ALDONA: Pascoal Barboza, a tenacious 79-year-old fisherman
from Quitla, exemplifies the spirit of Goa’s coastal heritage. ‘Pasku’, as the
villagers call him, was born into a life of labour rather than academia,
Pascoal’s education began in a mining company, where he was employed at the
tender age of nine. Through the years, he dabbled in various trades, including
contracting work, cleaning wells, working in fields, and building stone walls. Driven
by a passion for toil, he eventually found his calling in the fishing industry.
Pascoal’s expertise in fishing was not acquired through
formal training but through the art of observation. He eagerly joined seasoned
fishermen on their expeditions, keenly observing their techniques. Through this
humble approach, Pascoal gradually became an accomplished fisherman, learning the
nuances of the tides, understanding the timing, and mastering the craft.
Moreover, Pascoal’s skills extend beyond the mere act of fishing.
He has become proficient in stitching a myriad of fishing nets, including the
‘Cobley,’ ‘Zali,’ ‘Paager,’ ‘Cawa’ (for crab-catching), ‘Kataleo,’ and many
more. With perseverance, he taught himself the intricacies of net repair,
ensuring that each net is meticulously restored and ready for the next catch.
In an era of automation and speed, Pascoal emphasizes the significance of
patience and craftsmanship in his work- it sometimes takes him eight days of
toil to complete a single net. While technological advancements have
streamlined net production, Pascoal believes that the quality of handcrafted
nets remains unmatched. His dedication and love for his craft are evident in
each stitch, each repair, and every intricately woven thread.
Pascoal’s understanding of the tides and the art of fishing
has become finely attuned through the past two decades of experience. “I have
had many great adventures during my fishing tripsonce I netted a crocodile. But
I felt sorry, and unravelled him from the net and set him free. I wasn’t afraid
of getting bitten,” he says, earnestly. “Observation and learning from others
have been my greatest teachers. I have always been fascinated by the ways of
the sea and the art of fishing,” he says. However, as the sun sets on his
illustrious fishing career, Pascoal grapples with the challenges that come with
age. Declining health and physical limitations are now discouraging him from
extensive fishing expeditions. “My strength is failing, I’m aware. Recently,
after hours of effort, I caught a whopper of a fish, but it escaped me before I
could secure him. It was very disappointing,” he says, piteously. Yet,
undeterred , Pascoal remains an unwavering advocate for hard work and per
severance, urging the younger generation to embrace the rich cultural heritage
of their coastal roots.
“The younger generation must put their mobiles down and show
interest in our traditions. To be truly hardworking, one must be multi –
talented and willing to learn every aspect of the work,” he quips. “Patience
and passion are the foundations of success. I don’t see time, place, or
opportunity. Every minute is a chance to do better and better,” Pasku signs
off.
