MARGAO: A well-known figure in the traditional fishing and tourism sector, Benaulim-based fisherman Pele Fernandes appealed to the student community not to destroy their future by indulging in drugs and alcohol, but to instead use their energy for sports activities.
In an interesting session titled ‘Goa’s Celebrated Fisherman’ organised by Shree Damodar College of Commerce and Economics, Margao on Friday, Pele was invited to interact with the student community as part of the Yuva Tourism Club.
Pele was recently trending on social media, for teaching cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar the traditional methods of fishing in Goa.
“Youths should keep themselves far away from drugs and alcohol; instead focus on sports activities so your energy is not wasted. It is very alarming that consumption of drugs and alcohol among the youth is on rise and big parties are being held here, involving the abuse of drugs,” said Pele.
He opined that the South district, especially the comparatively quieter beach belt, is far safer than the North district, when it comes to ‘drug parties’.
“We used to witness naked tourists on the beaches of Goa during our childhood days. However, this nuisance has now stopped but shockingly, drug parties are on the rise in Goa. This is an
alarming sign with regard to the future of the younger generation,” said Pele.
Replying to a question raised by one of the students, he said it was a proud moment for him when he met Sachin Tendulkar and interacted with him; giving him a hands-on crash course
about the traditional ways of fishing in Goa.
“Being a football player, my interest for cricket was only because of Tendulkar. I used to light firecrackers whenever Tendulkar scored a century, by spending money earned through fishing,” he recalled. Nearly hundred students from the college attended the interactive session.
