On 30th September 2025, Keerti Vidhyalaya in Siolim became a centre of digital empowerment as students took part in an engaging and essential Cyber Awareness session. The initiative brought together young learners and cyber safety advocates with one shared goal — to build a safer online environment for the next generation.
With the rise of internet usage among students, the session addressed key challenges and everyday risks in the digital world. Students learned the importance of creating strong passwords, identifying phishing attempts and online frauds, and understanding their role as responsible digital citizens. Interactive discussions, real-life scenarios, and simple takeaways made the learning both accessible and impactful.
The initiative was not just about technology — it was about values, responsibility, and awareness. It encouraged students to think before they click, to question what they share online, and to report anything suspicious. Importantly, it reinforced that cyber safety is everyone’s responsibility, starting from the classroom.
This event at Keerti Vidhyalaya is part of a broader movement to ensure that children and teenagers are not only digitally literate but also digitally wise. As the online world continues to evolve, so must our education around it. Together, step by step, we’re shaping a safer cyberspace.
Carmel College of Arts, Science, and Commerce for Women, Nuvem, hosted a One-Day State-Level Workshop on Effective Communication on 20 August 2025. Conceptualized by the Department of English in collaboration with Ms. Mariette Valsan, a seasoned communications professional with expertise in public relations and corporate communication, the workshop offered a vibrant space for students to grow their interpersonal and professional communication abilities.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Brian Mendonca, Convenor of the event, highlighted how communication is often underestimated despite being a crucial life skill. Dr. Aldina Braganza e Gomes, Officiating Principal, in her welcome address, emphasized the importance of being intentional in both speech and silence. She remarked, “You can communicate by speaking, you can communicate by being silent.” Dr. Glenis Mendonca, Head of the Department of English, shared the department’s vision and initiatives, and formally felicitated the guest speaker. Ms. Valsan expressed her excitement about engaging with students at Carmel and gave a brief overview of the day’s activities. The programme was anchored by Danielle, while Joanne delivered the vote of thanks.
The day was packed with insightful activities designed to challenge students to reflect on their individual communication styles and unlock their strengths. Whether through team-building games or story-driven presentations, Ms. Valsan’s approach kept participants fully engaged. Her ability to connect with the students through relatable anecdotes made the session not just informative but also inspiring. Participants unanimously agreed that the workshop offered a refreshing perspective on communication—transforming it from a theoretical concept into a practical, lived experience.
The event showcased how Carmel College continues to provide holistic education, blending academics with essential life skills that prepare students to navigate both careers and communities with confidence.
Agriculture students from Goa took a significant step toward promoting sustainable farming practices by organizing a live vermicomposting demonstration for local farmers in Chorão village. The initiative was part of their RAWE (Rural Agricultural Work Experience) programme, a key component of agricultural education that connects classroom learning with practical fieldwork.
The demonstration showcased the process of vermicomposting — the use of earthworms to convert organic waste into nutrient-rich compost. Farmers were introduced to simple, cost-effective methods of setting up and maintaining composting systems on their farms, highlighting the benefits of improved soil health, reduced dependence on chemical fertilizers, and enhanced crop yields.
The event emphasized the importance of waste-to-resource conversion, not just as an environmental necessity but also as an economically viable solution for rural farming communities. Students took the lead in educating farmers on how agricultural and kitchen waste could be transformed into valuable compost, fostering a circular economy at the grassroots level.
This hands-on initiative reflects a growing awareness among the youth of the need for eco-conscious agricultural practices. By empowering farmers with knowledge and practical skills, the program contributes to Goa’s larger mission of fostering greener, more sustainable farming across the state. The success of the demonstration in Chorão stands as a model for future collaborations between educational institutions and local communities.
The Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI), in association with the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO – Western Region) and supported by ICICI Bank, successfully conducted a three-day Certificate Course titled “Setting Up and Managing an Adaptive International Business” from 24th to 26th September 2025 at the GCCI Conference Hall in Panaji.
The course was formally inaugurated in the presence of Mrs. Pratima Dhond, President of GCCI, and Mr. Chandrakant Gawas, Chairman of the GCCI Logistics Committee. Both dignitaries underscored the critical importance of upskilling and knowledge sharing for entrepreneurs, startups, and professionals aiming to enter or expand in the international trade arena.
