Category: Spotlight

Spotlight

From Style to Sweets: Rhea D’Souza’s Creative Journey Across Fashion, Baking & Thrifting

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo

Rhea D’Souza didn’t set out to become a multi-hyphenate creator — but curiosity, creativity, and a deep love for storytelling led her exactly there. Based in Goa, Rhea is the creative force behind Grumpy Cat Bakes, Second Chances (a curated thrift page), and a fashion feed that resonates with thousands.

“Each hat I wear may seem different, but they all connect through creativity, storytelling, and building something that makes people feel good.”

Whether she’s styling a thrifted outfit, baking brownies from her kitchen, or balancing a day job in social media, Rhea brings authenticity to everything she touches.

🌴The Goa Influence

Goa’s vibrant culture, pastel skies, and laid-back rhythm are deeply embedded in Rhea’s aesthetic. The Portuguese architecture of Fontainhas, the flea markets, and beach sunsets inspire her styling choices and photo shoots alike. This coastal spirit brings a softness and storytelling vibe to everything she creates.

🍫Grumpy Cat Bakes — A Mood in Dessert Form

What started as casual brownie-making for friends evolved into Grumpy Cat Bakes, a home bakery named after her famously grumpy-looking (but loving) cat.

“On some days, I’m a big grumpy cat, but I still have so much to give — whether it’s love, or love through desserts.”

Her made-to-order treats are known for comfort, creativity, and heart — offering a sweet solution for any grumpy day.

💫Second Chances: A Thrift Store With Meaning

Faced with an overflowing closet from brand shoots, Rhea didn’t want her pre-loved pieces to go to waste. So she launched Second Chances, a space to extend the life of fashion pieces and make mindful style more accessible.

“Each piece carries a little story with it, ready to be continued by someone else.”

It’s not just about reducing waste — it’s about celebrating style that lasts, with heart.

🎯Balancing It All

Juggling a full-time job, content creation, baking orders, and running a thrift page is no small feat. Rhea relies on flexible planning, passion-driven prioritization, and a good content calendar.

“Each passion feeds into the other, keeping my creativity alive.”

Batch content creation, seasonal focus shifts, and listening to her energy help her manage the load while keeping joy at the center.

✨Staying Authentic

In an online world of trends and pressure, Rhea stays rooted in what feels real.

“I explore trends but always adapt them to my personal style. I think people relate more to content that’s wearable, comfortable, and real.”

Pinterest, fashion blogs, even a passerby’s outfit can become inspiration for her next look — but always with her own twist.

💭Dream Collaborations & Inspirations

From global brands like Zara and Dior Beauty to creators like Shubhra Vaity, Rhea’s dream partnerships reflect her blend of elegance, versatility, and authenticity.

🪄Advice for Aspiring Creators

Rhea’s advice is simple: start with what you have and build as you go.

“Before I had a tripod, I used a stool and a stack of books. The most important thing is to start — consistency and curiosity will take you far.”

💌The Reward? Real Connections.

What matters most to Rhea is the impact — the DMs from girls who feel more confident, the people who style her thrifted pieces, or smile at a brownie delivery.

“If one person feels seen or inspired by what I share, it’s all worth it.”

Spotlight

Inside @vegfoodtrails: How Ankita Nagvekar Is Redefining Vegetarian Food in Goa

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When one thinks of Goa, the mind often drifts to beachside shacks, seafood curries, and tropical cocktails. But nestled within the vibrant online food community is @vegfoodtrails, an Instagram page run by Ankita Nagvekar, that’s bringing a quieter, greener revolution to the plate — one post at a time.

What started as a simple attempt to highlight vegetarian food options in a state famous for its non-vegetarian delicacies has evolved into a dynamic platform that resonates with food lovers across India.
“I grew up in Goa, surrounded by evolving vegetarian cuisine,” Ankita says. “But veg options were rarely highlighted. I started @vegfoodtrails to showcase that side of Goan food — from home-cooked comfort to local thalis.”

