Veteran educationist Julius Santi is no more

“Bro. Santi was battling acute cancer and because of this, he suffered immense pain during the last few years,” said Father Dominic Matthews in a statement announcing the demise.

SIGA which was founded in 1952 by Santi who was part of last Italian missionaries to reach Indian shore with just 20 students and a couple of old machines at Basin Bridge in North Chennai.

“Nearly 15,000 printing students have studied printing technology at the institute and he is remembered today and will always be remembered all over the world for his service to the student community,” said Raymond Mendonce, head of product development and operations at Nageen Prakashan, who was the studied under Santi between 1992-1995.

“His un-surpassing love to students and especially to the youth from the downtrodden society by ways of monetary help in their education and job placements is unmatched. His yeomen service of over 60 years has nurtured and will be cherished by the print industry,” Mendonce added.

SIGA is known to educate the poorest of poor children in printing technology, who are now placed successfully across the printing industry.

"He would ensure the students got the best training, constantly guiding them and assisting them. He has contributed immensely to the field of printing and will go down in history as an absolute genius in the print world," said Father Harris Pakkam, a close friend and colleague, as well as being the current head of the institute, while speaking to a leading publication.

Print industry leaders and students of the institute mourned the loss and paid homage in numbers at Santi’s funeral held on May 1 at SIGA campus which was also streamed live.