Austin did his primary schooling at St. Joseph's Calvary Elementary School, Nanthur, and Mangalore. He did his high school at Padua High School, Nanthur, later completed the Mechanical Fitter training from the Industrial Training Institute (ITI), Mangalore. He achieved his graduation in Bachelors of Arts B.A. from Mysore Open University, Computer science from Triton College, River Grove, Illinois, U.S.A, M.B.A (Master of Business Administration) from Pacific Western University, Los Angeles, U.S.A, and PhD in Management from Pacific Western University, Los Angeles, U.S.A.

At the age of 23, he took the responsibility as the editor and publisher of Jhelo Fortnightly (1973-1977), Mithr Weekly and Kannik Monthly Magazines. (1974-1977). During this tenure he edited and published three periodicals and a newsletter simultaneously.




He demonstrated his leadership abilities in April 1978 when he gathered 60,000 people from all over the Mangalore during the “Thyagi Masoode” – Anti Religion Bill. In the Protest meeting at Nehru Maidan he gave a fiery speech in Konkani igniting the spirits in the hearts of the people and waking the Manglorean Catholic too to raise their voice to fight their religious rights.

His book for the youth 'Adarsh Yuvajan' embarks another source of inspiration.



On October 25, 1980 he committed himself in the matrimonial covenant with Terry Lily Pinto, another dynamic lady from Mumbai, at the St. Sebastian’s Church Bendur Mangalore on October 25, 1980. The Almighty rewarded them with four delightful, charming, intelligent children Anita, Anil, Atina and Angel. Austin migrated to the US on September 28, 1981 to join wife Terry, leaving behind his near and dear ones and a soul full of Konkani culture and literature. He obtained his US citizenship on September 10, 1985.

Biography Listings:

• Who's Who of Indian Writers - 1977 by National Academy of Letters (Sahitya Akademi), India
• Asian Writers Who's Who - 1986, Delhi, India
• Marquis Who's Who, New Jersey, U.S.A., Published Annually
• Who's Who in the Midwest - since 1994 Edition
• Men of Achievement - 1995 Edition Published by International Biographical Centre, Cambridge, England
• International Who's Who of Professionals - 1995 Edition
• Who's Who in America - since 1996 Edition
• Who's Who in the World - since 1996 Edition
• Who's Who in Finance and Industry - since 1996 Edition
• Strathmore's Who's Who, New York - 1995 & 1997 Editions

Public Honours:

• Parish Council, Bendur, Mangalore, Vice President Shri A. R. D'Souza in 1981.
• Sangheeth Ghar, Mangalore at Don Bosco Hall, Fr. William Gonsalves Mangalore in 1981.
• Catholic Action League, Bendur, Mangalore, Fr. Mark Valdar in 1981
• Lions Clubs International, District 324-D4 Region 3 Chairman Lion Navneeth Shetty, Urwa Hall in 1999
• Karnataka Konkani Sahithya Academy, ® Mangalore, President Shri Basti Vaman Shenoy in 1999.
• 200th Wilfy Nite, Bendur St. Agnes Special School Grounds, by Bishop of Mangalore – Rev. Dr. Aloysius D'Souza in 1999

Editor and Publisher:

• Jhelo Konkani Fortnightly from 1973 – 1977
• Kannik Konkani Monthly from 1974 to 1977
• Mithr Konkani Weekly from 1974 – 1977.
• Catholic Yuvak Konkani Monthly from 1974 to 1976
• Udev Konkani Daily in 1975during 11th All India Konkani Sahithya Parishad held in Mangalore for 3 days. This was edited by Late C.F. D'Costa.
• Damayan Lion Bulletin, Chicago from 1990 - 1993
• Kala Sampath Roars– Broadview Kala Sampath Lions Clubs Bulletin in 1998.
• Governor's News Letter – District 1-A, Lions Clubs International from 2004 to 2005.

