Author: Tanisha Cardozo

Social

Lions Club of Loutolim Honours Talents Rupesh Jogale & Mario Pimenta

Tanisha Cardozo

The Lions Club of Loutolim recently celebrated the achievements of two outstanding individuals from the village, Rupesh Jogale and Mario Pimenta, during a special felicitation ceremony held as part of the official visit of District Governor PMJF Lion Jai Amol Naik.

The event began with a warm welcome by President Lion Allen Araujo, who highlighted the consistent efforts of the club in serving the community despite being based in a rural area. Secretary Lion Alwyn Mascarenhas presented a detailed overview of the club’s initiatives since July, which included environmental efforts like sapling distribution during Vanamahotsav, educational support for deserving students, financial aid, and various charitable activities.

The highlight of the evening was the recognition of two local talents who have made significant contributions in their respective fields. Rupesh Jogale, a respected name in Goan theatre and direction, was honoured for his dedication to the performing arts. Known for his powerful portrayals, including roles depicting Jesus Christ, Jogale shared his journey and expressed heartfelt gratitude for the recognition bestowed upon him.

Mario Pimenta, a young and promising filmmaker from Goa, was also felicitated for his growing achievements in cinema and participation in various competitions. At just 21, Mario reflected on his journey, acknowledging the unwavering support of his family, especially his mother and sister. He encouraged aspiring individuals to pursue their dreams with confidence and action, noting that such recognition at a young age was both motivating and humbling.

District Governor PMJF Lion Jai Amol Naik congratulated both honourees and commended the Lions Club of Loutolim for its impactful work. He encouraged more individuals to join the Lions movement, emphasising its core philosophy of service and positive societal impact. During the event, he also presented letters from the International President of Lions Clubs International to veteran members, along with medals and badges, recognising their long-standing dedication.

Treasurer MGF Lion Joaquim Monteiro delivered the vote of thanks, expressing appreciation to all attendees and contributors to the event’s success. With nearly five decades of service, the Lions Club of Loutolim continues to play a vital role in fostering community development while celebrating and encouraging local talent.

Events in Goa

Lights, Camera, Awareness: Goa Anti-Tobacco Film Festival 2026 Announced

Tanisha Cardozo

The Entertainment Society of Goa has announced the 8th edition of the Goa Anti-Tobacco Film Festival 2026, set to take place on May 31, 2026. Organised in association with the Department of Public Health Dentistry, Goa Dental College and Hospital, the festival aims to use the power of cinema to raise awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco use and reduce the incidence of oral cancer and heart diseases in Goa.

With the theme “Unmasking the appeal: Countering Nicotine & Tobacco Addiction,” this year’s festival invites filmmakers, students, and institutions to create impactful ad films that challenge the perception of tobacco and highlight its risks. The initiative not only focuses on public health awareness but also promotes film art through non-profit screenings.

The festival will be conducted in two sections — the Goa Section and the National Section — ensuring participation from both local and national talent. The Goa Section is open to films produced by Goan individuals, production houses, students studying in Goa, and local institutions. Entries can be in Konkani, Marathi, Hindi, or English, and must not exceed two minutes in duration, with mandatory English subtitles.

The National Section, on the other hand, is open to participants from across India, with films required to be in Hindi or English. Similar to the Goa category, entries must be ad films of up to two minutes and include English subtitles.

Interested participants must complete their registration by April 17, 2026, by submitting the official form available on the ESG website. The final deadline for submission of films along with supporting documents is May 13, 2026.

The festival also offers attractive prizes to encourage participation and reward impactful storytelling. In the Goa Section, the first prize carries ₹50,000, followed by ₹30,000 for second place and ₹20,000 for third. In the National Section, the top prize stands at ₹1,00,000, with ₹50,000 and ₹30,000 awarded to second and third place winners respectively.

By combining creativity with a strong social message, the Goa Anti-Tobacco Film Festival continues to serve as an important platform for filmmakers to contribute to public health awareness while showcasing their talent. As entries open, the festival once again calls on storytellers to use their voice and vision to inspire change and promote a tobacco-free future.

Sports

Goa to Host Vizzy Trophy 2026: Top University Teams Set to Clash

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa is set to become the centre of university cricket action as the Goa Cricket Association gears up to host the prestigious Vizzy Trophy from March 1 to 7, 2026. The tournament will bring together some of the finest university cricketers from across the country, representing the North, South, East, and West Zones.

Played in the one-day format, the competition promises fast-paced and competitive cricket, offering young players a valuable opportunity to showcase their skills on a national stage. The Vizzy Trophy has long been regarded as an important platform for emerging talent, often serving as a stepping stone for players aspiring to make their mark in professional cricket.

Matches will be conducted at two key venues — the GCA Ground in Porvorim and the Panjim Gymkhana Ground — both of which are expected to host exciting encounters throughout the week-long tournament. With teams from different zones bringing diverse playing styles and strengths, spectators can look forward to a dynamic and engaging cricketing spectacle.

