JENIFER FERNANDES
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Aldona : At 74, Minguel Rodrigues of Arambol stands as a quiet testament to how passion, perseverance and gratitude can shape an extraordinary life. Long before music became his calling, Minguel earned his living through sheer hard work — climbing coconut trees, doing household jobs, fishing as a traditional fisherman, and tapping toddy. Life demanded many roles of him, and he embraced each one with dignity.
Music, however, entered his life not through family tradition but through curiosity and deep personal interest. In a home where no one else was a musician, Minguel discovered sound and rhythm on his own terms. His journey began with the violin, followed by the clarinet, and eventually the saxophone — the instrument that would define his identity. His first guide was the church musician, fondly known as “Mistri,” Caitan, who not only played but taught music with rare devotion. Minguel never attended school, yet he found his classroom in the church, where learning flowed freely through discipline and love for the art.
When his interest became evident, support came in unexpected ways. His uncle from Bombay sent him a violin, and later his brother gifted him a clarinet. These instruments were not just objects; they were symbols of belief in a young man’s dream. Minguel began learning music in 1972 and took up the saxophone in 1981. Today, he proudly says he has been playing for over 55 years — all learned free of cost. His mistri never charged a single rupee, believing that music should be passed on, not sold. Every student trained under him grew into a capable musician, and Minguel remains forever grateful for that selfless guidance.
The lessons were strict yet gentle. Notes were given, practice was expected, and corrections were precise. The mistri would listen from a distance, patiently observing before stepping in to guide and correct. That discipline shaped Minguel’s musical foundation. Soon, he found himself playing the violin alongside his teacher in the church choir, a moment that cemented his confidence.
Life, however, was never one-dimensional. Alongside music, Minguel opened a garage and worked as a two-wheeler mechanic, taking on whatever work came his way. Music ran parallel to survival. Over the years, he played in tiatrs for 35 years, performed at functions, and even accompanied families during funerals, offering solace through sound. Today, though travel has become difficult, he continues as a full-time saxophone player, letting music speak where words cannot.
His daughter chose a different path, and despite encouragement, his nieces and nephews showed little interest. Minguel accepts this with wisdom, believing that music can only be learned when the desire comes from within. What seems easy at first reveals its depth only when one truly commits to it. There were times when his efforts went unnoticed, but today, appreciation follows him wherever he plays.
Looking back, he reflects on how times have changed. When he started, few understood music as a profession. He recalls traveling to Margao and earning Rs 400 for a performance — a respectable amount then. Today, musicians earn more, and society better understands the value of art.
He also speaks of the health benefits of blowing instruments and the joy of playing at home, where
music fills not just rooms but hearts.
For Minguel Rodrigues, music is not merely a skill; it is a way of life — one built on interest, discipline, gratitude and unwavering love for the art.
