Elsa Angel Rose
From childhood classmates who grow up together despite changing schools and colleges, to young friends who express their affection through handmade gifts and heartfelt gestures, every friendship has a story that deserves to be celebrated. As Friendship Day is observed today, these bonds remind us that friendship is built on trust, shared memories, unwavering support and choosing each other through every high and low. Across generations, the ways of celebrating may differ, but the emotions remain the same. Whether it is a girls’ day out, exchanging handmade friendship bands, or fulfilling a long-awaited promise together, these moments reflect the joy of having someone who feels more like family than a friend. This Friendship Day, three Goan friendships offer a glimpse into how companionship continues to shape lives, proving that while time, distance and circumstances may change, genuine friendships only grow stronger with every passing year.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
Friendship that stands the test of time
“Sybil is the most loving and trustworthy person I’ve ever known. No matter what, she always has a smile on her face. She’s humble, caring and very genuine. She is the best at everything from Singing, playing instruments and dancing. She’s always there whenever you need her,” shared Minoshka Dias, a college student from Margao, about her best friend, Sybil Anale Dias. For the young college student from Margao, her friend Sybil is a true reflection of what friendship means to her: trust, understanding, and always being there for each other. They may not talk for days, but whenever they do, it feels as though no time has passed between them. “We used to go by the same van; we were in the same class. But it was during 4th grade that we clicked, from sharing tiffins, sharing stories, and also going for Taekwondo together. After that, we were besties. Our bond grew closer during the COVID lockdown. Texting each other when classes were on, to long calls after the classes ended. That was the best time, even though we were far apart. After COVID, we were in different classes. It felt like we lacked communication, but the bond never changed. Then during 11th and 12th, we went to different schools, but being far apart didn’t affect our friendship. And now, after 2 years, finally we are together in the same college, to enjoy our college life together,” Minoshka shared. She and her best friend Sybil are celebrating Friendship Day with a girls’ day out. “My plan for Friendship Day is to have a good girls’ day out, where we do some activities and spend the day together. We will also have matching bracelets to remind us of each other,” shared Minoshka.
Gen Alpha’s friendship celebrations are full of love
Friendship bands, chocolates, and quality time rule Gen Alpha’s Friendship Day plans. Shanel Antonia Dias, the adorable 4th-grade student from Margao, is planning to make handmade friendship bands, give chocolate to all her friends and spend quality time with them by playing games with all. “The most special thing about my best friend Annaliza Nathalia Fernandes is her kindness and caring nature. She always knows how to make me smile and helps me whenever I am in need,” said Shanel. The 4th-graders might also exchange small gifts to make the day extra special. The duo, who met in kindergarten at Presentation Convent High School, instantly became friends on their very first day. “Since our dads were already childhood friends, our connection was natural from the start. Over the past 6 years of spending time together, we have become best friends,” said Shanel. Gen Alpha appears keen on celebrating the day with greater zeal and vigour. “We love creating handmade friendship bands, exchanging small gifts, writing sweet notes to one another, playing games together, dancing and creating videos and simply enjoying quality time with our friends,” shared Shanel.
Friends who became family
Friends who travelled together, laughed until stomachs hurt, celebrated each other’s victories, and stood beside one another during the hardest phases are not friends anymore; they are a family. “She was there when I was admitted to the hospital, making sure I never felt alone, just as I have always tried to be there for her whenever she needed me. We have become each other’s biggest support system, strongest cheerleaders, and safest place,” said Ambika Morajkar, a 20-year-old from Fatorda, about her friend Amyra Fernandes from Margao. For them, the most special aspect of their friendship is choosing each other every time, even when arguments arise or when things get difficult. To celebrate this special bond, they have planned a memorable celebration. “Since we are both studying and don’t earn yet, we never believe that expensive gifts define friendship. Instead, every year, we sit down and talk about one meaningful topic, reflecting on how our thoughts have changed from before with time. Last year, we promised to visit Velankanni together and ink down the same tattoo before this Friendship Day, and we fulfilled that promise,” shared Ambika.
