Aldona, Dec. 29 -- JENIFER FERNANDES [emailprotected]

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 ...