A very proud moment for our Goa that the renowned Mumbai based Paediatrician Dr. Armida Fernandes has been bestowed the 2026 Padma Shri Award by the Government of India. A well-deserved meritorious Honour for an outstanding Goan. Dr Armida is the daughter of the exceptional educationist late Prof. Armando Menezes, hailing from our island of Divar. Dr Armida is the wife of the distinguished dermatologist late Dr. Rui Fernandes.
India honours her with a well-deserved recognition for her pioneering work in the field of neo natal medicine in India. She set up the first human milk bank in Asia and is instrumental in reducing infant mortality from 70% to 12%. Her concern and empathy goes far beyond the normal. Always caring for the impoverished and vulnerable. May God bless our living Saint and give her the strength to carry forward her magnanimous mission.
