Goan Personalities

Padma Shri Awardee Libia Lobo Sardesai Attends ANZA High School’s 200-Year Celebrations as Chief Guest


Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

Panjim, January 2026: Padma Shri awardee Libia Lobo Sardesai, aged 101, left Panjim for Mumbai to attend the 200-year milestone celebrations of ANZA High School, where she will serve as the chief guest at the commemorative events beginning Friday.


Founded in 1826 by Goan educationist Antonio de Souza, the Byculla-based institution has played a significant role in shaping generations of students and boasts an illustrious alumni list that includes Bollywood legend Raj Kapoor, renowned poet Nissim Ezekiel, and Olympian Leo Pinto, among others.

Reflecting on her association with the school, Sardesai reminisced about her early years and the friendships forged on the playground, noting that none of her classmates are alive today. Her presence at the bicentenary celebrations symbolically bridges the institution’s rich past with its present and future.

The bicentennial programme includes a thanksgiving Mass, cultural performances, and a gala dinner, with the celebrations set to culminate on January 25. Sardesai’s participation adds a deeply personal and historical dimension to the landmark occasion, celebrating the enduring legacy of one of Mumbai’s oldest educational institutions.

Events in Goa

Libia Lobo Sardesai (101) Unveils Madganvcho Awaaz Logo on Babu Naik’s 98th Birth Anniversary


Margao witnessed a historic and emotional moment as freedom fighter Libia Lobo Sardesai, aged 101, unveiled the logo of Madganvcho Awaaz on the 98th birth anniversary of former Margao MLA Babu Naik.

The event celebrated both the memory of Babu Naik and the enduring legacy of service he left behind. Known as a people’s leader, Naik’s life was dedicated to public welfare and grassroots engagement in Margao.

At the ceremony, Libia Lobo Sardesai, one of Goa’s most respected freedom fighters, extended her heartfelt blessings to Babu Naik’s grandson and emerging youth leader Prabhav Naik. She urged him to follow in his grandfather’s footsteps as a true Lok Sevak (public servant), committed to the welfare of the people above all else.

Prabhav Naik, moved by the blessings, expressed his gratitude and pledged to continue working for the community, inspired by his grandfather’s ideals and the values of honesty, simplicity, and public service.

The unveiling of Madganvcho Awaaz is seen as not just a symbolic gesture but a reaffirmation of grassroots political identity and people-centric leadership in Margao.

This moment brings together history, sacrifice, and the promise of a new generation stepping up to continue the journey of service to society.

#AllycaralFeature 👒, Goan Personalities

Padma Awards 2025: Centenarian Freedom Fighter Libia Lobo Sardesai Honored


The Padma Awards 2025 have been announced, recognizing the selfless contributions of 139 individuals from various fields. Among the notable awardees is Libia Lobo Sardesai, a 100-year-old freedom fighter from Goa, who played a pivotal role in Goa’s freedom movement.

A Tribute to Selfless Service

The Padma Awards are India’s highest civilian honors, conferred upon individuals who have demonstrated exceptional service and achievements in their respective fields. This year’s awardees include freedom fighters, artists, scientists, and social workers who have made significant contributions to the nation.

Padma Shri Awardees

Here’s a list of the Padma Shri awardees released so far:

  • L Hangthing (Nagaland)
  • Hariman Sharma (Himachal Pradesh)
  • Jumde Yomgam Gamlin (Arunachal Pradesh)
  • Joynacharan Bathari (Assam)
  • Naren Gurung (Sikkim)
  • Vilas Dangre (Maharashtra)
  • Shaikha A J Al Sabah (Kuwait)
  • Nirmala Devi (Bihar)
  • Bhim Singh Bhavesh (Bihar)
  • Radha Bahin Bhatt (Uttarakhand)
  • Suresh Soni (Gujarat)
  • Pandi Ram Mandavi (Chhattisgarh)
  • Jonas Masett (Brazil)
  • Jagdish Joshila (Madhya Pradesh)
  • Harvinder Singh (Haryana)
  • Bheru Singh Chouhan (Madhya Pradesh)
  • Venkappa Ambaji Sugatekar (Karnataka)
  • P Datchanamoorthy (Puducherry)
  • Libia Lobo Sardesai (Goa)
  • Gokul Chandra Das (West Bengal)
  • Hugh Gantzer (Uttarakhand)
  • Colleen Gantzer (Uttarakhand)
  • Dr Neerja Bhatla (Delhi)
  • Sally Holkar (Madhya Pradesh)
  • Maruti Bhujangrao Chitampalli (Maharashtra)

Celebrating Excellence

The Padma Awards 2025 celebrate the excellence and dedication of individuals who have made a positive impact on society. These awardees serve as an inspiration to future generations, reminding us of the importance of selfless service and commitment to the nation

#AllycaralFeature 👒, Social

Vivekananda Angel Awards: Honoring Selfless Individuals Who Make a Difference


In a heartwarming ceremony, the second edition of the Vivekananda Angel Awards (VAA) recognized the remarkable contributions of four individuals who have dedicated their lives to serving others. The event, organized by Ethernet Xpress Foundation, took place on January 21 at the Thomas Stephens Konkani Kendr in Porvorim.

The four awardees were chosen for their selfless work in various fields:

  1. Durgadas Parab: Founder of Urja and Akshay Urja Foundation, which provides scholarships to needy students, empowering them to pursue their dreams.
  2. Victor Hugo Gomes: A museum curator who has dedicated his life to supporting artisans and preserving dying arts and skills, keeping Goa’s cultural heritage alive.
  3. Naman Sawant Dhawaskar: A tireless worker who supports the children of the Katkari tribe through Samvedna Kendr, providing them with education, healthcare, and a chance at a better life.
  4. Sandeep Parab: A compassionate individual who rehabilitates destitute and abandoned women through his organization, Jeevanand, giving them a second chance at life.

Chief Guest Libia Lobo Sardesai, a freedom fighter, urged the audience to support the awardees in their community service. She shared inspiring stories from the life of Swami Vivekananda, emphasizing the importance of compassion and empathy towards the poor and underprivileged.

The event was attended by Director of Thomas Stephens Konkani Kendr, Dr. Pandurang Phaldessai, Guest of Honour Vijay Patil, and Sagar Govekar of Ethernet Xpress Foundation. Pravin Sabnis introduced the awardees, while Pranita Dekhne compered the function. Mahendra Tiwari proposed the vote of thanks.

Ethernet Xpress Foundation is dedicated to supporting needy students, women, and self-help groups. The VAA initiative aims to recognize and felicitate individuals who consistently help the underserved, inspiring others to follow in their footstep