Author: Tanisha Cardozo

Goan Personalities

Massive Turnout Marks Birthday Celebrations of MLA Rohan Khaunte in Porvorim

Tanisha Cardozo

Porvorim: A remarkable show of public support marked the birthday celebrations of Goa’s Tourism Minister Rohan A. Khaunte, as thousands gathered at the GCA Ground in Porvorim on February 26, 2026. The event witnessed an overwhelming turnout of well-wishers, party karyakartas, and citizens, reflecting the Minister’s strong connection with the people.

Long queues were seen from early evening, with supporters patiently waiting to greet the Minister and extend their wishes. The atmosphere remained vibrant and festive, filled with enthusiasm, music, and community participation.

The celebration was attended by several prominent leaders, including Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Speaker Dr. Ganesh Gaonkar, BJP State President Damodar Naik, Deputy Speaker Joshua De Souza, MP Sadanand Shet Tanavade, and multiple MLAs and senior government officials.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Sawant praised Khaunte’s leadership, particularly in strengthening Goa’s tourism sector. He highlighted the steady rise in tourist footfall and the implementation of forward-looking initiatives that align tourism growth with infrastructure development. He also acknowledged the Minister’s contributions to the IT sector, noting increased opportunities for youth and Goa’s positioning as a hub for innovation.

State BJP President Damodar Naik described Khaunte as a dynamic and dedicated leader committed to public welfare.

Expressing gratitude, Khaunte said he was deeply humbled by the overwhelming support and blessings. He thanked the Chief Minister, party leadership, MLAs, workers, and citizens, stating that their encouragement motivates him to continue working towards Goa’s development with greater commitment.

A cake-cutting ceremony was held in the presence of senior leaders, followed by a lively musical evening by Harmony Band. Mimicry artiste D. Satish entertained the audience with performances imitating national leaders, drawing loud applause.

Earlier in the day, a voluntary blood donation camp was organised at the Minister’s office, adding a meaningful dimension of service to the celebrations.

The large turnout at Porvorim stood as a testament to the Minister’s popularity and the trust reposed in his leadership, turning the occasion into a celebration of both governance and grassroots connection.

Sports

Dhadsakhal Stars, AK Rangers, Power Panthers & Oxford Shine on Day 2

Tanisha Cardozo

Panaji: Dhadsakhal Stars, AK Rangers, Power Panthers Porvorim, and hosts Oxford registered impressive victories on the second day of the Junior Cricket Championship organised by Oxford Cricket Club on Thursday, showcasing emerging cricket talent across Goa.

At the SAG Ground in Chicalim, Dhadsakhal Stars delivered a dominant performance against Ghumteshwar. Batting first, Ghumteshwar were bowled out for 97 in 22 overs, with Rehan Hubali top-scoring with 37 and Yash Shet adding 19. However, the rest of the batting lineup failed to build partnerships as Shaurya Chodankar led a disciplined bowling attack to dismantle the innings.

In response, Dhadsakhal Stars made light work of the chase, reaching 101 for the loss of just one wicket in only 7.4 overs. Adeep Prabhu Misquin starred with an unbeaten 59, while Pranjal Singh contributed 32. Chodankar’s all-round impact earned him the Man of the Match award.

In another fixture, AK Rangers secured a convincing 46-run victory over Banjara Cricket Club. Tanishq Naik was the standout performer, smashing an unbeaten 122 to guide his team to a strong total of 203 for three in 25 overs, with Sahil Gaonkar adding 28 runs.

Banjara Cricket Club fought back with a determined 64 from Nanthan Sawant but were eventually bowled out for 157 in 24.3 overs. Naik capped off a brilliant outing by also picking up three wickets, earning him the Man of the Match honour.

At the Arlem Ground, Power Panthers Porvorim edged past Margao Cricket Club by 14 runs in a closely contested match. Posting 155 for six in 25 overs, they were powered by steady unbeaten contributions from Anurag Bahadur (34) and Saish Virnodkar (30).

Margao Cricket Club responded strongly, with Keyaan Thota scoring an unbeaten 56, but fell short at 141 for seven. Bahadur’s all-round performance, including two wickets for 25 runs, proved decisive as he was named Man of the Match.

