By Matters India Reporter

Bangalore: Jesuit Father (Doctor) Ambrose Pinto passed away Jan 3 at 7 am at Mallya Hospital.

He was suffering from caner of bladder. For long years he was the Principal of St Joseph’s Arts and Science College.

After his retirement he was the Principal of St Aloysius Degree College, Bangalore. He was also Director of Indian Social Institute, Delhi, run by the Jesuits.

He was social scientist, activist and an intellectual giant. And he was at forefront in condemning right wing ideology. In his speech and writings, he always took pro-dalit and pro-poor stand. He participated and let many protest marches supporting the least and the last of the society. He voiced out his opinion fearlessly, upheld secular and constitutional values.

After Gauri Lankesh, it is another big lose in the intellectual arena of Karnataka state, said Jesuit Father Anthony Das, principal of St Aloysius College.

“Father Pinto was an extraordinary Jesuit and a fine human being. He was my school principal, Jesuit companion and a close confidant. Rest in peace Fr Ambrose, your journey here on earth has ended. Until we meet again. I will never forget your friendship, especially while at Ashirvad,” said Jesuit Father Naveen Frank.

Several people paid their tributes to him in social media.

He was a wonderful person, a great man of wealth in knowledge, said Florence Jasmine David.

Father Pinto was “fearless social activist defending defenceless. A priest turnaround Aloysius college Bangalore. Simple man,” Simon Rodrigues said.

“I cannot really imagine that Fr. Pinto is no more. He has been my mentor and in fact she shaped my thinking. I can proudly say that I got an opportunity to work in St. Joseph’s College (2006-2008 November) when he was the principal. Students from Centre for Social Concern and NSS will remember him forever. He has been a person of conviction. He never went away from his calling. I can’t forget the days that he called and read his articles for opinions. He was a great man, a political scientist, a sociologist, a great activist, a sensible journalist and finally someone who loved and worked for the oppressed and suppressed in the society. I saw the greater joy when he became the principal of St. Aloysious, Frazer town, primarily because he got an opportunity to work for the poor students from that locality. I just want to thank him for touching each and every person came to associate with him. May your soul rest in peace,” Elango Stanislaus, a former student, said.