The Director General of Civil Defence, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, New Delhi has awarded DGCD’s commendation card and disc to Shri John Aguiar, Civil Defence Warden of of Panaji Town in recognition of his outstanding work, on the occasion of 63rd Home Guards and Civil Defence Raising day 2025.
The Director General Civil Defence (DGCD) Silver Commendation Disc is an award presented to personnel of the Fire Services, Civil Defence, and Home Guards organisations in India for unblemished service marked by exceptional ability and merit.
Shri Aguiar went above and beyond during the pandemic — writing catchy COVID awareness songs, volunteering for vaccine trials, and getting recognized as a COVID warrior by the Chief Minister.
Shri Aguiar participated in several training programmes conducted by the Civil Defence office and mock exercises conducted by the INCOIS, DDMA. , SDMA and NDMA. He has also served as PRO of Goa Police Department.
While serving as Honorary Company Commander Home Guards, Shri Aguiar not only got the Goa Chief Minister’s Gold Medal but also the President’s Home Guard and Civil Defence Medal for “Meritorious services” in 2012 at the hands of then Chief Minister late Manohar Parrikar and then the other recognitions later which shows his consistent dedication. He later received the President’s Home Guard and Civil Defence Medal for distinguished services from Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant on Independence Day 2021. Shri Aguiar’s hard work and leadership in Home Guards really paid off. Getting recognized at such a high level, both in 2012 and again in 2021, shows his long-term commitment and impact.
Shri Aguiar has a pretty impressive track record of service and recognition. The Goa Chief Minister’s Gold Medal itself speaks volumes about his dedication. And the certificate and Commendation Disc from the Director General of Civil Defence in 2013 plus the DDG (Karnataka & Goa) NCC commendation in June 2016— all highlighting his commitment and professionalism. His stint as Public Relations Officer for the Goa Police Department from June 13, 2011 to December 8, 2017 also showed his versatility, especially in handling media relations and shaping the department’s image.
He led the Home Guards contingent at the State level Republic Day celebrations on several occasions. Shr Aguiar held the ceremonial role of Parade Commander at the Home Guard Raising Day celebrations on December 6, 2011 which shows serious leadership chops.
Shri Aguiar was Information Officer, in the Department of Information & Publicity and has also served as APS to Union Minister (Shri Eduardo Faleiro) in the Ministry of External Affairs, Chemicals and Fertilizer and Finance. He is a writer, poet, Lyricist, TV host and a senior journalist.