Category: EduConnect

EduConnect

Legal Aid Cells Conduct Drug Abuse Prevention Awareness Programme at Don Bosco College, Panjim

rencygomes02

Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral

Panjim; January 2026: The Mala Legal Aid Cell of V.M. Salgaocar College of Law, in association with the North Goa District Legal Services Authority, conducted a drug abuse prevention awareness programme at Don Bosco College, Panjim, aimed at sensitising students to the harmful effects of substance abuse and the importance of preventive legal awareness.


The session was led by Sahil Warang, Police Sub-Inspector, Anjuna Police Station, who addressed students on the dangers of drug abuse and its long-term impact on physical health, mental well-being and social life. He also highlighted the legal consequences associated with substance abuse and trafficking, urging students to make informed and responsible choices.
The programme was graced by Irshad Agha, Principal District and Sessions Judge, and Narayan Surendra Amonkar, Retired Judge and presently Chief of the Legal Aid Defence Council, District Legal Services Authority, underscoring the judiciary’s commitment to preventive legal education and youth awareness on social issues.
The awareness programme concluded with the screening of a short film on drug abuse, created and presented by students of V.M. Salgaocar College of Law (Mala Legal Aid Cell). Directed by Klasha De Souza and Salma Shaikh, the film delivered a strong and impactful message on the consequences of substance abuse, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.
The initiative highlighted the role of educational institutions, legal aid bodies and law enforcement agencies in jointly addressing social challenges through awareness and education.

EduConnect

St. Thomas Higher Secondary School, Aldona Organises Field Trip cum Nature Study Tour

allycaralgoa

Written by Intern Rency Gomes, Team Allycaral

Aldona; January 15, 2026: The NSS and YRC units of St. Thomas Higher Secondary School, Aldona organised a Field Trip cum Nature Study Tour for students of Standard XI on January 15, 2026, with the objective of providing hands-on learning and practical exposure to water resource management and environmental conservation.

As part of the educational excursion, students visited the Sal Barrage at Sal and the Amthane Dam, two important water management projects in the region. The tour witnessed the participation of 150 students, accompanied by 20 staff members.

The programme was supported by the Water Resources Department, whose cooperation contributed significantly to the success of the tour. Assistant Engineer Naresh Pokle and Junior Engineer Sidharth Shirodkar, along with their team, accompanied the students at both locations. Pokle explained the importance, functionality and operational aspects of the Sal Barrage and Amthane Dam, offering students valuable insights into irrigation systems, water regulation and sustainable development practices.

The tour was organised under the guidance of NSS Programme Officer Amarnath Panjikar, along with faculty members Arjun Gharse, R. J. Vijaykumar, Ryan D’Souza, Nathalie Figueiredo, Daryl Abranches and Sinetra Gomes, who served as coordinators.

The primary aim of the nature study tour was to strengthen students’ understanding of water conservation, environmental sustainability and the practical application of classroom learning, while fostering environmental responsibility and scientific temper among students.

EduConnect

American AI Expert from Carnegie Mellon Trains Goan Students on Real-World Applications of Artificial Intelligence at Kilowott Workshop

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

College students from technical and non-technical institutions across Goa were recently introduced to the real-world applications of artificial intelligence and its growing influence on modern careers during a workshop conducted by Adam Paulisick, a renowned professor at Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Computer Science, USA. The session was hosted at the campus of digital transformation company Kilowott in Porvorim.

Titled Growing at the Speed of Artificial Intelligence, the workshop explored how AI is rapidly transitioning from academic theory to practical, industry-driven use. Paulisick, who also leads the US-based AI firm SkillyAI, explained how artificial intelligence is reshaping workplaces, skill requirements, and decision-making processes across sectors.

Students from institutions including Goa Engineering College, Agnel Institute of Technology and Design, Shree Rayeshwar Institute of Engineering & Information Technology, Goa College of Art, Don Bosco College of Engineering, Padre Conceicao College of Engineering, Dnyanprassarak Mandal’s College and Research Centre, Shree Damodar College of Commerce and Economics, and St. Xavier’s College participated in the session.

Using relatable business examples, Paulisick compared AI systems to kitchen ingredients that need to be combined thoughtfully to create meaningful outcomes. He explained that the gap between data and impact is bridged through different approaches to AI, ranging from augmented and assistive AI to AI-first systems and hybrid models that emphasise collaboration between humans and machines.

Speaking about India’s technology landscape, he highlighted how AI can significantly accelerate learning and innovation when used actively. He noted that while becoming a senior technologist traditionally takes decades, AI now allows individuals to access advanced knowledge and insights much faster, helping them experiment and grow at an unprecedented pace.

Students described the workshop as eye-opening and practical. Several participants said it helped demystify commonly used terms like data and AI by placing them in real business and professional contexts, while also underscoring the importance of responsible data usage.

Faculty members who attended the session said it provided valuable clarity on selecting appropriate AI tools for different applications and would help them guide students more effectively. The workshop was part of Kilowott’s broader effort to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry exposure in emerging technology domains that are redefining career pathways.

The initiative also aligns with the recently signed memorandum of understanding between Goa College of Art and St. Xavier’s College, aimed at strengthening industry–academia collaboration and supporting the development of local talent in Goa’s evolving digital ecosystem.

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.

EduConnect

St. Mary’s Convent High School, Mapusa Celebrates Annual Day 2026 with Grandeur and Purpose

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The Annual Day Programme of St. Mary’s Convent High School, Mapusa was celebrated with great enthusiasm and splendour on 10th January 2026 on the school grounds. The occasion marked a memorable evening, showcasing the talents, achievements and vibrant spirit of the students.

The programme commenced with a graceful prayer dance, setting a serene and auspicious tone for the celebrations. This was followed by a warm welcome address by Sr. Snehala A.C., Headmistress, who extended heartfelt greetings to the dignitaries, parents, teachers and students present. The programme was efficiently compered by Tr. Fizel Fernandes.

The Chief Guest, Mr. Shailesh R. Sinai Zingde, Director of Education, was formally honoured and escorted to his seat by the NCC Cadets. In his inspiring address, he appreciated the students for their disciplined and dedicated performances and commended the school for nurturing talent alongside academic excellence. The occasion was further graced by the Guest of Honour, Fr. Dr. Ramiro Luis, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, St. Xavier’s College, Mapusa.

The highlight of the evening was the thoughtfully chosen theme, “From Slavery to Freedom.” Students captivated the audience through a rich variety of performances including classical dances, skits, songs and musical presentations by the School Brass Band. Each performance reflected creativity, teamwork and confidence, earning loud applause and appreciation from the audience.

A felicitation ceremony was held to honour staff members who completed 25 years of dedicated service to the institution, as well as those retiring during the current academic year, acknowledging their invaluable contribution to the school’s growth and legacy.

The programme concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks proposed by Tr. Sonia Noronha, expressing gratitude to the Chief Guest, management, staff, students and parents for their constant support and cooperation. The celebration ended with the School Song, leaving behind cherished memories and a deep sense of pride among all present.

The Annual Day Programme was a grand success and truly reflected St. Mary’s Convent High School’s commitment to holistic education and value-based learning.