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.
Dr. Sushila Fonseca’s life is a compelling blend of science, literature, and social empathy. Born in Margao, Goa, and raised partially in Mombasa, Kenya, her journey began against the backdrop of India’s freedom movement—her father himself was a part of it. She pursued medicine at Topiwala National Medical College in Mumbai, where she later earned a post-graduate degree in Pathology and served as a resident doctor.
Her career brought her to Goa Medical College, but in 1983, she chose a different path: establishing her own private diagnostic laboratory in Fontainhas, Panaji. While her lab still serves the community, Dr. Fonseca has also carved a respected space in the world of Indian literature.
As an author, Dr. Fonseca writes both fiction and non-fiction, often weaving together her medical expertise with her desire to inform and inspire. Her books like What I Should Know About HIV/AIDS and Good Health Practices for the Family are written in an accessible, reader-friendly tone aimed at public health awareness. Her fiction, meanwhile, delves into more layered territory.
Rebecca’s Inheritance (2002) explores the devastating impact of alcoholism in families, Touched by Love addresses the emotional toll of HIV, while Invisible Currents highlights the drug trap. She’s also tackled themes of equality, cancer, and societal judgment—always grounding her stories in the realities of human health and relationships.
More recently, her work has gravitated toward historical fiction—driven by her passion for Goa and its past. Books like Against the Tide…47 Men…, Antonio Sequeira – His Quest for Goa’s Freedom, and When Faith Divides reflect her effort to turn historical events into engaging, emotional narratives.
She believes fiction has the power to reshape how we understand history—not through dates and declarations, but through human experience. “Historical fiction encourages readers to empathize with the people who lived through events and see the emotional and societal impact of decisions made by those in power,” she explains.
In When Faith Divides, her latest novel, she not only tells a story but also raises crucial questions about identity, belief, and societal manipulation—making it particularly timely in today’s socio-political climate. “I hope Goans will read it with an open mind, especially the youth,” she says, noting a concern that fewer young people today read books or engage deeply with history.
Dr. Fonseca’s creative process is driven by curiosity. She approaches each story with the attitude of a student—researching history, human psychology, and geography. When faced with writer’s block, she steps back and reflects, sometimes using it as a sign that the story needs a new direction.
When she’s not writing, she reads widely, across genres. She values feedback, especially when it’s personal—like the elderly reader who wept after reading When Faith Divides, or the young girl who connected so deeply with one of her characters that she mimicked her in daily life.
Dr. Sushila Fonseca writes for the sheer joy of it. “It’s a hobby,” she says. “But one through which I keep learning—whether it’s about medicine, history, or human nature.” If she had to describe her journey in one word, it would be “enriching.” And her writing certainly continues to enrich the literary and cultural fabric of Goa.
Porvorim’s development journey took a meaningful leap with the inauguration of a vibrant new community space, comprising a modern Futsal Ground and a Recreational Hall for Senior Citizens.
The inauguration was led by Hon’ble Minister Rohan A. Khaunte, along with ZP Kavita G Naik, Sarpanch Swapnil Chodankar, and Panch members of Penha De Franca, in the presence of proud and excited residents of the locality.
This initiative is part of the ongoing “Fit Porvorim” movement — aimed at building infrastructure that promotes health, social well-being, and community engagement.
The Futsal Ground will serve as a hub for local youth, fostering active lifestyles, sportsmanship, and positive community interaction. On the other hand, the Recreational Hall for Senior Citizens is designed to promote mental and physical wellness, offering a space for leisure, community programs, and activities tailored for senior needs.
“Creating inclusive spaces for all age groups strengthens our community’s roots. Porvorim is leading by example, and today’s launch is a testament to that,” said Minister Rohan Khaunte during the event.
Children took to the Futsal field with enthusiasm, while senior citizens explored a thoughtfully designed hall featuring amenities for wellness, reading, and group activities.
As Porvorim continues to evolve, initiatives like these ensure no one is left behind — whether it’s the energy of youth or the wisdom of age, every resident now has a place to belong, connect, and thrive.
To honor the spirit of friendship, community, and connection, Majo Amig—a citizens’ collective featuring both young adults and senior citizens—organized a special Friendship Walk on the occasion of Friendship Day.
The walk commenced from the iconic Parashuram Bhumi in Campal–Panaji and extended to the scenic shores of Miramar Beach, before looping back to the starting point. The route, embraced by greenery, coastal breeze, and the warmth of companionship, set the perfect stage for this intergenerational celebration.
What made this walk remarkable was its inclusive essence—young and senior citizens walking side by side, engaging in conversations, laughter, and mutual appreciation. It was a living example of the harmony and strength that comes when different generations walk together, not just physically but in values and shared purpose.
The walk wasn’t just about fitness—it was about bridging age gaps, fostering emotional connection, and creating a sense of community in motion. Residents and onlookers joined in or cheered the participants, turning the walk into a local celebration of kindness and connection.
Majo Amig continues to lead by example in promoting togetherness through civic action, wellness, and joyful initiatives.
The Parish of St Francis Xavier Church, Duler, came alive with spirit, song, and sincere gratitude on Sunday, July 27, 2025, as it marked Grandparents’ and Elders’ Appreciation Daywith warmth and purpose. Spearheaded by the Social Apostolate Cell (SAC) and Family Apostolate Cell (FAC), the event honoured the legacy, resilience, and wisdom of the senior members of the community.
The morning began with a Thanksgiving Mass, beautifully attended by parishioners and dedicated to the Grandparents and Elders. The Senior Citizens’ Forum of the parish joined hands with the SAC to create a meaningful prayer service followed by an Educational-Cultural Celebration that brought generations together.
Through touching Konkani songs and skits, the Catechism Children and Youth not only paid tribute to the elders but also brought attention to a pressing modern issue — Cybercrime.
The Chief Guest, DySP Wilson Cipriano D’Souza, applauded the parish for blending tradition with contemporary challenges. He assured seniors that the Mapusa Police stands with them and encouraged them to approach his office for any support.
The highlight of the day was an insightful presentation by Cybercrime Branch Inspector Vidyanand Pawar, who explained the evolving nature of digital frauds targeting elders and offered practical safety tips for using smartphones, banking apps, and social media.
Adding grace to the celebration were Justice Sabino Braganza and Range Forest Officer Maryann D’Souza, both special invitees who reinforced the message of appreciation and empowerment.
A delightful cultural performance by the Senior Citizens, featuring a traditional Mando, fashion show, and musical acts, brought joy and connection to the community. The event closed with a joyful fellowship lunch.
In the evening, the celebration extended beyond the church walls. The FAC, Parish Pastoral Council, and Somudai leaders reached out to the homebound and isolated elders, gifting them handmade cards by Catechism children and tokens of love, ensuring no one was left behind.
Fr Anthony Fernandes, Parish Priest, summed it up best:
“Our elders are timeless beacons of faith and wisdom. Today, we not only honour them but also stand by them as a community.”
Indeed, the event was more than a celebration—it was a testament to the dignity, safety, and shared identity of the Parish’s senior citizens.
