the goan I network
PANAJI
John Aguiar, Company Commander of Home Guards, Panaji Division has been awarded the President’s Home Guard and Civil Defence Medal for distinguished services on the occasion of the Republic Day. The award has been announced by the Government of India, Ministry of Home Affairs on the eve of Republic Day on January 25, 2020, from New Delhi.
Aguiar who is the Information officer in the State Department of Information & Publicity has been an earlier recipient of President’s Home Guard and Civil Defence Medal for “meritorious services” in appreciation of his commendable services in Home Guards which was presented in 2012 on Independence Day. He was presented Goa Chief Minister’s Gold Medal for meritorious services in the Home on December 19, 2007 (Goa Liberation Day). He was conferred with certificate and Commendation Disc of Director General of Civil Defence, Ministry of Home Affairs, New Delhi in the year 2013. He was awarded Commendation by Deputy Director General NCC (Karnataka and Goa Directorate) in June 2016. He was also a Public Relations Officer of the Goa Police Department from June 13, 2011, to December 8, 2017. During his tenure as PRO, he displayed professional competence and liaised with the press/media personal and carried out image building of the police department successfully.
Aguiar is the first Home Guard personnel from Goa to be decorated with the “distinguished services” medal. He is a product of St Mary’s School, Ponda and Parvatibai Chowgule College of Arts and Science, Margao. During his college education, he was adjudged “best all-round student”. He did his “Masters in Journalism” from Tilak University, Pune.
Aguiar thanked the Inspector General of Police Jaspal Singh and Director of Information & Publicity, Meghana Shetgaonkar, Director, Information & Publicity for their encouragement and support.
Aguiar since his enrolment in the Home Guards Organization has displayed utmost dedication and professional competence of a very high order while carrying out his duties. His idea to organize cycle rallies to commemorate the International Day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking consequently in 2005, 2006 and 2007 was well supported by his superiors. This brought good PR to the organization. He also organised and participated in several skits/street plays on a message against Narcotic drugs and presented some on Doordarshan Panaji on behalf of the Home Guards organization as well. It was because of his initiative/proposal and support by Umesh Gaonkar that CM’s Medals were instituted in the Home Guards organisation. Aguiar has also conducted lectures on several occasions for Civil Defence volunteers, College students and during NCC Annual Training Camps and NSS camps for the benefit of the students. He has been awarded cash rewards, participation certificates of sports, blood donation and several appreciation letters.
Aguiar is a Journalist/Media official by profession. He also worked in New Delhi as Assistant Private Secretary to former Union Minister Eduardo Faleiro in the Ministries of External Affairs, Finance, Chemicals & Fertilizers.
