Category: Human Interest

Human Interest

Applications Invited for Handicraft Artisans and Food Stalls for Lokotsav 2026

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The Directorate of Art & Culture, in association with the West Zone Cultural Centre, Udaipur, will organise the annual National Folk Festival “Lokotsav 2026” at Darya Sangam, Kala Academy, Campal, Panaji, Goa. The festival will bring together around 500 performing artists from various states across India, presenting a vibrant showcase of folk dances and folk music representing the country’s diverse cultural traditions.

Alongside the performances, more than 600 craftspeople and traditional food vendors from different states of India and from Goa will set up stalls to display and sell handicrafts, handlooms, traditional jewellery, and regional food items during the festival period. The event offers a major platform for artisans and food vendors to reach a wide and diverse audience.

Applications are invited in the prescribed forms from interested Goan craftspeople who possess a valid handicraft artisan card or licence and are engaged in producing handicrafts, handlooms, traditional jewellery, and related items. Applications are also open to Goan individuals holding valid food licences for setting up packed or serving food stalls offering traditional Goan and Indian recipes, including Goan snacks.

Stall charges will be applicable to all selected participants. Handicraft and packed food stalls will be allotted on a sharing basis between two vendors, with charges shared accordingly. Payments must be made at the time of stall allotment through debit card or UPI only. Application forms are available at a nominal cost of Rs. 10. It is mandatory for handicraft applicants to carry a valid artisan card issued by the competent authority along with a photo identity proof such as an EPIC or Election Card. Food stall applicants must also carry a valid photo identity proof.

A limited number of application forms will be available at the Directorate of Art & Culture, Sanskruti Bhavan, Patto, Panaji, on December 23 and 24, 2025, on a first-come, first-served basis between 10.00 am and 5.00 pm. Duly filled application forms must be submitted to the department on or before December 29, 2025, by 5.30 pm. Late applications will not be entertained. Only one application form will be issued per vendor against a valid artisan card or licence.

Human Interest

Vijay Hosts Equality-Focused Christmas Celebration in Mamallapuram

allycaralgoa

Tamil cinema icon and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) founder Vijay hosted a heartwarming and inclusive Christmas celebration titled Samathuva Christmas Vizha in Mamallapuram on Monday, drawing attention for its blend of cultural symbolism and social messaging.

The event reflected the spirit of equality and unity, combining Tamil cultural motifs with traditional Christmas elements. Vijay was welcomed with a festive crown and personally distributed gifts to attendees, especially children, creating a joyful and welcoming atmosphere. Visuals of the star singing Christmas carols alongside children wearing Santa hats quickly won hearts on social media.

Addressing the gathering, Vijay delivered a speech rooted in humility, drawing inspiration from a Biblical story to underline the importance of compassion and service. He reiterated TVK’s unwavering commitment to social harmony, secular values, and equality, stating that these principles would guide the party as it prepares for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

The celebration was widely praised by supporters, who highlighted the warmth, inclusivity, and symbolic unity displayed during the event. However, the occasion also drew political reactions, with BJP leader K. Annamalai criticising Vijay for not addressing a recent temple-related controversy.

Despite the political debate, the Samathuva Christmas Vizha stood out as a rare fusion of faith, culture, and public engagement, reinforcing Vijay’s growing presence in public life beyond cinema.

#faith, Human Interest

Immaculate Conception Church Glows in Tricolour on Goa Liberation Day

allycaralgoa

The iconic Immaculate Conception Church in Panjim stood resplendent in the colours of the Indian tricolour as Goa celebrated its Liberation Day, creating a powerful visual symbol of freedom, patriotism, and unity.

The historic church, one of Goa’s most recognisable landmarks, was illuminated in saffron, white, and green as part of a special initiative led by Panjim Mayor Rohit Monserrate, Corporation Commissioner Clen Madeira, and Parish Priest Father Cypriano Silva. The illumination drew admiration from residents and visitors alike, turning the church into a glowing tribute to the sacrifices that led to Goa’s liberation.

The tricolour lighting served as a reminder of Goa’s journey to freedom and its proud place in the Indian Union. Locals gathered around the church precincts to witness the striking sight, capturing photographs and sharing moments of pride and reflection.

Speaking on the occasion, organisers highlighted the importance of remembering history while celebrating Goa’s cultural and spiritual heritage. The initiative beautifully blended patriotism with faith, reinforcing the spirit of Liberation Day in the heart of the state capital.

