Antonio Peregrino Da Costa - The Musician who taught Life with a Smile Everyone in Campal will know the three happy-go-lucky brothers -Ravi, Robson and Rafael - from the house by the St. Inez creek. The huge Peregrino house in that beautiful Campal heritage area was where so many of our younger days were spent. As kids, we played lots of football at the Campal ground, at times also at the Don Bosco school ground, and the brothers would occasionally join us. With the Brazilian blood running through them, all three were naturally gifted footballers, even though they never pursued it seriously.
Now, they are scattered in different parts, but back then, when they all used to be living in Campal, they were ever so friendly, always cracking jokes, bringing lightness to every occasion. On Sundays, we sometimes played cricket in the lane outside their house. And there were those moments when they’d wear scary masks (especially Rafael) just to spook people walking by - all in fun and in the true spirit of joy and jest of course. Their cousin, now Aldona MLA Carlos Alvares Ferreira, would drop in once in a while, sharing with us some interesting legal talks of those days. And of course, there were also those mini-parties at their place - full of noise, dance, laughter, and music. If anyone ever tried to wonder where this jolly nature of theirs came from, the answer was simple - it came straight from their dad, Antonio Peregrino Da Costa. The man who set the tone of the entire household, whose good humour, patience, and easy smile shaped the very atmosphere in which those three brothers grew up. A name spoken with love and respect in the area, he was a well-known music teacher, a quiet master of the violin, and a man gifted not just with musical talent but with the rare patience to teach it. Every single time we visited their home, he would greet us with his trademark customary line, spoken with an unmistakable spark in his eyes: “Is Everything fine, is everything under control.” Yes Sir, we would respond. Around him, fun, noise, pranks, and youthful chaos swirled all the time - yet not once did he lose his cool. His calm almost legendary, his humour extremely likeable, and his heart delightfully large. Nearly touching 90 the last time I met him a few years ago, he picked up his violin and played a beautiful musical piece for me - fingers aged, but spirit young as ever. It is a memory I will cherish forever. Today, as we fondly remember this remarkable gentleman, it is impossible not to smile. For even as he steps toward the gates of heaven, I can almost hear him asking St. Peter, with that familiar grin and that same reassuring tone before entering: “Is Everything fine, is everything under control inside?” Rest in peace, dear Mr. Antonio. Your music, your humour, and your spirit will echo in Campal - and in our hearts - while those beautiful memories will never fade. Regards Sandeep Heble
