Category: EduConnect

EduConnect

Taare Zameen Par: Goa’s First Inter-School Science Fair 2026 Sparks Young Scientific Minds

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

To foster the integration of academics with research, Goa is set to host its first Inter-School Science Fair titled Taare Zameen Par 2026. Organised by the Board of Innovative Education Goa (BIE) in collaboration with A.J Academy for Research and Development, the two-day event will take place on Friday and Saturday, January 9 and 10, 2026, at Samrat Garden, Margao.

Designed for students from Class IV to X, the Science Fair is a research-driven initiative that encourages young learners to seek answers through the scientific method. The fair features multiple categories, including Physical Sciences, Life Sciences and Environmental Sciences, offering students a platform to engage in meaningful and original scientific exploration beyond routine classroom learning.

Addressing the media at a press conference held on January 7 at CSPH, Miramar, Muhammad Abdullah Javed, Director of A.J Academy for Research and Development, emphasised the long-term vision of the initiative. He said that inspiring young minds today could one day lead India to global recognition in science, possibly even a Nobel Prize. A key highlight of the fair, he noted, is the strong emphasis on parent–school partnerships, encouraging collaborative efforts to nurture future scientists. Unlike conventional science exhibitions, this fair prioritises originality and independent research, with students working on unique problems using their own procedures and techniques.

Approximately 220 students from schools across Goa will present 97 innovative projects, showcased in both individual and group categories. A distinguished panel of judges will evaluate the projects, with outstanding entries being honoured with titles such as Budding Scientist, Emerging Scientist and Young Scientist. All participating schools, students and guiding teachers will receive certificates of participation.

The Science Fair will be inaugurated by Prof. F. M. Nadaf, Principal of the Government of Goa’s Autonomous College of Multidisciplinary Studies and Research, Margao. The concluding programme will be graced by Dr. Sunil Kumar Singh, Director Headquarters, CSIR-NIO Goa, as the Chief Guest.

The exhibition will remain open to students, parents, educators, science enthusiasts and the general public on both days from 10:30 am to 6 pm. The event will conclude with an awards ceremony on January 10, scheduled from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm, celebrating the innovation, curiosity and dedication of Goa’s next generation of scientists.

EduConnect

St. Thomas HSS Aldona Reconnects Alumni Through Ex-Students’ Meet

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

St. Thomas Higher Secondary School, Aldona, reaffirmed its enduring connection with its former students by hosting an Ex-Students’ Meet on January 3 in the school hall. The initiative aimed at reconnecting alumni and strengthening long-term engagement received an encouraging response, with nearly 100 alumni registering and around 70 ex-students attending the programme.

The gathering was graced by the presence of Tr. Marceline Vaz, a former teacher of the institution, whose attendance added a sense of warmth and nostalgia to the occasion. School Manager Rev. Fr. Jerard Sahayaraj welcomed the alumni and highlighted the purpose of the meet, emphasizing the important role former students play in the growth of the institution and their ability to contribute positively to society.

Sir Daryl Abranches shared insights into future plans and outlined the requirements and framework for forming a formal Ex-Students’ Association. Following the discussion, a group of dedicated volunteers was identified to work on the modalities and take the initiative forward.

The event unfolded in a lively and joyful atmosphere, with games, spot prizes and musical entertainment rekindling fond memories and camaraderie among the alumni. Principal Ms. Angelica Fernandes proposed the vote of thanks, expressing appreciation to everyone who contributed to the success of the meet, which concluded with a fellowship lunch.

The programme was made possible through the enthusiastic support and cooperation of the entire staff, under the coordination of Sr. Arjun Gharse, Tr. Lavina Pereira, Tr. Josephine D’Souza and Tr. Hyacinta Lobo. The Ex-Students’ Meet marked a meaningful step towards building a strong, vibrant and collaborative alumni network for St. Thomas Higher Secondary School, Aldona.

EduConnect

Brain Box Institute Honours Young Achievers at Annual Award-Giving Ceremony in Assolna

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Brain Box Institute organised its Annual Award-Giving Ceremony in Assolna to recognise and celebrate academic excellence and dedication among students from various schools in the surrounding region. The event witnessed the presence of educators, parents, students, and distinguished guests, creating an atmosphere of pride and encouragement for young achievers.

