Growing up in Sakhali, Sneha Ramesh Vadkar was always fascinated by art and crafts. This childhood passion led her to pursue a Master’s degree in Fine Arts, specializing in Murals from Goa College of Art.
Sneha’s artistic journey began with creating handmade jewelry and decor items for herself and as gifts for friends. Encouraged by their appreciation, she started exhibiting her products at pop-ups. Her big break came when artist Harshada Kerkar offered her a platform to showcase her paper lanterns at her art gallery in Panjim.
Fusion of Traditional and Modern Art
Sneha’s unique creations blend traditional and modern art forms. She experiments with different techniques and materials, resulting in distinctive paintings, jewelry, and home decor items. Her product range includes watercolor and acrylic paintings, murals, pottery, terracotta jewelry, and eco-friendly paper lanterns.
For Sneha, creating something with her own hands is incredibly satisfying. She puts her heart and soul into each piece, ensuring that every product is unique. Sneha believes that handmade products are not just items, but a reflection of the artist’s hard work and creativity.
What’s Next?
Sneha plans to establish her own studio, where she can teach and showcase her products. She aims to expand her product range, incorporating more pottery and ceramics.
Divya Krishna Shirodkar is a name to watch in the fashion industry. At just 22 years old, this talented fashion designer and model has already made a significant impact, strutting down the catwalk for top designers and gracing the covers of prominent fashion magazines.
Divya’s love affair with fashion began at a young age. Growing up in Sancoale, Goa, she was always fascinated by the world of fashion and photography. She started her modeling career at 17 and has since participated in numerous beauty pageants and fashion shows, including the prestigious Lakme Fashion Week.
Divya’s modeling career has been marked by several highlights, including walking the runway for top designers like Samant Chauhan and participating in beauty pageants like Miss Goa and Miss India. She has also won several titles, including Miss Goa Best Fitness 2019 and Miss Cosmic India 2023.
Divya’s personal style is trendy and chic, and she loves experimenting with different fashion trends. Her favorite fashion trend at the moment is high-waist flared jeans paired with crop tops. She also admires the work of top designers like Sabyasachi and hopes to collaborate with them in the future.
Divya believes in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and her skincare routine is simple yet effective. She swears by the universal skincare routine of cleansing, moisturizing, and applying sunscreen. She also prioritizes self-care, healthy eating, and regular exercise to stay physically and mentally fit.
In her free time, Divya loves to cook, play with her dog, and go for long walks. She is also passionate about event management and has volunteered at local shelters and participated in fundraising events for causes close to her heart.
Divya’s future aspirations include expanding her modeling career, working with reputable brands, and possibly exploring opportunities in acting or hosting. She also hopes to use her platform to advocate for important causes and inspire others in the industry.
Divya is passionate about advocating for social causes, including mental health awareness, environmental conservation, and promoting diversity and inclusivity in the fashion industry. She believes in using her platform to create positive change and inspire others to do the same.
Divya has a quirky side, and one fun fact about her is that she can sleep for almost a day without any break. She is also a foodie but cannot complete a burger. Additionally, she has a hidden talent for playing the ghumot, a traditional musical instrument from Goa.
Divya’s advice to aspiring models is to be prepared for rejection and criticism, to develop a thick skin, and to prioritize self-care and physical and mental health. She also emphasizes the importance of networking, building relationships with industry professionals, and creating a strong online presence.
With her stunning looks, captivating personality, and passion for fashion, Divya Krishna Shirodkar is definitely a name to watch in the fashion industry.
Celebrity chef Sarita recently attended the Army Day parade in Pune, where she paid tribute to the bravery, discipline, and sacrifice of the Indian Army. The parade, held annually on January 15th, commemorates the day when Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa became the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army in 1949.
Sarita took to social media to express her pride and gratitude after attending the parade. “Proud moment! Attended the Army Day parade in Pune on Jan 15th. Saluting the bravery, discipline, and sacrifice of our Indian Army #ArmyDay #IndianArmy #Pune,” she tweeted.
Army Day is celebrated across India to honor the contributions and sacrifices made by the soldiers of the Indian Army. The day marks the transfer of power from British to Indian hands, symbolizing the country’s independence and self-reliance.
By attending the Army Day parade, Sarita demonstrated her respect and admiration for the Indian Army’s bravery and sacrifice. Her presence at the event highlights the importance of recognizing and honoring the selfless service of the Indian Army.
Celebrity chef Sarita is a renowned culinary expert, known for her innovative recipes and cooking techniques. She has appeared on various food shows and events, and has a large following on social media.
Army Day is celebrated on January 15th every year to commemorate the day when Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa became the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army in 1949. The day is marked by parades, ceremonies, and other events across India.
In the picturesque village of Tiracol, Goa, a young boy named Joaquim Mendes grew up with a passion for creativity and a dream to make it big in the fashion world. Today, Joaquim is a successful model, graphic designer, and proud representative of Goa on the global stage.
