Tag: inspirational stories

EduConnect

Sanguem Girl Shines in the UK: Fiza Shaikh Appointed International Officer at Leeds Beckett University

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Fiza Shaikh, daughter of Ex-Vice Chairperson Imtiaz Shaikh and Councillor Fouziya Shaikh from Sanguem, has made her hometown and the entire state of Goa proud with her recent achievement in the United Kingdom. A former student of The Kings School and a graduate of Padre Conceicao College of Engineering (PCCE), Fiza has consistently demonstrated excellence both academically and professionally.

After completing her Bachelor’s degree in engineering, she pursued her passion for management and leadership by enrolling for a Master’s in Project Management at Leeds Beckett University in the UK. Her dedication, perseverance, and commitment to excellence paid off as she graduated with distinction — a testament to her hard work and determination.

Adding yet another feather to her cap, Fiza has now been appointed as an International Officer at Leeds Beckett University. In this new role, she will contribute to fostering global connections and supporting international students, continuing her journey of inspiring leadership and cross-cultural engagement.

Beyond academics, Fiza is also the Managing Director of the SmileKeeper Foundation, an organization focused on social development and community upliftment. Her story is not just one of personal success but also a symbol of what Goan youth can achieve with vision, persistence, and passion.

Her accomplishment stands as a proud moment for Sanguem, celebrating the potential of young Goans making their mark across the world and reminding us that with dedication and hard work, the world truly has no boundaries.

Human Interest

“It’s Never Too Late” — 90-Year-Old Maryette McFarland Graduates Seven Decades After Beginning Her Studies

allycaralgoa

For Maryette McFarland from Londonderry, Northern Ireland, the dream of earning a university degree may have taken seventy years — but she’s finally done it.

Now 90, Maryette has graduated with a degree in English Literature, completing a journey that began in the 1960s. Back then, she had joined university in Dublin but left her studies to get married and raise a family.

Decades later, encouraged by her family and driven by her love for learning, she decided to return to education — this time, online.

“I can hardly believe it, and it’s taken me quite a long time,” Maryette said after graduating. Though studying online was challenging, she said her family — including her four children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren — were “wonderful” in supporting her.

“I’m very bad online but I had a lot of help from the family,” she laughed, sharing that her daughter-in-law even taught her how to type.

Her eldest daughter, Shauna Gailey, said proudly, “I am just so proud of her.”

Maryette’s achievement is not just a personal milestone — it’s a shining example of perseverance, passion, and the timeless power of education. Her story reminds us that dreams may rest, but they never truly fade away.

— Reported by Allycaral | Connecting Global

Sports

Goa’s Lloyd Fernandes Selected for ITTF Asian Para Championship After Double Gold Victory

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Written by Intern Queeny George M.H, Team Allycaral

For many, an accident might seem like the end of life. But for some, it becomes the beginning of a powerful new chapter. Lloyd Fernandes from Goa is one such person who turned tragedy into triumph. In 2016, Lloyd’s life changed forever after a devastating accident left him paralyzed. While most would struggle to cope, Lloyd found strength in an unexpected place—table tennis.

Determined not to let his condition define him, Lloyd picked up the sport after the accident. It started as a form of therapy and evolved into a full-fledged passion. With every swing of the paddle, he built confidence, strength, and purpose. He trained rigorously, competed fiercely, and steadily carved a name for himself in the world of Para Table Tennis.

His hard work paid off in March 2025 when he clinched two consecutive gold medals—first at the Para Table Tennis National Ranking Championship held from March 17–19, and then again at the Para Senior Table Tennis National Championship from March 21–23. Both prestigious events were hosted at the Sama Indoor Sports Complex in Vadodara, Gujarat.

Lloyd’s exceptional performance has now earned him a coveted spot in the ITTF Asian Para Championship, a major international tournament that gathers the best para-athletes from across the continent. His selection is not just a personal achievement, but also a proud moment for Goa and India.

Lloyd Fernandes’s journey from paralysis to the international stage is more than just a story of sports. It’s a powerful reminder that resilience, determination, and passion can overcome any obstacle. As he prepares to represent India at the ITTF Asian Para Championship, he carries with him the hopes of many and the undeniable spirit of a true champion.

Entertainment

Huma Qureshi Receives Face of Asia Award at the Busan Film Festival

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Written by Intern Queeny George M.H, Team Allycaral

Huma Qureshi has added another significant achievement to her growing list of accolades, as she was honored with the Face of Asia Award at the prestigious Busan Film Festival in South Korea. The recognition comes as her film Bayan is being screened at the festival, drawing global attention to Indian storytelling and talent.

In a deeply emotional and inspiring acceptance speech, Huma expressed her gratitude and dedicated the award to young girls across the world. “This is my first experience in Busan, and this award is very special to me,” she said on stage. “My father was born in Nizamuddin, Delhi, and my mother was born in a village. I was always told that becoming an actress was beyond my reach. That’s why seeing myself here today is a big deal.”

Her powerful message resonated with many, as she opened up about the societal and cultural barriers she faced during her journey to becoming an actress. By sharing her story, Huma not only celebrated her own success but also encouraged young girls to believe in themselves, no matter their background.

The Face of Asia Award is presented to artists who represent the spirit and diversity of the continent, and Huma’s journey from Delhi to the global stage truly embodies that vision. Her performance in Bayan and her growing influence as an actress, producer, and advocate for women’s empowerment continue to solidify her position as a force in global cinema.

As she stood on the Busan stage, Huma Qureshi wasn’t just receiving an award—she was passing the torch to the next generation of dreamers.

Human Interest

To the Barracks, Not the Runway: Kashish Methwani Joins Indian Army After Winning Miss International India

Tanisha Cardozo

In a world where the spotlight often leads to red carpets and fashion runways, Kashish Methwani took a turn that very few expected — and many now admire. Crowned Miss International India in 2023, she was poised to make her mark in the modelling industry, with offers pouring in after her national win. But behind the glamour and grace was a deeper calling — to serve the nation in uniform.

While most would ride the wave of fame, Kashish made a bold decision. She chose to prepare for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination, a highly competitive path to enter India’s defence forces. In 2024, she not only cleared the exam but also secured an All India Rank of 2, a feat that speaks volumes of her discipline, focus, and determination.

Following this achievement, she trained at the prestigious Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai, known for forging some of the Indian Army’s finest officers. After months of rigorous physical, mental, and tactical training, Kashish Methwani has now been commissioned into the Army Air Defence (AAD) — a key arm of India’s defence forces responsible for protecting the skies from enemy aircraft and missiles.

Today, she holds the rank of Lieutenant, trading in her sash for stars, and high heels for combat boots.

Her story is not just one of a career switch — it’s a story of commitment, courage, and clarity of purpose. In choosing the Indian Army over instant fame, Kashish Methwani has emerged as a powerful symbol of what it means to lead with both heart and strength.

For a generation often told to follow the easier path, her journey offers a resounding alternative: chase meaning, not just limelight. Serve, don’t just shine.

She is Lieutenant Kashish Methwani — beauty, brains, and bravery in one formidable force.