FREDERIKA MENEZES A Poet's Journey of Resilience and Creativity

Frederika Menezes is a name that resonates with inspiration, talent, and an unbreakable spirit.

- Rajesh Ghadge

A gifted poet, author, and artist, she has made an indelible mark on Goa's literary and cultural landscape, proving that creativity knows no boundaries. Despite living with limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD)-a rare genetic condition that causes progressive muscle weakness-Frederika has never allowed challenges to define her. Instead, she has embraced life with courage, determination, and an unwavering passion for storytelling.

For Frederika, her school days remain some of the fondest memories of her life. "They were the best days," she recalls with warmth. Surrounded by friends who always looked out for her, school was a place where learning and laughter went hand in hand. "My mother and our domestic help would accompany me to school and stay with me until the day ended," she shares. This support system allowed her to fully immerse herself in academics and friendships, making every moment count.

Managing studies alongside her passion for writing was not always easy, but she found a way. "My friends would take down notes for me, and I would study from them, memorizing lessons in my own way," she explains. This method, though unconventional, enabled her to keep up with her education while nurturing her creative side. Frederika Menezes first gained recognition with her poetry collection The Portrait (2000), a work that beautifully captured her depth of thought and ability to express emotions with striking clarity. The collection was widely appreciated and firmly established her as a distinctive literary voice in Goa.