Leela Jose, a 71-year-old homemaker from Konnathady in Idukki, Kerala, has become the oldest woman from the state to skydive from 13,000 feet. With this daring leap, she has shattered stereotypes and proven that age should never be a barrier to chasing dreams.
The dream took shape a few months ago when she spotted an aircraft flying overhead and casually mentioned to her friends, “How much fun it would be to do skydiving!” Her friends laughed, dismissing it as a fantasy given her age. But Leela held on to her determination and found a way to make it happen.
On the day of her jump, Leela soared high above the skies and took the leap — not just from the aircraft, but also from every boundary set by society. “It felt like freedom,” she said after completing the dive.
Beyond Skydiving: Eyes on Space
With her skydiving dream fulfilled, Leela isn’t stopping. She has now set her sights on an even more ambitious goal — space travel. For her, the sky is not the limit but just the beginning.
Her story is a beacon of inspiration, showing that courage, passion, and dreams have no expiry date.
“Make art when no one cares. Make it raw, make it real. That’s where your true voice takes shape—not through perfection, but through consistent, honest expression.” – Sharmila Coutinho
Sharmila Coutinho’s journey as an artist is one that beautifully blends resilience, creativity, and a deep sense of purpose. She recalls how drawing came naturally to her, never forced or taught, but simply present as her happy place—a space where the world made sense. At just seven years old, a simple Santa gift of a 24-shade colour set opened a world of endless hues and possibilities. That magic box was the first spark that set her on a path she would later choose to embrace fully.
Encouraged by her mother, Sharmila joined Bal Bhavan, where her creativity was nurtured in countless ways, from the art studio to the music room, from clay modeling to the library where she first discovered Vincent van Gogh’s letters. These experiences shaped her perspective, revealing not only the struggles of an artist but also the beauty of persistence and self-expression. Although she initially chose the conventional path of science and computer studies, her heart was always drawn back to colour and canvas. Dropping out to pursue Fine Arts was one of the most defining choices of her life, one that came with struggles but also profound fulfillment.
Her path as an artist was far from smooth. She faced doubts—both her own and those of others—but chose to bloom where she was planted. She worked hard, supported herself, and learned the ways of the art market through experience and even through setbacks. Her studio in Goa became the place where her work reached people across the world—Spain, the UK, and beyond—all without her chasing opportunities. Instead, her art spoke for itself. Among her many milestones, two stand out: conceptualizing and designing the Lusofonia Games torch, a seashell-inspired piece that symbolized unity among coastal nations, and creating the official IFFI poster when the festival first came to Goa.
Today, Sharmila continues her creative journey as Deputy Infographic Editor at The Times of India, where she works with visionary editors and design professionals who recognize her talent. She sees art not as confined by borders but as an evolving practice of growth and expression. For her, creativity begins in silence, in stillness, and in the ability to declutter both the mind and surroundings. Travel, music, psychology, and deep conversations fuel her inspiration, while minimalism helps her maintain the clarity to create.
Creating for Meaning, Not Metrics
She acknowledges the challenges—self-doubt, external pressures, fleeting digital attention spans—but believes true growth lies in creating for meaning, not metrics. For aspiring artists, her advice is simple yet powerful: create when no one is watching, create without applause, and create because it fulfills you. Recognition may come, but fulfillment lies in the process itself.
Looking ahead, Sharmila hopes to reconnect with the tactile side of art after years of working in the digital realm. She dreams of returning to hands-on creation—painting, experimenting, and building with materials directly.
Her journey is ongoing, her canvas still open, and through it all, one truth remains: stay true, don’t lose yourself in the noise, and let your creativity continue to bloom without borders.
On May 21, 1994, a monumental moment in Indian history occurred when Sushmita Sen became the first Indian woman to win the prestigious Miss Universe title. Today, on the 31st anniversary of that life-changing win, Sushmita pens a heartfelt note on social media, reflecting on the journey that began with an 18-year-old girl from India taking the world stage by storm.