In its early stages, the page was filled with charming photos of meals cooked at home and visits to humble eateries. But as Instagram shifted towards reels, Ankita adapted.
“Now I focus on shooting engaging, snappy content with strong visuals, trending audio, and meaningful CTAs,” she says. This pivot helped the page grow without compromising on authenticity.

Her creative process follows a clear routine: visit, shoot, edit, post. She uses tools like InShot and Instagram’s native features, and always seeks that one standout moment — a hook that’ll stop users mid-scroll.
Every caption, every hashtag, is chosen with care. “I want my audience to not just double-tap but also relate, learn, and maybe even cook or visit the place.”

When asked about her take on fusion food, Ankita offers a balanced view. “Fusion should enhance, not distort. While I enjoy creative reinterpretations, my heart leans toward traditional recipes rich in culture and memory.”

Through her lens, @vegfoodtrails has brought attention to overlooked gems like Kapa Pao, Mirchi Pao, and Goan Bhaji Pao — dishes that are rich in history, flavour, and community memory.
Her personal favourites? “Rice, dal, and rava-fried batata kappa — that’s comfort on a plate. And for breakfast? Mix bhaji pav with mirchi and chai. No menu needed.”

Perhaps the most moving part of Ankita’s journey has been the audience feedback. “Many vegetarians messaged me saying they finally found a page that understands their food — not just features it. That trust means everything.”

While Goa remains the heart of @vegfoodtrails, Ankita is gradually exploring India’s vast veg offerings. “Indore blew my mind. North India has so much veg diversity. I’d love to bring more of that to my page.”

For Ankita, @vegfoodtrails is more than an Instagram page. It’s a living archive — a space to preserve regional food wisdom, amplify underrepresented communities, and inspire mindful food choices.
“I want people to cook more, travel more, eat consciously, and fall in love with veg food all over again.”

Spotlight

Get to Know Vaibhav Salgaonkar, the Illustrator Bringing Goa to Life

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo

In the narrow lanes of Goa, amidst heritage homes and busy chai stalls, a sketchbook is quietly capturing the rhythm of life—page by page. Behind it is Vaibhav Salgaonkar, a self-taught illustrator, caricaturist, and urban sketcher, better known as Artbybu.

A Journey Beyond the Conventional

While many artists follow traditional art school paths, Vaibhav’s story begins in science labs. A graduate of St. Xavier’s College, Mapusa, and a Master’s in Biotechnology from Goa University, he always had a pen in hand—even during lectures. Those early doodles soon became award-winning entries at art competitions.

His defining moment arrived with the Inktober challenge, where he committed to a month of daily sketching in black and white. The challenge sharpened his eye for detail and his unique caricature style, later evolving into his signature brand: Artbybu.

Sketching for a Cause

Vaibhav gained attention during the 2020 Mollem movement, when his illustrations became visual protest tools, raising awareness about Goa’s threatened forests. This phase marked a powerful shift from decorative to purposeful art.

From there, his illustrations began chronicling Goan life—its unique homes, daily scenes, and quiet stories. His art soon found a home in pop-up markets, gaining popularity among locals and tourists alike.

Urban Sketching and the Joy of Connection

Joining Urban Sketchers Goa in 2023 opened up new chapters. Vaibhav began sketching live in public spaces—cafés, bus stands, old verandas—capturing life as it unfolded. His urban sketches brim with intimacy: chaiwalas, fish markets, street dogs, and old Portuguese buildings.

He often gifts portraits to strangers he draws—a small act that turns passersby into smiling participants in his journey.

Creative Recharge and Projects Ahead

Though Vaibhav juggles freelance projects, he sees urban sketching as a creative reset. Currently, he’s working on a deeply personal zine on Goa’s iconic Oyster Shell Windows, blending architectural sketches with cultural commentary.

Looking ahead, he hopes to explore animation, mixed media, and eventually host a solo exhibition to celebrate Goa’s layered identity.

A Message to Aspiring Artists

“Start by putting your work out there—even if it’s imperfect. Don’t wait to be ‘ready.’ Rejections will happen—learn from them. Visit exhibitions. Connect. Collaborate. But above all—draw a lot. And keep your humor alive—it’s what makes your style truly yours.”