Board Member:

• Raknno Weekly Editorial Board, Mangalore (1978-1981)
• New India Republic International, USA (1999)
• Advisor & Administrative Assistant: District 1-A, Lions Clubs International (2005-2006)

Advisory Board Member:

• International Biographical Centre, Cambridge, England (1995)
• India Catholic Association of America (2000)
• Federation of Indian Associations in Chicago (2000)
• Voice of Asian Minorities (2000)

Honorary President:

Catholic Youth Movement, Diocese of Mangalore (1980-81)

Charter President:

Kala Sampath Lions Club, Broadview, Illinois (March, 1996-97)

President:

• Catholic Action League, Bendur (1973-1980)
• Catholic Youth Movement, Diocese of Mangalore (1975-1980)
• Kala Sampath Cycling Association, Mangalore (1976-79)
• Chicago Damayan Lions Club (1992-93)
• Broadview Kala Sampath Lions Club ((1996-98)
• India Catholic Association of America (1998, 1999) elected twice unanimously
• The Forest Lions Club (Forest Park & River Forest) 1999-2002
• Kala Sampath Konkani Association of America (1999- )
• Mangalorean Konkan Christian Association, Chicago (2001-2005)

Vice President:

• Catholic Sabha, Diocese of Mangalore, ® (1978-1981)
• Padua High School Old Students Assn. (1974-81)
• Catholic Youth Movement, Diocese of Mangalore (1974-1975)
• Chicago Damayan Lions Club (1991-92)

Chairperson:

• Environmental awareness, District 1-A Lions Clubs International (1993-94)
• Prayer Sub-committee, Leadership Day 1994, Archdiocese of Chicago
• Various fund raising programs in Lions Clubs International (Club Level)
• District Publicity and Public Relations Chairman, District 1-A, Lions Clubs International (1994-95)
• Chicago Christmas Parade Committee (1994, 2001, 2002)
• New Member Orientation & indoctrination Committee, District 1-A, Lions Clubs International (1996-97)
• Broadview Kala Sampath Lions Club Candy Day (1996-1999)
• 1999 U.S. National Christian Leadership Summit - (Guest Speaker: Mr. Naresh Chandra, Indian Ambassador to the U.S.) organized by Federation of Indo American Christians of N. America and International Christian Coalition for Human Rights.
• Christmas around the World – Chicago Museum of Science & Industry (Country - India) 1999, 2001
• Forest Park Leo Club Founders Committee, Forest Park (2001)
• District 1-A Special Awards Committee, District Convention 2002
• Lions Clubs International Convention 2007 in Chicago: Public Relations Chairperson
• Lions Clubs International Districts' Governors Elect School Chairperson for 2007

Sponsor:

• Samajik Sudharann Sangh, ® Bombay (1971)
• Chicago North Star Lions Club (1996)
• Forest Park Leo Club (2001)

Co-Chairman:

• Chicago Christmas Parade (1995)
• District 1-A Convention Delegates Certification Co-Chairman (2000)
• District 1-A Convention, District Luncheon (2001)

Founder:

• Samajik Sudharann Sangh, ® (Activists Organization for Housemaids) Bombay (1970)
• Kala Sampath, (Cultural Association) Mangalore (1972)
• Jhelo Prakashan, (Konkani Literary Publications) Mangalore (1972)
• Kala Sampath Cycling Association, Mangalore (1978)
• Konkani Bhasha Mandal, ® (Literary Association) Karnataka, Mangalore (1972)
• Kala Sampath Lions Club, Broadview, Illinois, USA (1996)
• Kala Sampath Konkani Cultural Association of America (1999)
• Forest Park Leo Club (2001)
• Mangalorean Konkan Christian Association, Chicago (2002)
• Vision First Program to help needy students in Chicago (2004)
• Lions Open University, Chicago to train new leaders (2005)

Actor:

• Acted in more than 200 Konkani and Tullu dramas in South Kanara and Bombay, India (From Butler to Jesus Christ) Rated as #1 comedy actor and writer at times in Mangalore, India.

• Took part in several Lions Clubs International Videos for International Conventions

Sector Coordinator: Lion Austin was elected Sector Coordinator of Lions Clubs International Sight First II Campaign covering half the state of Illinois.



