Author: Tanisha Cardozo

Films

Cinephile Film Club to Screen Nosferatu with Live Music in Panjim

Tanisha Cardozo

The Cinephile Film Club of the Entertainment Society of Goa is set to offer audiences a rare and immersive cinematic experience on Thursday, 19 February, at 6.30 pm, with a special screening of Nosferatu at Maquinez Palace Theatre, Panjim.

Directed by the legendary F. W. Murnau, Nosferatu remains one of the most influential works in the history of cinema. Released in 1922, the silent horror classic is a defining example of German Expressionism, celebrated for its haunting visuals, dramatic shadows, and deeply atmospheric storytelling. Though an unofficial adaptation of Dracula by Bram Stoker, the film carved its own identity, becoming a cornerstone of horror cinema.

Over the past century, there have been numerous reinterpretations of the Dracula legend across film industries worldwide. Yet Murnau’s Nosferatu endures as a cinematic landmark — not because it relies on dialogue or sound effects, but because it demonstrates the power of pure visual storytelling. The chilling silhouette of Count Orlok ascending a staircase remains one of the most iconic images in film history.

What makes this screening truly special is the live musical accompaniment. In the early 20th century, silent films were rarely screened in silence. Pianists and small ensembles would perform live, interpreting the film’s emotional landscape in real time. This Thursday’s screening aims to recreate that tradition.

The live score will be performed by cellist Martin Melendez, who studied music in Cuba, alongside accomplished pianist Guy Hershberg, who will perform on piano and synthesizer. The duo will improvise throughout the screening, responding intuitively to the shifting moods of the film — from quiet dread to stark beauty. Because the music is improvised, each performance becomes unique, ensuring that this is a one-of-a-kind experience.

Live accompaniment transforms the act of viewing into something communal and immediate. The musicians do not merely support the film; they engage in a dialogue with it, heightening tension, amplifying emotion, and occasionally allowing silence itself to resonate.

Through curated screenings such as this, the Cinephile Film Club continues its commitment to bringing meaningful cinema to audiences across Goa — extending beyond the festival circuit and fostering year-round film appreciation.

For film lovers, music enthusiasts, and anyone curious about cinema’s origins, this screening offers an opportunity to rediscover how movies once felt: intimate, experimental, and alive.

Screening Details:
📅 19 February
⏰ 6.30 pm
📍 Maquinez Palace Theatre, Panjim
🎟 Tickets available at the venue on a first-come, first-served basis.

Sports

International Master Nitish Belurkar Clinches Durga Motors Rapid Chess Tournament 2026

Tanisha Cardozo

Nitish Belurkar emerged victorious at the Durga Motors Rapid Rated Chess Tournament–2026, organised by the Rotary Club of Porvorim at Dr KB Hedgewar High School in Bambolim. The two-day event concluded on Sunday with participation from 260 players, making it one of the largest rapid-rated chess tournaments held in Goa.

Belurkar delivered an outstanding performance, scoring 8.5 points across nine rounds and remaining undefeated throughout the tournament. His consistent play secured him the overall championship title.

The second position was claimed by Niraj Saripalli, who also scored 8 points but finished ahead on superior tie-break scores. Ritviz Parab secured the third position with 8 points.

The annual tournament was organised in association with the Tiswadi Taluka Chess Association and the Goa Chess Association. A total cash prize pool of ₹2.5 lakh was distributed across open and age-group categories.

In addition to the main prizes, winners were recognised in Under-7, Under-9, Under-11, Under-13, and Under-15 categories for both boys and girls. Veteran players aged above 45 years were also felicitated. To encourage emerging talent, cash prizes were awarded to the top five unrated players.

The prize distribution ceremony was attended by Prateek Sapra, owner of Durga Motors and title sponsor, Dr Pramod Dubale, co-sponsor, Harsh Thakkar, President of Rotary Club of Porvorim, and Ashesh Keni, Secretary of Goa State Chess Association. The tournament proceedings were conducted by Chief Arbiter Umesh Naik.

Speaking at the event, Harsh Thakkar stated that the Rotary Club of Porvorim continues to organise the tournament annually with the objective of promoting chess across Goa and nurturing young talent in the sport.

With increasing participation numbers each year, the tournament reflects the growing popularity of chess in Goa and the strengthening of the state’s competitive chess ecosystem.

EduConnect

EDII Launches AICTE-Approved PGDM in Entrepreneurship for Tech Startups in Bengaluru

Tanisha Cardozo

The Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), one of India’s pioneering institutions in entrepreneurship education, has announced the launch of a new AICTE-approved PGDM specialisation in “Entrepreneurship for Tech Startups” in Bengaluru. The programme is designed to empower tech professionals with entrepreneurial learning, structured mentorship and venture-building support to help transform high-potential ideas into successful startups.

