Category: Goa’s finest jewels 💎

Goa’s finest jewels 💎

Mukesh Ghatwal: The Musical Maestro of Goa

allycaralgoa

In the vibrant state of Goa, where music is an integral part of the culture, Mukesh Ghatwal stands out as a renowned music composer and producer. With a career spanning multiple genres, Mukesh has been instrumental in shaping the Goan music scene. His inspiring journey, creative process, and insights on the music industry make for a fascinating story.

Mukesh’s musical journey began with playing others’ music, but he soon felt the urge to create his own. A turning point came when he watched an interview of his mentor, Remo Fernandes, on Doordarshan. Remo’s home studio setup and DIY approach to music production inspired Mukesh to pursue music as a full-fledged career.

Mukesh’s musical background is rooted in classical training from his father, who also taught music at the Kala Academy. He simultaneously learned Western music from Anton Xavier Mendes, which helped him develop a fusion style that blends Indian and Western elements.

Mukesh’s first break came when Mr. Tomazin Cardoso hired him as a music arranger and programmer. Tomazin gave Mukesh the freedom to experiment and create something unique, which resulted in a revolutionary sound in the Konkani music industry. This success paved the way for Mukesh to work on various projects, including films, documentaries, jingles, and theme songs.

Mukesh’s composition and production process involve understanding the theme, choosing the right instruments, and selecting the perfect singer. He enjoys working on various genres, including Indian classical, Western, hip-hop, spiritual, Latin, jazz, and folk. Currently, he’s more focused on folk fusion, which allows him to experiment with traditional Goan sounds.

Mukesh believes that the Goan music scene has progressed significantly, with many talented musicians emerging. However, he also acknowledges the challenges of working with limited budgets and the importance of mixing and mastering in music production.

Mukesh is currently working on Goan folk fusion projects and music for films and documentaries. He enjoys collaborating with other musicians, citing a recent experience with an Assamese singer as a valuable learning opportunity.

Mukesh’s advice to aspiring music composers and producers is to take music seriously, listen to various genres, and strive to create something unique. He emphasizes the importance of professionalism, continuous learning, and preserving one’s cultural heritage.

As the music industry continues to evolve, Mukesh remains open to change and challenges. He believes that embracing new technologies and trends will help the industry bloom to its full potential.

Mukesh Ghatwal’s story is a testament to the power of passion, dedication, and creativity in the music industry. As a renowned music composer and producer, he continues to inspire and contribute to the vibrant Goan music scene.

Goa’s finest jewels 💎

Empowering Women, Enriching Lives: Sulakshana Sawant

allycaralgoa

On her birthday, February 15th, we celebrate the remarkable journey of Sulakshana Sawant, a true inspiration to many. Her life is a testament to the power of passion, dedication, and resilience.


Born in the small village of Sal, Bicholim Taluka, Sulakshana grew up in a humble family with a strong sense of responsibility. Her father, a postmaster, and her mother, a dedicated homemaker, instilled in her the values of hard work and compassion.

Sulakshana’s love for learning began in the village Anganwadi, where she first experienced the joys of education. She attended the Government Primary School in Bicholim, where her love for learning continued to grow. Her academic journey continued as she pursued her BSc, shaping her into the dedicated educator she is today.


Sulakshana’s journey toward becoming a teacher was deeply inspired by the incredible educators she had the privilege of learning from. Her teachers played a huge role in shaping her dream, inspiring her with their dedication and passion for the subject.

She remembers her Chemistry teachers, Sir Patki, Tr. Punakala Samant, Tr. Jyoti Sawant, Tr. Varsha Kadam, Pacheco Sir, Ashok Chodankar Sir, Bhattacharjee Sir, Srini Sir, and SP Kamat Sir, among many others, who made Chemistry a fascinating and enjoyable subject.


As a social worker, Sulakshana has worked tirelessly to empower women through the formation of Self-Help Groups (SHGs), awareness programs, and health education initiatives. Her commitment to women’s empowerment has made a significant impact on the lives of many.

During her tenure as President of the BJP Mahila Morcha from 2015 to 2020, Sulakshana led the women’s wing of the party with vision and dedication. She worked to build a strong organizational structure, promote women’s voices, and support various party initiatives.