Vice District Governor: District 1-A, Mother District of Lionism, Chicagoland



Governor: District 1-A, Mother District of Lionism, Lions Clubs International

Director: Many Konkani, Tulu and Kannada Stage and Radio Plays in India

Writer:

• 8 three-hour Stage Plays and 35 Farces in Konkani and Two three-hour Stage Plays and 4 Farces in Tulu

• Number of articles and poems in several Konkani newspapers and Prajamatha - Kannada Weekly.


Publications:

• Printed and Published Three Konkani Magazines simultaneously and managed financially four Konkani Story Books by different authors and one Educational Book of my own "Adarsh Yuvajann" (Model Youth) Two Editions in one year.

• Ankwar Celly- a social one-act play published by Raknno Prakashan, Diocese of Mangalore, India (1996). This was the first e-drama published in Maibhas.com

Audio Cassette:

One act short play - "Somia Kakulth Ker" (Lord Have Mercy) in Konkani language released on December 19th 1999.

Radio Plays:
Broadcasted 10 Konkani small plays on All India Radio, Mangalore Station (1978-1981) highest of the plays in a shortest period by a Konkani Writer in Mangalore at that time.

Awards & Citations:

• Ankwaar Celly - Best Drama Script Award by Konkani Bhasha Mandal, ® (Literary Organization), Goa (1977)
• Adarsh Yuvajann - Best Educational Book Award by Konkani Bhasha Mandal, ® Goa (1980)
• Best Drama Actor III - Kala Sampath, Mangalore (1980)
• Bendur Parish Council Cycle Race III place, Bendur, Mangalore, India
• President's Appreciation Award - Lions Club (Damayan 1991, Kala Sampath 1997)
• Lion of the Year Award - Damayan Lions Club (1991-92) Awarded by Gov. King Pye, Dt. 1-A
• 100% President Award - District 1-A (1992-93, Chicago Damayan Lions Club) by Gov. Mike Smigielski
• Club President Excellence Award – Chicago Damayan Lions Club - Lions Clubs International (1993)
• Melvin Jones Fellow - Lions Clubs International Foundation's Highest Award (1992)
• Gold Award - United Way Crusade of Mercy (1990)
• Citation of Achievement - United Way Crusade of Mercy (1988 and 1991)
• Certificate of Appreciation - Lions of Illinois Foundation (1990, 1991, 1992, 96)
• Certification of Recognition - Lions International 76th Annual International Convention, 1993 (Minnesota)



• Super Lion - Lions of Illinois Foundation (Every year since 1991)
• Certification of Recognition - American Diabetes Association (1992)
• Certificate of Appreciation - Chicago Charity Christmas Parade (1992, 1993)
• Certification of Achievement - Rieker Management Systems (1984)
• Certification of Appreciation - Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States of America (1993)
• Certification of Appreciation - Service Award - Logan Square Lions Club (1993)
• Certification of Appreciation - Service Award - Northwest Lions Club (1993)
• Lions Clubs International 100% attendance awards - (1979-)
• District Governor's Appreciation Award (1993-94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 00, 01, 02)
• District Chairman Award - Environmental (1994)
• District Chairman Award Publicity and Public Relations (1995)
• 100% Zone Chairman Award (1995)
• Schering-Plough Excellence Award for Performance and Efficiency @ Wesley Jessen Corporation (1994)
• Lions Clubs International President's (Prof. Dr. Giuseppe Girmaldi) Appreciation Award (1995) Awarded by Past International Director Lion Tom Lehman
• District 1-A Lion of the Year Award (1995-96) Awarded by Past International Director Lion James E. Ervin
• Extension Award 1 - Lions Clubs International (for forming Broadview Kala Sampath Lions Club) 1996
• 100% Region Chairman Award by Governors John Coleman (1996) & John Zelasco (1997)
• Governor's Special Medal from Gov. John Coleman for forming Broadview Kala Sampath Lions Club (1996)
• New Lions Club Sponsor (Chicago North Star Lions) Award (1996)
• Christmas Lights Decoration –? "Yule Yard" Award - Forest Park Review Newspaper - December 1996
• Special Region Chairman Award from District 1-A Governor Lion John Zelasco (1996-97)
• The Lions of Illinois Foundation Fellow (1997)
• Lion of the Year Award – Broadview Kala Sampath Lions Club (1996-97) Awarded by Gov. John Zelasco
• 100% President Award-District 1-A (Broadview Kala Sampath Lions Club) by Governor John Coleman (1997)
• Club President Excellence Award (Broadview Kala Sampath Lions Club) – Lions Clubs International (1996-97)



