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{{Short description|Jesuit priest | {{Short description|Indian Jesuit priest (1897–1977)}} | ||
{{Use Indian English|date=October 2015}} | {{Use Indian English|date=October 2015}} | ||
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2018}} | {{Use dmy dates|date=November 2018}} | ||
'''Jerome D'Souza''', [[Society of Jesus|SJ]] (6{{nbsp}}August 1897{{snd}}12{{nbsp}}August 1977) was an Indian [[Jesuit]] priest, educationist, writer and member of the [[Constituent Assembly of India|Indian Constituent assembly]] (1946–50).<ref name="Parliamentofindia.nic.in">{{cite web |url=http://parliamentofindia.nic.in/ls/debates/vol1p1.htm |title=CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY OF INDIA – Volume I |newspaper=Parliamentofindia.nic.in/ls/debates/vol1p1.htm |date= |last= |accessdate=28 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160706203405/http://parliamentofindia.nic.in/ls/debates/vol1p1.htm |archive-date=6 July 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref> | |||
[[File:Jerome D'Souza 2 (1897-1977).jpg|thumb|Jerome D'Souza]] | [[File:Jerome D'Souza 2 (1897-1977).jpg|thumb|Jerome D'Souza]] | ||
==Early years and formation== | |||
Born in the [[Mulki, Karnataka|Moolki]] town of [[Mangalore]] in the erstwhile [[South Canara]] district of [[British India]], to a [[Catholic]] family cultivating intellectual interest, Jerome was soon at home in several local languages. He did his secondary schooling at [[St. Aloysius College (Mangalore)]] and college studies in [[St. Joseph's College, Tiruchirapalli|St. Joseph's College]] ([[Tiruchirapalli]], [[Tamil Nadu]], India). Completing finally the English Literature course at the [[University of Madras]] (Chennai) he first taught a year at St Joseph's College, Trichy, before deciding to enter the [[Society of Jesus]] (29 May 1921). <ref>{{Cite web |title=Fr Jerome D'Souza: A pioneering Mangalorean Jesuit |url=https://konkancatholic.com/fr-jerome-dsouza-a-pioneering-mangalorean-jesuit/ |access-date=2025-02-14 |website=KONKANCATHOLIC.COM |language=en}}</ref> | |||
He then went through the usual Jesuit training, doing his theological studies with the French Jesuits in [[Belgium]] at the end of which he was ordained [[Catholic priest|priest]] on 30 August 1931 ([[Enghien]], Belgium). He hailed from the [[Mangalorean Catholic]] community.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Jerome D'Souza |url=https://www.constitutionofindia.net/members/jerome-dsouza-2/ |access-date=2025-02-14 |website=Constitution of India |language=en-US}}</ref> | |||
==Educationist in Tamil Nadu== | ==Educationist in Tamil Nadu== | ||
Back in India in 1933, he was appointed professor in his alma mater, the [[St. Joseph's College, Tiruchirapalli|St | Back in India in 1933, he was appointed professor in his alma mater, the [[St. Joseph's College, Tiruchirapalli|St Joseph's College]] of Trichy of which he became within a few years, rector and president. An able administrator, Jerome was also a convincing [[orator]]. He soon attracted the attention of Sir [[C. Rajagopalachari]] (known as Rajaji), the then president of the [[Indian National Congress]]. Transferred in 1942 to the [[Loyola College, Chennai|Loyola College]] of Chennai (formerly Madras), to be its rector and later its Principal,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Raghavan |first=Vikram |date=26 January 2020 |title=The forgotten founders of India |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/the-forgotten-founders-of-india/articleshow/73617916.cms?from=mdr |access-date=28 February 2025 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}</ref> D'Souza soon became involved in the legal establishment of the [[University of Madras]] (Chennai). When the time came to form an assembly that would draw a constitution for the country—the independence of India was near—D'Souza's name was proposed by Rajagopalachari to the Madras legislative assembly. He was elected to represent them at the constituent assembly of Delhi. | ||
==Member of the Indian Constituent Assembly== | ==Member of the Indian Constituent Assembly== | ||
At the assembly (1946 to 1950), along with the Protestant leader [[Harendra Coomar Mookerjee|H.C. Mukherjee]], | At the assembly (1946 to 1950), along with the Protestant leader [[Harendra Coomar Mookerjee|H.C. Mukherjee]], D'Souza ensured the rights of the minorities (especially of worship and education) were fully protected by the proposed text and the right to practice and propagate one's religion were included in the constitution as fundamental rights of all citizens of India.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-08-08 |title=Pride of Kanara; True Son of India, Fr Jerome D'Souza SJ |url=https://www.jaaindia.com/news/book-release-function-%E2%80%9Cpride-kanara-true-son-india-fr-jerome-d%E2%80%99souza-sj%E2%80%9D |access-date=2025-02-14 |website=www.jaaindia.com |language=en}}</ref> | ||
==Statesman and diplomat== | ==Statesman and diplomat== | ||
