Category: EduConnect

EduConnect

Goa CM Pradmod Sawant Congratulates PACT Foundation Scholars Selected for QS Youth Impact Summit 2025in London

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant, met the three winners of the PACT Foundation’s Scholar Programme who have been selected to represent Goa and India at the QS Youth Impact Summit 2025 in London, UK. The meeting, held at Mahalakshmi, Altinho, underscored the State Government’s encouragement of youth leadership and sustainability-focused initiatives for Goan students. During the interaction, the Chief Minister warmly congratulated the students and emphasised the increasing importance of sustainability research, environmental stewardship, and youth-led innovation. He urged them to make the most of this rare global opportunity, explore best practices in London, and return with ideas that could contribute meaningfully to Goa’s development. He encouraged them to learn deeply and bring back knowledge that would benefit the community.

PACT Foundation, a Goa-based NGO working to uplift the education sector, has been leading several school-upgradation and youth-development initiatives across the state, including the Happy School Project. As part of its mission to empower young Goans, the foundation conducted the PACT Scholar Programme for the QS Youth Impact Summit 2025 through a statewide college competition followed by rigorous interviews. From this process, three exceptional students were selected to represent Goa at the global summit: Ms. Sumaiya Khan from St. Xavier’s College, Mapusa; Ms. Andrea Cardoso from Rosary College of Commerce and Arts, Navelim; and Ms. Raisa Mariette Pinto from V. M. Salgaocar College of Law, Panaji.

Dr. Ashwin Fernandes, Founder of PACT Foundation, briefed the Chief Minister on the organisation’s broader initiatives in Goa and its commitment to empowering young Goans under the Yuva Shakti movement, aligned with the national vision of nurturing globally aware, socially responsible youth leaders. The Chief Minister presented certificates of recognition to the three students and extended his best wishes as they prepare to represent Goa on the global stage. The event was also attended by PACT Foundation members Ms. Amelia Ferrao, Co-Founder, and Mr. Darryl Fernandes, Project Executive, marking an inspiring moment for youth empowerment in Goa.

EduConnect

St. Xavier’s College Hosts Six-Day Faculty Development Programme on OER and AI in Teaching and Research

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

St. Xavier’s College, Mapusa organized a six-day Faculty Development Programme on “Open Educational Resources and Artificial Intelligence in Teaching and Research” from October 18–24, 2025. The programme was inaugurated by Prof. (Dr.) Gervasio S. F. L. Mendes, Additional Director, Directorate of Higher Education, Government of Goa, with Fr. Marianno Dias, Assistant to the Secretary, Diocesan Society of Education, as Guest of Honour. Also present were Dr. Osborne Terrence Dsouza, CEO and Co-Founder of Juana Technologies Pvt. Ltd., Officiating Principal Ms. Ursula Barreto, and Administrator Rev. Fr. Antonio Salema.

Prof. Mendes, in his keynote address, praised the college for conducting a timely programme, highlighting how artificial intelligence and open educational resources are reshaping higher education. The first two days of the FDP were led by Dr. Osborne D’Souza, who introduced participants to prompt engineering and demonstrated platforms including ChatGPT, Gamma.app, and Elicit.com for academic presentations and research. He also recommended Microsoft’s AI for Educators programme and emphasized the need for educators to upskill to adapt to emerging technologies.

On the third day, Dr. Gaurang Patkar, Professor and Head of Computer Engineering at Don Bosco College of Engineering, Fatorda, conducted sessions on AI-powered leadership, neural networks, and tools such as Socrative, Plicker, and Canva AI. He encouraged faculty to use AI as a co-pilot to enhance creativity and demonstrated Python-based exercises in machine learning and deep learning.

Day four featured actor and voice artist Mr. Ashwin Mushran, who delivered an engaging session titled “Million Dollar Presence,” emphasizing effective communication, warmth, and capability in creating a strong educator presence.

The final two days were facilitated by Prof. Santhosh Kumar G of Cochin University of Science and Technology, Kerala, and Prof. S. Senthilnathan, Director (In-charge), UGC-MMTTC, Bharathidasan University, Tamil Nadu. Prof. Santhosh focused on student-centered learning, demonstrating tools like Vids, QuestionWell, Notebook LM, and AI Studio, along with hands-on activities for lesson planning and quizzes. Prof. Senthilnathan introduced faculty to OER platforms including LOC, NDLI, SWAYAM, MIT OCW, MOOCs, Virtual Labs, Khan Academy, podcasts, and blogs.

