PANAJI
For Pearl da Costa, being alive every single day is a blessing. Her mantra is ‘attitude of gratitude is a magnet for miracles.’ With a BSc in Home Science, majoring in Nutrition and Dietetics, Pearl has completed JAIIB, CAIIB and an MBA with a major in Human Resources (HR).
“I was affected by polio when I was just eight months old,” says Pearl. Having 60% locomotive disability due to polio of the left lower limb, her major challenge is mobility and accessibility. But learning to ride the bike was the first step to overcome the challenge of mobility. “Using an Activa with additional side wheels since 2010 has been the most liberating experience for me, with special mention to my brother Ian who took the initiative for me to be independent and Gopinatha who saw to it that I got rid of the fear of riding,” says Pearl, who is not a beneficiary of any government schemes.
A banker, Pearl has been working in the banking sector since 1999. She was promoted to a managerial position in 2024, and presently is posted at Union Bank of India’s Margao branch. Married to Gopinatha, also a banker, the couple live in Margao.
As far as memories go, Pearl recalls, “My father, a banker, and my mother, a teacher by profession, were incredibly loving parents who believed I was no less than any of my siblings and didn’t pamper or stop me in any manner during their lifetime.”
Born in a large family of eight children, five brothers and three sisters in all, Pearl was the seventh child and her childhood was simply a carefree, wonderful experience with no prejudices and full freedom to pursue her dreams.
“My siblings, each of them, were extremely concerned and always dependable. One of my special memories of childhood is all my five brothers rushing back from their school and taking turns to give me a piggyback ride to my school in the afternoon.”
Words fall short when she talks about a few of her ‘forever friends’ who are transparent and supportive. “And of course my spouse, my soulmate Gopinatha, my lifeline without whom life would be incomplete and dull,” she quips.
Pearl vividly remembers that she did not experience much discrimination in any of her educational institutions. “In fact, my teachers were extremely encouraging and no special treatment was meted out. I remember going to basketball matches as a teammate although all I could do was dribble and put a ball in the basket from one position,” she recalls of her school days.
However, some unfortunate incidents are etched in her memory, such as being thrown off the bus while travelling to college and being verbally abused by some insensitive people citing her disability, but these were the exact moments that strengthened her even more. Her outlook on life has been to be positive in all situations and that everything always happens for the best.
“I was a through and through science student, biology being my favourite subject since childhood, but life took an unexpected turn of events when I was selected for a clerical post after appearing for BSRB exams during a break in studies for undergoing one of my leg operations. Immediately after graduation, I received my posting in the erstwhile Corporation Bank. Having accepted it, I redirected my line of studies to banking,” points out Pearl, who loves reading and watching crime stories, writing poetry whenever the poet awakens in her, and also listening to old pop music.
Pearl strongly believes in one supreme almighty God. “I am religious in my own personal way but have deep respect for every other religion and belief. My favourite verse from the Bible, Philippians 4:13, ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me’, gives me the courage, comfort and inspiration to go through each day’s struggles and challenges. I am here on this planet for a purpose, and once you accept this, life is beautiful,” she puts it in simple terms.
According to Pearl, some things are best left to karma; it’s the law of cause and effect.
Grateful to her present organisation, Union Bank of India, for the respect shown and for empowering her to reach her potential, Pearl’s gratitude reflects when she thanks them for neither underestimating nor overestimating her and for understanding her few limitations.
“I must express my gratitude, more importantly, towards my teammates for their continuous support and also, not forgetting the love and understanding of my customers,” asserts Pearl, who would like to be a globe-trotter if given an opportunity. “One of my unfulfilled wishes is travelling. I would love to travel across India and around the globe,” she exclaims.
