Author: Tanisha Cardozo

EduConnect

CM Dr. Pramod Sawant Felicitates Goa’s Young Robotics & STEM Champions

Tanisha Cardozo

In a proud moment for Goa’s education and innovation ecosystem, the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa, Pramod Sawant, felicitated the State’s outstanding young achievers who have brought laurels through exceptional performances in Robotics and STEM competitions at national and international platforms. The ceremony recognised students who have excelled at prestigious events such as the World STEM & Robotics Olympiad (WSRO), VEX Robotics Championships, and the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC), underscoring Goa’s growing prominence in technology-driven education.

The event brought together students, mentors, school leaders, and parents who have collectively contributed to this remarkable success. Addressing the gathering, Dr. Sawant congratulated the young innovators and their mentors, stating that their achievements exemplify innovation, discipline, teamwork, and the spirit of scientific inquiry. He reiterated the Government of Goa’s strong commitment to promoting STEM education, innovation, and future-ready skills in alignment with the National Education Policy 2020. He emphasised that such accomplishments reflect the State’s determination to ensure that Goan youth are prepared to compete and succeed on global platforms.

The Chief Minister lauded the role of Qurious Mind Infotainment Pvt. Ltd., a Goa-based robotics education organisation, for its sustained efforts in nurturing young talent and building a robust ecosystem for hands-on STEM learning across the State. He also acknowledged the invaluable contribution of the Department of Education, Government of Goa, school managements, teachers, mentors, and parents who have collectively enabled students to reach new heights in competitive arenas.

Among those honoured were Ronav Chodankar and Ariana Chodankar of Sharada Mandir School, mentored by Dr. Deepa Chodankar, who received the Judges’ Choice Award – Young Scientist (All STEM – Open Category) at the WSRO National Championship. Shlok R. Juvatkar of Mahila & Nutan English High School, guided by Mahadev Mishal, secured 1st Place in the Junior Robo Race category. Students representing Goa at the VEX Robotics Regional and National Championships, including Mast Vedang Anay Kamat, Miss Surabhi Shubhesh Manerikar, Miss Rajvi Vishwanath Marathe, and Mast Shourya Ganpat Prabhu Kapdi, were also recognised for their exemplary participation.

At the FIRST Tech Challenge, students such as Soham Mahesh Redkar, Dhruv Sameer Salgaonkar, Sparsh Swapnesh Verlekar, and Sairaj Amonkar from Saraswat Vidyalaya, Mapusa, along with Anam Raza of Podar International School, Panelim, Avaneesh Devendra Phadte of Mushtifund High School, Cujira, and Sai Pranav Gandhi of Sharada Mandir School, Miramar, were honoured for leadership and excellence within the international competition framework.

Goa’s representation at the WSRO International Championship marked a particularly proud milestone. Students from New English High School, Digas Panchwadi—Miss Paravi Prakash Gaonkar, Miss Shravya Rajendra Naik, Miss Akshavi Ashok Gaonkar, and Miss Aarushi Arun Sawant—mentored by Atul Shirodkar, earned international participation recognition in the Industry 4.0 category, reflecting the highest level of competition and global exposure.

Additional accolades included Mast Dilraj Dilip Kavthankar of Pradnya High School securing 6th Prize in the Line Follower category under the mentorship of Prasad Gadekar; Mast Ian Nunes of St. Bartholomew’s High School, Chorao, mentored by Vincent Toscano, winning 5th Prize in Young Scientist (Algorithms); Mast Vedang Kamat of Saraswat Vidyalaya, Mapusa, mentored by Anay Kamat, earning 4th Prize in Industry 4.0; and the team of Manish Mahadev Gawandi, Nirbhay Manoj Talkar, and Mayank Sandeep Kavathankar from Pradnya High School achieving 3rd Prize in the Line Follower category, guided by Prasad Gadekar.

The ceremony concluded with an engaging interaction between the Hon’ble Chief Minister and the students, followed by official photographs, marking a proud and inspiring chapter in Goa’s journey towards becoming an emerging hub for robotics, innovation, and technology education. The achievements celebrated at this event stand as a testament to what focused mentorship, institutional support, and youthful determination can accomplish, placing Goa firmly on the national and global STEM map.

Events in Goa

Mathias Panaji Run 2026 to Be Held on March 1 at Campal

Tanisha Cardozo

The Rotary Club of Panaji Mid-Town will organise the Mathias Panaji Run 2026 on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at the SAG Sports Complex, Campal, Panaji, with the flag-off scheduled at 6.30 am. Now in its second edition, the run aims to bring together fitness enthusiasts, families and the larger community under the vibrant theme “Live Life in Colour,” inspired by the approaching festival of Holi.

The event will feature a 10 km timed run with winners declared across categories, a 5 km fun run and walk open to participants of all age groups with attractive prizes, and a special 1 km walk involving NAB Goa students and Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), reinforcing the message of inclusivity through sport. Cash prizes worth ₹1 lakh will be awarded across categories.