• Club Membership Director Award – Lions Clubs International (1996-97, 98, 99, 2000)
• Legacy of Lions Award – Lions Clubs International (1996,1997,1998, 1999)
• Guiding Lion Award – Lions Clubs International (1997)
• President's Appreciation Award – Broadview Kala Sampath Lions Club (1997)
• Candy Day Super Chairman Award – Lions of Illinois Foundation - 10% increase (1997, 1998)
• Lion of the Year Award – Broadview Kala Sampath Lions Club (1998) Awarded by V.G. Elect Lion Lou Torres
• Membership Key Award #2 – Lions Clubs International (1998)
• Kala Sampath Roars – II Best Bulletin Award – District 1-A Lions Clubs International Convention (1998)
• Candy Day Super Chairperson Award for 36% increased collection - Lions of Illinois Foundation (1999)
• 100% President-District 1-A (Broadview Kala Sampath Lions Club) Awarded by Governor Jim Schmeltzer (1999)
• Kala Sampath Roars - III Best Bulletin Award - District 1-A Lions Clubs International Convention (1999)
• Outstanding Service Award - Broadview Kala Sampath Lions Club - Awarded by PDG John Coleman (1999)
• Certificate of Appreciation (Service Award) - Montclare Elmwood Lions Club (1999)
• 100% Region Chairman Award - District 1-A Lions Clubs awarded by Governor Joe Ewing (1999)
• Governor's Appreciation Award - awarded by District Governor Lion Joe Ewing (1999)
• Certificate of Appreciation for performing Konkani Maando Folk Dance – Forest Park Public Library (1999)
• Award of Gratitude by United Youngsters, Jeppu, Mangalore, given by Rev. Dr. Aloysius D'Souza, Bishop of Mangalore (1999) in front of more than 7,000 spectators and guests and my whole family.
• Lions District 324-D4, Region 3 Award by Region Chairman Lion K. Navneeth Shetty, Mangalore (1999)
• Lions Clubs International 1999 October Membership Growth Award for sponsoring 2 new members - (1999)
• Lions of Illinois Foundation Progressive Fellowship #2 & #3 (2000)
• "F.I.A. Millennium Leadership Award" for Community Service by Federation of Indian Associations, Chicago (2000)
• "International President's Leadership Medal" by International President Lion James E. "Jim" Ervin (2000)
• 100% Region Chairman Award- awarded by District 1-A Governor Lion Lou Torres (1999-2000)
• Governor's Appreciation Award – awarded by District 1-A Governor Lion Lou Torres (1999-2000)
• "Soaring Eagle Award" – 50th Birthday Celebrations on July 29, 2000 – Dr. Vijay Prabhakar, USA
• Club President Excellence Award – The Forest Lions Club - Lions Clubs International (1999-2000)
• 100% Club President Award – The Forest Lions Club, From District 1-A Governor Lion Lou Torres (1999-2000)
• Exceptional Leadership-Region Chairman Award, District 1-A Governor Lou Torres (1999-2000)
• 31% Membership Growth - Lions Legacy Patch & Pin Award – Lions Clubs International (1999-2000)
• Lions Clubs International "Membership Key Award #5" for sponsoring five new members (2000)
• Outstanding Service Award – India Catholic Association of America, Awarded by Consul Gen. Surendra Kumar, (2000)
• "Leo Club Extension Certificate" from Lions Clubs International for starting Forest Park Leo Club (2001)
• International President's Award (Second Highest Award from Lions Club International) Awarded by Lion Dr. Jean Behar, France, President of Lions Clubs International – Past International Director Lion Phil Y. Tom (2001)
• 100% Region Chairman Award (2001) Awarded by District 1-A Governor Lion Dan O'Reilly
• Governor's Appreciation Award (2001) Awarded by District 1-A Governor Lion Dan O'Reilly
• Certificate of Appreciation (2001) Awarded by District 1-A Governor Lion Dan O'Reilly
• Lions Clubs International "Membership Key Award #10" for sponsoring 10 new members (2001)
• District 1-A Lions Clubs, Quality Leadership for Best Region Chairman (Region 2) Award (2001)
• District 1-A Lions Clubs, Quality Leadership for Best Club President (The Forest) Award (2001)
• District 1-A, Region 2 Lions Clubs, Best Club in the Region (The Forest) Award (2001)
• 100% Club President Award-The Forest Lions Club, awarded by District 1-A Lions Clubs (2001)
• 5 Star Club Award – The Forest Lions Club, awarded by District 1-A Lions Clubs Governor (2001)
• Governor's Appreciation Award: Club and Special Awards Chairman 2002, Gov. Catherine Rondinelli
• Governor's Appreciation Award: Region Chairman, Region 2 – 2002, Gov. Catherine Rondinelli
• Governor's Appreciation Award: Chicago Christmas Parade Chairman – 2002, Gov. Catherine Rondinelli
• Certificate of Appreciation, USA/Canada Lions Leadership Forum, Texas, 2002 for presentation during Forum.
• Governor's Appreciation Award: Region Chairman, Region 2 by Gov. Georg Toft – 2003
• Asian American Hall of Fame Award, Chicago (2003)
• Governor's Appreciation Award: Vice District Governor, by Gov. Georg Toft – 2004
• Asian American Humanitarian Family of the Year Award, Chicago (2004)
• Five New Clubs Extension Award from International President Lion Dr. Tae Sup Lee (2005)
• International President's Leadership Medal by International President Lion Dr. Tae Sup Lee (2005)
• 'Man of the Century' Award by Mendes Group, Canada (2005)
• Certificate in Comcast Public Access TV Production (2006)

