John B Monteiro, a renowned author and founder of the Bondel Laughter Club, passed away at 86 on Tuesday, July 16, due to age-related ailments. Monteiro was celebrated for his influential books, including “Corruption – Control of Maladministration” and its update “India’s Painful Crawl to Lokpal.” He also authored “The History of CASK and Other Centenary Institutions of Mangaluru.”
Monteiro was a prolific writer for both print and electronic media, contributing regularly to daijiworld.com and Daijiworld Weekly. His writings were known for their simplicity, historical anecdotes, and humanism, avoiding vulgarity and negativity. He managed the English section of the Bondel Parish bulletin, ‘Bondelchem Bonder,’ and ran his now-defunct website, welcometoreason.com.
Monteiro led a disciplined life, rising at 5 AM for prayers and reading before conducting ‘Laughter Club’ sessions at Bondel Public Grounds. He introduced laughter therapy to Mangaluru after retiring from L&T in 2000. A quiet and private person, he avoided unnecessary socializing.
Born on July 17, 1938, in Bantwal, Mangaluru, Monteiro completed his education at St Aloysius College and Bombay University. He worked for reputed companies, including a 30-year tenure at L&T, while contributing articles to major dailies. Known as an ‘unknown donor,’ Monteiro supported humanitarian causes anonymously.
Monteiro is survived by his two children, Primrose and Mohan, their spouses, and grandchildren. His legacy as a writer, social worker, and laughter therapist will be remembered fondly.