Agustinho Fernandes

A man with a mission    

Rtn. Agustinho Fernandes is one of the Goan Stars shining in Mumbai, stands for discipline, etiquette and scrupulous follow-up.  It is because of these rare but abundant qualities, he has been able to make effective contribution to numerous organizations he is associated with.

Born on 25^th June, 1947 in Porvorim, Bardez, Goa to Marquis Fernandes and Jane Fernandes. He received his early education at St. Joseph's High School in Arpora, Goa and obtained BSc (Hons) degree through St. Xavier's College, Goa from Bombay University in 1967.

In 1970 he arrived in Mumbai and was successful in getting a decent job in Aplab.  While working at Aplab he continued his studies after working hours through Davar's College and obtained a Diploma in Business Administration from the University of Bombay. His craving for further studies led to a Diploma in Radio Electronics Course from University of Bombay.

While working in Aplab he was lucky enough to be acquainted with late Prime Minister Shri Rajiv Gandhi.  Here in Aplab he learnt many things about Import and Export.  After working for 30 long years and enjoying the position of Manager, he took the brave decision of taking voluntary retirement and to start his own company. Thus came into being Jane Marquis Import and Export, a Consultancy Services firm in Import and Export matters related to Foreign Exchange, Project Import, Duty Drawback, and Duty Refund etc. This company is registered with Customs PO and specializes in all customs related matters/cases.  In spite of his busy schedule Mr. Fernandes juggles with his time between business and social work.

He is actively involved with several Institutions and holds key positions in many of them. Because he has mastered the skill of time management, he is successful not only in making his presence felt but also in playing active role in their day to day business.  There are instances that he gets calls from certain organizations at the middle of the night and he had to attend and solve the problems immediately.  Since he has to deal with the street children, there is always an element of risk involved. Presently he is actively involved with the following organizations:

• Panel member/Founder member of Bombay Customs Watchdog Committee (presently called Permanent Trade Facilitation Committee) at Mumbai International Airport, wherein different Importer/Exporter Bodies are representing with commissioner of Custom as the Chairman. His duty involves him to keep a watchful eye on the Customs officials and also help in solving the grievance of the Importers and Exporters.

• Chairman of Crossroad Prison Ministries (CPM). Mumbai/Germany/UK.  He is one of the Directors and Hon. Treasurer of this organization which has its offices in Germany and UK. When an innocent person is jailed, this organization attends to his family needs and gives legal aid with the help of an Advocate to get him released. Agustinho is instrumental in arranging regular medical camps to prisoners, both men and women in Yerawada, Pune and Byculla Mumbai. He visits regularly to prisons with his volunteers to propagate God's Word and to transform them into responsible citizens of India. Jail authorities are very happy and have very high regard for Mr. Fernandes.

• Member, Federation of Indian Exporters Organizations (FIEO)

• Chairman & Committee member 2006-2009 of Bombay YMCA Street children project Juhu Beach.

• Life Member Bombay Catholic Sabha.

• Patron member/Director of Christian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, (CCCI)

• Panel members, Cargo Facilitation Committee, CAFAC Committee and Chairman of MIAL/AAI.

• Past President, Rotary Club of Mumbai West Coast RI Dist 3140 and Chief Sergeant at Arms of Rotary International, Dist 3140 (Mumbai). During 2000-01,as the Club President of Rotary Club of Mumbai West, he was  lucky enough in collecting US Dollars 5000 from Rotary International/ Rotary Foundation Matching Grant for Avoidable Blindness Project and was involved in successfully performing 200 cataract operations free of cost to the needy Poor section of the society."It gives me tremendous power from the Almighty to do something for less fortunate people of the country" says Mr. Fernandes. As International Sergeant at Arms he attended Rotary Convention in Singapore as President of the Club. He also represented the Rotary Convention in St. Antonio, Texas, USA besides Rotary Functions in France, Germany and Frankfurt.

• Life Member, YMCA, Mumbai.  Member, Board of Directors - 06-09.

• Life Member, YMCA Panaji, Goa.

• Director of Young Men Christian Association. (YMCA)  Mr. Fernandes is the Chairman of this organization.  YMCA takes care of  the needs of 65 orphan boys like education, sport activities and groom them into becoming responsible and law abiding Citizen of India. There are street boys whom he calls 'smart' boys, to be transformed into decent citizen of India by extra coaching. Because of his dedicated commitment and ever helping nature YMCA Board has appointed him as the Chairman of the Proctor YMCA branch, which has got a very high class swimming pool meant for general public. Due to his efforts and perseverance he was able to collect more than Rs. one  Crore during the financial year ending 31^st March 2009.

• He had also tried his hand at Hotel Industry. In 1991 he had started Jane Marquis Holiday Home at Arpora, Bardez, Goa.

On the basis of his vast experience of interacting with people at different levels, Agustinho G. Fernandes, popularly known as Agustinho, is a symbol of hard work, integrity and proved that where there a will there is a way.

The Fernandes couple is gifted with three children; eldest son, Steve Fernandes, a PhD. in Microbiology is settled in the USA.  Second son, Stanley Fernandes is a Software Engineer working in the USA too.  Their daughter Sparkle Fernandes is doing her BSc at St Xavier's College Mumbai.  Wife Mrs. Theresa Fernandes was a teacher at Mahim, Mumbai. The Fernandes couple resides at Amboli, Mumbai.

Agustinho has become a grandfather recently, which is a special gift from god he says. His son Steve has named his newly born son Jashwin Agustin. 'I have decided to provide all my expertise to Jashwin to do social work when he grows up.' says the proud grandfather.

Mr. Fernandes feels our youth should always cultivate good habits, should have the care for under privileged and downtrodden members of the Society and help the needy and try to improve the attitude towards fellow human beings. Our youth should have vision, mission and also abundant passion to achieve something in life is his mantra for life.