A professor from the Federal University of Espírito Santo (UFES) has launched a desperate, month-long search for a lost yellow bag that contained his completed doctoral thesis, a document already signed and approved by his academic evaluation committee. The bag, which also held other important work materials and personal documents, disappeared on April 10th while the professor, Cauê Maia, was cycling in the city of Vitória.
The search effort has moved beyond traditional methods, gaining significant traction and visibility on social media platforms. A video created by Maria Eugênia, a student of Arts, has been instrumental in spreading the word. In the video, she explains the profound personal and professional significance of the lost items, emphasizing that the bag was handmade by the professor himself and contained irreplaceable materials.
The missing thesis, titled "Cada Caminho é um Risco" (Every Path is a Risk), represents the culmination of years of academic work. It was successfully defended at the School of Communications and Arts of the University of São Paulo (USP), making the signed copy an invaluable personal and professional artifact for Professor Maia.
Since the loss, Professor Maia has conducted an exhaustive search across the greater Vitória area. His efforts have included visiting police stations, municipal secretariats, and various educational institutions in hopes of recovering the bag. He has even compiled a detailed inventory of all the items that were inside, underscoring the depth of his commitment to finding them.
The emotional toll of the loss is evident. "You can see how much this has shaken him, because it's not just an object; it's the work of an entire lifetime," Maria Eugênia stated in her appeal. The story has resonated with many, highlighting the sentimental value attached to years of scholarly dedication.
Authorities and the public are being asked to assist in the search. Anyone with information regarding the yellow bag or its contents is encouraged to contact Professor Cauê Maia directly. He can be reached by telephone at (11) 989.960.098 or via email at [email protected].
The case serves as a poignant reminder of how quickly tangible symbols of achievement can be lost, and the power of community and social media in mobilizing a search. The professor's proactive approach, from creating posters to leveraging online networks, demonstrates a determined effort to reclaim a piece of his life's work.
Based on reporting from g1.