In Delhi he soon gained the trust and admiration of [[Jawaharlal Nehru]], the first prime minister of independent India who often consulted him in educational matters and used his oratorical skill. At the instance of Nehru he was also involved in delicate diplomatic negotiations: | In Delhi he soon gained the trust and admiration of [[Jawaharlal Nehru]], the first prime minister of independent India who often consulted him in educational matters and used his oratorical skill. At the instance of Nehru he was also involved in delicate diplomatic negotiations:<ref>{{Cite web |title=Jerome D'Souza: The man who helped shape India's freedom book - Living in Faith |url=https://www.livingfaith.in/daily-reflection/jerome-dsouza-the-man-who-helped-shape-indias-freedom-book/?srsltid=AfmBOor1QRO83ZtrAMkrlEDrQnuQ6xjS_5sDJJaFD4Nhq_MDQpMRg2uS |access-date=2025-02-14 |website=www.livingfaith.in |language=en-US}}</ref> | ||
* He negotiated with the [[Holy See|Vatican]] the termination of the Portuguese [[Padroado]] system that was giving to [[Portugal]] an undue say in the appointment of [[bishops]] in India. | * He negotiated with the [[Holy See|Vatican]] the termination of the Portuguese [[Padroado]] system that was giving to [[Portugal]] an undue say in the appointment of [[bishops]] in India. | ||
* He was involved in the negotiations with the [[French government]] leading ultimately to a peaceful transfer of the French colonial settlements ([[Chandannagar]], [[Pondicherry]], etc.) to the new Independent India. | * He was involved in the negotiations with the [[French government]] leading ultimately to a peaceful transfer of the French colonial settlements ([[Chandannagar]], [[Puducherry (city)|Pondicherry]], etc.) to the new Independent India. | ||
* On four occasions | * On four occasions D'Souza was member of the Indian delegation to the [[United Nations|UNO]]'s yearly general session. | ||
* His command of French, Spanish, Italian and German languages, besides English opened him many doors and he was often invited to give talks and lectures on Indian culture, history and politics, in various parts of the world. | * His command of French, Spanish, Italian and German languages, besides English opened him many doors and he was often invited to give talks and lectures on Indian culture, history and politics, in various parts of the world. | ||
==Indian Social Institute== | ==Indian Social Institute== | ||
At the request of the [[Superior General of the Society of Jesus]], | At the request of the [[Superior General of the Society of Jesus]], D'Souza founded in [[Pune]] (India) the [[Indian Social Institute]] (now in New-Delhi, 10, Institutional Area, Lodhi Road New Delhi), and started publishing a journal ''Social Action in 1951'' that has nowadays is a large circulation in social and academic circles. He became its first Director (1951–1956). Later, in 1957, D'Souza was made the Assistant and adviser of the Superior General of the Jesuits ([[Jean-Baptiste Janssens]]) for Indian and Asian affairs. He returned to India in 1968 and spent his last years writing articles and books, giving lectures and courses. He died in Madras in 1977. Jerome D'Souza was one of the best known [[Jesuits]] of his times. Still many gratefully visit his tomb at Christ the King Church, in [[Loyola College, Chennai]] campus. | ||
==Recognition== | ==Recognition== | ||
[[File:Jerome D'Souza 1997 stamp of India.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|D'Souza on a 1997 stamp of India]] | [[File:Jerome D'Souza 1997 stamp of India.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|D'Souza on a 1997 stamp of India]] | ||
In 1997, the Indian government issued a stamp to commemorate his birth centenary. | In 1997, the Indian government issued a stamp to commemorate his birth centenary.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Jerome D'Souza, SJ |url=https://www.manresa-sj.org/stamps/1_DSouza.htm |access-date=2025-02-14 |website=www.manresa-sj.org}}</ref> | ||
==Writings== | ==Writings== | ||
| Line 44: | Line 44: | ||
==External links== | ==External links== | ||
{{Commons category|Jerome D'Souza}} | {{Commons category|Jerome D'Souza}} | ||
*[https://books.google.com/books?id=dcDhYz8vUKcC& | *[https://books.google.com/books?id=dcDhYz8vUKcC&q=christians+in+secular+india Jerome D'Souza's role in Constituent Assembly] | ||
{{Subject bar |portal1= Biography |portal2= Catholicism |portal3= India}} | {{Subject bar |portal1= Biography |portal2= Catholicism |portal3= India}} | ||
| Line 52: | Line 52: | ||
[[Category:1897 births]] | [[Category:1897 births]] | ||
[[Category:1977 deaths]] | [[Category:1977 deaths]] | ||
[[Category:20th-century | [[Category:20th-century Indian Jesuits]] | ||
[[Category:Konkani people]] | [[Category:Konkani people]] | ||
[[Category:Mangaloreans]] | [[Category:Mangaloreans]] | ||
[[Category:Christian clergy from Mangalore]] | [[Category:Christian clergy from Mangalore]] | ||
[[Category:Members of the Constituent Assembly of India]] | [[Category:Members of the Constituent Assembly of India]] | ||
[[Category:Academic staff of Loyola College, Chennai]] | |||
Latest revision as of 23:51, 21 March 2026
Jerome D'Souza, SJ (6 August 1897 – 12 August 1977) was an Indian Jesuit priest, educationist, writer and member of the Indian Constituent assembly (1946–50).[1]
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Early years and formation[edit | edit source]
