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EduConnect

Goan Creator Bags Runner-Up at SFTI Surat Ganpati Reel Competition

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Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral

Goan content creator Mario Pimenta has added another feather to his cap by securing second place at the Ganpati Reel Competition organized by the Spandan Film and Television Institute (SFTI), Surat. Known online as @mario_sarkaar, Mario regularly participates in content competitions across local, national, and international platforms, and this latest recognition adds to his growing list of accolades.

For his entry, Mario collaborated with classmate Cayfel Almeida, who captured video footage of vibrant Ganesh pandals in Margao. Mario then edited the clips to create a compelling Instagram Reel that showcased the cultural spirit of Goa’s Ganpati celebrations. The competition, organized by SFTI Surat— the city’s first inclusive film school— judged entries based on the number of views received on Instagram.

The first place went to The Curious Mind Academy, while Komal Agarwal secured third position. Mario’s recognition marks not only personal achievement but also highlights the creative potential emerging from Goa’s digital landscape. His storytelling approach, rooted in local culture and powered by modern editing techniques, continues to resonate with wider audiences.

This win during a culturally rich competition shines a light on the growing presence of Goan creators in India’s digital content scene, proving that meaningful stories can emerge from every corner of the country.

Finance

Axis Bank Launches ‘Pink Capital’ to Spotlight Queer Financial Ecosystem

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Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral

Axis Bank, one of India’s largest private sector banks, has launched ‘Pink Capital: The Spectrum of Queer Money’, a qualitative and insightful report exploring the financial lives of India’s LGBTQIA+ community. With this move, the bank signals a bold and necessary step towards understanding and addressing the specific financial needs of a community that has long remained underserved and overlooked in traditional banking models.

The report offers a deep dive into the lived experiences of queer individuals when it comes to money—how they earn, save, invest, and plan for the future. A key insight that emerged is that while symbolic gestures and inclusive branding are welcomed, they are not enough. What truly builds loyalty and trust among queer consumers is everyday inclusion: joint accounts, access to pensions and loans, inclusive healthcare benefits, and respectful customer service that recognizes and affirms their identities.

The financial goals and needs across age groups also vary sharply. Younger individuals emphasized the importance of educational loans, queer-focused savings accounts, and financial literacy programs. In contrast, the older cohort spoke about the urgency of creating community housing models and retirement homes that are queer-affirming, safe, and supportive. This gap underscores the need for tailored financial products that span different life stages.

Axis Bank’s Executive Director, Munish Sharda, highlighted the growing trust of the queer community in the bank, sharing that Axis has already serviced thousands of accounts opened under the gender-neutral honorific ‘Mx’ and by transgender individuals. Rajkamal Vempati, Group Executive and Head of Human Resources, emphasized the larger vision: “By making Pink Capital visible, we are not just doing the right thing, we are building the future of inclusive finance in India.”

The report was launched as part of Sparsh Week, Axis Bank’s flagship celebration that honours customer experience, inclusion, and culture. The initiative reinforces Axis Bank’s broader commitment to a more inclusive and equitable financial ecosystem — one that recognizes, respects, and responds to the spectrum of queer money in India.

Travel

Oman Delegation Explores Goa’s Culture, Heritage, and Hospitality

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Written by Intern Queeny George M.H, Team Allycaral

Goa Tourism recently hosted a distinguished delegation of influencers, travel agents, and partners from Oman on an exclusive three-day journey that brought together the best of Goa’s culture, heritage, and hospitality. This carefully curated visit was designed to deepen cultural ties and lay the foundation for future tourism collaborations between Goa and Oman, reflecting centuries of shared history and maritime exchange between the two regions.

The journey began with a warm welcome at The Yellow House, a charming heritage site that perfectly set the tone for what lay ahead. Here, the delegation was introduced to Goan warmth and hospitality over a traditional high tea, giving them their first taste of the state’s rich culinary and social traditions.

A guided heritage walk at the historic Aguad Port and Jail Complex followed, immersing guests in Goa’s layered past, colonial architecture, and stories that have shaped its identity. The experience provided a meaningful context to Goa beyond its beaches, spotlighting the state’s deep-rooted cultural significance.

Later, the delegation visited Devaaya in Malar, Divar, where a wholesome brunch was served amidst serene surroundings. The location is known for promoting holistic living and wellness rooted in Goan traditions — a growing appeal for international travelers seeking mindful travel experiences. A lively stroll through the local market introduced the guests to the vibrancy of everyday Goan life, with its riot of colors, spices, and friendly chatter.

