JOHN AGUIAR: Salam Fauji:Lt. Dr. Abhida Eshana Barretto

Wednesday, August 5, 2026

Salam Fauji:Lt. Dr. Abhida Eshana Barretto

Goa's Daughter Brings Glory to the Nation: Lt. Dr. Abhida Eshana Barretto

Commissioned into the Indian Army

By John Aguiar

Goa has every reason to celebrate the extraordinary achievement of one of its brightest daughters, Lt. Dr. Abhida Eshana Barretto, who has been commissioned into the Army Medical Corps (AMC) through the Short Service Commission (SSC) after graduating from the prestigious Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune.

Her commissioning marks the fulfilment of a dream that began in 2021 when she emerged as the Goa State NEET Topper, securing an impressive All India Rank of 905. At that time, the young medical aspirant had expressed her desire to study at AFMC and dedicate her life to serving the nation as an Army doctor. Today, through determination, discipline and unwavering commitment, she has turned that dream into reality.

Adding further distinction to her remarkable journey, Lt. Dr. Barretto was adjudged the Second-Best Outgoing Graduate of the AFMC Graduate Wing and received the prestigious Maj. Gen. N.D.P. Karani Trophy for her outstanding performance in academics and extracurricular activities.

Her achievements at AFMC are exceptional. She won Gold Medals in Anatomy, Physiology, Paediatrics and Medicine, earned distinction in 13 of the 14 MBBS subjects, and consistently secured the highest marks across the first three years of her medical education. These accomplishments reflect not only academic brilliance but also her dedication to excellence.

Equally impressive is her record in sports and leadership. She was awarded the coveted College Blues in Athletics, represented the Maharashtra University of Health Sciences (MUHS) in athletics, excelled in inter-collegiate sprint and relay events, captained the AFMC girls' football team, and achieved several podium finishes in full and half marathons held in Pune. Her all-round excellence exemplifies the qualities expected of a military officer—physical fitness, leadership, teamwork and resilience.

Hailing from Sadolxem in Canacona, Lt. Dr. Abhida Barretto has become a source of immense pride not only for her family but also for the people of Goa. Her journey from being the state's NEET topper to an accomplished Army officer and doctor is a shining example of what can be achieved through perseverance, hard work and a spirit of national service.

As she begins her career in the Army Medical Corps, Lt. Dr. Barretto carries with her the hopes and blessings of an entire state. She stands as a role model for aspiring doctors, students and young Indians who dream of serving the nation in uniform.

The people of Goa salute Lt. Dr. Abhida Eshana Barretto for her outstanding achievements and wish her a long, distinguished and successful career in the service of the nation. Her inspiring story reminds us that with dedication and determination, dreams can indeed become reality.

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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.