Beyond the competition, the tournament also highlights Goa’s growing presence as a host for major sporting events. By bringing together top university teams, the Vizzy Trophy not only promotes competitive cricket but also encourages sports development at the grassroots and collegiate levels.

As anticipation builds, all eyes will be on the young cricketers who will take the field, aiming to leave a lasting impression. With talent, ambition, and opportunity coming together, the Vizzy Trophy 2026 is set to be a significant chapter in India’s university cricket calendar.

#faith

Bishop Agnelo Pinheiro Visits Milagris Church Ahead of May 2026 Inauguration

Tanisha Cardozo

A significant moment for the Catholic community in Sawantwadi unfolded as Agnelo Pinheiro, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sindhudurg, visited the historic Milagris Church to review its newly reconstructed premises ahead of its official inauguration scheduled for May 9, 2026.

The visit marked an important step in the journey of the church, which holds deep historical and spiritual significance. Originally built in 1652, Milagris Church has stood as a symbol of faith for centuries. Over the past few years, the structure underwent extensive reconstruction at the same site, preserving its legacy while giving it a renewed architectural form. With the work now completed, the church is ready to reopen its doors to the faithful.

During his visit, Bishop Pinheiro interacted with the local parish priest and members of the Christian community, extending his greetings and acknowledging their efforts and devotion. He also expressed appreciation for the newly constructed church, recognising the collective commitment that made the restoration possible.

The occasion was attended by several prominent members of the clergy, including Simião Fernandes, along with Father Millet D’Souza, Father Felix Lobo, Father Richard Saldanha, Father Alwyn Gonsalves, Father Milton Molteno, and Father Amrit Gonsalves. Members of the church and the wider Catholic community were also present, making the visit a moment of unity and anticipation.

The upcoming inauguration is expected to be a landmark event, bringing together the faithful to celebrate not just a building, but a living heritage that has endured through centuries. The reconstruction of Milagris Church reflects a careful balance between preserving tradition and embracing renewal, ensuring that its legacy continues for future generations.

As preparations move forward for the May 9 inauguration, the visit by Bishop Pinheiro has further strengthened the sense of excitement and spiritual significance surrounding the occasion, marking a new chapter in the long and cherished history of Milagris Church in Sawantwadi.

EduConnect

Cyber Smart Generation: Awareness Drive Held at St. Francis Xavier’s High School, Siolim

Tanisha Cardozo

A significant step towards building digital awareness among young students was witnessed in Siolim, Goa, as a cyber awareness and online safety programme was conducted at St. Francis Xavier’s High School on 25th February 2026. The initiative was organised by the Siolim Free Legal Aid Cell of V.M. Salgaocar College of Law, aiming to equip students with essential knowledge to navigate the increasingly complex digital world safely.

The session was led by PSI Sahil Vijay Warang, Police Sub-Inspector from Anjuna Police Station, who addressed the students as the guest speaker. His talk focused on the growing threats of cybercrime and the importance of awareness as the first line of defence. The programme was held in the presence of Fr. Dilip Tete, Headmaster of the school, and Fr. Marcos Dsouza, Principal of the Higher Secondary section, both of whom appreciated the initiative and its relevance in today’s digital age.

With participation from approximately 600 to 650 students, along with teachers and members of the Legal Aid Cell, the session turned into an engaging and insightful learning experience. Students were introduced to the concept of cybercrime as an “unseen danger,” where criminals often exploit human emotions such as fear, greed, and curiosity rather than relying solely on advanced technology.

PSI Warang shared real-life examples of various online frauds, including fake investment schemes, job scams, sextortion cases, fake loan applications, impersonation frauds, matrimonial scams, and online booking frauds. He also explained newer threats such as digital arrest scams and emotional manipulation tactics, helping students understand how easily individuals can fall prey without proper awareness.

A key focus of the session was on developing a responsible digital mindset. Students were encouraged to stay cautious while using social media platforms, online games, and digital payment systems. Practical tips were shared on identifying suspicious links, protecting personal information, and verifying online transactions before taking action.

The session also introduced students to important safety resources such as the National Cybercrime Helpline 1930 and official cybercrime reporting platforms, empowering them with tools to seek help in case of any online threat. The interactive nature of the programme allowed students to actively participate, ask questions, and relate to real-world scenarios discussed during the session.

Faculty members, including Assistant Professor Shreya Shah, who serves as the Faculty Incharge of the Legal Aid Cell, along with student coordinators and school staff, played a key role in organising the event. Their efforts ensured that the programme was both informative and impactful.

The event concluded with a strong message: awareness is the most powerful defence against cybercrime. As students left the session more informed and alert, the programme successfully reinforced the importance of staying vigilant in an increasingly digital world.