow into a political power in Maharashtra. 

Felix was the executive committee member of G R Khairnar's 'Sukano' committee, formed to demolish unauthorised buildings in the Brahanmumbai Municipal Corporation [BMC] limits.  Presently, Felix is the executive committee member of All India Electric Workers' Union, vice president of the Jayashree Krishna Parisara Premi Samiti.

Future: 

Speaking exclusively for Daijidubai.com, Felix said that though politics is not his favourite field, because union activities are closely associated with politics, Congress party made him get involved in politics at Maharashtra state level.  As a result, as Felix puts it, today he has been 'made' the secretary of MPCC.  "Politics may have a negative opinion in an ordinary citizen's mind, but it gives you unlimited options to serve people.  I think of only the latter part in my mind", he says. 

Political pundits estimate that Felix D'Souza will get the 'B' form from Congress party to contest MLA's election in Maharashtra.  Being president of Bombay Electrical Workers' Union having a total strength of over 25,000 employees, he is positive that he can easily emerge victorious in the contest.

As Felix is an ardent supporter of our community as well as has high regards for our culture, tradition and language, he is planning to contribute for the welfare of our community to a maximum extent possible. "It is my dream and greatest desire to build a 'Konkani Bhavan' in Mumbai with the assistance of Mumbai Konkani Bhasha Mandal", he Felix proudly says.

Married to Agnes Furtado of Mulki and having three children - Allen (16 years), Auldren (10 years), and Altson (8 years), Felix is a content man in his life.  

Indeed, Felix D'Souza is a living example to our aspiring youth to prove that poverty and insufficient qualification is in no means a hindrance to prove one's abilities.  It is sheer hardwork, real talents and unfailing ardour that can take you to any heights in life.  He still has a long way to travel.