JENIFER FERNANDES
joseph@herald-goa.com
ALDONA: “I may not have been good at studies, but I always believed that hard work would lead to success and happiness. I believe I have a God-given talent to serve people”. That’s how Joaquim Fernandes of Udoi Vaddo, Aldona, sums up his life philosophy. Now 68, Joaquim has been working since the age of 15—fishing, farming, building houses, cleaning wells, fixing roofs, cutting trees, and more. He has never been tied to a single employer or vocation and carries with him a rare sense of joy and pride in doing honest work.
“I didn’t answer my Std VI final exam—I quit school. But even then, I had a clear goal: to work hard and fulfil my ambition,” he says. Joaquim’s story isn’t just about making ends meet. It’s about perseverance, versatility, and a genuine desire to help others. “Every job I’ve done— from mending homes to working in the fields—
I’ve done with a smile. I believe a smile begets another smile, and that’s the real reward,”
he quips.
Over the past 42 years, Joaquim has worked solo on most projects. He only occasionally takes the help of his son or a trusted friend. “People rely on me. So, I make sure their work is done neatly and properly. I don’t hire random labourers because if anything goes wrong, I will be blamed. I’d rather do it myself, even if it takes me two days.”
For Joaquim, being present at the job site is non-negotiable. “I can’t hand over work to someone else and stay away. Mistakes can happen. My presence ensures things go right.”
He believes every kind of work deserves dedication. “Just because something is difficult doesn’t mean it’s impossible. If someone asks you to lift a heavy brick, don’t say ‘I can’t.’ Say, ‘I’ll try.’ If you fail the first time, try again.”
He began working for a daily wage of Rs 6, which eventually increased to Rs 12. “Even if I’m offered more money today, I won’t give up my independence. I like having the freedom to take breaks and choose how I work. Being my own boss gives me peace.”
Joaquim is aware that his line of work is not attractive to most youngsters today. “They have a simpler life. They haven’t grown up working in the sun or dealing with real hardships. Even adults don’t like working in the sun now.”
Still, he holds no regrets. “Maybe I would’ve had a better life if I worked in an office, but I’m satisfied. I’m happy even if the wages are low. There’s dignity in what I do.”
He recalls the olden days fondly. “Earlier, we used clay roof tiles that kept homes cool. Today, everyone wants ACs. It’s not wrong—but where’s the fresh air now?” With six children to raise, Joaquim has lived through many struggles. “It takes blood and sweat to bring up a family. I may not have given them everything, but I gave them what as much as I could. I raised them with values and gratitude.”
His faith in God is unshakable. “Everything I’ve received is from Him. My customers have been kind. I’ve fulfilled every job I took up with
responsibility. If I take up a task, I finish it—no matter how tough.”
Joaquim also makes it a point to guide his clients about how to maintain their homes and wells. “I earned enough to live. I may not have saved for the future, but I educated my children and gave them a better life.”
He acknowledges the uncertainty that lies ahead but remains content. “I’m still working. I don’t know what the future holds, but I’ve lived a happy life.”
To those complaining about unemployment, Joaquim has a message: “You have to give your all. Don’t think about failure before you even begin. Take the first step. If you’re scared to climb the stairs, you’ll never reach the top.”
His caution about hiring outsiders is rooted in today’s realities. “There are so many robbery cases now. I can’t risk someone else’s household for the sake of running mine. I’d rather do the job myself, no matter how long it takes.”
With quiet dignity and relentless passion, Joaquim Fernandes has built a life that many might overlook—but one that deserves admiration.“I thank all those who trusted me with their homes. I believe in hard work, sincerity, and the will to serve.”