Sulakshana believes that education and healthcare are the pillars of a prosperous society. She envisions Goa as a hub for education and health tourism, leveraging its natural beauty and world-class facilities to attract people seeking quality services.


Sulakshana’s message to women is one of empowerment and resilience. She encourages women to pursue their passions, overcome obstacles, and lead change. By embodying kindness, compassion, and dedication, women can inspire others to believe in themselves and create positive change.


Sulakshana takes inspiration from the following lines:

“If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish ulterior motives, Be kind anyway.

What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight, Build anyway.

The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow, Do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough, Give the world the best you have anyway.

Your final analysis is between you and God, anyway.”

Happy Birthday, Sulakshana Sawant! May your special day be filled with love, joy, and celebration of the amazing work you’ve done.

Goa’s finest jewels 💎

Katya Coelho: The Windsurfing Trailblazer Breaking Barriers and Inspiring Generations

allycaralgoa

Katya Coelho, India’s first woman windfoiler and 19-time national gold medalist, has shattered barriers and inspired a generation of young athletes. Her remarkable journey, marked by perseverance, dedication, and passion, serves as a testament to the power of chasing one’s dreams.

Growing up near the ocean, Katya was introduced to windsurfing by her father, Donald Coelho. She recalls the thrill of her first windsurfing experience, feeling an incredible sense of freedom and excitement. This moment sparked a passion that would drive her to become one of India’s most accomplished windsurfers.

Katya’s turning point came when she qualified for the 2014 Youth Olympic Games, making history as the first Indian athlete to achieve this feat in windsurfing. This milestone fueled her determination to compete at the highest level, and she has since gone on to win numerous national and international titles.

Throughout her journey, Katya has faced challenges and overcome obstacles, including biases and limited opportunities as a woman in a male-dominated sport. However, she has consistently let her performance speak for itself, staying focused, training hard, and breaking barriers.

As a role model and inspiration to young athletes, Katya emphasizes the importance of believing in oneself, staying committed, and pursuing one’s passions with dedication and perseverance. Her message to young girls and women interested in windsurfing or sports is clear: “Don’t let anyone tell you what you can or cannot do. Sports can be challenging, but with passion, hard work, and determination, you can achieve anything.”

Katya’s goals extend beyond her own athletic achievements. She aims to contribute to the growth of sailing in India, mentor young athletes, and inspire more Indians to take up windsurfing. Her legacy will undoubtedly be one of trailblazing achievement, paving the way for future generations of windsurfers and empowering women to pursue their dreams in sports.

As Katya continues to chase her dreams and push the boundaries of what is possible, her story serves as a powerful reminder that with hard work, determination, and passion, anything can be achieved.

Key Highlights:

  • Katya Coelho is India’s first woman windfoiler and 19-time national gold medalist.
  • She has competed in the Youth Olympics and Asian Games, winning numerous international titles.
  • Katya aims to inspire young athletes, especially girls, to take up windsurfing and pursue their dreams.
  • She hopes to leave behind a thriving sailing community in India and pave the way for future generations of windsurfers.

Quote: “Believe in yourself and don’t let anyone tell you what you can or cannot do. Sports can be challenging, but with passion, hard work, and determination, you can achieve anything.” – Katya Coelho

#AllycaralFeature 👒, Goa’s finest jewels 💎

RJ Uday: The Voice that Touches Hearts

allycaralgoa

In a career spanning over two and a half decades, RJ Uday has become a household name in Goa, entertaining and inspiring listeners with his unique voice and style. With a career milestone of 25 years on air, Uday has established himself as one of the most beloved and respected radio jockeys in the industry.


Uday’s love for storytelling began at a young age. Growing up, he would gather children from his village and narrate stories to them. This passion for storytelling eventually led him to pursue a career in radio. “My mother used to call me ‘Badbado Kaasav’ (a talkative tortoise from a moral story) because I would talk a lot,” he reminisces.


One of the most touching moments in Uday’s career was when he met a visually impaired listener who had been eager to meet him. “He held my hand and said, ‘Today, I touched my favorite voice,'” Uday recalls. “That moment truly moved me. It made me wonder—how many lives have I unknowingly touched through my voice?”