Through laughter, lines, and ink, Vaibhav Salgaonkar is building a vivid visual archive of Goa—one that celebrates its people, places, and everyday beauty with soul and sketch.

Spotlight

His Holiness the Dalai Lama Turns 90: A Celebration of Peace, Wisdom & Compassion

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Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh | July 6, 2025: The air in Dharamshala is filled with devotion and reverence today as His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, the global symbol of peace and Tibetan Buddhism, turns 90 years old.

Nestled in the hills of Kangra district, Dharamshala has been the spiritual and administrative home of the Tibetan government-in-exile since His Holiness fled Tibet in 1959. On this momentous day, monasteries, followers, monks, and well-wishers from around the world have come together to celebrate the life and teachings of a man who has inspired generations through his message of nonviolence, compassion, and inner peace.

The day began with traditional Tibetan prayers and offerings at Tsuglagkhang Complex, followed by cultural programs, public addresses, and messages from world leaders and spiritual figures across the globe. Locals, tourists, and Tibetan refugees gathered in colorful attire, chanting long life prayers and reflecting on the Dalai Lama’s legacy.

His Holiness, born Tenzin Gyatso in 1935 in northeastern Tibet, was recognized as the 14th Dalai Lama at the age of two. Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989, he is revered worldwide for promoting interfaith harmony, global ethics, and the concept of secular spirituality.

Despite political challenges and decades in exile, he remains an enduring voice for peace, dialogue, and the Tibetan cause. His philosophy of universal responsibility and kindness has won him admiration far beyond religious lines.

Now 90, the Dalai Lama continues to engage in teachings, virtual discourses, and interactions with youth and scholars, advocating for mental well-being and emotional intelligence in a turbulent world.

“My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness,” he once said—a quote that continues to define his life’s purpose.

Messages poured in today from leaders and admirers across the globe, including spiritual leaders, political dignitaries, and international organizations, each recognizing His Holiness’s tireless work for global peace and human values.

While his physical presence grows more limited with age, His Holiness’s spiritual legacy is more alive than ever—deeply rooted in millions of hearts worldwide.

Spotlight

GM Rao: From Andhra Roots to Global Runways

allycaralgoa

GMR Group founder GM Rao has earned the moniker “Airport Tycoon of India”, and for good reason. Under his leadership, the GMR Group operates and manages India’s largest airports while also expanding its influence in Greece, the Philippines, and beyond.

Born in a small town in Andhra Pradesh, GM Rao began his entrepreneurial journey in 1978 with a jute mill. Over the years, that seed of ambition grew into a diversified empire comprising 28 companies across energy, transportation, aviation, and urban infrastructure.

With a net worth of ₹25,060 crore, Rao stands among India’s 100 richest individuals, as per Forbes.

🏢 GMR Group at a Glance:

  • Revenue: ₹10,836 crore
  • Key Companies: GMR Airports, GMR Infrastructure, GMR Energy, GMR Enterprises
  • Airport Portfolio:
    • Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi
    • Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad
    • Manohar International Airport, Goa
    • Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, Nagpur (in collaboration with MIHAN India)

Internationally, GMR has active airport projects in Greece and the Philippines, making it the second-largest private airport operator globally.

In January 2024, GMR further cemented its commitment to aviation by launching the GMR School of Aviation in Hyderabad, in collaboration with Airbus. This initiative aims to nurture the next generation of aviation professionals.

Beyond infrastructure, GM Rao also owns a 50% stake in IPL team Delhi Capitals, blending business with the cricketing passion of millions.

💡 Visionary in PPP Projects

One of Rao’s lasting legacies is his effective use of the public-private partnership (PPP) model. Through this approach, GMR has led transformative projects that bridge gaps in critical infrastructure, fuel growth, and create sustainable models of development.

GM Rao’s story is a masterclass in vision, perseverance, and nation-building. From a single jute mill to shaping the future of air travel and infrastructure in India and abroad, he remains a monumental figure in the country’s economic landscape.