Meanwhile, hosts Oxford registered a commanding 60-run victory over Panaji Challengers. Oxford posted 165 for six in their 25 overs, led by Rumaan Mulam (46), Vishesh Behl (38), and Farhan Shaikh (35).

Panaji Challengers struggled in their chase and were bowled out for 105 in 23.4 overs despite Diganth Manohar’s 30. Mulam delivered with the ball as well, claiming two wickets to seal a comprehensive win and earn the Man of the Match award.

With strong performances across matches, the championship continues to underline the depth of young cricketing talent in Goa, setting the stage for more competitive encounters in the coming days.

EduConnect

VMSCL Hosts 4th Justice G.D. Kamat Moot Court Competition

Tanisha Cardozo

Panaji: V. M. Salgaocar College of Law (VMSCL), Miramar, inaugurated the 4th Edition of the Justice G.D. Kamat Memorial National Level Moot Court Competition on February 26, 2026, at its conference hall. Organised in collaboration with the Justice G.D. Kamat Memorial Trust, the competition pays tribute to the legacy of Justice Gurudas D. Kamat, the first Goan Chief Justice of the Gujarat High Court.

Set against the backdrop of an evolving Indian judicial system, the competition underscores the importance of moot courts in preparing law students for real courtroom practice. By simulating legal proceedings, such platforms help students develop critical skills including legal research, analytical thinking, articulation and advocacy.

The inaugural ceremony was attended by several distinguished dignitaries, with Dr. V. Candavelou, IAS, Chief Secretary of the Government of Goa, gracing the occasion as Chief Guest. Also present were VMSCL Principal Dr. Shaber Ali, Trustee of the G.D. Kamat Memorial Trust Ramachandra B. Bhatkar, Vice Chairperson Bhaskar Nayak, Faculty In-Charge Dr. Pearl Monteiro, and student coordinator Anushka Patil, among others.

Welcoming the gathering, the Principal of VMSCL highlighted the significance of moot courts in shaping confident, responsible and ethically grounded legal professionals. He commended the efforts of faculty members and student volunteers in successfully organising the event, concluding his address with a reflective note on justice and perseverance.

In his keynote address, Dr. Candavelou described law as a noble yet demanding profession that calls for integrity, dedication and lifelong learning. He encouraged participants to view moot courts not merely as competitions, but as opportunities to build clarity of thought, strengthen research capabilities and gain confidence in advocacy. Drawing parallels between classroom learning and real courtroom practice, he emphasised the role of such platforms in preparing students for professional challenges.

Ramachandra B. Bhatkar shared insights into the life and contributions of Justice G.D. Kamat, highlighting his values, journey and impact on the judiciary. Prof. Bhaskar Nayak elaborated on the vision behind the competition, stressing its role in nurturing analytical thinking, advocacy and research skills among aspiring lawyers.

Dr. Pearl Monteiro, Faculty In-Charge, addressed the participants and underscored the academic significance of mooting. She noted that beyond argumentation, moot courts foster teamwork, structured thinking and respect for constitutional values. She also appreciated the participation of 26 teams from across the country and acknowledged the support of judges, trustees, faculty and volunteers.

A key highlight of the ceremony was the unveiling of the trophies for the 2026 edition, marking a celebratory moment for both organisers and participants. The event concluded with a formal vote of thanks delivered by student coordinator Anushka Patil.

The three-day competition, scheduled from February 26 to 28, 2026, will see teams engage in rigorous rounds of arguments based on a contemporary legal issue focusing on caste and economic-based reservations within the framework of constitutional mandates.

The final round will be held on the concluding day, followed by the valedictory ceremony. The winning team will receive a cash prize of ₹50,000, while the runners-up will be awarded ₹25,000, along with trophies and certificates. Individual awards for Best Speaker, Best Researcher and Best Memorial will also be presented, recognising excellence across various aspects of mooting.

Continuing its legacy, the Justice G.D. Kamat Memorial National Level Moot Court Competition remains a significant platform for law students across India, fostering advocacy skills, legal research and a deeper understanding of the justice system.

