Goa marked a moment of pride as Chief Minister Dr. Pramod P. Sawant felicitated the ICAR–Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute (CCARI) for securing the First Prize – Joint Winner in the prestigious National Water Awards 2024.
The award, presented by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, recognizes outstanding contributions to water conservation and sustainable water resource management under the category “Best Institution (Other than School & College – Inside Campus).” The accolade reflects ICAR–CCARI’s dedicated efforts in research-driven initiatives, innovative water-saving practices, and long-term strategies that strengthen water sustainability within the coastal agricultural ecosystem.
Chief Minister Sawant expressed appreciation for the institute’s consistent commitment to scientific excellence and its role in promoting responsible and efficient water use. The recognition not only brings honour to the state of Goa but also highlights the institute’s impactful work at a national level.
The achievement stands as an inspiring example of how research institutions can contribute meaningfully to addressing India’s water challenges while advancing agricultural progress.
St Xavier’s High School, Moira, has taken an important step in strengthening its commitment to inclusive and quality education with the inauguration of a dedicated Academic Resource Room, established with the support of the PACT Foundation. The inauguration was held in the presence of Auxiliary Bishop Simiao Purificacao Fernandes, Dr Ashwin Fernandes, Founder of the PACT Foundation, Headmistress Noreen Dias and Manager Fr Alexander Pereira. The ceremony began with a solemn welcome, followed by prayers and blessings over the new facility. A marble plaque was unveiled and the ribbon was cut to mark the formal opening of the room. Students presented a prayer dance and a reflective monologue, creating an atmosphere of dignity and inspiration.
In his message, Bishop Fernandes drew on the example of St Francis Xavier, highlighting the acronym SFX – Space, Fostering and ‘Xtra’. He explained that the new space was created to nurture curiosity, encourage growth and provide students with the tools, support and guidance they need to learn without struggle. He emphasised that the room is designed to foster excellence not through comparison, but through collaboration and the discovery of individual potential. Whether for remedial learning, creative projects or skill development, the space invites both teachers and students to go the extra mile and to embrace lifelong learning. He also recognised Dr Ashwin Fernandes for his dedication in extending similar educational initiatives across several schools in Goa.
Dr Fernandes expressed his appreciation for the school’s commitment to student welfare and outlined the purpose behind the new Academic Resource Room. He described it as a safe haven for students who require additional academic support and a vital space for specially-abled children, made accessible by its location on the ground floor. He shared that the project forms part of the PACT Foundation’s Happy School Project, an initiative aimed at enhancing the quality of education in rural Goa. Since 2023, the Foundation has been working to strengthen under-resourced schools by improving infrastructure, integrating technology and promoting inclusive learning environments. He reaffirmed the Foundation’s mission to provide every child with access to quality education and highlighted the room’s role in supporting students who wish to use it for extra study, equipped with a smart board and modern facilities.
Headmistress Noreen Dias expressed deep gratitude to the PACT Foundation for its consistent support through multiple projects, including the renovated pre-primary playground, the smart classroom and now the Academic Resource Room. She shared that creating such a room had long been her dream, especially for the children with special needs at the school. She noted that the use of modern technology, including the smart board, white board and improved furniture, would motivate students and significantly support their learning. She was particularly relieved that the room is located on the ground floor, making it easily accessible for a specially-abled student who previously struggled to reach the earlier resource space on an upper floor.
Fr Alexander Pereira, Manager and Parish Priest of Mary Immaculate Conception Church, Moira, described Dr Fernandes as a blessing to the school and highlighted the numerous projects the PACT Foundation has supported, including the playground for pre-kindergarten students and the smart classrooms. He expressed his hope that this meaningful collaboration would continue to enhance the facilities available to children in Moira and the surrounding areas. The launch of the Academic Resource Room stands as a testament to the school’s vision of providing an environment where students feel respected, supported and encouraged to reach their fullest potential.
Goa | November 27, 2025: The Directorate of Education has announced a holiday for all schools in and around Canacona on November 28, ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled visit to Goa. The notification was issued on Wednesday by Director of Education Shailesh Zingade following a high-level meeting chaired by the Chief Secretary.
According to the circular, the decision was taken in light of extensive security measures, traffic diversions and other logistical arrangements required due to the movement of multiple VVIPs in the region.
