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Rotary Club of Miramar Honors Unsung Heroes for 25 Years of Selfless Service


In a heartwarming ceremony, the Rotary Club of Miramar recognized the remarkable contributions of five outstanding individuals who have dedicated over 25 years of selfless service to their respective fields. This special event, organized by the Rotary Club, aimed to acknowledge the invaluable impact of these everyday heroes on their community.

The awardees, who were honored for their tireless efforts, included:

  • Shri. Demani Gangaram Kakatkar, a milk supplier who has been serving the community for over two and a half decades.
  • Smt. Josefina Vaz, a fisherwoman who has been contributing to the local fishing industry for over 25 years.
  • Shri. Pravin Dina Murgoankar, a newspaper supplier who has been delivering news to the community for over 25 years.
  • Shri. Krishnanath Gangaram Chari, a clerk at Mahalaxmi Temple who has been serving the temple and its devotees for over 25 years.
  • Shri. Soma Narayan Dhargalkar, a cemetery helper who has been providing essential services to the community for over 25 years.

During the ceremony, the awardees were presented with cash prizes and certificates by the esteemed Chief Guest, Dr. Vinaykumar Pai Raikar (PDG). Dr. Raikar commended the efforts of the honorees, emphasizing the significance of their roles in the community and encouraging them to serve as role models for future generations.

The event was attended by various club members, including President Rtn. Siddharth Deshpande, Secretary Rtn. Samrat Kamat, and Vocational Service Director Rtn. Shantendu Mohite. The ceremony was expertly hosted by Rtn. Trupti Patil.

By recognizing these unsung heroes, the Rotary Club of Miramar aims to inspire others in the community to engage in meaningful service. The club believes that acknowledging the contributions of these individuals not only honors their efforts but also motivates others to make a positive impact.

The Rotary Club of Miramar’s initiative serves as a shining example of the power of community recognition and appreciation. By celebrating the selfless service of these everyday heroes, the club reinforces the importance of kindness, compassion, and dedication to others.

Key Highlights:

  • The Rotary Club of Miramar honored five individuals for their 25 years of selfless service.
  • The awardees included a milk supplier, fisherwoman, newspaper supplier, temple clerk, and cemetery helper.
  • The awards ceremony was attended by club members and presided over by Chief Guest Dr. Vinaykumar Pai Raikar (PDG).
  • The event aimed to recognize the invaluable contributions of everyday heroes and inspire others to engage in meaningful service.
#AllycaralFeature ๐Ÿ‘’, 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 ๐Ÿ‘’

St. Joseph Vaz: The Pride of Goa and Goa’s First Native Saint


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.”