Dr Austin Prabhu @ 75 - Heroic Konkani Premi

  •   Fri, Aug 08 2025
  •   By Ivan Saldanha-Shet

August 8, 2025

Austin D'souza Prabhu  was born on August 8, 1950 in Nanthur (known since captivity) in Mangalore, folks of Mumbai are familiar. Remembered for his all around greatness and seen as 'Konkani Premi'. He dared to be different, he dared to chart his own path following the circle was not for him, as his days miraculously extended how else can one explain his innumerable feats accomplished most people fail to achieve in multiple lifetimes together and now a diamond is showered in platinum . Altruist Dr. Austin D’Souza Prabhu  PhD, has surely made a mark on many fronts. Though it is not possible to completely convey all about this ineffable personality, let's look into the facts and life of our 75 year young HERO and be jubilant.  
 




























 
Family Roots & Early life: Austin's ascendants are of typical Konkani roots, from Valencia Mangalore. The first recorded ancestor,  Pascal D'Souza, (born about 1850), One of his sons appears in the Rosario marriage register,  Gaspar born about 1880. The Rosario cathedral marriage register says Gaspar married Christine d/o Sebastian D'Souza & Isabella Lobo....on  Jan 13, 1913. Second of their children is son Gaulbert Paschal Leo (b 28 June 1921 / d 3 Aug 1995), married  Rose D'Souza. Gaulbert and Rose D'Souza, were married in 1945, they are the parents of Dr. Austin. They had 9 children - all now in Chicago (more precisely at Forest Park, Illinois).  Austin, Norbert,  Dorothy, Godwin, Melville, Stany, Felix, and  Queenie. Austin's  siblings too are charter members of the Broadview Kala Sampath Lions Club. He spread Lionism in his entire family and they have a total of  at least 18 lions in his family. 
 
Young Austin went to primary school at St. Joseph’s Calvary Elementary School, Nanthur and  Padua High School, Nanthur, due to interest he did a Mechanical course  from ITI Mangalore; a B.A. from Mysore Open University,  Computer science from Triton College, River Grove, Illinois, U.S.A.; M.B.A (Business Administration) from Pacific Western University, Los Angeles, U.S.A.; and Ph. D. in Management from Pacific Western University, Los Angeles, U.S.A.
 
 Austin married Terry Pinto, a Mangalorean  settled in Bombay/Mumbai,  on October 25, 1980. Austin often speaks about his better half - and yes, behind every successful man is a great woman. He lights up and says   “My dear wife Terry is a terrific woman. She came to the United States when she was just 17. She had to adapt to a lot of change, Mumbai to Chicago then for a young girl was a different universe". She came to the United States when she was just 16. She had to adapt to a lot of change, Mumbai to Chicago then for a young girl was a different universe. As a strong headed young woman, she took up many challenges including working 36 hour stretches 3 times a week to prove herself the best in her profession. Side by side with work and attending University she earned a BS degree in Applied Behavioural Sciences from National Louis University in Lombard and then achieved her MS in Psychology. Her work for Cook County Hospital for 30 years is legendary.  She retired a few years ago taking advantage of the early retirement incentive from the Cook County’s retirement plan. Terry still makes 80% of her salary without  working and by productively staying home now. She will perhaps still get her doctorate in psychology or be an entrepreneur soon after she concludes her duties  as First Lady of district 1-A of the Lions of Illinois, Lions Clubs International.”
 
An inspiration to younger generations: Dr Austin Prabhu, from youthful times in the 1970s in Mangalore, has been the focus of admiration unlimited. His hands-on involvement through a whole range of activities and contributions defies words. When dashing Austin D’Souza came  forward to speak, the young simply erupted in joy, many still remember his gestures, jokes, he was an instant role model and hero and even now, even though he often said he was a zero. He has a special corner for his native culture and language - "Konkani".  

Lion Austin is a writer, Editor, Actor, public speaker, Publisher and a true leader with multi skills, knowledge and experience that is together rare.  Words from his heart never to be forgotten, that one must stand on 'your own feet. You never know when they are going to leave you without giving you any notice. Be humane, spare some time, wealth and energy to uplift the community, those who are in need.  Make one soul happier in this world at least. One-step at a time can take you to the moon. Give yourself respect and challenges and always be positive. Name and fame  follow automatically those who are sincere and hard working. Never say that you have no time. 
 
Terry and Austin have four children in their own image, all grown ups now, with families of their own in key business positions in the US - Anita, Anil, Atina, Angel. Dr. Austin D'Souza Prabhu,has been an extraordinary and exemplary Indian and citizen of the USA. He joined the Padil-Mangalore Lions Club in 1979 and has been a tall member of repute ever since, with scores of admirable honours and achievements. His contribution to his original homeland, to his community, to Kanara and Mangalore and even his mother tongue 'mai bhas' Konkani, is equally  admired in the USA  and his home city in India, Mangaluru.  

Street named after him in the US: A street in Illinois, is named after  Austin D'Souza -Prabhu, the mayor of Forest Park, Illinois, US, passed a resolution favouring this Indian born philanthropist. Mayor of Forest Park honoured Dr Austin Prabhu with his own street sign in Forest Park. Dr Austin is a resident of Forest Park for the past 40 years.  Well, there is much to be said about this extraordinary 'Kodialgar' hero in America...it's impossible to look at aspects of his many spheres of action. 
 
Dr Austin was two terms president of India Catholic Association of America, one-time secretary of  Federation of Indian Associations in Mid-America, Treasurer of The Federation of Indo-American Christian  Associations of North America, Director of New Republic of India, International, Advisor of International Biographical Center, Cambridge, England and so on. His biography was published in several  national/international magazines and websites including Who’s Who in the World by Marquis, USA.  Lion Austin’s family received the 'Asian  American Humanitarian Family of the Year 2005 Award' from Asia TV Chronicle. His American dream is an unending achievement.  All Good Wishes and GOD's Blessings, we cherish the Goodness for times and generations to come. 
 
A Viral verse his daughter composed for most dear DAD - The HERO:
“H is for humbleness. Having the ability to help others without needing credit and helping someone because you can and not because of pride.
E is for energy. Going to meetings and fundraisers that run late into the night, still getting up at 4:30 for work and doing it all with a smile.
R is for rare. Possessing qualities rare that distinguish you from the rest and make you unique.
O is for open. Sending off vibes makes you more appealing, significantly more approachable and open.”

"Here's to a unique, illustrious, multifaceted gentleman still growing, still aspiring, still seeking to reach out. 75 is just a number of years given, today Is just another day on his calendar of possibilities". He moves on....a valuable Diamond set in Platinum now.

 

 

 
By Ivan Saldanha-Shet
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