Zingade confirmed that all government, government-aided and unaided primary, secondary, higher secondary and special schools in the Canacona area will remain closed for both students and staff on Friday. Schools have also been instructed not to schedule examinations, academic activities or events on the declared holiday.
Prime Minister Modi will be in Canacona to unveil a 77-foot bronze idol of Lord Ram and inaugurate a 3D projection mapping installation as part of the Sardha Panchashatamahotsava, marking 550 years of Shree Samsthan Gokarn Partagali Jeevottam Math. The event is expected to witness large footfall and heightened security deployment, prompting the temporary closure of schools to ease movement and ensure public safety.
Authorities have urged parents and students to follow official communication for further updates. Schools are expected to resume normal operations on November 29.
St. Thomas Higher Secondary School, Aldona came alive with colour, music, and celebration as it hosted its Annual Day on 22nd November 2025. The programme opened on a patriotic note with the National Anthem and School Anthem, setting the tone for an evening dedicated to talent, culture, and achievement. The Manager, Rev. Fr. Jerard Sahayaraj MSFS, welcomed the gathering and emphasised the school’s dedication to holistic education, shaping students not only academically but also morally and culturally.
The event was honoured by the presence of distinguished guests, including Dr. Ashwin Fernandes, Founder of the PACT Foundation; Adv. Carlos Alvares Ferreira, MLA of Aldona Constituency; and Rev. Fr. Johnson Gonsalves MSFS, Provincial Superior of the Pune Province. Their encouraging words applauded the students’ creativity and reinforced the need to preserve Goan culture and language.
The cultural programme proved to be the highlight of the evening. Students showcased a graceful welcome dance, engaging Goan folk items, dynamic fusion performances, lively comedy skits, and an impactful thematic play titled “Hope Does Not Disappoint Us.” Each performance reflected hours of preparation, collaboration, and artistic expression, earning hearty applause from the audience.
The Prize Distribution Ceremony rewarded outstanding achievements in academics and co-curricular fields, with Purple House proudly lifting the Overall Championship trophy. A special moment of the evening was the felicitation of teacher Asiambi Shaikh, who was honoured for her 25 years of dedicated service to the institution.
Principal Mrs. Angelica Fernandes expressed deep gratitude to the management, staff, parents, and students for their steadfast support in making the event memorable. The celebrations concluded with a spirited medley of Goan songs, accompanied by a live band that filled the campus with energy and nostalgia. The Annual Day 2025 will be remembered as a joyous celebration of talent, culture, and community spirit.
The five-day U.N.M.U.T.E. Training of Trainers Program came to a meaningful close at Ganpat Parsekar College of Education, Harmal, bringing together a vibrant group of educators, trainers, and experts who shared a collective commitment to strengthening digital awareness across Goa. The program focused on equipping participants with practical knowledge on digital safety, AI literacy, financial literacy, and essential government schemes, all delivered through creative, interactive, and community-oriented methods designed to be easily transferred to local groups and institutions.
The closing ceremony featured distinguished speakers who enriched the learning experience with their insights and expertise. Prof. Anand Kumar delivered an inspiring keynote address that emphasized the importance of digital empowerment in an increasingly technology-driven world. Dr. Rahul Tripathi from Goa University added depth to the discussions with his insights on responsible and conscious digital participation. Dr. Arvind, also from Goa University, encouraged participants to think innovatively through a powerful lightning talk that highlighted new ways of engaging with digital tools. Amitabh Kumar, Co-founder of Contrails.ai, shared special remarks on the future of technology and the role of community-led initiatives in driving digital progress.
The program also featured an impactful inaugural talk by PSI Sahil Vijay Warang of Anjuna Police Station, who addressed rising cyber threats and shared essential knowledge on safe digital practices, responsible online behavior, and the significance of protecting personal data. His real-life examples and practical advice enabled participants to understand cyber challenges more deeply and carry forward this awareness in their communities.
Participants expressed appreciation for the diversity of expertise and the interactive nature of the sessions. Many shared that the training boosted their confidence in guiding others toward safer, smarter, and more responsible digital habits. The U.N.M.U.T.E. initiative concluded on an uplifting note, reinforcing a shared commitment to creating digitally aware, resilient, and empowered communities across Goa.
