Tag: Goan pride

Fit & Fabulous

Meurel Viegas Becomes First Goan to Walk at Official London Fashion Week SS26

Tanisha Cardozo

In a defining moment for Indian and Goan fashion, Meurel Viegas has become the first Goan ever to walk at the official London Fashion Week, making her mark at the Spring/Summer 2026 edition — a global event that represents the pinnacle of the international fashion calendar.

Representing Vanity Hub Africa, Meurel took to the runway in stunning designs by Piillz ‘n Poizn, known for its bold aesthetic and global appeal. She shared the stage with several elite designers from across the world including Vellachor (Los Angeles), La Maison Opale (France), and Lina Denkova (London), firmly cementing her presence in global haute couture.

Meurel’s rise to this iconic moment has been nothing short of inspirational. She has previously walked at Global Fashion Week, represented the avant-garde style of Stylist Daniel Mîinea, and dazzled on the runway at Fashion Wave London. Her London fashion debut came through Mloft by Joel Jacob Matthew, setting the stage for this historic LFW milestone.

Her achievement is not just personal, but symbolic — a proud beacon for aspiring talent from Goa and across India. In an industry where representation matters, Meurel’s success showcases the potential of Indian models on the international stage, and the value of cultural identity in global fashion narratives.

From Goa to London, Meurel Viegas is not just walking runways — she’s paving them.

Health

Dr. Akash Ringane Becomes First Goan to Clear Prestigious European Board of Nuclear Medicine Fellowship

Tanisha Cardozo

In a proud milestone for Goa, Dr. Akash Anil Ringane has become the first Goan to clear the prestigious Fellowship of the European Board of Nuclear Medicine (EBNM), held in Barcelona, Spain, in 2025. This elite recognition marks a significant achievement not only for Dr. Ringane but also for the medical community of Goa and India at large.

Dr. Ringane’s journey began in Comba, where he completed his schooling at Mahila Nutan and Damodar Higher Secondary School. He later pursued his medical education at the esteemed Goa Medical College, which laid the foundation for his deep passion for nuclear medicine — a field that plays a critical role in modern diagnostics and cancer therapy.

The Fellowship of the European Board of Nuclear Medicine is among the most respected certifications in the field, assessing excellence in clinical knowledge, research, and practical application. Earning this title is a mark of international distinction and opens doors to global research and clinical collaborations.

Dr. Ringane’s accomplishment is being hailed across the state, with numerous messages of congratulations pouring in from the medical fraternity, academic institutions, and Goan citizens who view this as a shining example of Goan excellence reaching global heights.

Speaking on his achievement, those close to Dr. Ringane have shared that it was years of hard work, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to excellence that brought him to this point. His success is a beacon of inspiration for future generations of students and professionals in the state who aspire to make their mark on the global stage.

Dr. Ringane’s story is more than just a personal success; it’s a celebration of Goan talent, academic foundations, and global ambition — proving once again that excellence knows no boundaries.

National

Pride of Goa: Two Women Officers Make History in Indian Armed Forces

Tanisha Cardozo

Wing Commander Maria Ismenia Sancha Pereira, hailing from Gonsua-Betalbatim in South Goa, has etched her name into history as the first Goan woman to be decorated in India’s wartime history. Her distinguished service as an Air Traffic Controller (ATC) in the Indian Air Force during Operation Sindoor earned her the prestigious Mention-in-Despatch, a recognition awarded for exceptional service in actual combat operations.

During the operation, Wg Cdr Pereira played a pivotal role in wartime intelligence. She provided crucial radar-based insights that guided Indian fighter jets to vital enemy targets, significantly contributing to the success of mission objectives. Her early warning inputs also helped thwart threats from adversarial aircraft and missiles directed at Indian forces — actions that saved lives and advanced the IAF’s operational edge.

The daughter of Eustaquio Francisco Pereira and Poma Pereira, Maria’s journey began in Goa’s educational institutions — she studied at Mary Immaculate Conception High School, Panaji, followed by Green Rosary Higher Secondary in Dona Paula. She later earned her engineering degree from Goa Engineering College, Farmagudi, before entering the defence services and rising through the ranks in one of the most demanding branches of the IAF.

Adding to Goa’s legacy in Indian defence history is Major Jacqueline Jacinta Dias, a Goan of the diaspora with roots in Bardez. She recently made headlines as one of the first Indian women officers to be posted as Officer Commanding of the Indian Army Overseas Dental Institution in Bhutan — a highly prestigious foreign assignment awarded to officers of exceptional merit. Major Dias is the daughter of Group Captain Joe Peter Matthew Dias and Anne Elizabeth Dias, both originally from Mapusa.

Together, Wing Commander Pereira and Major Dias represent the growing strength and recognition of Goan women in India’s defence services. Their achievements not only mark milestones in the armed forces but also inspire a new generation of young Goans — especially women — to pursue service, excellence, and leadership on a national and global scale.

These are not just individual milestones; they are moments of collective pride for Goa and for India.

Entertainment

John D’Silva Becomes First Goan Konkani Creator to Receive YouTube Silver Play Button

allycaralgoa

Panaji, Goa – 27 June 2025: Veteran Indian actor and celebrated Goan comedian John D’Silva has achieved a historic digital milestone — his YouTube channel, John D’ Silva, has officially crossed 1 lakh (100,000) subscribers, earning him the prestigious Silver Play Button from YouTube.

This isn’t just a personal achievement — it’s a landmark moment for the Goan and Konkani-speaking community, as John D’Silva’s channel is now the first-ever Goan Konkani YouTube channel to receive this international honour.

With decades of experience in theatre, film, and comedy, John D’Silva has long been a household name in Goa. Known for his sharp wit, cultural storytelling, and his dedication to preserving Goan identity through humor and drama, his transition to YouTube marked a new chapter in his career — one that has brought Konkani entertainment to a global digital audience.

“With the blessings of the Almighty God, I’m very delighted to announce that my YouTube channel ‘John D’ Silva’ has crossed 1 lakh subscribers,” John shared with pride. “What makes this even more special is that this is now the first ever Goan Konkani channel to receive this honour.”

The Silver Play Button is awarded by YouTube to creators who reach 100,000 subscribers — a mark of consistency, creativity, and strong audience connection. For the Goan community, this achievement is not just symbolic, but inspirational. It highlights the power of regional content and reaffirms that Konkani language and culture have a thriving and appreciative audience far beyond Goa.

John’s content — a mix of comedy skits, Konkani plays, character-driven humor, and cultural narratives — has resonated with viewers of all ages, not only in Goa but across the Goan diaspora in the UK, Middle East, Canada, and beyond.

In a heartfelt message, John D’Silva extended his thanks to his fans and supporters:

“This milestone is not just mine, it’s ours. A big thank you to everyone who watches my videos and subscribes to my channel. Your support means everything. Let’s continue to laugh together, preserve our culture, and spread the joy of Konkani around the world.”

With this milestone, John D’Silva continues to break new ground for Goan artists in the digital space. His journey is a reminder that regional voices matter, and that with passion and persistence, local language content can shine on global platforms.

The Goan entertainment industry — especially its digital creators — will undoubtedly look to John D’Silva’s achievement as motivation to dream bigger, create boldly, and keep telling their stories.