Category: EduConnect

EduConnect

Don Bosco College, Panjim Holds Awareness Session on ‘Prevention of Suicide Among Teenagers’

Tanisha Cardozo

On October 6, 2025, the Department of Psychology and the Wellness Club of Don Bosco College, Panjim–Goa, organized an impactful awareness session on “Prevention of Suicide Among Teenagers.” The event formed part of the National Task Force Initiative and aimed to raise awareness, promote emotional well-being, and equip students with strategies to recognize and respond to signs of distress among peers.

The session was conducted by Ms. Aafreen Khan, College Counsellor at Dhempe College of Arts and Science, Miramar–Goa, who served as the Resource Person. In her engaging and empathetic address, Ms. Khan discussed the growing concern of teenage suicide, shedding light on the complex psychological, social, and emotional factors contributing to it. She emphasized the importance of fostering open communication, encouraging early intervention, and practicing empathy in supporting individuals facing emotional struggles.

Ms. Khan guided students on offering meaningful peer support, seeking professional help when necessary, and addressing the stigma that still surrounds mental health issues. Her interactive approach encouraged students to share their perspectives and engage in open dialogue, creating a safe and reflective space for learning and understanding.

Students from the First, Second, and Third Year B.A. programs, along with members of the Wellness Club, participated actively in the session. The event concluded with a message of hope and reassurance—that every life matters and that help is always available.

This initiative not only sensitized young minds to the realities of mental health challenges but also reinforced the importance of cultivating a campus culture centered on care, empathy, and mental well-being. Don Bosco College continues to uphold its commitment to holistic student development, ensuring that mental health awareness remains a vital part of its educational environment.

EduConnect

St. Xavier’s College, Mapusa Hosts X’plorateur 2025: A Regenerative Vision for Goa

Tanisha Cardozo

In a celebration of innovation, sustainability, and student excellence, the Department of BBA (Travel & Tourism) at St. Xavier’s College, Mapusa, hosted its national-level event X’plorateur 2025 on September 26th and 27th. Timed to align with World Tourism Day, the two-day program was guided by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) theme, “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation,” and inspired by the college’s own vision, “A Regenerative Vision for Goa.”

The event served as a platform for students to explore how tourism can not only be sustainable but regenerative — restoring and preserving Goa’s ecological and cultural wealth. The inaugural ceremony was attended by dignitaries from the college along with Chief Guest Mr. Pifran Fernandes, Owner of Tree House Goa. The program featured cultural performances, a magazine launch, and inspiring talks that highlighted the need for tourism models that go beyond conservation and actively improve the communities and environments they touch.

Over the course of two days, student teams from Goa and Karnataka participated in a wide array of activities designed to test creativity, knowledge, and teamwork — all centered around sustainable tourism. The competitions included quizzes, debates, business pitch contests, eco-painting, stress challenges, and a fashion show that celebrated eco-conscious design and storytelling.

The event concluded with a thrilling award ceremony where Team Desert Dynamos from KLE College of Business Administration, Hubli, Karnataka, were crowned Overall Champions. The Runners-up title went to Team Moonlight Mavericks from Srinivassa Sinai Dempo College of Commerce & Economics, Goa. The level of creativity, critical thinking, and passion displayed throughout the event underscored the deep commitment of young minds to shape a more responsible future for tourism in India.

X’plorateur 2025 not only brought academic communities together but also reaffirmed the role of educational institutions in leading the charge toward a tourism industry that regenerates — rather than depletes — the places we cherish most.

EduConnect

Cinemania: Phase Four at Don Bosco College – A Two-Day Celebration of Creativity and Cinema

allycaralgoa

Don Bosco College’s Department of Mass Communication & Journalism, in collaboration with its Film Club Cinemaniacs, hosted the 4th edition of Cinemania on 9th and 10th October 2025. The two-day event combined interdepartmental and intercollegiate competitions, showcasing the creativity, talent, and cinematic passion of students across Goa.

Day One kicked off with the traditional lighting of the lamp by Chief Guest Mr. Sachin Chatte, veteran film critic, alongside College Director Rev. Fr. Kinley D’Cruz, Principal Dr. Cedric Silveira, and Faculty In-Charge Asst. Prof. Agnelo D’Souza. Departments competed in events such as Lord of the Frames, What If?, Genres of the Galaxy Vol. 2, and Any Dept Can Dance 2, with Team I.T. retaining the overall champion title.

