March 16, 2021

With humble origins in Kawdoor, a suburban town of Mangalore that still bears resemblance to its green natural tapestry of coconut and areca nut palms, Paul Fredrick Rodrigues (“P F Rodrigues” as he was popularly known) was born to the late Peter Aloysius Rodrigues and Regina Rodrigues in 1924.

Raised in a devout and close-knit Catholic family, he received his elementary education in his native town of Kawdoor He subsequently moved to the city of Mangalore in pursuit of higher education. Rooted in solid Jesuit education, he graduated from St. Aloysius College and went on to pursue advanced studies in Law from the University of Bombay (now Mumbai).

File photo of late P F Rodrigues

His initial years as a Junior Attorney in Civil Law were shaped under the able mentorship of the late Somashekhar Rao, a distinguished attorney from Mangalore. Upon acquiring the required expertise and tenure in Civil law, he excitedly ventured to take up practice in Criminal Law, only to be counselled by his mentor to return to the Civilian arena of law practice. Respecting the sound advice of his mentor, he transitioned back to his Civil law practice. By this time, he had successfully established his law firm in partnership with the late Advocate S P (Bannu) Lobo. Through the years, he experienced an entire new world open up to him; he learned that a successful career was possible only through the toil of long dedicated hours in service to the people and community he represented. He reckoned that if he tried hard and took advantage of the opportunities that then existed, he could succeed at anything. In the years that followed, he specialized in Real Estate, Succession and other Civil law matters. By this time, he had developed a diversified range of skill sets that garnered him both distinction and praise. It is noteworthy to mention that of particular importance to him, was his utmost concern to uplift, protect and advocate on behalf of the underprivileged and socially disadvantaged groups in society. Most gratifyingly, he aspired to breathe life into every noble cause he represented.

His personal life reflected his deep commitment to his Divine creator. Firm in faith, he dedicated his time and talent in support of the Church. His blessings overflowed. It was God’s Divine providence that led him to meet, befriend and later wed his beloved wife, Marie Joan D’Souza, a school teacher and active member of the Choir group. She too came from a family deeply rooted in faith. Her paternal uncle, the late Rev. Albert V. D’Souza, then Vicar of Mangalore Diocese, officiated their marriage. He later went on to become the Archbishop of Calcutta (now Kolkata). Paul and Marie were gifted with 7 beautiful children, 4 girls followed by 3 boys.

Outside the guise of an attorney, P F Rodrigues experienced joy in showcasing his vocal talents as a prominent “toastmaster” at many weddings. He took to drama on a public stage during his early years as an attorney. Notable among them was his role as “Pontius Pilate” in the “Passion of Christ” play that became an instant hit in early 1960. He was a distinguished guest and speaker on numerous occasions, always loved and admired for his simplicity. When the first Law College was established in Mangalore in 1974, the management was quick to offer him a position as faculty. He accepted this teaching assignment at SDM Law College with passion and commitment. Even to this day, students fondly remember and admire him for instilling in them the guiding principles of life based on the three tenets – good thoughts, good words and good deeds. With the grace of God, Paul’s limits were boundless. He always motivated himself to bring out the best in him, be it his professional, social or family life. In recognition for his services to the Church, he was conferred with the papal award “PRO ECCLESIA ET PONTIFICE” by His Holiness, Pope Pius XII, in the year 1955.

Being blessed with a bountiful life and determined to make a difference, his focus shifted to active politics. He became involved as a member of the Rashtriya Seva Dal, a member of the City Municipal Council and as President of the Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC). Additionally, he served as the Director of MCC Bank, a member of the Catholic Board of Education, the Sodality of Immaculate Conception and a host of other social organizations. By this time, he had learned the importance of balancing family and professional life. The backbone of his success can nevertheless be attributed to the ever-loving support of his wife and life partner. Riding on his marvels, he was persuaded by his political mentor, the late KK Shetty to take the next big leap into Legislative Assembly elections. Emerging victorious in 1978, he went on to become the first person of Mangalorean Catholic descent to be inducted into the cabinet of then Chief Minister, Late Devaraj Urs. As an elected official, he held the position of Minister for Housing, Ports and Fisheries along with other additional portfolios.

During his tenure as minister, PF Rodrigues made significant contributions to the city of Mangalore - one among them, relocating the KSRTC Bus Station to Bejai from a very cramped area of the city. A silent crusader who shunned publicity, he was also instrumental in sanctioning Mangalore city’s first public swimming pool at Mangala stadium. This, despite opposition from envious bureaucrats in Bangalore, contended that the city of Mangalore didn’t need a swimming pool as it nestled along a coastal belt.

Following an electoral setback during re-election, PF Rodrigues retired from active politics and returned to Mangalore, resuming his law practice and teaching career. He continued his dedication and tireless devotion to work and society. After a highly accomplished life, at age 72, his end was sudden and unexpected. He encountered a fatal cardiac episode and passed away in March 1996. His loss was immense to his family, friends and well-wishers. He took his final leap to be reunited with his Divine Creator. 25 years later, we still miss him dearly as we continue to cherish him as a loving husband, a doting father and a champion for justice. May you enjoy Heavenly Bliss!