Category: Social

Social

JCI Panaji Hosts Successful Blood Donation Camp in Pernem

Tanisha Cardozo

JCI Panaji, in association with Sarthak Foundation and supported by Sant Sohirobanath Ambiye Government College and Research Centre, successfully organised a Blood Donation Camp on February 13, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the college premises in Virnoda–Pernem, Goa.

The camp was conducted with the objective of promoting voluntary blood donation and creating awareness about the life-saving importance of donating blood. The initiative witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, faculty members, JCI members and local residents, all of whom came forward to contribute selflessly to the noble cause.

The event was further supported by Kidzee Pernem, whose encouragement added value to the initiative and strengthened community engagement. Strict medical protocols and safety measures were observed throughout the camp to ensure a smooth and secure donation process. Experienced medical professionals were present on-site to guide donors, conduct health screenings and ensure that each participant felt comfortable and cared for during the procedure.

The drive not only helped collect valuable units of blood for those in need but also served as a platform to instill a deeper sense of social responsibility among the youth. The strong turnout reflected the growing awareness about voluntary blood donation and the willingness of the community to actively participate in humanitarian initiatives.

The project was led under the dynamic leadership of JFM Srushti Nagvekar, President; JC Sudesh Salgaonkar, Secretary; and JC Vinay Gawas, Project Director, whose coordinated efforts ensured the smooth execution of the camp. Their leadership and teamwork played a pivotal role in mobilising volunteers, coordinating logistics and encouraging maximum participation.

JCI Panaji extended heartfelt gratitude to all donors, supporters, volunteers and partnering organisations for their valuable contribution. Through such impactful initiatives, the organisation continues to uphold its commitment to community development, humanitarian service and building a healthier, more compassionate society.

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Awareness Session on Tenant Verification Held at Siolim

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Written by Intern Rency Gomes ||Team Allycaral 

An awareness programme on “Tenant Verification: Rights, Duties & Legal Process” was organised at the Panchayat Hall, Marna–Siolim, by the Siolim Free Legal Aid Cell of V.M. Salgaocar College of Law.


The event was graced by the MLA of Siolim Constituency, Delilah Lobo, whose presence encouraged the initiative aimed at promoting legal awareness and strengthening public safety. The programme commenced with the traditional lighting of the ceremonial lamp.

The session was conducted by PSI Sahil Vijay Warang of Anjuna Police Station. Addressing residents and members of the local community, he highlighted tenant verification as an important preventive policing measure. He explained the legal duties of landlords, the rights of tenants, and the legal consequences of non-compliance. Practical guidance was also provided on the proper procedure for carrying out tenant verification.

PSI Warang further emphasised the use of the Goa Police mobile application for citizen services, verification support, and quick access to police assistance. He noted that digital initiatives such as the Goa Police app are valuable public-safety tools that can strengthen community policing when actively used by citizens.

Approximately 40–50 residents from Siolim attended the session and appreciated the informative and practical guidance shared during the programme.

The organisers expressed gratitude to the chief guest, the resource person, and all attendees for contributing to a meaningful awareness initiative focused on building safer and more informed communities.

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DRAG Hosts EMPOWER 2026 Annual Get-Together for Persons with Disabilities

Swara Bodke

Written by Intern Swara Bodke || Team Allycaral

PANAJI, GOA: In a heartfelt initiative to promote inclusion and empowerment, the Disability Rights Association of Goa (DRAG) organised its Annual Get-Together, EMPOWER 2026, on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at Shubham Jinn Ashram, Agacaim — a meditation and holistic healing centre run by the Pilar Fathers. The programme was held from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm and brought together persons with disabilities for a day filled with learning, interaction, and celebration.
More than just an event, EMPOWER 2026 was envisioned as a safe and welcoming space where participants could feel included, heard, and empowered. The day featured interactive sessions on personality development, kitchen gardening, health awareness, mental well-being, and disability rights. Fun games, shared meals, and engaging activities further encouraged bonding and confidence-building among attendees.
Participation in the programme was free of cost, ensuring that financial constraints did not hinder anyone from attending. To enhance accessibility, transport facilities were arranged from Panjim Bus Stand and Agacaim Market for participants who required assistance.