The programme commenced with a prayer led by Reverend Fr. Romeo Godinho and Fr. Myron Fernandes, followed by the rendition of the National Anthem. The Chief Guest for the occasion, Dr. Dipak C. S. Gaitonde, Chairman of the Directorate of Technical Education, Government of Goa, was warmly welcomed and felicitated upon his arrival. The ceremony was further graced by the presence of the Honourable MLA of Velim Constituency, Mr. Cruz Silva, along with parish representatives, adding significance to the gathering.

While introducing the Chief Guest, speakers highlighted Dr. Gaitonde’s distinguished journey as an academician, environmental scientist, and administrator, underlining his contributions to education and environmental governance in the state. His presence served as an inspiration to both students and educators in attendance.

The audience was also briefed on the history of the Brain Box Scholarship Award, an initiative instituted by Mr. Anthony D’Silva, Director of Brain Box Institute, in loving memory of his late parents. What began as a modest effort supporting students from a single school has steadily grown over the years and now benefits deserving students from eleven schools in the vicinity.

Adding a cultural dimension to the ceremony, a musical performance by Ms. Jazel was presented, drawing appreciation from the audience. The highlight of the event was the award distribution ceremony, conducted by Dr. Gaitonde, where students were recognised for their perseverance, discipline, and academic achievements.

In his address, the Chief Guest encouraged students to pursue excellence with dedication, integrity, and a sense of responsibility, emphasising the importance of education in shaping both individual futures and society at large. The programme concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Mr. Anthony D’Silva, marking the successful culmination of an inspiring and meaningful celebration of learning and achievement.

EduConnect

VVM’s Vidya Vikas Academy Students Explore Aguad Port & Jail Complex

allycaralgoa

Margao / North Goa – Class X students of VVM’s Vidya Vikas Academy, Margao, recently undertook an educational visit to the historic Aguad Port & Jail Complex in North Goa, offering them a deeper understanding of Goa’s rich heritage beyond classroom learning.

The visit included a guided tour of the Aguad Jail Complex and the Aguad Interactive Museum – Goa: The Land, The Struggle, The People. Through preserved exhibits, historical artefacts and detailed displays, students were introduced to Goa’s freedom fighters, their sacrifices and the broader liberation movement.

A key highlight of the visit was the museum’s innovative use of multimedia presentations, which brought Goa’s history to life in an engaging and accessible manner. The interactive installations helped students connect historical events with real-life narratives, making the learning experience both informative and enjoyable.

The educational field trip enabled students to appreciate Goa’s legacy in a unique way, fostering curiosity, awareness and respect for the state’s cultural and historical journey.

EduConnect

JEE Main 2026: Photo Verification Certificate Mandatory for Certain Candidates

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The National Testing Agency has issued an important directive for candidates appearing for JEE Main 2026, mandating the submission of an additional document for identity verification. Applicants who used identity documents such as a PAN Card, Indian Passport or Non-Indian Passport while filling the JEE Main 2026 application form are required to upload a Photo Verification Certificate by January 7, 2026.

Candidates must first download the Photo Verification Certificate by logging into the official JEE Main website at jeemain.nta.nic.in using their application number and password. After downloading the form, all required details must be filled in, following which a recent passport-size photograph should be affixed. The certificate must then be signed by the School or College Principal or Headmaster.

The National Testing Agency has specified that the signature of the Principal or Headmaster should be placed in such a way that it appears partly on the certificate and partly on the photograph, ensuring authenticity. Once completed, the certificate must be scanned and uploaded in PDF format through the link available in the candidate login portal.

In addition to the online submission, candidates are required to carry the original Photo Verification Certificate to their examination centre on the day of the exam for physical identity verification. Failure to comply with these instructions may lead to complications during the examination process.

JEE Main 2026 will be conducted in Computer Based Test mode across two sessions. The first session is scheduled to be held from January 21 to January 30, 2026, with results expected to be declared by February 12, 2026. The second session will take place from April 1 to April 10, 2026, and the results are scheduled to be announced by April 20, 2026. Candidates are advised to complete the document submission process well before the deadline to avoid last-minute issues.