Author: Tanisha Cardozo

Human Interest

Phytoplankton Art Project Brings Marine Ecology Awareness to Bengaluru’s Children

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

From Goa’s coastline to a landlocked city, a children’s art initiative developed by the Goa-based Children’s Art Studio and co-supported by the Museum of Goa is carrying marine education beyond the sea. Phytoplankton World: The Unseen Heroes of Marine Life will be presented in Bengaluru from January 16 to 25 at Freedom Park as part of Makkala Hubba under the larger BLR Hubba cultural festival.

Rooted in Goa’s coastal ecology, the immersive project introduces children to phytoplankton—microscopic marine organisms that form the foundation of ocean life and play a crucial role in regulating the Earth’s climate. Designed for children aged four to twelve, the experience transforms complex marine science into accessible learning through glow-in-the-dark installations, sensory environments and hands-on creative activities, reflecting how Goa’s close relationship with the sea can inspire environmental learning far beyond its shores.

Aligned with the philosophy of Makkala Hubba, a children-focused platform known for its emphasis on climate awareness and sensorial engagement, the project invites young visitors into an underwater-inspired space where curiosity drives learning and exploration unfolds through making and play.

Sharada Kerkar, Director of the Museum of Goa and Co-Founder of the Children’s Art Studio, said the project originated from a personal encounter with bioluminescence. She recalled kayaking at night in Vasco and witnessing the sea glow in shades of green and blue, caused by phytoplankton. The experience, she said, sparked a desire to create glowing environments that others could experience while learning about these unseen marine heroes.

The project evolved through extensive research into various types of phytoplankton and their forms, which were visualised at an enlarged scale through sketches, digital 3D imagery and architectural models. The team experimented with glow-in-the-dark and reusable materials to suit the underwater theme, eventually shaping an immersive environment that guides children through a layered learning journey.

Artist and educator Tincy Paulose from the Children’s Art Studio described the creative process as deeply engaging, noting that working with glowing materials brought out a sense of wonder and play. She said the project went beyond art-making, becoming a space for discovery and learning about the fascinating world of microscopic marine life.

Two guided workshops form a central part of the programme. Glow Beneath the Sea allows children to create glowing sea creatures while learning about the marine food chain and the foundational role of phytoplankton. Glow Microscopic Worlds encourages participants to imagine and design glowing phytoplankton inspired by organisms such as diatoms, dinoflagellates, cyanobacteria and coccolithophores, translating scientific knowledge into creative expression.

Films

Bhaangar: Kalakusar Karigiri to Represent Goan Culture at International Folklore Film Festival, Kerala

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Goan documentary Bhaangar: Kalakusar Karigiri, directed by Prachi Shirodkar, has been officially selected for screening at the 9th edition of the International Folklore Film Festival (IFFF), Kerala. The festival will be held from January 15 to 22, 2026, across five venues in the state, bringing together folklore-focused films and documentaries from around the world.

Among 659 national and international short films submitted, Bhaangar: Kalakusar Karigiri stands out as one of only two Goan films selected for the week-long festival, marking a significant milestone for Goan cinema and cultural representation on an international platform.

Directed, shot, and narrated by Prachi Shirodkar, and edited by Mario Pimenta, the documentary offers an intimate portrayal of Goa’s traditional goldsmith community. The film was produced under the guidance of Agnelo D’Souza at Don Bosco College, Panjim, and documents the intricate craftsmanship, heritage, and lived realities of artisans whose skills have been passed down through generations.

The documentary features Goan artisans Rashila Shirodkar, Virendra Rivankar, and Pranay Shirodkar, capturing their techniques, artistic precision, and the cultural significance of gold craftsmanship in Goa. Through careful observation and storytelling, the film highlights the deep connection between labour, identity, and tradition within the community.

Prachi Shirodkar, a Goan filmmaker with a diploma in Architecture and a degree in Mass Communication, created Bhaangar: Kalakusar Karigiri with the intention of documenting and preserving the craftsmanship of Goan gold artisans. As a Goan woman filmmaker, her work represents an important contribution to women’s empowerment, amplifying female voices in documentary filmmaking and cultural narratives.

Beyond celebrating Goan heritage, the film also underscores women’s leadership, authorship, and creative ownership in cinema—fields historically dominated by men. Prachi’s journey reflects a growing movement of Goan women reclaiming and narrating stories rooted in culture, labour, and identity.

The 9th International Folklore Film Festival is being organised by the International Film Festival of Thrissur, Bhoumam Social Initiative, Centre for Media Studies, St. Thomas College, Thrissur, and International Folk Films India. Dedicated to showcasing films rooted in folklore, rural traditions, mythology, arts, handicrafts, and sustainable lifestyles, the festival serves as a global platform for culturally grounded storytelling.

Bhaangar: Kalakusar Karigiri stands as a meaningful contribution to this global dialogue, proudly representing Goan culture, craftsmanship, and women-led storytelling on the international stage.

