A land is recognized
by the people it cultures! Goa has been known
far & wide for the genre of individuals, whose compassion, intellect &
their outlook towards the world, has always been associated with harmony. We
can spot a Goan amidst an exodus of peoples.
Such was an
individual, (late) Luigi Ferrao, vis-a-vis the Panjim City and its populace.
Panaji has seen many illustrious individuals, who have carved a special niche,
on the world map. A very low profiled personality, Luigi’s achievements can be
judged against the legendary ‘iceberg’, – which very humbly displays just a
miniscule part of its mass to the viewer, but he had a tenfold goodness,
accruing to him, which he never flouted.
On 29th April 2018,
his journey of achievements, on this planet came to an abrupt end, sending
waves of shock amongst those who knew him. A part of each one had suddenly
vanished into oblivion, without any inkling. From that day on, the outlook of
people, who traversed the Dr. A.B. Road, underwent an imperceptible change. The
shrill shout of your name, as you passed by his residence next to EDC House,
would never be heard again! The thick set of moustache, would never be visible
again!
Born on 5th February
1957, at Goa Medical College, then at Panaji, he grew up as the most loved
amongst his many endearing cousins. Though loved by family, the writer can
confidently say that the entire Panjim youth of his age, considered him their
own cousin; – and he never fell short of their confidence in him!
For any Panjimite,
(late) Luigi Manuel Antonio Romeo de Menezes Ferrao was “more than a friend”!
His mother recounted fond memories, of the naughty bug in him, from childhood.
His grandfather operated a pharmacy “Farmacia Miguel de Menezes”, on 31st
January Road. A triple seater cycle ride and their child’s demand for a soda,
at a prominent eatery, were emotional recollections.
At a time when educational facilities in Goa were limited, he
completed his Premeiro Grau & Segund Grau at the then famous Escola de
Massano de Amorim, in the heart of Panaji. He later went on to complete his
schooling at Don Bosco High School, and completed his graduation – B.Sc
(Physics & Chemistry) from Dhempe College of Arts & Science, Miramar.
With a thrill of getting himself updated in education, – he enrolled in the V.
M. Salgaoncar College of Law at Miramar and acquired a degree in L.L.B. He was
an ace hockey player and represented his school & college many a times!
It was around the end 1970’s that he stepped into the world of
hospitality, in which he carried on his journey, till the call came. Initially
having joined Menezes Air Travel, he met his life partner, Maria Ana, who
worked in the same field. On 19th Jan 1985, they decided to tie the knot at the
Immaculate Conception Church, Panaji and then the feasting rolled into the
famous Clube Tennis de Gaspar Dias, Miramar.
In this journey together, they were gifted with a bouquet of
progeny – Abigail, Niquita, Twyla & Gyles. Both elder daughters are married
and well settled, while the younger two have entrenched themselves in the
professions of Dentistry & Architecture. The time he spent with his grand
children, were the most passionate memories!
His daughter reminiscences, “Papa was up for adventure, always!
He always said that there is always a first time. To give it a try, give it a
shot!” He enjoyed monsoon trekking, white water rafting- Dandeli and boating.
Luigi showed a wonderful side of being a compassionate parent, by bestowing
practical upgrading educational aspects and he had a compulsory agenda on the
itinerary – a visit to the local museums. The family outings would be a car
travel displaying his expert driving skills and road sense, they never needed a
Google map! to far away destinations such as Kanyakumari, Kerala, Hampi,
Dandeli, Tarkali, Mysore, Ooty …not forgetting the travels abroad the last
being to Hong Kong and Macau exactly one year back Luigi always respected
“Time” – sometimes a wee bit more than required. His wife recollects that
during their visit to Siliguri, he made sure the family reached the railway
station at 11am, to catch the 5.30pm train connection.
In 1980’s, he joined the very prominent travel agency “Jet Air”
which was then situated on the ground floor opposite the Garcia D’Horta Garden.
Being Area Manager of Jet Air, he was a pillar of strength for this agency,
till the final breath left him.
His passion was also as a hobbyist collector of Old Coins &
Notes. His daughter, married to Kenneth Dias and settled in the USA recollected
that during his visit to Houston, USA, his routine was to visit ‘Traders
Village’. Here was a market, where one could pick many an antique and allied
pieces.
When this writer was doing a film on the ICC Church, Panaji,
Luigi was always there to assist. It was a pleasure & really amazing to
listen to him, as he explained the intricacies of the journey of repairing the
Pipe Organ, one of a handful few in Goa. Today, if the Parish of ICC can hear
the willowy tunes of the centuries old Pipe Organ, all credit goes to Luigi
& his initiative.
He was known as a strict disciplinarian at work, and in the
endeavours he took up. He unwaveringly carried out his duty as the Chairman of
PTA at Don Bosco High School & Higher Secondary & also at the Our Lady
of Rosary High School, Dona Paula. Sr. Emy, former Principal of Rosary High
School remembers the seriousness with which he stood by the decision of
constructing a new school building and he is credited with a lion’s share in
seeking the funds to cross this bridge.
The elders of his community are all praise of him, because it
was his sincere efforts, as the President of the Confraria of the Immaculate
Conception, Panjim that led to the inventory of all its assets. He held this
post for 6 years. The staff of the Confraria, remember him for his concern and
humanitarian review of their emoluments. Besides this, he was an active member
of YMCA since 2008, he was their VP in 2012-13, then a President in 2013-14
& re-elected as Director in March 2018 and has many an activity credited to
him.
The wholesomeness of Panaji City cannot be complete, without a
mention of its famous socio cultural clubs – Clube Nacional & Clube Vasco
da Gama. Luigi has graced its Managing Committee holding different positions.
As a mark of respect, both these clubs were closed for a day, as a mark of
respect to him.
The city of Panjim is privileged to have many living icons, who
have contributed to its socio-cultural fabric. Luigi was part of that coterie
that silently worked to uphold the ethos that is Panaji or Panjim, and create a
name at a national & international level.
Luigi had a passion for two wheelers, his prized possession. He
owned a “Lemon Yellow Coloured Vespa & a Lambretta scooter”, and which he
proudly entered as a display at the 1st Vintage Car & Bike Rally held in
2017 at INOX by GTDC. Today Luigi, may have changed gears to ride the route to
heaven, but the heritage of memories that he has left amongst those who loved
him – irrespective of faiths, is one aspect that is the need of the hour in
present times!
Luigi was a known, well wishing prankster. But the biggest prank
he played on his friends & family was that he never divulged them the
gravity of the sickness that drilled into his self. Extremely few are those
people who bear their Cross, without letting the burden be known to others’.
My friend, it is a promise that, what you
started, we shall carry on – ‘Make people happy with our words and deeds’! We,
his, friends & his extended Panjim Family, pray that his Soul finds Eternal
peace!