Fr. Hilario Fernandes, SFX, Director of the Centre, inaugurated the programme by reminding participants of their importance as God’s creations. Through religious reflections and quotes, he emphasised that their relationship with God and their inherent dignity matter far more than their disabilities or societal perceptions.
Mithali Naik and her daughter Gargi from Giggle Gardeners, Borim, conducted an engaging session on kitchen gardening. They demonstrated hands-on techniques, including the correct proportion of soil mixing for a healthy and sustainable garden.
Ms. Terrency Luis and Ms. Vivian highlighted the importance of a balanced diet for maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle. They also conducted health check-ups for all participants as part of the awareness initiative.
Avelino de Sa, President of DRAG, elaborated on the provisions of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, urging participants to understand and assert their rights.
Fr. Ivan D’Mello, SFX, delivered an insightful session on mental health, guiding participants through simple breathing exercises to help them let go of past experiences. He explained that dwelling on past challenges can affect the present and future, encouraging everyone to focus on healing and self-growth.
The programme concluded with a thanksgiving Mass, where participants expressed gratitude for the Association’s continued support since its inception.
Through EMPOWER 2026, DRAG reinforced the message that self-growth, dignity, and belonging are rights — not privileges — and that true empowerment begins when communities come together to learn, support, and uplift one another.

Social

JCI Panaji Hosts “Love Beyond Romance” Session to Empower Students in Mapusa

Tanisha Cardozo

JCI Panaji organized a powerful and engaging session titled “Love Beyond Romance” on February 5 at Purushottom Walawalkar Higher Secondary School in Mapusa, aiming to reshape how young minds understand the concept of love in today’s digital age.

The session was led by JC Dr. Shilpa, a medical expert, who encouraged students to move beyond typical romantic clichés and explore a broader, more meaningful definition of love. Drawing from her medical background, she explained how excessive use of social media and mobile gaming can trigger the release of dopamine, a chemical linked to pleasure and addiction. She warned that this “digital love” can often replace genuine emotional connections, affecting mental well-being and relationships.

Dr. Shilpa urged students to redirect their focus toward healthier forms of love—love for family, friends, society, and the nation. One of the key highlights of the session was her discussion on Artificial Intelligence versus Human Emotions. She emphasized that no matter how advanced technology becomes, human emotions will always remain irreplaceable and must be nurtured and protected.

The session was designed to be highly interactive. Through hands-on activities, students participated in group acts where they creatively demonstrated ways to help a friend overcome mobile addiction and rediscover the joy of real-life friendships. These activities helped students understand emotional management, teamwork, and leadership in a practical and engaging manner.

By the end of the session, both students and teachers expressed their appreciation for the initiative. Many requested more such workshops, recognizing the importance of life skills and emotional awareness in shaping responsible individuals.

Through this initiative, JCI Panaji reinforced the message that love extends far beyond romance—it is about self-respect, communication, empathy, and building a progressive character that contributes positively to society.

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JCI Vasco Distributes Books to Students in Memory of Adv. TT Shreedharan

Tanisha Cardozo

JCI Vasco marked the birth anniversary of its Past President, Adv. TT Shreedharan, with a meaningful book distribution drive at Manohar Parrikar Municipal High School in Vasco. The initiative was organised as a tribute to his legacy and his commitment to community service and youth development.

As part of the programme, 50 students from Classes 9 and 10 received copies of the widely acclaimed self-development book How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie. The selection of the book reflected the organisation’s aim to encourage personal growth, confidence, and effective communication among young learners.

The event was attended by Mrs. Loretta Shreedharan, who addressed the students and spoke about the importance of cultivating a strong reading habit. She encouraged them to use books as tools for self-improvement and to continuously strive to become better versions of themselves.

Her interaction with the students highlighted the role of reading in shaping character, improving communication skills, and building confidence—qualities that are essential for success in both academic and personal life.

The initiative served as a fitting tribute to Adv. TT Shreedharan’s legacy, reflecting his dedication to education, social responsibility, and the empowerment of youth. Through such efforts, JCI Vasco continues to uphold the values he stood for, ensuring that his memory inspires future generations.