Category: Human Interest

Human Interest

Goa Weekend Rescues: Drishti Marine Lifesavers Save 12, Aid Monkey-Attack Victim at Dudhsagar

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Over the weekend, Drishti Marine lifesavers demonstrated exceptional courage and efficiency, rescuing twelve individuals from potentially life-threatening situations across Goa’s beaches and providing urgent first aid to a tourist injured at Dudhsagar waterfalls.

At Dudhsagar waterfalls, a 28-year-old man from Hyderabad suffered injuries after being attacked by a monkey, which caused him to fall and cut his left hand. Lifesavers promptly administered first aid and handed him over to his companion. Elsewhere, a 32-year-old tourist from Andhra Pradesh was rescued from drowning after jumping into water without a lifejacket, with lifesaver Babu Gavli rushing in with a rescue tube to bring him safely ashore.

On Sinquerim beach, three members of a family from Gujarat were swept by a large wave, prompting lifesaver Anand Rawool, assisted by Divakar Desai, Santosh Linda, Jimdar Karai, and Mangesh Gawas, to coordinate a successful rescue using a rescue tube. A similar rescue was carried out at Candolim beach when a 30-year-old man from Bengaluru was caught in a rip current 70 meters offshore. Lifesaver Roshan K., with support from Nanda Sawant on a jet ski, brought him safely to shore.

On Calangute beach, a group of four children faced panic after two went missing while playing. Lifesaver Suraj Sawant alerted supervisor Vinod Gaonkar, who immediately launched a search operation using the patrol vehicle. The missing children were soon found on another stretch of the beach and reunited safely with their group.

Baga beach saw lifesavers Biliyam Surim and Jitendra Giri rescue a 56-year-old man from Kerala caught in a rip current. Similarly, at Vagator beach, two minor boys aged 14 and 15 were rescued from a rip current by lifesavers Yashwant Kurle and Sachin Naik. Lifesavers also attended to a 12-year-old boy who accidentally swallowed water while playing, ensuring his transfer to a medical facility via ambulance.

Miramar beach witnessed the successful tracing of a missing child by lifesaver Ramesh Bhomkar, who reunited the distressed child with their parents using the tower’s loudspeaker for coordination. At Benaulim beach, lifesaver Siddhesh Gaonkar rescued a 29-year-old woman from Bengaluru who drifted 50 meters offshore while using a bodyboard.

Palolem beach incidents included the rescue of a 70-year-old tourist from South Korea by lifesaver Kalpesh Pagi and a 38-year-old man from Pune by lifesavers Jeeva Gaonkar and Nilesh Velip. At Agonda beach, a 76-year-old man from the UK was rescued from a rip current by lifesaver Bhikesh Velip, with assistance from Nilesh Galankar on a jet ski.

Through swift coordination, vigilance, and expert lifesaving skills, Drishti Marine teams ensured the safety of tourists and locals alike, showcasing professionalism and dedication in every rescue operation across Goa over the weekend.

Human Interest

Empowering Digital Governance: Goa Hosts State-Level UX Design Workshop

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

A two-day State-level Awareness and Sensitisation Workshop on User Experience and Design System took place on November 6–7, 2025, at the Commercial Tax Department, Altinho, Panaji. The event aimed to foster best practices, exchange ideas, and address challenges in implementing effective UX/UI for public-facing e-services.

Organised by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology through the National e-Governance Division (NeGD), in collaboration with the National Informatics Centre (NIC) and the Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications, Government of Goa, the workshop brought together officials from various government departments for an engaging learning experience on user-centred design.

The inaugural session was graced by Shri Kabir Shirgaonkar, Director of the Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (DITE&C), and Shri Sameer Datar, State Informatics Officer, NIC Goa. In his address, Shri Shirgaonkar highlighted the importance of understanding user interface and experience in government applications and encouraged participants to apply these insights within their respective departments to improve digital service delivery.

The first day featured five sessions covering topics such as design thinking, accessible design, UX4G demonstrations, and the integration of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, with user-centric design principles to enhance trust and compliance. Experts leading the sessions included Mr. Ajeet Kumar, Deputy General Manager, NeGD, Mrs. Neeta Tandon, Consultant, NIC, Ms. Aparajita Singh, Principal Lead, Changeinkk, Ms. Stuti Sharma and Ms. Prapti Bhardwaj, UI/UX Designers, and Mr. Priyanshu Yadav, Domain Expert on DPDP.

The second day focused on hands-on training under the UX4G initiative, equipping participants with the skills to design and develop intuitive, user-friendly digital platforms that elevate the citizen experience. The workshop concluded with a collective vision to strengthen Goa’s e-governance landscape through design innovation and empathy-driven digital transformation.