The Honourable Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, emphasized the importance of the visit by stating, “Goa has shared longstanding cultural and historical ties with Oman, rooted in centuries of trade, exchange, and shared traditions.” Shri Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, added, “This visit was an opportunity to showcase Goa’s diverse offerings and highlight Goa’s commitment to creating memorable experiences for visitors from Arabian countries.”

The visit culminated with a beachside dinner at Britto’s, one of Goa’s most iconic culinary landmarks, where the delegation savored Goan cuisine against the backdrop of a starlit coastline. Before departing, guests were taken to the historic Taj Heritage Village — a fitting close to a journey that celebrated heritage, hospitality, and future partnerships.

Travel

Goa Tourism’s Global Journey Continues with ‘Experience Goa’ Roadshow in Tashkent

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Written by Intern Queeny George M.H, Team Allycaral

The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, is set to host an exclusive ‘Experience Goa’ Roadshow in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, at the City Palace Tashkent on September 15, 2025. This initiative is part of Goa Tourism’s ongoing global outreach to showcase the state as a year-round travel destination rich in culture, heritage, and sustainable experiences.

Shri Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, Government of Goa, emphasized the importance of the event: “The Roadshow is an opportunity to engage directly with Tashkent’s travel trade and position Goa as a year-round destination. Our focus is to create lasting connections while presenting Goa’s authentic, memorable, and immersive experiences.”

Echoing this vision, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Government of Goa, said: “Goa is evolving as a destination that celebrates diversity, inclusivity, and sustainability. Through the Tashkent roadshow, we wish to showcase not just Goa’s scenic beauty, but also its heritage, wellness, festivals, and adventure. We look forward to building on this connectivity and welcoming more travelers to experience Goa in its truest essence.”

The roadshow is designed to present Goa as a vibrant, diverse, and sustainable destination, far beyond the stereotypical beach getaway. It will bring together tour operators, travel agents, airline partners, and dignitaries from across Uzbekistan and Central Asia. The showcase will feature Goa’s wide-ranging tourism offerings including heritage, culture, wellness retreats, immersive festivals, and eco-conscious adventure experiences.

One of the central themes of the event will be Goa Beyond Beaches, promoting lesser-known aspects of Goa’s tourism potential. The concept of Regenerative Tourism will also take center stage, with Goa Tourism focusing on environmentally responsible travel that supports local communities.

Attendees at the Tashkent roadshow will enjoy one-on-one interactions with Goa Tourism representatives and explore potential partnerships and collaborations. This outreach event signifies another milestone in Goa’s effort to build meaningful global connections and welcome the world to explore its unique blend of tradition, nature, and innovation in tourism.

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Goa Tourism to Strengthen Domestic Outreach with Showcase at TTF Hyderabad 2025

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Written by Intern Queeny George M.H. Team Allycaral

Goa Tourism is gearing up to showcase a refreshed and redefined identity at the Travel and Tourism Fair (TTF) Hyderabad 2025, scheduled to be held on 19th and 20th September at the Hyderabad International Convention Center. Moving beyond the well-known image of sun, sand, and sea, the state is presenting a deeper, richer travel narrative under the theme “Goa Beyond Beaches”.

At this year’s TTF, the Goa Tourism pavilion will highlight immersive, regenerative tourism experiences. Visitors can explore a variety of offerings that range from hinterland trails, monsoon tourism, spiritual circuits, and wellness retreats to village life, cultural festivals, and adventure tourism. These elements reflect the government’s commitment to sustainable and community-focused tourism.

Honourable Minister for Tourism, Government of Goa, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, emphasized the state’s evolving identity. “Goa is evolving beyond its iconic beaches to emerge as a destination that is vibrant, diverse, and sustainable. Our focus is on tourism that creates authentic and memorable experiences for visitors while supporting local communities and preserving our environment. Our aim at TTF Hyderabad is to connect with a wide network of travel agents, operators, and corporates who play a crucial role in shaping travel choices,” he said. He invited Goa’s travel trade partners to join in promoting a forward-looking, inclusive, and sustainable tourism vision.

Shri Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, echoed these sentiments, stating, “We are showcasing Goa at TTF Hyderabad as a destination for every traveller — whether it’s culture, heritage, wellness, adventure, or eco-tourism. Goa offers authentic and memorable experiences throughout the year.”

The Goa Tourism showcase at TTF Hyderabad 2025 reflects a strong focus on partnerships, storytelling, and innovation. The goal is to deepen engagement with the domestic market and promote experiences that are memorable, meaningful, and mindful — aligning with the broader global movement toward responsible and regenerative travel.

This participation is part of a broader domestic outreach strategy that aims to position Goa as a year-round destination rooted in tradition, sustainability, and innovation.