Ujire : Cashmir Minezes, 80, retired headmaster of Sri Manjunatheshwara Aided Kannada Medium High School, Dharmasthala died of age-related illness on Wednesday, February 12, in Mangaluru.

A statement from Srikshetra Dharmasthala, here said Minezes earlier worked as the warden of Rathna Manasa hostel that provides life skills training to students from 1973 to 2008. He leaves behind wife and two daughters.

Beginning his career as the warden, later Minezes joined the SDM Secondary School as a graduate assistant teacher. Launching Bhavi Krishikara Sangha (future farmers’ association) at the school in association with Syndicate Bank Krishi Pratishthana, he arranged training in horticulture, dairy farming, accounting, cooking, hair dressing, farming and such other activities. After being promoted to the cadre of head master, he was transferred to the Dharmasthala High School.

Srikshetra Dharmasthala Pattadhikari D. Veerendra Heggade condoled the death of Minezes and recalled his contribution to Rathna Manasa Hostel, the schools and the Srikshetra Dharmasthala Rural Development Project. As an agricultural expert, he travelled across the State to establish self help groups under SKDRDP, Mr. Heggade said.