The Tech Startups specialisation focuses on high-growth sectors such as EdTech, HealthTech, FinTech, AI-driven enterprises and scalable digital ventures. The curriculum adopts a practical, milestone-based approach, equipping aspiring entrepreneurs with skills in opportunity identification, feasibility assessment, business model creation, product development, funding readiness and go-to-market strategies.

Speaking at the announcement, Dr. Sunil Shukla, Director General of EDII, highlighted Bengaluru’s central role in India’s technology ecosystem and Karnataka’s prominence in the startup landscape. He noted that the new specialisation aligns with the growing trend of young professionals choosing entrepreneurship as a purposeful career path and supports the broader vision of contributing to India’s development goals by 2047.

The two-year PGDM in Entrepreneurship, introduced in 1998, is focused exclusively on entrepreneurship development. It is approved by the All India Council for Technical Education, accredited by the National Board of Accreditation and holds MBA-equivalent status from the Association of Indian Universities. With more than 2,200 alumni and approximately 79% becoming active entrepreneurs, EDII’s programme has established a strong track record in venture creation.

Students benefit from organised mentoring, sector exposure, incubation support through EDII’s Centre for Advancing and Launching Enterprises (CALEL), and milestone-linked seed grants. In addition to the new Tech Startups specialisation, learners can choose from New Enterprise Creation, Family Business Management and Social Entrepreneurship, making the PGDM a comprehensive platform for diverse entrepreneurial journeys.

Beyond academics, EDII has maintained a strong presence in Karnataka since establishing its regional office in Bengaluru in 1997. The institute has partnered with the state government and corporate organisations on CSR-driven entrepreneurship initiatives focused on women empowerment, MSME development, youth entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihoods in districts including Mandya, Tumakuru, Kolar and Nelamangala. Collaborations with companies such as Accenture, HSBC, Standard Chartered Bank and IDBI Bank have further strengthened grassroots entrepreneurship development.

Initiatives like Entrepreneurship Hubba in Bengaluru reflect EDII’s commitment to inclusive growth, enabling women to build home-based and small-scale enterprises. With the launch of the Tech Startups specialisation, EDII reinforces its mission of building entrepreneurs who create enterprises, generate employment and contribute meaningfully to India’s innovation-driven economy.

TechPulse

Goa Government Launches Digital Assistant AI Chatbot (Beta) to Enhance Citizen Services

Tanisha Cardozo

Altinho, February 17, 2026: The Goa Government has introduced Goa’s Digital Assistant – an AI-powered Chatbot (Beta version) designed to enhance citizen service delivery and simplify access to government services. The initiative has been launched by the Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications (DITE&C) in collaboration with Goa Electronics Limited.

The AI Chatbot has been developed to make government services easy to understand, easy to access and easy to use. Acting as a single digital assistant, it enables citizens to interact with Goa Online Services through simple, conversational language, eliminating the need to navigate complex portals or make physical visits to government offices.

The chatbot is expected to streamline user experience by guiding citizens through service-related queries, procedures and documentation requirements in a structured yet user-friendly manner. By integrating artificial intelligence into public service delivery, the Goa Government aims to improve efficiency, accessibility and responsiveness in governance.

The launch of the Beta version marks a step forward in Goa’s digital transformation journey, reflecting the state’s commitment to leveraging technology for smarter governance and enhanced public engagement.

International

South Korea Opens Royal Palaces and Joseon Tombs Free for Lunar New Year

Tanisha Cardozo

Royal palaces and Joseon-era royal tombs across South Korea are open to the public free of charge during the Lunar New Year holiday, giving visitors a rare opportunity to experience historic landmarks and seasonal traditions without admission fees.

The four main palaces in Seoul — Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Deoksugung and Changgyeonggung — along with Jongmyo Shrine and 22 Joseon royal tomb sites nationwide, are operating without regular closure days from Saturday to Wednesday during the five-day holiday period. Admission fees are waived at all participating sites, allowing both locals and tourists to immerse themselves in Korea’s royal heritage.

Jongmyo Shrine, which is typically accessible only through guided tours at designated times, will allow visitors to explore the grounds freely during the holiday. However, all four palaces, Jongmyo and the Joseon royal tombs will be closed on February 19 after the free-admission period ends.

A highlight of the celebrations is the “2026 Byeong-o Year Sehwa Sharing” event taking place at Heungnyemun Square inside Gyeongbokgung Palace from Monday to Wednesday. During the event, visitors receive traditional New Year paintings known as “Sehwa,” which symbolise wishes for good fortune in the year ahead.

Sehwa, meaning “New Year painting,” refers to artworks created to ward off disease, disasters and misfortune while inviting luck and prosperity. The custom dates back to the Joseon dynasty, when the king presented such paintings to his officials at the start of the year. Over time, the tradition spread among the public and became a cherished seasonal folk practice.

Today, the annual Sehwa event at Gyeongbokgung blends cultural heritage with festive celebration, offering visitors a meaningful and historic way to welcome the Lunar New Year while exploring some of Korea’s most iconic royal landmarks.