Category: Spotlight

Spotlight

Meet Rohit Chari, the Mastermind Behind Red Canvas Studio

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Rohit Chari, the founder of Red Canvas Studio, has been making waves in the art world with his vibrant caricatures, quirky illustrations, and stunning murals. From his early days as a mischievous schoolboy doodling in his notebooks to becoming a renowned artist, Rohit’s journey is a testament to his passion and dedication to his craft.


Rohit’s artistic journey began in childhood, long before formal training shaped his skills. His school notebooks were never just for classwork; they were filled with doodles, often landing him in trouble with teachers. These early signs of an innate passion for art led him to enroll at the Goa College of Art, where he gradually honed his craft.


After working under various companies and firms, Rohit realized that his true calling – sketching and illustrations – was being restricted. Despite having a secure job at a reputed company, he felt his creative potential was not being fully utilized. The desire to explore unique artistic styles and break free from limitations kept growing. Amidst much contemplation, Rohit made a bold decision – to step away from conventional employment and carve his own path in the art industry. This leap of faith led to the birth of Red Canvas Studio, an independent venture dedicated to vibrant caricatures, quirky illustrations, and creative merchandise.


Rohit’s art is deeply rooted in Goa’s culture and heritage. He has worked on numerous projects that highlight Goan folk dances, traditional houses, cultural festivals, local transport, food, beaches, and iconic places. His murals have become a staple in many Goan restaurants and establishments, showcasing the state’s unique susegad lifestyle.


Rohit believes that humor plays a crucial role in his art form. “The more lively and humorous the artwork, the more appealing and engaging it becomes,” he says. His caricatures are a testament to this philosophy, often exaggerating the subject’s features to create a humorous and relatable piece.


Rohit has collaborated with numerous brands and establishments, including Coca-Cola, Namaste Chai, and Marriott. He’s always open to new collaborations and is currently working on creating merchandise and exploring different selling platforms to reach a wider audience.


Rohit’s story is a reminder that success is not solely dependent on formal training or conventional employment. With passion, dedication, and a willingness to take risks, anyone can turn their dreams into reality. As Rohit continues to push the boundaries of his art, we can’t wait to see what the future holds for this talented artist.

Spotlight

Meet Emera Remedios, the Founder of Mirasha

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Emera Remedios, the passionate founder of Mirasha, shares her inspiring journey of turning her hobby into a successful business. With a focus on creating customizable, chemical-free soaps and candles, Emera’s dedication to sustainability and quality has made Mirasha a standout in the industry.


Emera started Mirasha because of her passion for handcrafting unique pieces of art with soaps and wax. What began as a hobby soon turned into a meaningful business, driven by her love for creating something special and effective for her customers.


Creating customizable, chemical-free soaps and candles starts with selecting high-quality ingredients. For soaps, Emera handcrafts each batch, adding unique scents, colors, and exfoliants based on customer preferences. For candles, she uses natural waxes like soy or beeswax. To ensure high standards, Emera focuses on consistency and quality at every step.


Sustainability is at the heart of Mirasha. Emera uses eco-friendly ingredients and ensures that packaging is recyclable or biodegradable. She minimizes waste by carefully measuring ingredients to avoid excess. Additionally, Emera focuses on making small batches, which helps reduce overproduction and ensures each product is fresh.


Balancing creativity with the science of skincare formulation is all about finding the right harmony. Creativity lets Emera experiment with different ingredients, textures, and scents, while the science ensures the products are effective and safe. She carefully researches each ingredient to understand its benefits and how it works with others.


What sets Mirasha apart is Emera’s focus on competing with herself, pushing to grow, improve, and create something even better every day. Each product is a reflection of her passion and creativity, and she pours her heart into making something unique and meaningful.


Emera’s customers praise the creativity behind her candles, soaps, and hampers. These heartwarming reviews remind her of the joy her creations bring to others, inspiring her to keep innovating and bringing new, creative ideas to life.


The biggest lesson Emera has learned is that patience and persistence are essential. Building a brand takes time, and you have to stay true to your vision. Her advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is to focus on quality, stay authentic, and keep learning.


What’s next for Mirasha is deeply exciting for Emera, as she’s focused on expanding her already vast collection of over 400 molds. Each new mold brings a chance to create something even more unique and personal for her customers. Emera is also pouring her heart into curating hampers that are not just products, but experiences—thoughtfully put together to bring joy and care.


Mirasha contributes to the larger conversation around natural living by offering products that prioritize clean, simple ingredients and thoughtful craftsmanship. It’s about encouraging people to embrace more natural, mindful choices in their everyday lives, while creating products that are effective, beautiful, chemical-free, natural, and good.


Emera’s favorite Mirasha product is the Christmas candles. They’re special to her because they capture the warmth and magic of the holiday season, which is something she holds dear. Emera also mentions that her natural lip balms, foot salves, mosquito salves, and hand salves are among her best-sellers.

