Category: EduConnect

EduConnect

St Xavier’s College, Mapusa Crowned Champions of Goa University Inter-Collegiate Best Physique Championships 2025–26

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St Xavier’s College, Mapusa, delivered a commanding performance to emerge overall champions at the Goa University Inter-Collegiate Best Physique (Men) Championships 2025–26, organised by Goa University at Jubilee Hall, Taleigao.

V M Salgaocar College of Law, Miramar, secured the runners-up position, while P G Goa University finished third in the overall standings.

The coveted ‘Goa University Shree’ 2025–26 title was clinched by Guruprasad Ghadi of Dhempe College of Arts & Science, Miramar, following an impressive display across weight categories that stood out among competitors from colleges across the State.

The presentation ceremony was graced by Dr Sandesh Dessai, Librarian, Goa University, as the chief guest, along with Balachandra B Jadar, Assistant Director of Physical Education and Sports, Goa University, who presented trophies and medals to the winners.

Category-wise Results:

  • Up to 60 kg:
    Gold – Ashwet Pilankar (Goa College of Engineering)
    Silver – Saiesh Chopdekar (S S Dempo College, Cujira)
    Bronze – Prathamesh Gaonkar (Shree Rayeshwar Institute, Shiroda)
  • Up to 65 kg:
    Gold – Guruprasad Ghadi (Dhempe College, Miramar)
    Silver – Sameer Saingh (MES College, Zuarinagar)
    Bronze – Brendon Sawant (St Xavier’s College, Mapusa)
  • Up to 70 kg:
    Gold – Anurag Parab (St Xavier’s College, Mapusa)
    Silver – Shalil Arolkar (St Xavier’s College, Mapusa)
    Bronze – Adil Bepari (S S Dempo College, Cujira)
  • Up to 75 kg:
    Gold – Mrunal Desai (P C C E College, Verna)
    Silver – Harshad Dhami (S S Dempo College, Cujira)
    Bronze – Rohit Gop (P G Goa University)
  • Up to 85 kg:
    Gold – Sanjeev Revodkar (P G Goa University)
    Silver – Vanshvardhan Mandrekar (V M Salgaocar College of Law)
    Bronze – Malcom Antao (Don Bosco College of Engineering, Fatorda)
  • Above 85 kg:
    Gold – Marc Souza (V M Salgaocar College of Law)
    Silver – Britt Vales (Don Bosco College of Engineering, Fatorda)
    Bronze – Rudraksha Kole (D M’s College, Assagao)

The championship highlighted the growing standard of fitness, discipline, and competitive bodybuilding across Goa’s colleges, reinforcing the importance of university-level sports in nurturing talent.

EduConnect

Bhutan and Morocco Seek IIT Campuses as India’s Education Model Gains Global Demand

allycaralgoa

New Delhi, December 2025: India’s globally acclaimed technical education system continues to attract international attention, with Bhutan and Morocco formally requesting the establishment of Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) campuses in their countries. Government sources confirmed that the proposals are part of a growing interest among nations seeking to replicate India’s successful higher education model.

The requests come on the heels of two landmark developments — the inauguration of IIT Madras in Zanzibar in November 2023 and the launch of IIT Delhi’s campus in Abu Dhabi earlier this year. These international campuses mark a significant shift in India’s education diplomacy and align with the country’s long-term goal of attracting one million international students by 2040.

The expansion of IITs overseas is a key component of India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which aims to internationalise Indian education and position the country as a global knowledge hub. Supporters of the initiative view the growing demand as a testament to the strength of the ‘Brand IIT’, widely regarded for its academic rigour, innovation, and contribution to global technology and research.

However, the move has also sparked debate domestically. While many celebrate the IITs’ global recognition, critics argue that India must first address challenges within its own institutions, including infrastructure gaps, faculty shortages, and the need to boost research output.

Despite differing opinions, the interest from Bhutan and Morocco highlights the IITs’ strong global reputation and reflects India’s rising influence in shaping international education frameworks. As discussions progress, the proposed campuses could further strengthen India’s role as a leading exporter of quality education and technical expertise.

EduConnect

St. Xavier’s College Marks 60th Annual Sports Meet with Vibrant Celebrations

Tanisha Cardozo

St. Xavier’s College hosted its 60th Annual Sports Meet on December 13, 2025, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s sporting legacy. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, faculty members and well-wishers, creating a lively and energetic atmosphere on campus.

The programme began with a welcome address by the Administrator, Rev. Fr. Antonio Salema, followed by the ceremonial hoisting of the flag by the Chief Guest, Mr. Edwin Colaco, Superintendent of Police. In her address, the Officiating Principal, Mrs. Ursula Barreto, reaffirmed the college’s commitment to promoting sports and physical fitness, stressing the importance of maintaining a balanced and healthy lifestyle alongside academic pursuits.