Human Interest

Delhi University Student Pays First-Year College Fee Entirely Through YouTube Earnings

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

A Delhi University student has captured the internet’s attention with her inspiring story of how she funded her first-year college fee entirely through YouTube. In a heartfelt LinkedIn post, she shared how what began as a casual effort to help her juniors study more effectively evolved into a meaningful journey of purpose, creativity, and financial independence.

She explained that her journey started back in school, when her juniors would often seek advice on studying better and staying consistent. Realizing she enjoyed helping others, she decided to record a short five-minute video for Class 10 students before her own Economics pre-board exam. “No editing. No fancy thumbnail. No planning. Just pure intent,” she wrote. That spontaneous decision would eventually change her life.

Initially, her video received only about 50 to 100 views, but within a month, the channel started to gain traction. Soon, it was monetized. “I had been creating content for quite some time, but I never thought of commercializing it,” she said. “When that happened, I decided to double down on what I loved doing.”

Through consistent effort and genuine passion for teaching, her channel began generating income — enough to cover her first-year college fee. “I covered my first year’s college fee from YouTube. Yes, the entire first-year fee. Of course, it wasn’t a huge amount since I study in a government college, but for me, it’s still a big feat. Something I never thought would happen, especially from social media,” she wrote.

Concluding her post, the student shared an empowering message for aspiring creators. “If there’s something you’ve been wanting to start — a channel, a blog, a podcast — don’t wait for the ‘right’ time. Just start. If you enjoy it, keep going. And if you ever get a chance to turn that passion into something bigger, go for it.”

She emphasized that social media is not just a space for numbers or fame but a powerful medium for growth, learning, and connection. “Share what you know. Share your story. You never know who might need to hear it,” she said.

Although she has taken a short break from YouTube, she hinted at returning soon, concluding her post with, “Once a creator, always a creator.”

Her story has since gone viral, with countless young people praising her dedication and determination. Many called her journey a reminder that passion projects can lead to tangible, real-world rewards — and that small beginnings often create the biggest impact.

Human Interest

Lavina Vishwanath Pai Bir Wins First Place in Bharatanatyam at IIAF Vietnam

Tanisha Cardozo

Ms. Lavina Vishwanath Pai Bir has achieved a remarkable milestone by securing First Place in Bharatanatyam at the International Indian Art Festival (IIAF) held in Vietnam. Her dedication, discipline, and love for the art form have culminated in this prestigious recognition on an international stage.

A devoted student of classical dance, Lavina’s journey is deeply rooted in years of rigorous training under her Nritya Guru, Jhaanvi Bondre of the Siddhakala Dance Institute. Her performance not only showcased technical precision but also conveyed the spiritual depth and expressive grace that define Bharatanatyam.

This proud accomplishment reflects the collective effort and guidance of her Guru, the unwavering support of her family, and her own artistic commitment. It is a moment of joy and inspiration for the Siddhakala Dance Institute, and a source of immense pride for the Pai Bir and Kenkre families.

Lavina’s victory at IIAF Vietnam stands as a shining example of how Indian classical dance continues to inspire and connect cultures across borders — celebrating the timeless beauty of tradition through the language of art.

Human Interest

Maharaja Padmanabh Singh: Where Royalty Meets Modern Influence

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Crowned at just 12, Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh of Jaipur stands as a remarkable figure where India’s royal past meets global modernity. Born in 1998 to Princess Diya Kumari and Narendra Singh, he descends from the illustrious Jaipur royal family, whose lineage traces back centuries. While royal titles hold only ceremonial value in modern India, Padmanabh has given new life to his family’s legacy through his ventures in sport, heritage, and fashion.

Educated at Mayo College, Millfield School in England, and later in Rome, Padmanabh developed an international perspective early on. His passion for polo, a Jaipur royal tradition, has taken him to global tournaments, including representing India at prestigious events such as Hurlingham in England. His athletic discipline and charisma have made him a familiar name both on and off the field.

Beyond the polo grounds, Padmanabh Singh has captured the imagination of fashion and luxury circles worldwide. He has modeled for global brands, graced international magazine covers, and carved a niche as a symbol of Indian elegance in contemporary style. Yet, he remains deeply rooted in Jaipur, actively promoting heritage conservation, tourism, and cultural awareness.

With family assets reportedly valued at around ₹20,000 crore, including the iconic Rambagh Palace, City Palace, and other heritage properties, his influence extends into hospitality and cultural entrepreneurship. His mission reflects a modern take on royalty — one that honors history while embracing progress, innovation, and inclusivity.

Padmanabh Singh continues to balance global visibility with local responsibility, ensuring that Jaipur’s royal legacy thrives in the 21st century. Whether on horseback in a polo match, attending an international gala, or restoring heritage landmarks, the young Maharaja embodies the spirit of modern Indian nobility — regal, responsible, and forward-looking.