PANAJI: Wing Commander Maria Ismenia Sancha Pereira, of Gonsua, Betalbatim, has become the first ever Goan woman to be decorated in the wartime history of India. Serving as an Air Traffic Controller (ATC) during Operation Sindoor, Wg Cdr Pereira provided in-depth intelligence from radar systems that helped Indian Air Force fighter aircraft locate and destroy vital enemy targets. She also issued early warnings against adversary aircraft and missiles aimed at Indian positions. Her distinguished efforts earned her a Mention-in-Despatch for wartime service.
Operation Sindoor, a high-stakes combat mission, relied heavily on real-time coordination between air and ground forces. Accurate radar intelligence and timely communication were crucial to mission success, and Wg Cdr Pereira’s role was pivotal in ensuring fighter aircraft were guided efficiently, enhancing operational precision and safety.
The daughter of Mr Eustaquio Francisco Pereira and Mrs Poma Pereira, Wg Cdr Pereira completed her schooling at Mary Immaculate Conception High School, Panjim, followed by Green Rosary Higher Secondary, Dona Paula, and Engineering from Goa Engineering College, Farmagudi.
Adding to Goa’s proud record, Major Jacqueline Jacinta Dias, with roots in Bardez, became one of the first Indian women army officers posted as Officer Commanding of the Indian Army Overseas Dental Institution in Bhutan, a prestigious foreign assignment reserved for meritorious officers. She is the daughter of Group Captain Joe Peter Matthew Dias and Mrs Anne Elizabeth Dias, both born in Mapusa.
