Agostinho

Being afflicted in both legs with polio, he was wheelchair bound. His uncle had to lift with his wheelchair onto the ground floor plinth of his primary school. At the end of school time, his uncle would come to lift him down. The young boy worried about getting heavier and his uncle getting older. So he gave up his wheel chair.

He began to practice walking on his hands. With determination, he was able to scale many steps in life. He won awards in drawing, handwriting, spelling, story writing and singing competitions at various levels. Music was his main passion.

After SSC, he secured Diploma in Garment Technology. He acquired proficiency in computer technology as well as playing the piano. He went to become a musical entrepreneur teaching music to many students as well as producing albums and musical performances.

Besides his many skills of artistry and technical competencies, he would easily climb trees, repair the tiled roof of his home and drive a van that he purchased and modified to have the clutch, accelerator and brake on the dash board at his hands reach. His life’s journey was one moving melody of motivation.

He joined me as a motivational speaker at corporate trainings. Once when asked whether ‘he felt bad that he could not stand on his legs’, his response was prompt, ‘Do you feel bad that you cannot fly like the bird does?’ He believed in counting his blessings rather than the shortcomings.

His positive attitude made him an effective teacher and a loving personality to family and friends. He took on all odds but succumbed to a road accident. Despite his early exit, Agostinho Fernandes’ lessons will live on to inspire the ones who met him.

Polio could not stop Agostinho from standing on his feet

Passion and determination led to many a stimulating feat!

- Pravin K Sabnis

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