For role in Op Sindoor, Goan woman earns despatch after leaving corp job for IAF career

Panaji: In the heat of May, Poma Braganca Pereira and Eustaquio Pereira were watching Operation Sindoor unfold over north India’s skies while sitting at their cosy home at Porvorim. The couple offered a silent prayer for the men in uniform, particularly the aviators tasked with defending the country from drones, enemy fighters, and surface-to-air missiles.

What they did not know was that their daughter, wing commander Maria Ismenia Sancha Pereira, was also awake that night, keeping a close watch on Indian fighter jets.The only woman in her mechanical engineering batch, Pereira chose an uncertain path over a secure career at Godrej, answering the call of duty by joining the Indian Air Force. Her determination paid off, with the 44-year-old mother of two becoming the first Goan woman to earn a mention-in-despatch for her crucial role as an air traffic controller in Operation Sindoor.“We were watching the news during Operation Sindoor, but we did not know that she was involved. We came to know on Aug 16 when her name was announced, and she sent us a WhatsApp message. When we found out, we were very happy. Her dedication and hard work paid off,” said Poma.Being mentioned in despatches means a member of the armed forces has been recognised in an official report (a dispatch) for acts of bravery or distinguished service in a combat zone, but not to the extent that would warrant a specific gallantry medal.

The mention is a public commendation and acknowledges the individual’s meritorious service or gallantry.As a child, Maria excelled in her studies, standing first in her HSSC boards in her school. Known to be hardworking, Maria had one aim — to excel in whatever she did. “She was a mechanical engineer, the only girl in her batch. Because of her marks, she got selected by Godrej during a campus interview at Farmagudi, but after working for a few months, she decided to apply to join the Indian Air Force,” said Poma.Born to a career educationist and professional footballer, Maria is the first in her family to join the armed forces. She is married to a fellow air warrior, a wing commander from Guwahati, with whom she has two sons.