Events in Goa

MOG Sunday: Goa Writers Redefine Desire Beyond Beaches

Tanisha Cardozo

Panaji: Moving beyond the familiar imagery that often defines Goa in the public imagination, a recent MOG Sunday session at the Museum of Goa brought together writers to explore how desire shapes contemporary life in the state. The discussion centred on Appetite: New Writing from Goa, an anthology of essays, short stories and poems that attempts to present a more layered and intimate portrait of Goa.

Edited by Shivranjana Rathore and Tino de Sa and published by Penguin Random House India, the anthology brings together voices connected to Goa, each interpreting the idea of “appetite” in deeply personal and varied ways. While the theme might initially evoke food, the conversation quickly expanded into broader territories of longing — for love, land, belonging, power and identity.

Opening the discussion, the editors reflected on how appetite is not merely about hunger, but about the deeper emotional and social currents that shape people’s lives. Rathore explained that the theme emerged organically within the group, yet strongly reflects the current moment in Goa. She spoke about a widespread “hunger for Goa” that exists both within and outside the state, influencing how it is experienced, imagined and sometimes contested.

Importantly, the editors clarified that the anthology does not attempt to define Goan identity in a fixed way. Instead, by focusing on intimate narratives and lived experiences, it resists the tendency to package Goa into a singular, consumable image. This approach shifts attention away from the familiar tropes of beaches, food and tourism, offering readers a more nuanced and human perspective.

Rathore also highlighted how the collection captures different layers of time, with contributors moving between past, present and imagined futures. This sense of temporality allows the anthology to reflect Goa’s ongoing transformations — from migration and changing livelihoods to evolving aspirations — without prescribing a singular narrative.

The discussion also touched on the broader role of literature in today’s fast-paced and often overwhelming media landscape. Describing the present as a “hyper-propaganda era,” Rathore suggested that writing offers a way to slow down and engage more thoughtfully with reality. By documenting lived experiences, literature creates space for reflection rather than reaction.

Co-editor Tino de Sa added another dimension to the conversation by describing appetite as cyclical and ever-evolving. Using metaphors from his own work, he suggested that desires enter and exit people’s lives, only to return in new forms, shaped by time and circumstance.

For readers in Goa, the anthology hopes to offer a sense of recognition, reflecting everyday realities such as community expectations, work in the tourism economy and shifting ideas of belonging. For those outside the state, it challenges simplified perceptions and invites a deeper engagement with Goa as a lived, complex space.

As the conversation at the Museum of Goa demonstrated, there is far more to the state than its postcard image. Through stories rooted in personal experience and collective memory, Appetite: New Writing from Goa opens up a richer, more layered understanding of a place that continues to evolve beyond its stereotypes.

Sports

Tanaya Naik to Lead Goa in Women’s U-23 One Day Trophy

Tanisha Cardozo

Panaji: Goa’s women’s cricket continues to gain momentum as Tanaya Naik has been appointed captain of the state’s Under-23 team for the upcoming Women’s U-23 One Day Trophy 2025–26. The tournament will be held in Dehradun from March 3 to March 11, bringing together some of the most promising young cricketers from across the country.

Goa has been placed in Group E and will play five league matches in the competition. The team will begin its campaign against Hyderabad on March 3, followed by fixtures against Saurashtra (March 5), Chandigarh (March 7), Andhra (March 9), and Delhi (March 11).

The squad features a blend of emerging talent and consistent performers who have been making steady progress in domestic cricket. Leading the side, Tanaya Naik will shoulder the responsibility of guiding the team through a competitive tournament and setting the tone with both leadership and performance.

Squad:
Tanaya Naik (Captain), Harshita Yadav, Urvashi Govekar, Tanisha Gaikawad, Pooja Kalel, Presha Naik, Palak Arondekar, Savali Kolambkar, Metali Gawander, Nirmiti Khanvilkar, Vidika Sawant, Swarali Kasar, Siddhi Savase, Kimya Desai, Harshada Kadam, Mrunmayee Bhike, Shilpa Sharma.

With increasing focus on women’s cricket across India, tournaments like the Women’s U-23 One Day Trophy provide a crucial platform for young players to showcase their abilities and push for higher honours. For Goa, this tournament represents not just participation, but an opportunity to make a strong statement on the national stage.

As the team heads into the competition, expectations will be high, and all eyes will be on how these rising stars perform against some of the best young talent in Indian cricket.