Father Jerome d’Souza (1897-1977)
Technical Data
| Stamp Set | Birth Centenary |
|---|---|
| Date of Issue | December 18, 1997 |
| Denomination | Rs. 2 |
| Quantity | 400000 |
| Perforation | comb 13½ x 13 |
| Printer | Security Printing Press, Nashik |
| Watermark | No Watermark |
| Colors | Red Brown |
| Catalog Codes |
Michel IN 1600 Stamp Number IN 1661 Yvert et Tellier IN 1366 Stanley Gibbons IN 1764 |
| Themes | Anniversaries and Jubilees | Churches-Cathedrals-Basilicas-Chapels | Clergy | Famous people | Men | |
Table of Contents
Commemorative Stamp: Jerome D’Souza S.J.
Overview of Jerome D’Souza S.J.:
- Birth: August 6, 1897.
- Profession: A distinguished professor of English Literature.
- Administrative Roles: Early in his teaching career, he took on administrative responsibilities, serving as Principal and Rector at St. Joseph’s College, Tiruchirappalli, and Loyola College, Madras, for fifteen years.
- Involvement in University Affairs: Actively engaged in the affairs of Madras University as an elected member of its Syndicate.
Political and Diplomatic Contributions:
- Constituent Assembly:
- Sponsored by C. Rajagopalachari, Jerome D’Souza was elected to the Constituent Assembly, where he earned the respect of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.
- Nehru recognized his oratory skills, mastery of multiple languages, reputation as an educationist, and balanced judgment, which were instrumental in his role in the Assembly.
- United Nations Representation: Selected four times as a member of the Indian Delegation to the United Nations.
- Diplomatic Negotiations:
- Served as Nehru’s unofficial ambassador in delicate negotiations with the French Government for the transfer of French Indian territories to Independent India.
- Engaged in negotiations with the Holy See regarding Indo-Portuguese issues affecting ecclesiastical appointments in India.
Social and Educational Contributions:
- Founder of the Indian Social Institute: Pioneered social education in India, focusing on the upliftment and empowerment of marginalized communities.
- Role in the Jesuit Order: Elected as the Jesuit General’s first Assistant in charge of Indian and Asian Affairs, a position he held for nearly eleven years in Rome.
- Vatican Consultant: Frequently consulted by various Vatican administrative bodies.
Death:
Jerome D’Souza passed away on August 12, 1977, just six days after his 80th birthday.
Legacy:
- Commemorative Stamp: Issued by the Department of Posts to honor Jerome D’Souza S.J.’s contributions to education, diplomacy, and social reform.
- Significance: The stamp commemorates his remarkable life dedicated to service, education, and nation-building, leaving a lasting impact on Indian society and international relations.