The event drew overwhelming participation, with over 50 attendees including new-age entrepreneurs, seasoned business owners, international trade professionals, and aspiring exporters. The course was designed as a high-impact training module combining essential theoretical concepts with real-world business applications and industry exposure.
Day 1 laid the foundation by covering the essentials of international trade—participants were introduced to export documentation, export costing, selecting overseas markets, and understanding the prevailing business environment. Experts also elaborated on the Foreign Trade Policy 2023 and how it impacts small and medium exporters.
The second day began with sessions on establishing overseas business relationships, identifying genuine buyers, effective communication, and navigating new Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs). It also covered crucial topics like delivery and payment terms and the vital role logistics plays in ensuring successful exports. The afternoon featured a Stakeholders’ Interaction Session where major banks spoke on financial tools available for exporters, the ECGC outlined risk mitigation strategies, NSIC showcased MSME-specific schemes, and FIEO shared its ongoing initiatives in support of India’s exporting community.
On the final day, participants were taken on an immersive field visit to the GMR Goa Air Cargo Terminal at MOPA. The visit provided invaluable first-hand insight into international cargo handling, compliance protocols, and the logistical operations that support export trade, bridging the gap between classroom knowledge and ground-level execution.
At the closing valedictory session, all participants were awarded Certificates of Completion, acknowledging their commitment and active engagement over the three days. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many attendees expressing appreciation for the course’s practical relevance and the opportunity to network with experts and fellow entrepreneurs.
The programme reflects the continuing efforts by GCCI and FIEO to build a robust export ecosystem in Goa. Both organisations reaffirmed their intent to collaborate on future programmes that focus on handholding, mentoring, and supporting local businesses as they venture into international markets. The initiative is a strong step towards increasing export contributions from Goa and empowering the next generation of Indian exporters.
At Smt. Sunandabai Bandodkar School, Navratri 2025 was marked not just with traditional celebration, but with a meaningful tribute to India’s real-life icons through a program titled Yashogatha Naritvachi – Aadarsh Karyamagntachi — Saga of Womanhood – A Journey of Ideal Dedication. This initiative sought to spotlight the lives and legacies of eleven extraordinary women in Indian history whose courage, dedication, and contributions continue to inspire the nation.
Just as Navratri celebrates the divine feminine through nine goddesses, the school chose this auspicious time to remember women who embodied those very ideals in real life. Through thoughtful presentations, storytelling, and student engagement, the school celebrated their spirit — courage in the face of adversity, intellect breaking barriers, and service that uplifted generations.
Among those honored was Vyomika Singh, a trailblazer in India’s armed forces, known for her pivotal role in military operations. Her story resonated with students as an example of breaking gender stereotypes and serving the country with valor. Anandi Gopal Joshi, the first Indian woman trained in Western medicine, was remembered as a symbol of academic pursuit and perseverance. The story of Arunima Sinha, the first female amputee to scale Mount Everest, reminded students of resilience and determination in the face of unimaginable odds.
Other legendary women featured in the program included Rani Avantibai, one of the earliest female leaders to fight against British colonial rule in 1857; Shakuntala Devi, famed for her genius-level mental calculations; and Shanti Devi, India’s first female truck mechanic. Equally inspiring were the legacies of Ahilyabai Holkar, whose governance and civic contributions left a long-lasting impact, and Tulsi Gowda, revered as the “Encyclopedia of the Forest” for her environmental stewardship.
Jijabai’s contribution to shaping the vision and values of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was highlighted, alongside the revolutionary work of Madam Bhikaji Cama, the first person to unfurl an Indian flag on foreign soil. The pioneering efforts of Savitribai Phule, India’s first female teacher, stood as a beacon for educational reform and women’s empowerment.
Led by the school’s Headmistress, Mrs. Jyoti Chiplunkar, the program was deeply impactful, not only paying tribute to these incredible women but also planting seeds of inspiration in the young minds who attended. Through narratives and visuals, teachers engaged students in exploring the depth of these women’s contributions and urged them to emulate their values — courage, wisdom, service, and resilience.
Yashogatha Naritvachi – Aadarsh Karyamagntachi was more than a school event; it was a celebration of womanhood, a history lesson, and a motivational journey all in one. As the spirit of Navratri filled the school with festive energy, the stories of these remarkable women lit a spark that will continue to inspire and guide the future generation.
