PROFESSOR ALBAN CASTELINO – Talents Incarnate Mangalorean.
Prof. Alban Castelino, popularly known, as “Alban Maesthry” is now an octogenarian, is a versatile genius and talents incarnate Mangalorean. He is well known for his intellectual, social, cultural and amiable characteristics. He is an actor, an educationalist, a literary writer, play director, musician, instrumentalist and choirmaster. In him is the blending of multifarious talents rightly bestowing on him the title Talents Incarnate Mangalorean.

Alban was born on December 11, 1924 to a devout couple, late Mr Marcel and late Mrs Monica Magdalena Castelino at Kadri village of Mangalore. Alban was eldest among the 5 siblings of his parents out of which only one was daughter. Castelino family was so devout that at each sunset they begin their family Rosary. Mrs Monica was gifted with a melodious voice. Her singing of devotional hymns attracted Alban, which later on became the strong foundation of his musical talent.

Having completed his primary studies at Sebastian’s Hr. Elementary School, Bendur, secondary and degree level studies at St. Aloysius College Mangalore with a gold medal in B. Sc degree (Physics) in 1946 under Madras University, Alban did his post-graduate studies in science at St. Xavier’s College Bombay, and obtained M. Sc. degree in 1950 with a distinction. His thirst for knowledge forced him to embrace the teaching career. Hence, he joined the teaching faculty of St. Aloysius College, Mangalore as a physics lecturer and contributed his best until he retired in 1980. His commitment and love for students was great. He was promoted as a Reader, a Professor and finally as the Head of the Department of Physics.

He was the Founder Director of the Konkani Institute of St. Aloysius College started in 1978, during the centenary year of the college. He was also the lecturer of “Konkani Adhyayan Vibhag” of St. Aloysius College, Mangalore.

Literary Achievements:

1. Prof. Alban was and still continues as the founder editor of the Konkani News Bulletin “Vaishantik Sandesh" published by the Society of Vincent De Paul for more than 25 years.
2. He has edited the book on Konkani folklore “Vovio ani Verse”, the first edition in 1987, and its revised edition in August 1998.
3. He was also the editor of the half yearly magazine "Amar Konkani" published by the Konkani Institute of St. Aloysius College from 1986 - 1994.
4. Prof. Alban has contributed many articles on Science, topics of general interest, and short stories to “Raknno” weekly as well as to other Konkani periodicals.
5. Prof. Alban was a member of the Raknno editorial board for many years.
6. He has given erudite talks on scientific topics and taken part in group discussions which were broadcast over Akaashvani Mangalore.
7. He has authored Physics textbooks of I & II Pre University Course (PUC)

As a Musician and Singer:

Open my ears to music; let
Me thrill with Spring’s first flutes and drums-
But never let me dare forget
The bitter ballads of the slums.
                - LOUIS UNTERMEYER, Prayer

Alban joined the Bendur Church Choir at the age of 18. Observing Alban’s keen interest in music, the choirmaster Shri J.J. Rego taught him musical notations in ‘Sol-Fa’ system. The next Choir Master Shri. Gratian Pinto also helped Alban to improve his musical talents. Alban also learnt the singing of hymns and Masses in English from the devoted sacristan Shri. Jossy Vas. Rev. Msgr. Alexander F. D’Souza provided him with a "guide book” to practice on the church organ, which eventually made him an expert organist during masses in the church. Prof. Alban is immensely grateful to all the above personalities whom he considers as his music gurus.

Prof. Alban was an active member of the Mangalore Philharmonic Choir conducted by Late Shri V.J.P. Saldanha, and was also a member of the group of Ambrosian Singers conducted by late Shri S. I. J. Moras. Above all, Bendore Choir enriched itself due to Prof. Alban. He was its proud choirmaster for 25 years from 1972 to 1992 and from 1997 to 2002.

As a Dramatist:
Besides music, the multi-faceted personality of Prof. Alban was also attracted towards dramatics. As a young man he has acted in a number of Konkani plays staged by the Catholic Action League, Bendur, and also by the Konkani Natak Sabha, Mangalore. Later, he took up the role of a director of the stage-plays. He has directed many religious plays written by Mr. Claud D’Souza, Bendur.

1. ‘Xipai Sant’ in November 1988
2. ‘Agnesachem Balidhan’ in November 1989
3. ‘Jezuchem Lhan Ful’ in Jan 1997.
4. ‘Khursache Vatter’ in 1997 & 2002 (Co-director with Dolla)

1. Director of religious passion play "Jezu Nazaren" written by Jo. Sa. Alvares and staged in 1984 & 1985 on triple stage erected on open ground.
2. Co-Director of the religious passion play “Somiacho Pashanv” written by M.P. D’Sa. (Co-Director with late J.B. Rasquinha and staged in April 1984).
3. Co-Director of “Konkani Sanskritik Sanz” - a Konkani song and dance cultural programme. (Co-Director with late V.J.P. Saldanha and staged in 1987).
4. Co-director of “Khatavin Khaliz” - a Konkani song and dance drama written by V.J.P. Saldanha in 1981.
   
   

• He has been a member and office bearer of Catholic Action League Bendur, during his youthful days.
• Member and Office bearer of St. Vincent De Paul Society.
• Member of the Konkani Natak Sabha since 1953, later he became a member of its Managing Committee; subsequently he became the treasurer and Vice-President of the Sabha.
• He was the founder member of the Board of Directors of CODP, Mangalore.

Honours and Recognitions:

With an impressive record of service in various fields to the Konkani world, he has been the fitting recipient of several honours and recognitions. He was honoured by:

• “Kalasampat”, Mangalore
• “Raknno” weekly during its golden jubilee function in 1988 and its Diamond Jubilee function in 1998
• “Catholic Action League”, Bendur in November 1988
• “Maand Sobhann” in October 1991
• “Konkani Natak Sabha”, Mangalore during its Golden Jubilee function in September 1993
• Mangalore Musical & Cultural Association at Gitanjali in November 1993
• "Catholic Sabha Bendur Unit" in January 1997
• "United Youngsters, Jeppu" during the 220th Wilfy Nite at Don Bosco Hall in November 2004
• "Konkani Lekhokancho Ekvott, Karnataka" at Sandesha Hall in November 2004

Prof. Alban who has now gracefully stepped into the 8th decade of his life, still lives in his birth parish of Bendur, Mangalore. “Simple living and high thinking” seems to be the guiding principle of his life. Though his health has started failing, he takes great comfort from his loving wife Getrude Cecilia Castelino whom he married in April 1954, his daughter Mrs. Annette Pinto and his 3 sons Oscar, Noel and Denzil Castelino who all are well settled in life.

Prof. Alban Castelino has celebrated the Golden Jubilee of his wedding in the month of April 2004.

Konkaniworld.com appreciates the inspiring intellectual, skill oriented, musical and journalistic qualities of Prof. Alban Castelino, recognizes his contribution to Konkani Community and wishes him long happy retirement life and confers on him the prestigious title Konkaniworld Super Star.


By: Rev. Dr Ronald Cutinha