EduConnect

St. Xavier’s College, Mapusa Celebrates 60th Annual Day with Grandeur

Tanisha Cardozo

The 60th Annual Day of St. Xavier’s College, Mapusa, held on January 15, 2026, was celebrated with great enthusiasm and dignity in the presence of management, distinguished guests, alumni, staff and students. The event was presided over by the Chief Guest, Rev. Fr. Nazareth Fernandes, Superior General of the Society of the Missionaries of St. Francis Xavier.

The programme began with a warm welcome by the Administrator, Rev. Fr. Antonio Salema, who greeted the Chief Guest, dignitaries and the audience. Prof. Filipe Rodrigues e Melo, Vice Principal, formally introduced the Chief Guest, highlighting his leadership and contribution to the mission of education. The Officiating Principal, Ms Ursula Barreto, then presented the Annual Report, outlining the significant academic, co-curricular and extracurricular achievements of students during the academic year 2024–25.

Adding a special emotional touch to the occasion, the Parent-Teacher Association and the Alumni Association felicitated retired faculty members of the institution. The gathering evoked a strong sense of nostalgia as former teaching and non-teaching staff reunited to relive fond memories associated with the college.

During the Award Ceremony, deserving alumni and students were honoured for their outstanding achievements in academics, sports and extracurricular activities, celebrating the spirit of excellence that defines the institution. Addressing the gathering, Rev. Fr. Nazareth Fernandes drew inspiration from tennis icon Novak Djokovic, emphasising that achievement and privilege come with responsibility. He reminded students that privilege should never lead to complacency and that a meaningful legacy is shaped by the lives one positively impacts. He encouraged students to remain noble in thought, word and deed, and to generously share their talents and blessings with others.

The celebration also featured vibrant cultural performances by students, showcasing their creativity, talent and confidence. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by the General Secretary of the Students’ Council, Mr Akhil Gurav, who expressed gratitude to the Chief Guest, dignitaries, programme coordinator Prof. Maria Fonseca and all those who contributed to making the 60th Annual Day a memorable success.

Social

JCI Mapusa Leads Cleanup Drive at Shree Bodgeshwar Temple Ground

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

JCI Mapusa, in collaboration with the Mapusa Municipal Council, Responsible Earth Foundation and YIMBY, organised a cleanup drive on January 16, 2026, at the Shree Bodgeshwar Temple Ground in Mapusa. The initiative began early at 7 am and aimed at promoting cleanliness, environmental responsibility and community participation.

A total of 20 members actively took part in the drive, demonstrating strong volunteer spirit and civic engagement. During the cleanup activity, more than 20 bags of dry waste were collected from the area, contributing to a cleaner and safer public space for residents and visitors.

The drive formed part of JCI Mapusa’s ongoing efforts to encourage sustainable practices and raise awareness about waste management at the grassroots level. Volunteers worked together to segregate and collect dry waste, reinforcing the message that collective action plays a vital role in protecting the environment.

Organisers expressed satisfaction with the enthusiastic participation and support received from all collaborating organisations. The cleanup drive not only helped restore cleanliness at the temple ground but also served as a reminder of the shared responsibility citizens have towards maintaining public spaces and safeguarding the environment.

Events in Goa

Simran Dhond to Explore ‘Classic vs Contemporary’ Style at Clube Tennis de Gaspar Dias

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Multidisciplinary fashion designer Simran Dhond will deliver an audio-visual lecture titled Classic vs Contemporary – What Every Generation Can Learn About Style as part of the ongoing centenary celebrations at Clube Tennis de Gaspar Dias, Miramar, in January 2026. The session aims to explore how timeless fashion principles and modern design sensibilities intersect, influence each other and continue to evolve across generations.

Dhond brings with her a strong academic and professional background in fashion and textiles. She holds a master’s degree from De Montfort University, England, and was awarded a Gold Medal in Knitwear Design from the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Bengaluru. Her work has been showcased on international and national platforms, including Leicester Fashion Week and India Intimatewear Fashion Week.

Known for a signature aesthetic that blends technical craftsmanship, sensuality and emotional depth, Dhond has designed across a wide range of categories, from lingerie and shapewear to athleisure and leisurewear. Her design journey includes collaborations with several popular platforms and brands, reflecting her versatility and adaptability within the fashion industry.

Currently, Dhond leads Design and Brand Development at Carbon Tree, a conscious activewear label focused on sustainability and mindful fashion. Alongside this role, she also works independently under her brand Simmydoo, a slow fashion lingerie and sleepwear label rooted in Indian craft traditions, organic materials and comfort-driven design.

The lecture is expected to offer insights into changing fashion narratives, sustainability, craftsmanship and personal style, encouraging audiences to reflect on what classic and contemporary fashion can learn from one another.

The event will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 6 pm at Clube Tennis de Gaspar Dias, Miramar. Entry to the lecture is free and open to all interested attendees.