Tag: Indian Army

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Indian Railways to Name Trains After Martyrs in Historic Tribute to India’s Bravehearts

Tanisha Cardozo

In an unprecedented act of national reverence, Indian Railways has announced a historic decision to name select trains after India’s martyred soldiers. This initiative marks a profound shift in how we remember and honour our heroes — not just through statues or ceremonies, but through the rhythm of everyday life.

This is more than symbolism. It’s a transformation of our daily journeys into moving memorials. When a train is named after a soldier who gave his life for the nation, every station announcement becomes a call to remember. Every glance at the nameplate becomes a moment of reflection. Each arrival and departure carries with it a silent salute.

Deputy officials noted that this step is part of a larger cultural shift in India — one that seeks not only to acknowledge sacrifice but to live with gratitude. As these trains cross states and span distances, they’ll carry more than just passengers; they’ll carry legacy, memory, and national pride.

The decision also aligns with the spirit of a “New India” — one that actively honours its protectors and integrates patriotism into daily life. From remote villages to bustling metros, these trains will become mobile tributes, connecting citizens not only geographically but emotionally.

Families of martyrs will find their loved ones remembered not just on plaques, but in motion — etched into the daily rhythm of the country. Schoolchildren, daily commuters, and travellers alike will encounter the names and stories of India’s brave soldiers — learning not just about destinations, but about the people who helped secure them.

This move ensures that the sacrifices of our armed forces are never forgotten. As India continues to modernise its infrastructure and expand its railways, it now does so with a soul-stirring purpose: to make every mile count — for memory, for honour, for the nation.

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.

National

IHCL, Indian Army & REACHA Launch Youth Skill Centre in Uri on World Youth Skills Day

Tanisha Cardozo

MUMBAI, JULY 15, 2025 – On the occasion of World Youth Skills Day, the Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), in collaboration with the Indian Army and REACHA (Research & Extension Association for Conservation Horticulture and Agro-Forestry), launched a Skill Development Centre in Uri, Jammu & Kashmir. This initiative is a significant step toward empowering local youth with job-ready skills and sustainable livelihood options.

The newly launched centre will offer two vocational training programs:

  • Bakery
  • Fashion Designing (Weaving)

These programs are tailored to help participants become either employable in hospitality and retail sectors or begin their own entrepreneurial ventures.

A Purpose-Driven Partnership

Mr. Gaurav Pokhariyal, Executive Vice President – Human Resources, IHCL, stated:

“Guided by our ESG+ framework Paathya, IHCL is committed to training 1,00,000 youth by 2030. The skill centre in Uri reflects our deep commitment to inclusive development, especially in regions with tourism potential.”

Brig Manish Sehgal (VSM), Commander 12 Inf Bde, Dagger Division, added:

“We believe in nurturing the community for lasting peace and development. This centre is a testament to collaborative nation-building.”

Mr. Nikhil Pant, Chairman & CEO of REACHA, highlighted:

“Our long-standing partnership with IHCL and the Indian Army continues to bring real change to the lives of youth in J&K.”

Scaling Impact Across Jammu & Kashmir

IHCL and REACHA have already established successful hospitality skill training centres in Kupwara and Buniyar. With Uri added, the collective initiative is set to train approximately 550 youth across J&K by 2026, fostering self-reliance, community upliftment, and employment.

This initiative aligns with India’s national goals for skilling, entrepreneurship, and sustainable regional development — serving as a blueprint for impactful public-private-community partnerships.

Human Interest

Ponda’s Tejas Kovlekar Joins Indian Army’s Remount Veterinary Corps

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In an inspiring story of dedication and compassion, Captain Tejas Kovlekar from Ponda, Goa, has been commissioned as a doctor in the Indian Army’s Remount Veterinary Corps (RVC)—a unit that manages the training, welfare, and medical care of animals in the Army. The corps operates under the motto ‘Pashu Seva Asmakam Dharma’ – ‘Service to animals is our duty.’

Tejas completed his military training in May 2025 and was commissioned as a Captain in June. His passion for animals has been lifelong, and according to his father, Nitin Kovlekar, who works at Goa Dairy, Tejas always had a soft spot for animals. His mother, Nikita, is a PWD employee.

After his 12th-grade education at GVM College, Ponda, Tejas surprised his family by choosing veterinary studies over traditional career routes. He cracked a competitive entrance at Kankavli, where only six out of 135 students were selected. He pursued veterinary medicine at a reputed college under Nagpur University in Mumbai.

Though his first attempt at the highly selective Army veterinary exam was unsuccessful, Tejas reapplied, cleared the rigorous five-day selection process, and successfully completed his training. The exam is known for its difficulty, with only a handful of candidates making it through nationally.

Tejas now joins the ranks of just four Goans who have served in the Army’s Veterinary Corps—a rare honour. He follows in the footsteps of Col Richmark Fernandes from Nuvem, who previously served as a UN peacekeeper in South Sudan.

His journey is a testament to determination, discipline, and the power of turning passion into purpose. Goa salutes its new Captain.

#AllycaralFeature 👒, Goan Personalities

Celebrity Chef Sarita Attends Army Day Parade in Pune, Pays Tribute to Indian Army

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Celebrity chef Sarita recently attended the Army Day parade in Pune, where she paid tribute to the bravery, discipline, and sacrifice of the Indian Army. The parade, held annually on January 15th, commemorates the day when Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa became the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army in 1949.

Sarita took to social media to express her pride and gratitude after attending the parade. “Proud moment! Attended the Army Day parade in Pune on Jan 15th. Saluting the bravery, discipline, and sacrifice of our Indian Army #ArmyDay #IndianArmy #Pune,” she tweeted.

Army Day is celebrated across India to honor the contributions and sacrifices made by the soldiers of the Indian Army. The day marks the transfer of power from British to Indian hands, symbolizing the country’s independence and self-reliance.

By attending the Army Day parade, Sarita demonstrated her respect and admiration for the Indian Army’s bravery and sacrifice. Her presence at the event highlights the importance of recognizing and honoring the selfless service of the Indian Army.

Celebrity chef Sarita is a renowned culinary expert, known for her innovative recipes and cooking techniques. She has appeared on various food shows and events, and has a large following on social media.

Army Day is celebrated on January 15th every year to commemorate the day when Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa became the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army in 1949. The day is marked by parades, ceremonies, and other events across India.