Team Goemkarponn
CANACONA: In a grand celebration of community spirit and achievement, the Proud Residents of Agonda felicitated more than 180 individuals from different walks of life with the ‘Pride of Agonda’ award for their outstanding contributions to the village’s growth, development and global recognition.
Among the prominent awardees was internationally acclaimed scientist Dr Rodney Agosthino Fernandes, Professor (HAG) at IIT Bombay and a native of Agonda, who was honoured for his remarkable achievements and contributions to the field of chemical sciences.
The organisers highlighted Agonda’s journey to becoming one of India’s most celebrated beach destinations. The village first gained international recognition after Agonda Beach topped the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards 2018. In 2023, Agonda Panchayat was recognised as Goa’s only ‘Clean & Green’ village by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. More recently, Agonda Beach received the Best Beach Destination honour at the India Today Tourism Survey & Awards 2026, further strengthening its reputation as a world-class tourism destination.
Several former village leaders were honoured posthumously for their role in shaping Agonda’s development, including the village’s first sarpanch late Govind Desai, first woman sarpanch late Namina Pagi, former sarpanch late Joaquim Fernandes, and the village’s first postman late Benjito Fernandes.
The event also recognised distinguished personalities from various professions, including Engr Nilesh Desai, Joint President (Operations) at Zuari Agro Chemicals Ltd, former municipal chief officer Promod Desai, former Goa Shipyard General Manager Engr Joao Fernandes, and MDRT member Agnelo Fernandes for their valuable contributions to the village.
Journalists Bernard Fernandes and Narayan R. Desai were felicitated for highlighting Agonda’s development and achievements through the media, while Mahendra Pagi, Zonal Agriculture Officer, was honoured for his contribution to the village’s progress.
The awards also celebrated the efforts of teachers, farmers, toddy tappers, fishermen, priests, doctors, nurses, artists, potters, electricians, communication service providers, advocates, hoteliers, carpenters, sportspersons, taxi and rickshaw operators, lifeguards, sanitation workers, dairy and vegetable suppliers, senior citizens and several other community members whose dedication has helped preserve and strengthen Agonda over the years.
The initiative was led by former sarpanch Fatima Rodrigues along with tourism stakeholders Selwyn Fernandes, activist Adv. Fiona Rodrigues, entrepreneur Godfrey Fernandes, social activist Estevam Rodrigues and other residents committed to recognising the village’s unsung heroes.
