Category: EduConnect

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.

EduConnect

AIC-GIM Hosts NFSU Goa Students for Interactive Session on Startup Ecosystem

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Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

During the visit, students were introduced to the fundamentals of the startup ecosystem, including how startups differ from traditional businesses and the benefits of being officially recognised as a startup.


The session also highlighted various programs and initiatives offered by AIC-GIM, particularly those designed to support students and women entrepreneurs. Participants gained insights into incubation support, mentorship, funding guidance, and networking opportunities.

The interaction was highly participative, with students actively engaging in discussions, asking questions, and exploring practical pathways to enter the world of entrepreneurship.

AIC-GIM continues to encourage aspiring innovators and students to explore entrepreneurship and build impactful ventures, reinforcing its commitment to nurturing Goa’s growing startup ecosystem.

EduConnect

Converge 3.0: Goa’s Academia–Industry Summit Showcases Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Young Talent

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Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

Panaji: The Directorate of Higher Education (DHE), in collaboration with the Goa State Higher Education Council, successfully organised Converge 3.0 – Shiksha Udyog Sangam, a month-long Academia–Industry Summit held across Goa from January 29 to February 23, 2026. The initiative concluded with a grand finale at the Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium.


Held under the theme “Innovate, Integrate, Impact: Building Goa’s Future-Ready Changemakers,” Converge 3.0 emerged as a dynamic state-level movement aimed at bridging academia and industry, fostering entrepreneurship and preparing students for a rapidly evolving global economy.

Director of Higher Education Bhushan Savoikar welcomed over 3,500 students at the finale, while Dr. Niyan Marchon, Program Director, DHE and Convenor of Converge, outlined the vision and future roadmap of the initiative.

Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant graced the event as Chief Guest and emphasised the importance of integrating quality education with skill development, innovation in classrooms and entrepreneurship during college years. He highlighted the government’s continued support in shaping Converge into a flagship platform for the state.

Converge 3.0 witnessed participation from more than 15,000 students representing 50 colleges across disciplines including general education, engineering, pharmacy, architecture, nursing, fine arts and music. Over 300 entrepreneurs, startup mentors and industry leaders conducted sessions, workshops and panel discussions during the month-long programme.
33 Young Entrepreneurs from colleges across Goa
Student-led innovation stalls and prototype exhibitions

An AI Hackathon
The Innovative Idea Challenge (IIC), with 122 teams (around 300 students) from 40 colleges

The top three winners of the Innovative Idea Challenge were
1st Place: DMC College, Mapusa
2nd Place: PCCE, Verna
3rd Place: Dhempe College, Panjim
The summit also recognised participants of the Young Innovators Challenge (Poster & Prototype), celebrating projects aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The inaugural keynote address was delivered by Santosh Mishra (IG Defence), encouraging students to innovate with national purpose. A panel discussion moderated by Mangirish Salelkar, President of the Goa Technology Association (GTA), featured experts including Dr. Satya Ranjan Acharya (EDII), Swetha Susan Elias (Google Mumbai), Vatsal Sheth (Prismix Studios) and Ganesh Chari (Neshaju Envirotech Pvt. Ltd.), focusing on digital innovation, sustainability and strengthening industry–academia partnerships.

Cultural performances added vibrancy to the event, including a traditional Shigmo presentation by Caculo College, a short film by Kala Academy, a mime performance by Government College, Quepem, gymnastics by Government College, Pernem and an acapella performance by St. Xavier’s College.

In January 2026, Converge received the prestigious SKOCH Award for Academic Excellence and Professional Empowerment, recognising its transformative impact.

Building on this success, the Directorate of Higher Education plans to expand Converge 4.0 to 65 colleges and invite premier institutes from across India, aiming to transform it into a nationwide innovation-driven platform.

Converge 3.0 stands not merely as a summit but as a movement reflecting Goa’s commitment to nurturing future-ready changemakers through education, innovation and enterprise.

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.

EduConnect

GVM’s Ponda College Wins Big at Abhiuday 2026

Tanisha Cardozo

Students of Goa Vidyaprasarak Mandal’s Gopal Govind Poy Raiturcar College of Commerce and Economics in Ponda have brought pride to their institution by clinching the overall trophy at Abhiuday 2026, an intercollegiate event organised by the Government College of Commerce and Economics, Borda. The team also secured a cash prize of ₹20,000 at the prestigious event.

The full-day competition, held at Ravindra Bhavan Margao, witnessed participation from multiple colleges, with students competing across a range of events. Representing the college was a contingent of 40 students, who demonstrated remarkable talent, enthusiasm, and teamwork throughout the day.

The winning trophy was presented by Damodar Naik, adding to the significance of the achievement.

The students participated with the encouragement and permission of Principal Dr. Smita Sanzgiri and were guided by Faculty In-charge Ms. Yeshda S. Prabhu, whose support played a crucial role in the team’s success.

This accomplishment highlights the institution’s ongoing commitment to holistic student development, encouraging participation beyond academics and fostering confidence, creativity, and collaboration among its students.