When asked about balancing his personal and professional life, Uday says, “When you truly love something from the heart, you just find ways to do it.” He believes that his passion for radio helps him navigate the demands of a live radio show. “Even after 25 years on air, I still feel those tremors before opening the mic,” he admits. “And I believe that’s a good thing—because if I ever stop feeling nervous, it would mean I have nothing left to achieve, making going on air meaningless.”


Uday’s approach to radio is centered around his listeners. “My golden rule is simple—if I were the listener, would I enjoy this?” he says. “That’s my filter. If something doesn’t appeal to me as a listener, I drop it. If I love it, I repeat it.” Uday believes that stepping into his listeners’ shoes helps him understand what works and what doesn’t.


Uday acknowledges the challenges posed by the digital age but believes that radio’s unique strengths—immediacy, intimacy, and personal connection—set it apart. “Radio has played a crucial role throughout human history,” he says. “It remains one of the most accessible forms of media, and its soul is human touch.” Uday notes that radio has adapted to the digital age by embracing hybrid approaches, such as social media integration.


Uday’s advice to aspiring radio jockeys is simple: “Be true to yourself.” He believes that authenticity and uniqueness are key to success in the radio industry. “Don’t try to emulate someone else’s style,” he advises. “Find your own voice and be confident in your abilities.”

As RJ Uday celebrates 25 years on air, his passion for radio and his commitment to his listeners remain unwavering. His story is a testament to the power of radio to touch hearts and inspire lives. With his unique voice, engaging style, and dedication to his craft, Uday continues to be a beloved figure in the radio industry.

Goa’s finest jewels 💎

Empowering Women through Social Entrepreneurship: Asha Arondekar’s Journey

allycaralgoa

Asha Arondekar, a renowned social entrepreneur and Chairperson of the Women’s Wing, Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry, has been instrumental in empowering women and promoting social entrepreneurship in Goa. Her brainchild, Global To Local, has been a game-changer in promoting Goan artisans, preserving Goa’s cultural heritage, and supporting sustainable practices.


Asha’s passion for social entrepreneurship was sparked by her desire to empower rural women in Goa. She realized that these women were skilled in maintaining Goa’s rich cultural heritage, particularly in food products. During the pandemic, Asha encouraged these women to become financially independent, leading to the birth of Global To Local. Today, Global To Local supports over 100 rural women in Goa, providing them with financial stability and sustainability.


Asha considers herself lucky to have a supportive family. However, she acknowledges that limited access to funding and investment are significant challenges faced by many women entrepreneurs. Despite these challenges, Asha’s determination and perseverance have enabled her to overcome these obstacles and achieve success.


Global To Local aims to promote Goan artisans, preserve Goa’s cultural heritage, and support sustainable practices. Asha believes that social entrepreneurship can play a crucial role in addressing Goa’s pressing social and environmental issues. By empowering women and promoting social entrepreneurship, Asha hopes to create a positive impact in Goa and inspire others to do the same.

Asha advises women to believe in themselves, network, and have a mentor. She emphasizes the importance of having a business venture with a social impact. “Always have your work planned with a purpose of creating an impact,” Asha says. “You can do anything but not everything, so it is important to do the right things at the right time.”

Asha measures Global To Local’s success by the growing number of women vendors and the organization’s reach through social media and e-commerce. Today, Global To Local has a strong online presence, and its products are in high demand. Asha’s vision is to scale the business, open multiple stores, and empower thousands of women in the next 5-10 years.


Asha envisions Global To Local scaling its business, opening multiple stores, and empowering thousands of women in the next 5-10 years.She also plans to launch programs on financial literacy, skilling workshops, and social media marketing for women entrepreneurs through the Women’s Wing, GCCI.


Asha emphasizes the importance of social entrepreneurship and making a positive impact in Goa. She encourages the community to support women entrepreneurs and uplift entire communities. “Empowered women empower women,” Asha says. “Let us all encourage women entrepreneurs, uplift women, and in turn uplift entire communities. Let us champion leadership and make Goa an inclusive environment because it’s only together, we can create change.”