Booker winner thankful to Christian school, donates money

Aravind Adiga, author of "The White Tiger" which won the 2008 booker prize, donated part of the award money to his Christian school for rendering a fine education.

In his letter to Fr Denzil Lobo, the principal of St. Aloysiuis College in Mangalore, Adiga expressed his gratitude and his desire to donate part of his award money in memory of late Father Victor D'Souza, who had been a greaty influence in his life.

"I have donated a part of my prize money for winning the Man Booker Prize for 2008 to my old school, St. Aloysius College of Mangalore, in gratitude for the fine education I received there," Adiga said in an e-mail message.

Father D'Souza, was a "great teacher of physics and chemistry, who also always reminded his students of their responsibility to help and defend the poor and underprivileged," the mail said.

Adiga who already sent 1.5 million rupees to the College wished that the amount can be used to start a special scholarship for the under privileged children.

In addition, Adiga has also promised to help raise funds over Rs 60 crore for a new project aimed at building one of India's best Institute for Management & IT.

St Aloysius College will be honouring Adiga for winning the Booker Prize on Sunday January 4, 2009 during the Aloysian Conclave, which will be attended by Aloysian alumni from all over the world.

Although from a Hindu background, Adiga has strongly criticised the recent anti–Christian violence in Orissa and Karnataka.

"I am a Hindu, but I grew up in a Christian neighbourhood, studied in a Catholic school, and had more Christian friends than Hindu friends. The recent attacks on Christians in Mangalore and its vicinity have shocked me deeply. These are heinous acts, and I condemn them entirely," he said.