Speaking at the media briefing held in Panaji, Rtn. Gauresh Nayak, President of the Rotary Club of Panaji Mid-Town, emphasised that the Mathias Panaji Run 2026 goes beyond competition. He said that with the theme “Live Life in Colour,” the club wants Goa to celebrate not only colours but also the values of health, unity, inclusivity and joy. He added that the run is about community spirit, ensuring that everyone—irrespective of age or ability—feels valued and included. Nayak further noted that proceeds from the event will support Rotary’s flagship initiatives in education, healthcare, disability support, sanitation and medical aid.

Event Coordinator Ann Sheetal Pai Kane expressed confidence that the run will attract nearly 2,000 participants this year. She explained that organising the event in the heart of Panaji was a conscious decision to encourage greater participation from Ponjékars. She added that the event is designed not only for runners but also for families and friends who wish to come out, cheer and be part of the experience.

Gajanan Karkare, Secretary of the club, urged citizens to participate, stating that the run is an opportunity to focus on good health while also contributing to Rotary’s ongoing social causes that impact lives across Goa. Rtn. Sunil Pai Kane, Project Director of the event, was also present at the briefing.

The Mathias Panaji Run 2026 is title-sponsored by Joe Mathias and Mariola Mathias of the Mathias Group of Companies. The sponsors expressed pride in supporting the initiative, highlighting their commitment to promoting health, wellness and community spirit in Goa, and looking forward to a strong turnout on March 1.

Founded in 1998, the Rotary Club of Panaji Mid-Town functions under Rotary International District 3170 with the motto “Service Above Self.” The club undertakes five flagship initiatives—Saksharta, Sudharta, Sahayata, Swachhata and Sanjeevani—focused on education, healthcare, disability support, sanitation and medical aid. Through the Mathias Panaji Run 2026, the club once again aims to promote a healthy lifestyle while strengthening community bonding through sport.

Registrations are open online at www.panajirun.org.

Travel

Booking.com Traveller Review Awards 2026: Goa Among India’s Most Welcoming Regions

Tanisha Cardozo

Booking.com has recognised Goa among the 10 Most Welcoming Regions in India as part of its 14th annual Traveller Review Awards 2026, reaffirming the State’s enduring appeal as a warm and hospitable destination. The global travel platform, known for connecting travellers with accommodation and transport services worldwide, bases the awards on the share of accommodation partners earning a Traveller Review Award for delivering authentic and caring guest experiences.

This year, Goa has retained its position among India’s most welcoming regions, while Mandrem has emerged as one of the top 10 Most Welcoming Destinations in the country. Other welcoming destinations within Goa highlighted for their hospitality include Agonda, Palolem, Arambol, and Morjim, reflecting the State’s diverse coastal charm and community-driven tourism ethos.

The awards are powered by more than 370 million verified traveller reviews worldwide. In 2026, a total of 17,575 travel partners in India received the Traveller Review Awards, marking an increase from 15,674 recipients in 2025. Globally, a record-breaking 1.81 million partners were recognised, including over 1.8 million accommodation providers, 1,977 rental car companies, and 137 airport transfer suppliers.

This year’s awards also reflect evolving traveller preferences across India. Hotels continue to be the most popular accommodation choice, with 6,650 award recipients, followed by homestays (2,652), apartments (1,984), resorts (1,338), and guest houses (1,218). The numbers highlight a growing demand for personalised and unique travel experiences.

The 2026 list of Most Welcoming Regions in India includes Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Goa, Rajasthan, Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Puducherry, Assam, Karnataka, and Haryana. Among the Most Welcoming Destinations are Bir, Mararikulam, Jaisalmer, McLeod Ganj, Mukteswar, Khajuraho, Bhim Tal, Manali, Hampi, and Mandrem.

Santosh Kumar, Regional Manager, South Asia at Booking.com, stated that the Traveller Review Awards celebrate partners who consistently deliver exceptional hospitality across India. He noted that Goa’s continued recognition reflects its vibrant culture and coastal charm, with local partners playing a crucial role in making India a memorable destination for travellers from around the world.

Part of Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: BKNG), Booking.com aims to make it easier for everyone to experience the world by leveraging technology to simplify travel. Goa’s continued presence on the Most Welcoming list underscores not only its scenic appeal but also the warmth and dedication of its hospitality community, which continues to leave a lasting impression on visitors year after year.

EduConnect

“Goa Is the Best Place for a Young Girl to Grow Up”: Vogue India’s Rochelle Pinto at CTGD Centenary Lecture

Tanisha Cardozo

“Goa is the best place for a young girl to grow up. Here, women are so empowered; I have a sense of confidence because I grew up in Goa,” said Rochelle Pinto, Head of Editorial Content at Vogue India, while addressing the centenary lecture of Clube Tennis de Gaspar Dias titled ‘Women in Leadership: How to Build a Career in Media’ in Panaji.

In conversation with Goan fashion designer Simran Dhond, Pinto reflected on how Goa’s multicultural environment and inclusive ethos shaped both her worldview and professional journey. She emphasised that in Goa, women are not treated as second-class citizens and that the State’s diversity creates a natural sense of equality. “It never occurred to me that I had to ask permission to take up space. Also in Goa, we have multiculturalism. There is a sense of equality and diversity, and we celebrate it. It is a world that almost looks like a fairy tale now. I think we need to all fight to protect that,” she said.

