JOHN AGUIAR: Salam Fauji:Group Captain Fernando D'Costa

Wednesday, August 5, 2026

Salam Fauji:Group Captain Fernando D'Costa

Group Captain Fernando D'Costa: Inspiring Goa's Youth to Serve the Nation

By John Aguiar

Goa has made a remarkable contribution to India's Armed Forces, producing generations of brave men and women who have served the nation with courage and distinction. Among them is Group Captain Fernando D'Costa, a respected officer of the Indian Air Force whose dedication to service and commitment to inspiring young people have earned him widespread admiration.

Group Captain Fernando D'Costa has exemplified the highest traditions of the Indian Air Force through professionalism, discipline, and leadership. During his tenure as the Commanding Officer of the Airmen Selection Centre, Jodhpur, he played a significant role in encouraging young Goans to pursue careers in the Indian Air Force. Recognizing the immense potential of Goa's youth, he worked tirelessly to create awareness about the opportunities available in the Armed Forces.

His visits to educational institutions and interaction with students motivated many young men and women to dream of wearing the Air Force uniform. Through orientation programmes and career guidance sessions, he explained the selection process, the values of military service, and the rewarding opportunities available in the Indian Air Force. His efforts helped dispel misconceptions and inspired many to view the Armed Forces as a noble and fulfilling career.

Group Captain Fernando D'Costa also played a key role in promoting Air Force recruitment in Goa, working closely with the State Government and educational institutions. His initiatives were appreciated by the Governor and the Government of Goa, reflecting his commitment to strengthening the bond between the Indian Air Force and the people of Goa.

Beyond recruitment, his life represents the ideals of integrity, patriotism, discipline, and selfless service. He has become a role model for countless young Goans who aspire to contribute to the nation's security and development.

Goa has always produced soldiers, sailors, and air warriors of exceptional calibre. Group Captain Fernando D'Costa proudly carries forward this legacy. His dedication serves as a reminder that true patriotism is expressed not only through words but through years of unwavering service to the nation.

As Goa celebrates the achievements of its defence personnel, the contribution of officers like Group Captain Fernando D'Costa deserves recognition and appreciation. Their service inspires future generations to uphold the values of courage, honour, and duty, ensuring that Goa's proud military tradition continues to flourish.

As a son of Dramapur, Chinchinim, Group Captain Fernando D'Costa has been a source of inspiration, demonstrating that dedication, discipline, and patriotism can motivate a new generation to serve the nation. His efforts have strengthened the connection between Goa and the Indian Air Force, encouraging many young Goans to consider a career in the Armed Forces.

"The strength of a nation lies not only in its armed forces but also in those who inspire the next generation to serve."

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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.