The day May 21, 1994 is etched in history not only as the day Sushmita Sen won the Miss Universe crown but also as the day an entire nation stood proud. For India, it was a historic achievement — the first time an Indian woman had ever secured the Miss Universe title. Sushmita’s win opened doors to countless opportunities, both for her personally and for future generations of women in India to dream bigger and reach for the stars.
In her emotional social media post, Sushmita expressed how the victory, at the tender age of 18, introduced her to a world of possibilities, bringing along with it the strength of hope, the power of inclusion, and the generosity of love. She reminisces how, in an instant, her life changed forever, offering her the privilege of traveling the world and meeting some of the most inspiring people along the way. A journey that has been, as she puts it, “life-defining.”
In her heartfelt message, Sushmita takes a moment to express gratitude to her family, particularly her mother, Subhra Sen, and her father, Subir Sen. She writes:
“Thank you God, Maa @subhra51 & Baba @sensubir 😍😇🙏”
The support and strength she received from her family played a crucial role in shaping her path to victory, and it’s clear from her post that she continues to hold their love and guidance close to her heart.
The message is not just a reflection on her win, but a celebration of the people who have been part of her incredible journey — from her family to her loved ones in the Philippines, and special mentions to Caroline Gomez, her dear friend and supporter.
Reflecting on this historical milestone, Sushmita expressed immense pride in representing her country on a global stage. Her words are filled with gratitude and respect for the opportunity she had to be a global ambassador for India.
“To have the honor of representing my country, I will proudly cherish forever!!!”
This victory was not just a personal achievement, but a moment of national pride, bringing attention to India’s beauty, culture, and spirit. The ripple effect of this win continues to inspire and empower countless young women across the world to pursue their dreams, just as Sushmita did all those years ago.
In her post, Sushmita goes on to encourage her followers and the world to dream big, particularly the kinds of dreams that seem impossible.
“Here’s to dreams, the impossible kinds…for I know, the UNIVERSE conspires in our favour!!”
She reminds us that the universe has a way of aligning things when we follow our passion, stay determined, and remain true to ourselves. Her own journey is a testament to this philosophy — from a small-town girl in India to becoming an international star and role model for women everywhere.
The 31st anniversary of India’s first-ever Miss Universe victory is not just a celebration of Sushmita Sen’s win but also of her ongoing impact on the world stage. She continues to be an influential figure, known for her acting career, her activism, and her commitment to empowering women. The legacy of her historic Miss Universe win still reverberates today as she continues to inspire millions.
Her message of love, strength, and empowerment is a beacon of hope to young women and men around the world. She encourages everyone to keep believing in their dreams, no matter how impossible they may seem.
As part of her celebration, Sushmita extends warm wishes to all her friends and fans, especially in the Philippines, where she holds a special place in her heart. She ends her message with a heartfelt acknowledgment of her fans and followers:
“Happy 31st also to my loved ones in the #Philippines & to you my darling @carogomezfilm 😍😁💃🏻 #thinkingofyouall & #celebratingyou 💋”
Sushmita’s heartfelt note reflects not only her incredible journey to Miss Universe but also her ongoing commitment to those who have supported her along the way.
As Sushmita Sen celebrates her 31st Miss Universe anniversary, her message serves as a reminder of the power of dreams, determination, and the importance of support and love from family and friends. Her win continues to inspire and will forever be remembered as a significant moment in both Indian and world history.
In closing, Sushmita encourages us all:
“I love you guys!!! #duggadugga #yourstruly #MissUniverse1994 #India”
She signs off with a grateful heart and a message that the universe truly does conspire in our favor if we just follow our dreams with unshakable belief.
Here’s to dreams, to breaking barriers, and to the undeniable magic that happens when we trust in the universe! 🌟
In a groundbreaking initiative promoting inclusion and outdoor adventure, Tinkesh Ability Foundation and Advait Outdoors lead India’s largest inclusive Himalayan trek to Annapurna Base Camp, Nepal, from April 13th to 24th, 2025.