Pinto began her journey in media at the age of 11 as a child radio jockey at All India Radio, Goa. Despite now being a leading voice in fashion media, she shared that she did not grow up in a fashion-conscious environment, something she considers a blessing. Growing up as what she described as an “outsider” in a multicultural society gave her a deep sense of rootedness and curiosity. “There is a deep sense of rootedness because of being an outsider. As I grew up in a multi-cultural environment, there is a sense of curiosity, and I do not have a myopic view,” she said.

Now based in Mumbai with over 15 years of experience across print and digital platforms, Pinto has worked with leading brands such as Tweak India and the Condé Nast group. Throughout the interaction, she repeatedly underlined how being Goan has shaped her approach to storytelling and leadership. She explained that her Goan upbringing allows her to see individuals for who they are and engage with them at a human level, a quality that has helped her navigate the competitive media landscape.

Offering advice to young aspirants, Pinto stressed that talent alone is not enough to survive in the media industry. She spoke about the importance of ethics, resilience, and the ability to accept criticism. “Do whatever it takes to get the job done. You need to learn to do everything, as it gives you a sense of confidence and you know exactly what you are talking about. I am a doer and not a dweller,” she said, encouraging youngsters to build both skill and stamina.

She also addressed the common perception that women compete aggressively for limited opportunities. Dispelling the myth, she stated that women often support and uplift each other, both professionally and personally. During an interaction with the audience, Pinto described journalism as a field that still demands old-school rigour. “Journalists are like vultures; others see a carcass, but we see a full meal there. If you have that mentality, you can find a story anywhere,” she remarked, reinforcing the importance of fieldwork and curiosity in an evolving digital age.

Having also taught at Istituto Marangoni in Italy and St Paul’s Institute of Communication and Education in Mumbai, Pinto shared her perspective on the growing influence of artificial intelligence in media. She observed that fear of new technology is not new, recalling that similar anxieties existed even during the invention of the printing press. “Writers have to evolve their skillset. Maybe they may not be writing anymore as the medium will change. I am not worried but more fired up to hone my craft and new opportunities to express myself,” she said.

Her reflections served not only as a celebration of Goa’s empowering environment but also as a call to protect its inclusive and multicultural fabric. For many in attendance, Pinto’s journey stood as proof that confidence rooted in identity, combined with discipline and adaptability, can shape a successful career on both national and international stages.

Films

Goan Documentary Bhaangar Kalakusar Karigiri Named Quarterfinalist at FLAME FirstCut Film Festival

Tanisha Cardozo

The Goan documentary Bhaangar Kalakusar Karigiri, directed by Prachi Shirodkar, has been named a quarterfinalist in the Non-Fiction category at the prestigious FLAME FirstCut Film Festival, hosted by FLAME University, Pune. The recognition marks a proud moment not only for the filmmaker but also for Goan documentary cinema.

FirstCut, regarded as India’s largest international student-run film festival, serves as a vibrant platform for emerging filmmakers across the globe. This year, the festival received over 600 entries from students representing more than 70 countries, making the competition particularly intense. The festival featured four categories—Fiction, Non-Fiction, Animation, and Nano—with the Non-Fiction jury comprising distinguished industry professionals including Nandan Saxena, Kavita Bahl, Jaya Bhattacharya, and Dhanashree Mehta Goel.

Directed, narrated, and shot by Prachi Shirodkar, Bhaangar Kalakusar Karigiri was edited by Mario Pimenta and developed as a college project at Don Bosco College, Panjim, under the guidance of Agnelo Raymond D’Souza. What began as an academic project has now grown into a documentary gaining recognition on national and international platforms.

The film offers an intimate look into the lives and craftsmanship of Goan artisans working in the gold industry. Through interviews with goldsmiths Virendra Rivankar, Rashila Shirodkar, and Pranay Shirodkar, the documentary captures the intricate artistry, discipline, and generational knowledge that define their work. It sheds light on a community of skilled craftsmen whose stories often remain untold despite their contribution to Goa’s cultural and economic fabric.

Beyond its festival recognition at FLAME FirstCut, the documentary has also been selected at multiple national and international film festivals and featured in The Film Catalogue of Jyoti Filmato, organised by the Centre for Media Studies at Jyoti Nivas Autonomous College. These selections further strengthen the film’s growing presence in the documentary circuit.

Significantly, Bhaangar Kalakusar Karigiri stands out as a powerful example of women-led filmmaking in Goa, particularly in the documentary genre where female directors remain underrepresented. Prachi Shirodkar’s achievement reflects not only a personal milestone but also a broader shift towards inclusivity and diversity within Goan cinema.

The film’s success reinforces the importance of documenting local stories and preserving traditional knowledge through cinema. By spotlighting Goan artisans and their craft, the documentary amplifies voices that deserve wider recognition while highlighting the rising presence of women behind the camera shaping meaningful and socially relevant narratives.