Lion Austin was also 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 Centre, Cambridge, England, chairman, Leadership Day Prayer Committee, Archdiocese of Chicago, etc. His biography published in several national & international magazines and websites including Who’s Who in the World by Marquis, USA.

He has served on all of the club committees and chaired most, including Candy Day, The July 4th Parade and the St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

Late Lions Club Governor Bruno Bayer appointed Lion Austin to the District Cabinet as Environmental Chairman in 1993, and he was appointed Zone Chairman by Governor John Coleman and in six months he was elevated to Region Chairman in 1996. Inducted into numerous organizations, Lion Austin served as a President, Vice president, Secretary, Treasurer just to name of few. He is a Member, Board Member and Advisory Board Member, Editor and Publisher of many papers where he has won numerous awards.

Lion Austin was elected as the Governor of District 1-A. of the Loins Clubs in Illinois. He was first Governor of Indian origin, of District 1-A.



Dr Austin’s Message to the viewers of the www.konkaniworld.com : “Accept challenges in life. Dare to confront what can only be imagined. Never be frightened due to the height of a mountain, but climb it step by step and the height becomes zero. Instead of seeking for opportunities, create opportunities to manifest your ability. Hard work with smart intellect often leads to success”.

Konkaniworld.com not only recognizes the amount of hard work that has been put in by Lion Dr. Austin Prabhu for the Konkani but also highly appreciates the challenges faced during these years and also for being successful as the first Indian to be the governor in the foreign land. This is an achievement, which makes every Mangalorean to walk with their head high overseas. Konkani Friends with due respect to all his achievement congratulates him and takes the pleasure in honouring Lion Dr. Austin Prabhu as “Konkaniworld Super Star”



By: Rev. Dr Ronald Cutinha