Goa, July 27 -- JENIFER FERNANDES

joseph@herald-goa.com

ALDONA: In the quiet village of Arao Vaddo in Pomburpa, lives a man whose hands carry the strength of a thousand harvests, and whose spirit reflects the resilience of Goa's agrarian soul. At 74, Antonio Fernandes is not just a farmer-he is a living testament to tradition, hard work, and unwavering dedication to the land.

From a very young age, Antonio was immersed in the rhythm of rural life. Farming was not just a job-it was his identity. Even today, he toils in the fields, climbs tall coconut trees with practiced ease, and clears fallen trees for anyone who calls upon him. For over 30 years, he has climbed trees, not just in Goa, but across the state and even in Karwar, cutting ...