Tag: Goa achievers

Goan Personalities

Divar-Born Neonatologist Dr Armida Fernandez Conferred Padma Shri for Pioneering Human Milk Banking in Asia

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Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

Renowned neonatologist Dr Armida Fernandez, a daughter of the soil with deep roots in Divar, has been conferred the Padma Shri for her outstanding contribution to neonatal healthcare. Dr Fernandez made history in 1989 by establishing Asia’s first human milk bank, a landmark initiative that transformed newborn care across the region.


Now aged 83, Dr Fernandez is among the 15 recipients from Maharashtra named in the Padma honours announced by the Centre. Her pioneering work has played a crucial role in saving the lives of premature and vulnerable infants, while also raising awareness about the importance of donor human milk in neonatal medicine.

Born into a family with strong ties to Divar, Dr Fernandez’s journey from the island village to becoming a globally respected medical professional stands as an inspiring testament to dedication, compassion, and innovation. Her contributions continue to influence neonatal care practices across India and Asia, leaving behind a lasting legacy in public health.

The Padma Shri recognition acknowledges decades of selfless service and groundbreaking work, reinforcing Dr Armida Fernandez’s position as one of the foremost figures in India’s medical community.

EduConnect

Goan Physicist Indira Barros Wins Best Poster Award at Global Soft Matter Conference in Greece

Tanisha Cardozo

Indira Barros, a young and promising physicist from Goa, has been awarded the Best Poster Award at the globally renowned 9th International Soft Matter Conference (ISMC) held in Greece. This conference is widely acknowledged as the world’s largest gathering dedicated to the field of soft condensed matter research.

Currently pursuing her PhD in Physics at BITS Pilani, Goa campus, Barros presented her advanced research focusing on micron-sized colloidal particles — minuscule materials whose behaviors differ drastically from their larger-scale counterparts. Her award-winning presentation drew attention for its innovative approach and strong potential in the future of applied physics.

The research, carried out under the guidance of Dr. Indrani Chakraborty and in collaboration with Sayanth RC, explores the development of micro-scale machines — or “microbots” — that can be externally controlled to perform precise and potentially life-saving tasks.

“These microbots could one day revolutionise areas such as targeted drug delivery, advanced diagnostics, and environmental cleanup,” Barros shared, adding that her work aims to merge theoretical physics with real-world applications.

Her recognition at ISMC not only shines a light on her individual excellence but also highlights the world-class scientific research emerging from Goa’s academic institutions. As science and technology continue to blur boundaries, the global impact of local talent like Indira Barros becomes increasingly significant.

This accolade is a proud moment for the Goan scientific community and serves as an inspiration for young researchers across the country.

Human Interest

Goa’s Amardeep Popkar Creates History at Bengaluru Bamboo Ultra

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In an extraordinary achievement, Goa Police officer Amardeep Popkar has carved his name into the history books by becoming the first Goan to complete the grueling 161 km Bamboo Ultra Marathon in Bengaluru.

Held on rugged terrain and testing every ounce of stamina, the Bamboo Ultra is considered one of India’s toughest endurance challenges. Popkar not only completed the marathon but did so in an impressive 30 hours and 32 minutes, securing the 2nd runner-up position in the Men’s 161KM category.

His feat is a remarkable demonstration of discipline, mental toughness, and resilience. Ultra marathons go far beyond ordinary running events, pushing athletes to their physical and psychological limits. For Popkar, this achievement is not only personal but also a source of pride for the entire state of Goa.

The accomplishment has been widely celebrated by fellow officers, the sports community, and Goans at large, marking a milestone moment in the state’s sporting history.

With this historic run, Amardeep Popkar has set a powerful example of endurance and determination, proving that with grit and dedication, no challenge is too great.

Global Goans

🎓 From Shiroda to Boston: Chinmayee Vallabh Prabhu Dessai Earns Her Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering

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A proud moment for Goa — Chinmayee Vallabh Prabhu Dessai, a native of Tarvale, Shiroda, has successfully defended her Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Biomedical Engineering from the prestigious Boston University, USA.

Chinmayee joined Boston University in 2020, embarking on a rigorous journey of research and innovation under the expert mentorship of Prof. Ji-Xin Cheng, a global name in biomedical imaging and photonics.

Her research contributes to the evolving field of biomedical engineering — a discipline at the intersection of science, engineering, and medicine — with wide-ranging applications in healthcare technologies.

🌍 Goa to the Global Stage

Chinmayee’s story is a glowing example of how local roots can lead to global breakthroughs. As a woman in STEM, her achievement reflects not just academic success but also the growing participation and excellence of Indian women in international scientific domains.

This success story is an inspiration for young minds in Goa and beyond who aspire to pursue research and innovation at a global level.

💐 Congratulations, Dr. Chinmayee Prabhu Dessai!

📖 Read more inspiring stories on allycaral.com

Entertainment

Goa’s Varsha Parab Wins ‘Miss Winner’ Title at Miss Mrs & Mr Asia International

Tanisha Cardozo

Team Allycaral

July 2025 – Goa’s pride, Varsha Parab, has claimed the prestigious ‘Miss Winner’ title at the celebrated Miss Mrs & Mr Asia International beauty pageant. Representing the state of Goa with unmatched poise and passion, Varsha’s win marks a moment of international recognition for her and her home state.

The event, which brings together exceptional talent from across Asia, evaluates contestants not only on appearance but also confidence, intelligence, and cultural representation. Varsha stood out with her strong presence and elegance, embodying the values of grace, discipline, and determination.

Her journey from Goa to the international stage is a true testament to ambition and perseverance. She now joins a legacy of inspiring women who have used such platforms to elevate regional pride and inspire young aspirants.

With this win, Varsha Parab has not only brought home a crown but also ignited a spark in the hearts of countless young dreamers.