As the church shimmered against the Panjim skyline, it stood not just as a place of worship, but as a beacon of national pride, unity, and gratitude for the freedom Goa enjoys today.

Human Interest

Dr. Kaushik Dasgupta Honoured with Certificate of Journalistic Excellence at Global Awards 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

At the prestigious Global Awards for Excellence 2025 held at Taj Yeshwantpur in Bengaluru, eminent photojournalist and creative artist Dr. Kaushik Dasgupta was conferred the international Certificate of Journalistic Excellence. Organised by the England-based Global Book of Excellence, the ceremony honoured over 55 distinguished personalities from India and across the world for their outstanding contributions and social impact.

The award recognises Dr. Dasgupta’s fearless journalism, artistic brilliance and exceptional ability to convey powerful truths through compelling visual storytelling. With more than 17 years of experience, his work has consistently highlighted social realities and brought meaningful narratives to national and international platforms. His multiple world records in reverse mirror writing, dedicated to the nation’s martyrs, further reflect his unique creative expression rooted in purpose and patriotism.

Dr. Dasgupta holds an honorary Doctorate in Fine Arts from Chennai University and has received several prestigious accolades, including the India Star Independent Award and a special Live Art Recognition from Kala Academy, Goa. A versatile creative personality, he excels in photography, music, recitation, art, design and innovative community-based initiatives, earning wide appreciation. A marathon medalist as well, his journey continues to inspire through originality, discipline and social commitment.

The ceremony was attended by several eminent dignitaries, including Padma Shri awardee Dr. Syed Kirmani, former Director General of Police Ashith Mohan Prasad, IPS, actress Karunya Ram, spiritual coach and author Sri Kartikeya Das of ISKCON, historian Dr. Vikram Sampath, internationally acclaimed artist Prithviraj Choudhury and National Awardee Dr. Sai Kaustuv Dasgupta, among others.

This international recognition marks a significant milestone not only in Dr. Kaushik Dasgupta’s journey but also for the creative and journalistic fraternity. His dedication to ethical journalism, artistic excellence and social responsibility continues to inspire future generations.

Human Interest

Rupee Slides to Record Low of 91.01 Amid Tariffs, FII Outflows and Trade Deal Uncertainty

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The Indian rupee weakened to a fresh all-time low of 91.01 against the US dollar on Tuesday, marking its fourth consecutive session of decline and extending an unprecedented slide in 2025. The currency fell as much as 36 paise intraday to 91.14 before recovering slightly, ending the session 23 paise lower despite a weaker dollar and falling global crude oil prices.

Forex traders attributed the sustained weakness to a combination of factors including the absence of intervention by the Reserve Bank of India, delays in finalising an India-US trade deal, and continued foreign institutional investor outflows. The rupee has dropped from 90 to 91 against the dollar in just the last 10 trading sessions and has slipped nearly 1% over the past five sessions alone, with traders warning that the 92-per-dollar mark could be tested later this month.

The dollar index was marginally lower at 98.23, while Brent crude declined nearly 2% to around $59.48 per barrel. However, these supportive global cues failed to arrest the rupee’s fall. Domestic equity markets also reflected the pressure, with the Sensex closing over 500 points lower and the Nifty 50 shedding more than 160 points.

Market experts noted that India’s currency has become the worst-performing in Asia this year, declining nearly 6% against the dollar and over 8.5% from its year-to-date peak. Analysts pointed to steep US tariffs on Indian exports and the lack of a bilateral trade agreement as key structural headwinds. Persistent selling by foreign investors has added to the pressure, creating a cycle of capital outflows and currency weakness.

Despite the sharp depreciation, economists believe the falling rupee is not significantly harming the broader economy. Low inflation, a narrowing trade deficit and strong GDP growth have allowed the RBI to maintain a hands-off approach. India’s trade deficit narrowed to a five-month low in November, while inflation remains well below the central bank’s target and economic growth continues to show resilience.

The rupee’s slide, however, has begun to weigh on stock market sentiment, with global funds pulling billions of dollars from Indian equities and debt in recent months. While exporters, particularly IT companies, have benefited from the weaker currency, analysts caution that overall equity returns may remain muted amid global uncertainty and capital flow challenges.

Market participants remain cautious, noting that a meaningful recovery in the rupee is unlikely unless there is a breakthrough in India-US trade negotiations. Until then, the path of least resistance for the currency is expected to remain on the weaker side.