Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Wing Commander Maria Ismenia Sancha Pereira, hailing from Gonsua, Betalbatim, has created history by becoming the first-ever Goan woman to be decorated in wartime history of India. Serving as an Air Traffic Controller (ATC) during Operation Sindoor, Wg Cdr Pereira played a pivotal role by providing crucial radar-based intelligence that enabled the Indian Air Force to track, target, and neutralize enemy positions. Her timely warnings also safeguarded Indian aircraft from hostile fighter jets and incoming missiles.
For her exceptional service during active combat, she was awarded a Mention-in-Despatch, a rare honor for distinguished contribution in war. 
The daughter of Eustaquio Francisco Pereira and Poma Pereira, Wg Cdr Pereira pursued her early education at Mary Immaculate Conception High School in Panjim, later studied at Green Rosary Higher Secondary in Dona Paula, and went on to complete her engineering at Goa Engineering College, Farmagudi.
Adding to Goa’s pride, Major Jacqueline Jacinta Dias, with roots in Bardez, has been appointed as Officer Commanding of the Indian Army’s Overseas Dental Institution in Bhutan. This prestigious foreign posting is reserved only for highly meritorious officers, making her achievement especially notable.
Major Dias, daughter of Group Captain Joe Peter Matthew Dias and Anne Elizabeth Dias (both originally from Mapusa), was also among the distinguished invitees at the Army Chief’s conclave.
Together, these two remarkable Goan women have brought glory to their state and country by excelling in the fields of defense and international service.