This was followed by an impressive march-past by students from various academic streams. The torch relay, symbolising sporting spirit and excellence, was led by Prachit Gaonkar, Chanel Crizzle, Yousuf Mainuddin Shaikh and Swezial D’Souza. The sports achievements of the college were presented by Ms. Joslyn D’Souza, Director of Physical Education and Sports.

Track and field events such as the 100 metres, 200 metres and relay races for both boys and girls showcased the participants’ speed, stamina and agility. The college grounds echoed with cheers from students and spectators, adding to the excitement of the day. One of the most thrilling events was the tug of war, which featured a spirited contest between the SYBCom, BBA and BBA (TT) teams.

The jumble march-past drew special appreciation as students creatively portrayed the theme “Healthy Minds and Active Bodies.” Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest Mr. Edwin Colaco congratulated the participants and encouraged students to lead disciplined and healthy lives.

The Sports Meet concluded with the prize distribution ceremony, during which TY BCom emerged as the overall champions for the academic year 2025–2026. Mr. Arthur D’Souza was honoured as the Sportsman of the Year for his outstanding all-round performance. The event ended with the lowering of the flag and the singing of the National Anthem, bringing the celebrations to a dignified close.

EduConnect

IGNITE 1.0: Overnight Leadership and Communication Boot Camp

Tanisha Cardozo

The Department of Mass Communication and Journalism organised IGNITE 1.0, an overnight leadership and communication boot camp held on 6 and 7 December 2025 at Salesians of Don Bosco, Odxel. Designed around the theme of “learn, unlearn and lead,” the camp aimed to strengthen students’ communication abilities, teamwork skills and interpersonal growth. A total of 23 students from the FY, SY and TY batches participated in the programme.

The camp opened with a session on problem-solving, critical thinking and social etiquette, where students were encouraged to understand their core selves, communicate effectively and recognise how perspectives differ among individuals. Interactive activities, including a team-entangling challenge, highlighted leadership, patience and collective progress, while also drawing attention to the role of body language, social cues and respectful communication.

The second session focused on leadership, teamwork and time management, using collaborative exercises to demonstrate the importance of coordination, clear goals and working toward a shared vision. Students were encouraged to dream ambitiously while learning how effective time management supports both personal and professional growth. The day concluded with a shared barbecue dinner and recreation, fostering bonding and camaraderie.

The second day began with a morning beach activity followed by a reflective prayer session that emphasised balancing future aspirations with living meaningfully in the present. Students were reminded of the determination required to pursue purposeful goals while remaining grounded in the moment.

A session on building meaningful connections highlighted the importance of authenticity, active listening and empathy in both personal and professional relationships. Through guided reflection and interactive exercises, students explored self-awareness, emotional resilience and the question of personal identity.

The final session centred on kindness and empathy, encouraging students to reflect on their place in the world, their awareness of others and how their individual skills can contribute positively to society. Through paired discussions and thoughtful activities, participants were guided toward a deeper understanding of compassion and responsibility.

IGNITE 1.0 concluded as a meaningful and transformative experience, offering students a safe and engaging space to develop essential life skills, strengthen bonds and grow as future communicators by learning, unlearning and discovering themselves along the way.

EduConnect

Mushtifund Saunstha Receives ₹50 Lakh Donation in Memory of Former Student Swapna Bhobo Caculo

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Mushtifund Saunstha, Cujira, St. Cruz, witnessed an emotional and dignified ceremony on Thursday as the Bhobo Caculo family donated ₹50 lakh to the institution in loving memory of their daughter, Ms. Swapna Pandurang Bhobo Caculo. The contribution was made to honour Swapna’s association with the school, where she studied from Standard I to IV, and to ensure her enduring connection with her alma mater.

The donation aims to support the institution’s educational initiatives and benefit future generations of students, transforming personal loss into a meaningful legacy of learning and opportunity. As part of the tribute, commemorative plaques were unveiled by her parents, Shri Pandurang Shridhar Bhobo Caculo and Smt. Mangalabai P. Bhobo Caculo, in the presence of Mushtifund Saunstha President Shri Anil Khaunte, office bearers, school management, principals, teachers, students, and members of the Bhobo Caculo family.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Manoj M. Caculo fondly recalled Swapna’s years at the school and shared that the family wished to channel their cherished memories into long-term support for education. School authorities expressed their deep gratitude to the family, assuring that the generous donation would be utilised to enhance academic facilities and strengthen the learning environment for students.

The ceremony stood as a heartfelt tribute, reflecting the enduring bond between a student, her family, and her school, and underscoring how remembrance and generosity can together shape a meaningful future for education.