Goan Personalities

CM Dr. Pramod Sawant Inaugurates 29th Jagatik Marathi Sammelan Goa 2026 at Kala Academy, Panaji


Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The 29th Jagatik Marathi Sammelan Goa 2026 was formally inaugurated at Kala Academy, Panaji, by Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, marking the beginning of a three-day celebration of Marathi language, literature, and cultural thought.

Organised by the World Marathi Academy, Mumbai, in collaboration with various Goan cultural and literary institutions, this prestigious global literary gathering is being held on the theme “Shodh Marathi Manacha – 26 Goa”, reflecting a deeper exploration of Marathi identity, intellect, and cultural consciousness.

The inaugural ceremony witnessed the presence of several distinguished personalities, including Padma Vibhushan awardee Dr. Anil Kakodkar, renowned Indian actor and filmmaker Shri Mahesh Manjrekar, acclaimed filmmaker and Chairperson Shri Nagraj Manjule, and Kala Academy Chairperson Shri Babu Kavlekar, among other eminent guests from the fields of literature, cinema, and public life.

The Jagatik Marathi Sammelan serves as a vital platform for dialogue, artistic exchange, and intellectual engagement among Marathi scholars, writers, artists, and cultural practitioners from across India and the world. With a series of discussions, performances, and literary sessions planned over three days, the Goa edition reinforces the state’s role as a vibrant host for national and international cultural conversations.

Goan Personalities

CM Dr Pramod Sawant Addresses 32nd AIBC All India Builders Convention in Goa


Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant attended and addressed the 32nd AIBC All India Builders Convention held at the Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium, Taleigao, highlighting the importance of sustainable infrastructure development and innovation in the construction sector.

Addressing builders and industry leaders from across the country, the Chief Minister emphasised the role of responsible construction practices in supporting economic growth while preserving environmental balance. He underlined the government’s commitment to creating an investor-friendly ecosystem while ensuring inclusive and planned development across Goa.

During the event, Dr Sawant presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to Shri Jagdish Kumar, recognising his outstanding contributions to the building and construction industry. The Chief Minister also released the 32nd AIBC Souvenir and the Builder’s Book, marking key milestones of the convention.

The All India Builders Convention serves as an important national platform for policy dialogue, knowledge sharing, and collaboration among builders, developers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders. The 32nd edition witnessed participation from professionals representing various regions of the country.

Goan Personalities

Governor and Chief Minister Extend New Year 2026 Greetings, Call for Unity, Harmony and Inclusive Development


Panaji, December 31, 2025: As the State ushers in New Year 2026, the Governor of Goa, Shri Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju, and Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant have conveyed warm greetings and best wishes to the people of Goa and Goans living across the world, calling for unity, harmony, and collective progress.

In his New Year message, Governor Shri Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju described the beginning of a new year as a time of renewal, hope, and fresh beginnings. He urged citizens to reflect on their shared journey, appreciate Goa’s rich cultural heritage, and renew their commitment to peace, harmony, and societal welfare. Expressing optimism for the year ahead, the Governor said he hoped 2026 would bring joy, peace, and prosperity to every home, and encouraged Goans to move forward together with dedication and unity.

Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant, in his message, also extended warm New Year greetings and expressed hope that the coming year would usher in peace, prosperity, good health, and happiness for every Goan. He appealed to citizens to continue supporting the Government’s efforts in effectively implementing welfare schemes and development initiatives across the State.

Reaffirming the Government’s commitment to building a resilient and progressive Goa, the Chief Minister urged people to actively participate in the Swayampurna Goa mission, which aims to promote self-reliance, empower individuals and communities, strengthen local governance, and create sustainable livelihoods.

Acknowledging Goa’s long-standing legacy of peaceful coexistence and religious harmony, Dr Sawant called upon citizens to uphold the values of mutual respect, unity, and collective well-being. He noted that this spirit of togetherness remains one of Goa’s greatest strengths and must continue to guide the State in the year ahead.

Both leaders expressed confidence that with public cooperation, unity, and shared commitment, Goa would continue to progress on the path of inclusive and sustainable development in 2026.

Goan Personalities

Dr. Pramod Sawant Joins Natalancho Ekvott Christmas Celebrations at Society of Pilar


Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant joined the Natalancho Ekvott Christmas celebrations held at the Society of Pilar, marking the festive occasion in the presence of Father Nazareth Fernandes, Father Lawrence Fernandes and the priests of the Society of Pilar. The event reflected the spirit of Christmas through community participation, cultural warmth and shared goodwill.

During the celebrations, Dr. Sawant extended his heartfelt wishes to all on the occasion of Christmas and conveyed greetings for a happy and prosperous New Year. He appreciated the Society of Pilar for its continued contribution to social, educational and community-oriented initiatives, acknowledging the institution’s role in fostering inclusive values and service.

As part of the programme, the Chief Minister inaugurated the Sharkutori Table, which added a traditional and festive element to the celebrations. The occasion was marked by a warm and joyful atmosphere, reinforcing the message of unity, gratitude and togetherness that defines the Christmas season.

The Natalancho Ekvott celebrations once again highlighted the Society of Pilar’s commitment to cultural traditions and community engagement, bringing together faith leaders, dignitaries and well-wishers to celebrate the spirit of the season.

Goan Personalities

Goa Minister Rohan Khaunte Pays Tribute on Veer Bal Diwas at Betim Gurudwara


Goa Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan Ashok Khaunte, offered humble tributes on the occasion of Veer Bal Diwas at Shree Guru Singh Sabha Gurudwara, Betim, commemorating the extraordinary courage and supreme sacrifice of Sahibzada Zorawar Singh Ji and Baba Fateh Singh Ji, the younger sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji.

The solemn event was attended by BJP Goa State President Shri Damodar Naik, MLA Saligao Shri Kedar Naik, along with other dignitaries, members of the Sikh community, and devotees. The gathering paid homage to the young martyrs whose steadfast faith and bravery continue to inspire generations across India.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Rohan Khaunte recalled the historic sacrifice of the Sahibzadas, emphasizing that their courage stands as a timeless symbol of righteousness, resilience, and unwavering commitment to truth. He noted that Veer Bal Diwas serves as a reminder for today’s youth to draw inspiration from their values of courage, unity, and selflessness.

The programme at the Gurudwara was marked by prayers, reflection, and remembrance, reinforcing the spirit of communal harmony and respect for India’s rich and diverse heritage. The dignitaries present highlighted the importance of preserving and sharing such stories of sacrifice, which form the moral foundation of the nation.

Veer Bal Diwas, observed across the country, honours the supreme sacrifice of Sahibzada Zorawar Singh Ji and Baba Fateh Singh Ji, who laid down their lives at a tender age while standing firm in their faith and principles.