The valedictory session was graced by Joshua D’Souza, Deputy Speaker and alumnus, who praised the FDP as a game-changer for educators. The programme received positive feedback from both internal and external participants, reflecting the college’s commitment to equipping faculty with modern pedagogical tools to enhance teaching, learning, and research.

EduConnect

CSEET November 2025 Session Result to Be Declared on 20th November

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) is set to declare the result of the CS Executive Entrance Test (CSEET) for the November 2025 session on Thursday, 20th November 2025 at 2:00 PM. The examination was conducted on 8th and 10th November, 2025, and candidates who appeared for the test will be able to access their results online.

Along with the result, an e-Result-cum-Marks Statement will be made available for download through the official website of the Institute. This document will provide a detailed subject-wise breakup of marks, enabling candidates to evaluate their performance comprehensively. The result portal will be accessible immediately after the declaration of the results, allowing candidates to download their statements conveniently.

Candidates are advised to keep their login credentials ready for a smooth access to the result and marks statement. The CSEET serves as the entry point for students aspiring to pursue the Company Secretary course and is an essential step in their professional journey.

EduConnect

Vidya Prabodhini Hosts Successful Cleanliness Drive with Over 500 Participants

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

A successful Cleanliness Drive was conducted today at Vidya Prabodhini, drawing over 500 participants including students, staff, volunteers, and members of the community. The initiative aimed to raise awareness about hygiene, environmental responsibility, and the importance of maintaining clean surroundings, reflecting a shared commitment to public service and social responsibility.

The programme commenced with motivating words from Chief Guest Ma’am Prashanti Talpankar, whose presence inspired attendees to actively contribute to the cause. The organisers expressed heartfelt gratitude to Vidya Prabodhini College for providing the venue, support, and enthusiastic participation of students and faculty, ensuring the smooth execution of the event.

An impactful performance by Mr. Saish Deshpandey and the Drama Group creatively highlighted the message of cleanliness and civic duty, leaving a lasting impression on participants. Special acknowledgment was also extended to Foundation President Mr. Sagar Govekar, whose vision, guidance, and unwavering support were pivotal in making the drive possible.

The organisers thanked all volunteers, participants, and community members for their dedication, teamwork, and enthusiasm, which reflected the true spirit of service and responsibility. The event concluded on a positive note, with the commitment to conduct more such initiatives in the future to foster a cleaner, responsible, and community-driven environment.

EduConnect

Swami Vivekanand Vidyaprasarak Mandal’s College of Commerce Hosts Inter Higher Secondary Elocution Competition on “AI and the Changing World”

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Swami Vivekanand Vidyaprasarak Mandal’s College of Commerce, Bori-Ponda, successfully organized an Inter Higher Secondary Elocution Competition at the Ponda Taluka level on November 13, 2025, held on the college campus with the thought-provoking theme, “AI and the Changing World.” The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from students of various higher secondary schools across Ponda Taluka, who delved into multiple aspects of artificial intelligence and its growing influence on society.

In his inaugural address, Principal Professor Achut P. Pednekar congratulated all participants and emphasized the increasing relevance of AI in education and professional life. He encouraged students to leverage AI as a tool for personal and academic growth while cautioning against over-reliance to preserve human creativity, critical thinking, and independent judgment.

The competition was judged by Ms. Savari Sainekar, Computer Teacher at M.F.S’s Higher Secondary School, and Mrs. Sonia Desai, Librarian of the host college. Both judges praised participants for their confidence, well-researched speeches, and eloquent delivery. Ms. Sainekar highlighted that “AI is not something to be feared but a valuable asset that can help us achieve our best potential,” while Mrs. Desai encouraged students to embrace learning as a lifelong journey.

Following a series of compelling speeches, the winners were announced. Mast. Lysander Dias from Smt. Prabhavati Ankush Shirodkar Higher Secondary School secured the First Prize, while Miss Honey Priya from Swami Vivekanand Vidyaprasarak Mandal’s Higher Secondary School was awarded the Second Prize. Miss Isha Borkar, also from Smt. Prabhavati Ankush Shirodkar Higher Secondary School, won the Third Prize, and Mast. Adil Hassan Momin from Dr. K.B. Hedgewar Higher Secondary School received a Consolation Prize. All participants were recognized with certificates of participation for their efforts and enthusiasm.

The programme concluded with Principal Prof. Pednekar once again congratulating winners and participants, reinforcing the importance of using technology wisely. The event was anchored skillfully by Ms. Florencia Souza, College Counsellor, and concluded with a formal vote of thanks and a group photograph, marking the end of an intellectually stimulating and successful event that ignited critical dialogue about the future of AI.