Ritesh Vaigankar, from Bicholim Goa, a trailblazing individual with 88% severe disability and a right leg amputee, has made history by becoming the first Goan with severe disability to successfully complete the Annapurna Base Camp trek in the Himalayas.
Vaigankar’s remarkable achievement involved traversing the entire 75km path, ascending to the base camp, in an impressive 4 days. What makes this feat even more remarkable is that he was the only Goan person with leg amputation who didn’t just stop at reaching the base camp but he pushed himself to walk back down the entire 75km path. This feat showcases his unwavering resilience and unrelenting determination, inspiring countless individuals worldwide.
The group includes:
Ritesh Vaigankar’s, Electrocution survivor with severe disability, left hand contraction and below knee amputee. Vocational Instructor at Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Goa.
Tinkesh Kaushik, a triple amputee and founder of TAF.
Rachit, an arm amputee and a three-time cancer survivor, and a motivational speaker.
Nithin, above-knee amputee, with high strength and determination.
Dipendra, an arm amputee, and Govind, born with only part of one arm, representing strength
And nine non disabled allies.
Ritesh Vaigankar shares his profound takeaway from the trek: “A strong mindset can conquer any challenge. Every small step counts, and skipping none is the key to achieving the impossible.”
“This journey was about pushing beyond perceived limits and demonstrating the indomitable human spirit,” said Vaigankar. “I’m humbled to have achieved this milestone and hope to inspire others to pursue their passions, regardless of challenges.”
Vaigankar’s achievement is a test of his courage and persistence, paving the way for others with disabilities to pursue outdoor adventure and sports.
Maria Murena Miranda, Headmistress of Government High School Morpirla, has spent 36 years dedicating her life to education. Her passion for teaching and commitment to her students has earned her numerous accolades, including the prestigious National Award for Teachers.
The National Award, presented by President Droupadi Murmu, is a testament to Miranda’s innovative approaches to teaching and her tireless efforts to provide quality education to her students. This recognition has not only honored her but also motivated her to continue striving for excellence.
Miranda’s teaching methods are centered around making learning engaging and interactive. Some of her notable initiatives include:
Project-Based Learning: Encouraging students to explore real-world problems and develop practical solutions.
Experiential Learning: Fostering hands-on experiences that help students learn by doing.
3D Printing: Introducing students to cutting-edge technology that enhances their creativity and problem-solving skills.
Miranda’s efforts have had a profound impact on her students and the community. Some notable achievements include:
100% SSC Results: Her school has achieved 100% SSC results ten times, a remarkable feat for a tribal government school.
National-Level Competitions: Her students have excelled in national-level competitions, showcasing their talents and skills.
Pariksha Pe Charcha 2025: One of her students was selected for Pariksha Pe Charcha 2025, a prestigious program that recognizes outstanding students.
Miranda’s National Award has positioned her as a leader and mentor in education. She is now selected as a mentor to train teachers, sharing her expertise and experience with others. Her leadership and mentorship have inspired a new generation of educators.
Miranda’s approach to education is centered around understanding each child’s unique needs and abilities. She believes in being a supportive and caring teacher who can mold any student. Her legacy is a testament to the power of dedication, innovation, and passion in education.
Maria Murena Miranda’s story is an inspiration to educators and students alike. Her commitment to education and her students has made a lasting impact on her community. As a leader and mentor, she continues to shape the future of education, leaving a legacy that will be remembered for generations to come.
Happy Birthday, Maria Murena Miranda!
On this special day, we celebrate your life, dedication, and passion for education. Your tireless efforts to provide quality education to your students, especially those from tribal backgrounds, have made a profound impact.
May your birthday be filled with joy, love, and appreciation from your students, colleagues, and community. May your legacy continue to inspire and empower future generations.
Here’s to another year of making a difference in the lives of your students and beyond!
