Fifty Years, One Knife: Story Of Shanu, Panjim Market’s Beloved Fish Cutter

Despite the high prices of fresh fish being sold in the market, seafood enthusiasts continue flocking to them, with the Panjim fish market remaining a bustling hub led by vendors and local fish cutters like 65-year-old Joao Martin Fernandes, known as Shanu. Having spent over more than five decades mastering the craft learned from his father, Shanu remains a local favorite over newer non-Goan cutters due to his warm demeanor and unique practice of accepting voluntary cutting charges, living by his personal mantra to help others, especially Goans and live happily.