In a story that proves patience, perseverance, and purpose always pay off, Ragini Das, co-founder of Leap.club, has been appointed Head of Google for Startups, India.
What makes this journey particularly inspiring is that 12 years ago, Ragini didn’t clear Google’s final interview. Instead, she joined Zomato, where she learned and grew, eventually co-founding Leap.club, a women-focused professional network that empowered thousands of women to connect and excel in their careers.
After Leap.club paused operations in June 2025, Ragini took time off to rest, travel, and rediscover herself. Soon after, she discovered a role at Google perfectly aligned with her experience and passion for supporting founders. She describes it as a “full-circle moment”, the same company that once rejected her now welcoming her as a leader.
Ragini’s story is a reminder that rejection isn’t the end; it can be a redirection to something bigger. Her journey from setback to success underscores the power of resilience, learning, and staying true to one’s purpose.
Katya Coelho, India’s first woman windfoiler and 19-time national gold medalist, has shattered barriers and inspired a generation of young athletes. Her remarkable journey, marked by perseverance, dedication, and passion, serves as a testament to the power of chasing one’s dreams.
Growing up near the ocean, Katya was introduced to windsurfing by her father, Donald Coelho. She recalls the thrill of her first windsurfing experience, feeling an incredible sense of freedom and excitement. This moment sparked a passion that would drive her to become one of India’s most accomplished windsurfers.
Katya’s turning point came when she qualified for the 2014 Youth Olympic Games, making history as the first Indian athlete to achieve this feat in windsurfing. This milestone fueled her determination to compete at the highest level, and she has since gone on to win numerous national and international titles.
Throughout her journey, Katya has faced challenges and overcome obstacles, including biases and limited opportunities as a woman in a male-dominated sport. However, she has consistently let her performance speak for itself, staying focused, training hard, and breaking barriers.
As a role model and inspiration to young athletes, Katya emphasizes the importance of believing in oneself, staying committed, and pursuing one’s passions with dedication and perseverance. Her message to young girls and women interested in windsurfing or sports is clear: “Don’t let anyone tell you what you can or cannot do. Sports can be challenging, but with passion, hard work, and determination, you can achieve anything.”
Katya’s goals extend beyond her own athletic achievements. She aims to contribute to the growth of sailing in India, mentor young athletes, and inspire more Indians to take up windsurfing. Her legacy will undoubtedly be one of trailblazing achievement, paving the way for future generations of windsurfers and empowering women to pursue their dreams in sports.
As Katya continues to chase her dreams and push the boundaries of what is possible, her story serves as a powerful reminder that with hard work, determination, and passion, anything can be achieved.
Key Highlights:
Katya Coelho is India’s first woman windfoiler and 19-time national gold medalist.
She has competed in the Youth Olympics and Asian Games, winning numerous international titles.
Katya aims to inspire young athletes, especially girls, to take up windsurfing and pursue their dreams.
She hopes to leave behind a thriving sailing community in India and pave the way for future generations of windsurfers.
Quote: “Believe in yourself and don’t let anyone tell you what you can or cannot do. Sports can be challenging, but with passion, hard work, and determination, you can achieve anything.” – Katya Coelho
Erica De Sequeira, a renowned martial artist, has been making waves in the sports world with her impressive skills and determination. Recently, she was honored with the prestigious Orchid Award, a testament to her hard work and dedication.
Receiving the Orchid Award was a surreal experience for Erica. “I’m deeply humbled to receive this award,” she said. “It’s an incredible honor to be recognized for my passion and hard work.”
Erica’s journey in martial arts began at a young age. Growing up, she was fascinated by the world of sports and was encouraged by her parents to explore various disciplines. She found her passion in martial arts, particularly in TIMD, BJJ, and MMA.
Erica’s journey has not been without its challenges. She has faced self-doubt, fear of failure, injuries, and setbacks. However, she has learned to overcome these obstacles through resilience, hard work, and determination.
Erica cites her coach, Mary Kom, Khabib Nurmagomedov, and Conor McGregor as her role models and sources of inspiration. “These individuals have taught me valuable lessons about hard work, dedication, and perseverance,” she said.
Erica’s future plans include competing at the international level, establishing a martial arts academy, and collaborating with other athletes and organizations to promote the values of discipline, hard work, and resilience.
Erica is committed to giving back to her community and contributing to the growth of sports in India. She plans to establish a martial arts academy, conduct free training sessions, mentor young athletes, and support local sports initiatives.
Erica prioritizes time management, sets boundaries, and makes time for self-care to maintain a healthy balance between her sports career and personal life.
Erica emphasizes the importance of mental health and practices mindfulness, self-compassion, and self-care to maintain good mental health.
Erica hopes to leave a lasting legacy in the sports world that inspires future generations of athletes and fans. She aspires to be remembered as a trailblazer, role model, and champion.
Erica De Sequeira’s story is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and hard work. Her commitment to martial arts and her community is inspiring, and her legacy will undoubtedly continue to motivate and inspire others for years to come.
Goa, a small state on the western coast of India, has a rich history and heritage that is evident in its architecture, culture, and traditions. One of the most significant contributions of Goa to the world is St. Joseph Vaz, the first and only Goan to be canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church.
St. Joseph Vaz was born on April 21, 1651, in Benaulim, a small village in Goa. He was the third of six children born to Cristovao Vaz and Maria de Miranda. Joseph’s parents were devout Catholics who instilled in him a strong faith and values.
Joseph received his early education at the local village school and later studied at the Jesuit College in Rachol, Goa. He was an excellent student and showed a keen interest in theology and philosophy.
Joseph was ordained as a priest in 1676 and soon felt the call to serve as a missionary in Sri Lanka. At the time, Sri Lanka was under Dutch rule, and Catholicism was facing severe persecution. Despite the risks, Joseph traveled to Sri Lanka in 1687, disguising himself as a beggar to avoid detection by the Dutch authorities.
Joseph’s missionary work in Sri Lanka was marked by bravery, perseverance, and selfless service. He learned the local language and customs, and started preaching the Gospel. He established several Catholic churches and communities, and his missionary work flourished despite the persecution.
Joseph Vaz was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1995 and canonized as a saint by Pope Francis in 2015. He is the first and only Goan to be canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church.
St. Joseph Vaz’s legacy is a testament to his devotion to the faith and his selfless service to humanity. He is revered as a patron saint of Sri Lanka and a model of devotion and perseverance for Catholics around the world.
St. Joseph Vaz is a source of pride for Goa and India. His life and legacy are an inspiration to us all, reminding us of the importance of faith, devotion, and selfless service. As we celebrate the feast of St. Joseph Vaz, let us honor his memory and continue to draw inspiration from his remarkable life and legacy.
Prayer and Reflection
As we reflect on the life and legacy of St. Joseph Vaz, let us pray for the courage and devotion to spread the Gospel, just as he did. May his example inspire us to live our faith with conviction and joy, and may we always remember the sacrifices he made for the sake of the Gospel.
“Dear Lord, we thank you for the example of St. Joseph Vaz, who dedicated his life to spreading your Gospel. May his devotion and perseverance inspire us to live our faith with courage and conviction. Amen.”
