From the Indian Navy to Parliament: Captain Viriato Hipólito de Mendonça Fernandes on Service, Kargil and Nation Building
By John Aguiar
Captain Viriato Hipólito de Mendonça Fernandes, Member of Parliament and a retired officer of the Indian Navy, was part of Operation Talwar during the 1999 Kargil War. After serving the Navy with distinction for twenty-six years, he carried the same spirit of service into public life. In this interview, he reflects on his remarkable journey—from a young engineering student in Goa to a naval officer, and later, a Member of Parliament.
Early Life and Education
Born in Assonora, Bardez, Goa, Captain Fernandes completed his primary education at St. Clara High School. As his father was a government servant who was later transferred to Panaji, he continued his education at Progress High School, Don Bosco, Dhempe College, and eventually joined the Goa Engineering College. After completing his engineering studies, he reported to INS Mandovi, Verem, where he began his career in the Indian Navy.
The Inspiration to Wear the Uniform
Captain Fernandes recalls that his patriotism was nurtured during childhood through stories narrated by his parents. They spoke of Goa's Liberation Struggle and the courage displayed by Indian soldiers during the 1962 Sino-Indian War. In an era when television was absent and radio was the primary source of news, these stories left a lasting impression on him.
His father also introduced him to international events, including the Hungarian uprising against communist rule. Later, as a teenager, the Tiananmen Square protests further shaped his understanding of freedom, democracy, and public courage.
An accomplished badminton player who represented Goa at the national level in Udaipur, he was pursuing his final year of engineering when nationwide protests erupted over the Mandal Commission. Following campus disruptions, he returned to Goa, unaware that destiny was about to change his life.
A Chance Encounter that Changed Everything
While visiting Goa Engineering College to check examination dates, Captain Fernandes noticed a large crowd outside a classroom. He learned that senior officers from the Indian Navy were conducting campus interviews to recruit engineering graduates.
By the time he decided to appear for the interview, it was already 5 p.m., and the selection panel had officially closed the process. Politely turned away, he accepted the decision and walked back.
A few minutes later, a naval sailor approached him with an unexpected message: the interview board wanted him to return. The panel had realised they had an odd number of candidates and decided to call him back to make the count even.
Looking back, Captain Fernandes smiles and says, "Perhaps it was destiny."
During the interview, he was asked about the political unrest prevailing in India. Speaking candidly, he expressed his opinion that Prime Minister V. P. Singh should resign because the government had failed to maintain law and order. The following day, newspapers carried the news of the Prime Minister's resignation.
Selection through the Services Selection Board
Although several of his classmates received letters for the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview, Captain Fernandes initially received nothing. Days later, a letter finally arrived informing him that he had missed the first call and was being given a final opportunity.
He travelled to Bhopal and successfully completed the demanding SSB selection process, which assessed psychological aptitude, leadership, intelligence, and physical endurance.
During the final conference, he was asked how confident he was about being selected.
"I am very confident," he replied.
When asked why, he answered, "Because if you do not select me, you will lose the opportunity to recruit a good officer."
When the results were announced, he was the only candidate selected from that batch.
Soon afterwards, he joined the Indian Navy at INS Mandovi, beginning a distinguished military career that lasted twenty-six years.
A Career in Naval Aviation
Captain Fernandes believes the Navy constantly upgrades its officers through professional training, advanced education, and continuous skill development, producing confident and capable leaders.
Although naval advertisements often proclaim, "Join the Navy and See the World," he says he never had the opportunity to travel abroad during service. Nevertheless, he gained extensive operational experience within India.
After qualifying as a Marine Engineer, he served at Visakhapatnam before moving into Naval Aviation, a field that particularly fascinated him.
He served with INAS 310, the famous "Cobras" squadron at INS Hansa, Goa, and later worked with several naval aviation units operating aircraft such as the Dornier 228, Sea Harrier, Chetak, and Kiran aircraft.
In 1999, he was transferred to INAS 550, popularly known as the "Flying Fish" Squadron, based at INS Garuda, Kochi, where he served as an Engineering Officer during the Kargil conflict.
Operation Talwar and the Kargil War
During the Kargil War, the Indian Navy launched Operation Talwar, a strategic naval campaign aimed at blockading Pakistan's maritime trade routes and exerting economic and military pressure.
Serving with naval aviation during this crucial period, Captain Fernandes contributed to the operational readiness of aircraft supporting India's maritime security mission.
He pays heartfelt tribute to the extraordinary courage of India's armed forces during the conflict, remembering heroes such as Captain Vikram Batra and Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey, whose supreme sacrifice continues to inspire generations of Indians.
"The bravery of our soldiers, who fought under the most difficult conditions against Pakistani forces and infiltrators, will never be forgotten," he says.
From Military Service to Public Service
After retiring from the Navy, Captain Fernandes channelled the same discipline and commitment into public life. He became actively involved in exposing corruption, environmental destruction, and issues affecting Goa's future.
"When the elected representatives failed to listen, we became the voice of Goa," he recalls. Despite facing legal challenges and pressure, he remained steadfast in speaking for the people.
His military training, he believes, taught him integrity, courage, discipline, and the importance of standing firm under pressure—qualities that continue to guide his work in public life.
Serving the Nation in Parliament
Upon entering Parliament, Captain Fernandes says he was recognised for his commitment to public service.
He recalls that the Leader of the Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, appreciated his work for the people of Goa and recommended his appointment to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence, enabling him to continue contributing to matters relating to national security.
A Soldier's Message
Reflecting on his journey, Captain Viriato Hipólito de Mendonça Fernandes believes that the true duty of a soldier is to protect the nation, even at the risk of one's own life. He emphasises that passion, integrity, honesty, and strong moral values are the foundation of meaningful public service.
His remarkable journey—from an engineering student who almost missed a campus interview, to a naval officer who served during the Kargil War, and finally to a Member of Parliament—demonstrates how dedication, courage, and unwavering patriotism can shape a lifetime of service to the nation.