Day Two welcomed ten colleges from across Goa for the intercollegiate edition. The red-carpet inauguration featured award-winning filmmaker Mr. Christ Silva as Chief Guest, who inspired students to tell culturally rooted stories. Students represented iconic film directors and competed in events like Action Replayy, MisMatched 3.0, Flopbuster, and Absolute Cinema, a five-hour filmmaking challenge. The dance competitions, including Let’s Nach-O!, brought energy and creativity to the stage.

Winners & Highlights:

  • Champions: Team Priyadarshan, Dhempe College, Miramar
  • Runners-up: Team Christopher Nolan, Rosary College
  • Mr. & Ms. Cinemania: Mr. Swayam Padwal & Ms. Suhani Naik, Dhempe College

The two-day spectacle concluded with gratitude expressed by Asst. Prof. Agnelo D’Souza, celebrating the contributions of faculty, sponsors, and students. Cinemania: Phase Four left behind a legacy of collaboration, creativity, and a shared love for cinema.

— Reported by Allycaral | Connecting Global

EduConnect

Goan Physicist Indira Barros Wins Best Poster Award at Global Soft Matter Conference in Greece

Tanisha Cardozo

Indira Barros, a young and promising physicist from Goa, has been awarded the Best Poster Award at the globally renowned 9th International Soft Matter Conference (ISMC) held in Greece. This conference is widely acknowledged as the world’s largest gathering dedicated to the field of soft condensed matter research.

Currently pursuing her PhD in Physics at BITS Pilani, Goa campus, Barros presented her advanced research focusing on micron-sized colloidal particles — minuscule materials whose behaviors differ drastically from their larger-scale counterparts. Her award-winning presentation drew attention for its innovative approach and strong potential in the future of applied physics.

The research, carried out under the guidance of Dr. Indrani Chakraborty and in collaboration with Sayanth RC, explores the development of micro-scale machines — or “microbots” — that can be externally controlled to perform precise and potentially life-saving tasks.

“These microbots could one day revolutionise areas such as targeted drug delivery, advanced diagnostics, and environmental cleanup,” Barros shared, adding that her work aims to merge theoretical physics with real-world applications.

Her recognition at ISMC not only shines a light on her individual excellence but also highlights the world-class scientific research emerging from Goa’s academic institutions. As science and technology continue to blur boundaries, the global impact of local talent like Indira Barros becomes increasingly significant.

This accolade is a proud moment for the Goan scientific community and serves as an inspiration for young researchers across the country.

EduConnect

SVVM College and Ponda Police Host Cyber Safety Awareness Session to Empower Digital Citizens

Tanisha Cardozo

Swami Vivekanand Vidyaprasarak Mandal’s College of Commerce, Bori-Ponda, took a significant step towards fostering digital responsibility by organizing an insightful Cyber Safety Awareness Session on 13th October 2025. The event was a collaborative effort by the college’s Computer Club and NSS Unit, held in partnership with the Ponda Police Department. With the digital world becoming increasingly complex and vulnerable, the session aimed to educate students on the risks and responsibilities associated with their online presence.

The session was led by Mr. Bansal Naik, Police Sub-Inspector at Ponda, and Mr. Lavu Gawas, Police Constable, who brought in-depth field experience to the discussion. They addressed the students on the alarming rise in cybercrimes, highlighting issues such as phishing attacks, identity theft, cyberbullying, and data breaches. Their presentations included guidance on adopting preventive practices like using strong, unique passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and maintaining vigilant privacy settings on social platforms.

What set this session apart was its use of real-life case studies and examples, which made the information both practical and relatable for students. These case studies sparked interactive dialogue, encouraging participants to ask questions, share concerns, and reflect on their own digital behavior. Legal aspects related to cybercrimes were also discussed, with specific references to the Information Technology Act, ensuring students understood their rights and responsibilities under the law.

In his welcome address, Principal Achut Pednekar emphasized the importance of cyber vigilance and the role of education in shaping responsible digital citizens. He acknowledged the efforts of both the Ponda Police and the college’s organizing teams in making the event a meaningful experience for students.

The event concluded with a formal vote of thanks by Mrs. Sneha Lotlikar, who expressed sincere appreciation to the Ponda Police officers, the student participants, and everyone involved in bringing the session to life. A college spokesperson highlighted the collaboration as a proactive step towards building a culture of cyber awareness, safety, and legal literacy among young digital users.