JOHN AGUIAR: My Craze for the Class A Ceremonial Tunic

Tuesday, August 4, 2026

My Craze for the Class A Ceremonial Tunic

John Aguiar

The Class A ceremonial dress tunic has always held a special place in my heart. Ever since I joined the Home Guards and Civil Defence, I dreamt of the day I would proudly wear this distinguished uniform on a memorable occasion.

That dream came true when my name was announced for the President's Home Guards and Civil Defence Medal for Meritorious Services on 25 January 2012. My joy knew no bounds. A few months later, I received an official communication informing me that the medal would be presented on Independence Day, 15 August 2012.

I was determined that such a proud moment deserved the finest ceremonial attire. At that time, I was serving as the Public Relations Officer (PRO) in the Goa Police Department. One of the police constables working with me knew a renowned tailor in Belgaum who specialized in stitching ceremonial police uniforms. Together, we travelled to Belgaum. The tailor's shop was like a treasure house of police uniforms and accessories.

After selecting the fabric and getting my measurements taken, we returned to Goa, while my colleague stayed back and brought the completed uniform the very next day. I can still remember the excitement of seeing my brand-new Class A ceremonial dress tunic for the first time. Along with it Inpurchased new peaked cap and a new cross belt. I had already purchased a ceremonial sword from Belgaum in 2010, so my ceremonial dress was complete.

The proud moment finally arrived when the medal was presented to me by the then Chief Minister of Goa, late Shri Manohar Parrikar , on Independence Day at Old Secretariat in Panjim.. It was one l of the most memorable moments of my life.

Thereafter, I had several opportunities to wear my Class A ceremonial dress uniform during commendation parades and other official functions. Every time I wore that tunic, it reminded me that a uniform is not merely a piece of clothing—it represents honour, discipline, dedication, and years of selfless service to the nation.

Even today, that Class A ceremonial dress tunic remains one of my most treasured possessions.

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About me

Shri John Aguiar. A man of many mantles, Shri Aguiar served with distinction as an Information Officer for the Department of Information & Publicity, Government of Goa. His administrative expertise further led him to serve as the General Manager of the Goa Human Resource Development Corporation. Notably, his career reached the national stage as the Additional Private Secretary to Union Ministers across the Ministries of External Affairs, Finance, and Chemicals and Fertilizers. Within the state, he served for six years as the PRO for the Goa Police and held the rank of Honorary Company Commander of the Home Guards. [Journalism & Education] Before his administrative heights, Shri Aguiar was a formidable voice in Goan media. A B.A. in History from Chowgule College—where he was named the “Best All-Round Student”. He later did his Bachelor of Journalism and Master of Journalism degrees from Tilak Maharashtra University, Pune. He went on to serve as a Chief Reporter and Staff Reporter for prestigious publications including The Navhind Times, Herald, Gomantak, and West Coast Times. [Literary & Artistic Contributions] Shri Aguiar is a celebrated Poet, Writer, and Lyricist. He has authored eight books, spanning Konkani poetry, English essays, and Roman Konkani plays. His ninth book is "Thembe" collection of his konkani poems. His poem "Bharat Desh Mahan" is a part of the XI Std Konkani curriculum.Anothrr poem "Tin rongi" bavtyo is selected for the right Std text book. His work is included in the Sahitya Akademi’s compilation of Contemporary Konkani Poetry. His soul-stirring lyrics and Hindu devotional songs are frequently broadcast on All India Radio and cherished by devotees across the state. [Honors & Awards] His shelf of accolades is a testament to his dedication. He is a rare recipient of: The President’s Medal for Distinguished Services (2020) and The President’s Medal for Meritorious Services (2013) for his services in Home Guards. The Chief Minister’s Gold Medal (2007). The Kala Gaurav Puraskar (2022) and multiple Sahitya Puraskars from Konkani Bhasha Mandal and The Navhind Times. He is also listed in the prestigious book, "200 Famous Persons of Goa." He received the Late. Adv. Manjunathdas Kamat Memorial Bhakti Sahitya Award 2025. He was honoured with the Influential Leader of Goa award 3035 in the category of Konkani literature by Heral Global at the Great Gather Sumit at Hotel Hilton, Candolim on May 25, 2025. A truly deserving recognition for his immense contribution to Konkani literature & devotional writings. Shri Aguiar also received the prestigious DGCD Silver Commendation Disc and Commendation Card by the Director General of Civil Defence, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, in December 2025. [Personal Milestones & Service] Beyond his professional life, Shri Aguiar is a National Shooter who represented Goa in the 10-Meter Air Pistol category. He is an actor having acted in some konkani feature films also a film maker with his two short films "The formal Shoes" and "The Red Bag" both official entries for Pune Short film festival. Perhaps most inspiring is his spirit of service. Recognized as a "Covid Warrior," he went above and beyond by volunteering for the Covaxin Human Trials, putting his own health on the line for the scientific progress of the nation. [Closing] From the newsroom to the corridors of power, and from the shooting range to the heights of Konkani literature, Shri John Aguiar embodies the spirit of a true Goan polymath.

NAB - GOA

THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND (NAB) FELICITATED ITS JOINT SECRETARY SHRI JOHN AGUIAR ON HIS SELECTION FOR THE PRESTIGIOUS PRESIDENTS HOME GUARDS AND CIVIL DEFENCE MEDAL FOR MERITORIOUS SERVICES AT NAB OFFICE AT SANTA CRUZ ON FEBRUARY 09, 2012. PRESIDENT OF THE NAB SHRI ROZENDO MENDONCA PRESENTED A BOUQUET TO HIM ON BEHALF OF THE NAB. ALSO PRESENT WERE VICE PRESIDENT MS. USHA KAMAT, DR. H. Y. KARAPURKAR, MR. DOMNIC RODRIGUES, MR. VINCENT MONTEIRO, MRS. LORRAINE D’SOUZA, SMT. LEENA PRABHU AND OTHERS.