Born in the Moolki town of Mangalore in the erstwhile South Canara district of British India, to a Catholic family cultivating intellectual interest, Jerome was soon at home in several local languages. He did his secondary schooling at St. Aloysius College (Mangalore) and college studies in St. Joseph's College (Tiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu, India). Completing finally the English Literature course at the University of Madras (Chennai) he first taught a year at St Joseph's College, Trichy, before deciding to enter the Society of Jesus (29 May 1921). [2]
He then went through the usual Jesuit training, doing his theological studies with the French Jesuits in Belgium at the end of which he was ordained priest on 30 August 1931 (Enghien, Belgium). He hailed from the Mangalorean Catholic community.[3]
Educationist in Tamil Nadu[edit | edit source]
Back in India in 1933, he was appointed professor in his alma mater, the St Joseph's College of Trichy of which he became within a few years, rector and president. An able administrator, Jerome was also a convincing orator. He soon attracted the attention of Sir C. Rajagopalachari (known as Rajaji), the then president of the Indian National Congress. Transferred in 1942 to the Loyola College of Chennai (formerly Madras), to be its rector and later its Principal,[4] D'Souza soon became involved in the legal establishment of the University of Madras (Chennai). When the time came to form an assembly that would draw a constitution for the country—the independence of India was near—D'Souza's name was proposed by Rajagopalachari to the Madras legislative assembly. He was elected to represent them at the constituent assembly of Delhi.
Member of the Indian Constituent Assembly[edit | edit source]
At the assembly (1946 to 1950), along with the Protestant leader H.C. Mukherjee, D'Souza ensured the rights of the minorities (especially of worship and education) were fully protected by the proposed text and the right to practice and propagate one's religion were included in the constitution as fundamental rights of all citizens of India.[5]
Statesman and diplomat[edit | edit source]
In Delhi he soon gained the trust and admiration of Jawaharlal Nehru, the first prime minister of independent India who often consulted him in educational matters and used his oratorical skill. At the instance of Nehru he was also involved in delicate diplomatic negotiations:[6]
- He negotiated with the Vatican the termination of the Portuguese Padroado system that was giving to Portugal an undue say in the appointment of bishops in India.
- He was involved in the negotiations with the French government leading ultimately to a peaceful transfer of the French colonial settlements (Chandannagar, Pondicherry, etc.) to the new Independent India.
- On four occasions D'Souza was member of the Indian delegation to the UNO's yearly general session.
- His command of French, Spanish, Italian and German languages, besides English opened him many doors and he was often invited to give talks and lectures on Indian culture, history and politics, in various parts of the world.
Indian Social Institute[edit | edit source]
At the request of the Superior General of the Society of Jesus, D'Souza founded in Pune (India) the Indian Social Institute (now in New-Delhi, 10, Institutional Area, Lodhi Road New Delhi), and started publishing a journal Social Action in 1951 that has nowadays is a large circulation in social and academic circles. He became its first Director (1951–1956). Later, in 1957, D'Souza was made the Assistant and adviser of the Superior General of the Jesuits (Jean-Baptiste Janssens) for Indian and Asian affairs. He returned to India in 1968 and spent his last years writing articles and books, giving lectures and courses. He died in Madras in 1977. Jerome D'Souza was one of the best known Jesuits of his times. Still many gratefully visit his tomb at Christ the King Church, in Loyola College, Chennai campus.
Recognition[edit | edit source]
In 1997, the Indian government issued a stamp to commemorate his birth centenary.[7]
Writings[edit | edit source]
- Sardar Panikkar and the Christian Missions, Tiruchi, 1957.
- The Church and Civilization, Garden City, 1967
- Speeches and Writings, Madras, 1972.
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ "CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY OF INDIA – Volume I". Parliamentofindia.nic.in/ls/debates/vol1p1.htm. Archived from the original on 6 July 2016. Retrieved 28 December 2017.
- ↑ "Fr Jerome D'Souza: A pioneering Mangalorean Jesuit". KONKANCATHOLIC.COM. Retrieved 14 February 2025.
- ↑ "Jerome D'Souza". Constitution of India. Retrieved 14 February 2025.
- ↑ Raghavan, Vikram (26 January 2020). "The forgotten founders of India". The Economic Times. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 28 February 2025.
- ↑ "Pride of Kanara; True Son of India, Fr Jerome D'Souza SJ". www.jaaindia.com. 8 August 2023. Retrieved 14 February 2025.
- ↑ "Jerome D'Souza: The man who helped shape India's freedom book - Living in Faith". www.livingfaith.in. Retrieved 14 February 2025.
- ↑ "Jerome D'Souza, SJ". www.manresa-sj.org. Retrieved 14 February 2025.
Bibliography[edit | edit source]
- SUNDARAM, V.L.: A great Indian Jesuit, Anand, 1986.
External links[edit | edit source]
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