Joaquim’s journey to success was not an easy one. Growing up in a small village, he faced numerous challenges and setbacks, but his determination and hard work ultimately paid off. With the unwavering support of his wife, Joaquim took a leap of faith and pursued his dreams in the fashion industry.
A year ago, Joaquim embarked on an exciting modeling journey, embracing opportunities that came his way. His experience as a graphic designer significantly influenced his approach to modeling, allowing him to bring a unique perspective to his work.
“My experience as a graphic designer enhances my modeling by sharpening my eye for detail, composition, and aesthetics,” Joaquim explains. “It helps me understand how colors, angles, and lighting impact visuals, allowing me to pose more creatively and contribute to the artistic vision.”
Awards and Accolades
Joaquim’s hard work and dedication paid off when he was crowned Mr. Popular 2024 at the Mr. Goa pageant. This achievement marked a surreal moment in his journey, filling him with gratitude and pride.
“Being crowned Mr. Popular 2024 felt surreal,” Joaquim recalls. “I was overwhelmed with gratitude, thinking of my journey from Tiracol to the spotlight. It was a moment of pride, knowing my hard work paid off.”
Traveling the World
As a model, Joaquim has had the opportunity to travel to various destinations, including Istanbul, where he competed in the Top Model of Universe finals. His experiences have broadened his perspective, teaching him empathy, adaptability, and respect for diverse cultures.
“Traveling and experiencing different cultures have shaped me into a more open-minded and appreciative person,” Joaquim says. “It has taught me to respect and celebrate diversity, and I hope to continue exploring the world and learning from its diverse cultures.”
Balancing Modeling and Graphic Design
Joaquim credits time management and prioritization for his ability to balance his modeling career with his work as a graphic designer. He finds that both careers complement each other, allowing him to stay motivated and productive.
“Balancing my modeling career with graphic design involves staying organized and focused,” Joaquim explains. “I prioritize my tasks, manage my time effectively, and make sure to take breaks to recharge and avoid burnout.”
Promoting Diversity and Inclusivity
As a model from Goa, Joaquim hopes to promote diversity and representation in the industry. He believes that his presence can help break stereotypes and showcase the unique beauty of India’s diverse cultures.
“I want to inspire young people from underrepresented communities to believe in themselves and never give up on their dreams,” Joaquim says. “I hope to use my platform to promote diversity and inclusivity, and to celebrate the beauty of India’s diverse cultures.”
Future Plans and Aspirations
Joaquim’s long-term goal is to establish himself as a global fashion icon, advocating for sustainable fashion and inclusivity. He plans to achieve this by refining his skills, collaborating with top designers, and using his platform to inspire positive change.
“I hope to continue growing as a model and graphic designer, while using my platform to promote diversity, inclusivity, and sustainability,” Joaquim says. “I want to inspire young people to follow their dreams, and to never give up on their passions.”
As we conclude our conversation with Joaquim Mendes, we’re left inspired by his remarkable journey, passion, and perseverance. His story serves as a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and staying true to one’s values.
January 7th marks the birth anniversary of Shashikala Kakodkar, a pioneering figure in Goan politics who left an indelible mark on the state’s history. As Goa’s first and only woman Chief Minister to date, Kakodkar’s remarkable journey is a testament to her unwavering dedication, perseverance, and vision.
Born on January 7, 1935, Shashikala Kakodkar grew up in a family deeply rooted in politics. Her father, Dayanand Bandodkar, was the first Chief Minister of Goa, Daman, and Diu. Inspired by her father’s legacy, Kakodkar began her foray into politics at a tender age. At just 11 years old, she participated in Goa’s freedom struggle, demonstrating her courage and commitment to the cause.
Tenure as Chief Minister
Kakodkar’s ascent to the position of Chief Minister in 1973 marked a significant milestone in Goan politics. During her tenure, which spanned from 1973 to 1979, she implemented several landmark policies that transformed the state’s landscape. Some of her notable achievements include:
Land Reforms: Kakodkar introduced comprehensive land reforms, aimed at redistributing land to marginalized communities and promoting social justice.
Economic Development: She established the Economic Development Corporation of Goa, a move that boosted the state’s economic growth and attracted investments.
Cultural Preservation: Kakodkar played a pivotal role in promoting the Konkani language and culture, recognizing its significance in Goa’s identity.
Legacy and Impact
Shashikala Kakodkar’s legacy extends far beyond her tenure as Chief Minister. She paved the way for future generations of women in politics, inspiring them to take on leadership roles. Her commitment to social justice, economic development, and cultural preservation has left a lasting impact on Goa’s society.
As we remember Shashikala Kakodkar on her birth anniversary, we honor her remarkable contributions to Goa’s history. Her trailblazing spirit, unwavering dedication, and vision for a better Goa continue to inspire us today.