Spotlight

Ashrafi Gaikwad from Goa Clinches Double Victory at Autocross Dirt Racing 2025

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In a thrilling display of speed and skill, Ashrafi Gaikwad from Ponda, Goa, emerged victorious in not one, but two categories at the Autocross Dirt Racing 2025 held in Athoor Uppinangady, Puttur, Karnataka. Gaikwad took home the top honors in both the Stock Car class and the Ladies Open class, leaving a lasting impression on the racing circuit.


Gaikwad’s impressive performance in the Stock Car class saw her outmaneuver and outpace her competitors, securing the first-place title. Her dominance on the track was evident as she navigated the challenging dirt racing circuit with ease and precision.


In the Ladies Open class, Gaikwad once again demonstrated her exceptional driving skills, taking the top spot on the podium. This achievement not only underscores her talent but also serves as an inspiration to aspiring female racers.


The Autocross Dirt Racing 2025 event, held in Athoor Uppinangady, Puttur, Karnataka, brought together talented drivers from across the country. The challenging dirt racing circuit pushed drivers to their limits, testing their skills, strategy, and nerves.


With her double victory at the Autocross Dirt Racing 2025, Ashrafi Gaikwad has cemented her position as a force to be reckoned with in Indian motorsports. Her remarkable achievement serves as a testament to her dedication, hard work, and passion for racing.

As Gaikwad continues to make waves in the racing circuit, fans and enthusiasts eagerly await her future endeavors, expecting more thrilling performances from this talented Goan driver.

Spotlight

Goa’s Vishal Namdev Phutanekar Receives Prestigious National Prerna Doot Award 2025

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In a momentous occasion, Vishal Namdev Phutanekar, a dedicated National Service Scheme (NSS) volunteer from Goa, has been conferred with the esteemed National Prerna Doot Award 2024-25. This recognition marks a historic milestone, as Vishal is among the first two boys from Goa to receive this national honor.

A Journey of Dedication and Excellence in NSS
Vishal, a third-year (link unavailable) student at Dnyanprassarak Mandal’s College & Research Centre, Assagao, has demonstrated remarkable commitment to community service and national integration through his active participation in NSS. His impressive achievements include:

  • Representing Goa at the National Integration Camp (NIC) in Kerala (2022-23)
  • Receiving the Best NSS (Boy) Volunteer Award (2022-23) from DM’s College & Research Centre, Assagao
  • Attending the National Adventure Camp at Narkanda, Himachal Pradesh (2024)
  • Receiving the Best NSS Volunteer Award (2023-24) from DM’s College & Research Centre
  • Being honored with the National Excellence Award 2024 (Art & Culture Category) in New Delhi

Committed to Social Service
Vishal has been actively involved in various NSS-driven social initiatives, including:

  • Cleanliness drives
  • Paper bag distribution campaigns
  • Tree plantation drives
  • Blood donation camps

His contributions have made a significant impact on society, reflecting the true spirit of volunteerism and youth leadership.

A Proud Moment for Goa
Vishal’s achievements have brought immense pride to Goa and the NSS fraternity. His unwavering dedication to social service and national integration serves as an inspiration for young volunteers across the country.

This recognition underscores the vital role of NSS in shaping responsible and service-oriented youth, reinforcing the significance of selfless community work in nation-building.

#AllycaralFeature 👒, Sports, Spotlight

Erica De Sequeira: A Martial Arts Trailblazer

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Erica De Sequeira, a renowned martial artist, has been making waves in the sports world with her impressive skills and determination. Recently, she was honored with the prestigious Orchid Award, a testament to her hard work and dedication.


Receiving the Orchid Award was a surreal experience for Erica. “I’m deeply humbled to receive this award,” she said. “It’s an incredible honor to be recognized for my passion and hard work.”


Erica’s journey in martial arts began at a young age. Growing up, she was fascinated by the world of sports and was encouraged by her parents to explore various disciplines. She found her passion in martial arts, particularly in TIMD, BJJ, and MMA.


Erica’s journey has not been without its challenges. She has faced self-doubt, fear of failure, injuries, and setbacks. However, she has learned to overcome these obstacles through resilience, hard work, and determination.


Erica cites her coach, Mary Kom, Khabib Nurmagomedov, and Conor McGregor as her role models and sources of inspiration. “These individuals have taught me valuable lessons about hard work, dedication, and perseverance,” she said.


Erica’s future plans include competing at the international level, establishing a martial arts academy, and collaborating with other athletes and organizations to promote the values of discipline, hard work, and resilience.


Erica is committed to giving back to her community and contributing to the growth of sports in India. She plans to establish a martial arts academy, conduct free training sessions, mentor young athletes, and support local sports initiatives.

Erica prioritizes time management, sets boundaries, and makes time for self-care to maintain a healthy balance between her sports career and personal life.


Erica emphasizes the importance of mental health and practices mindfulness, self-compassion, and self-care to maintain good mental health.


Erica hopes to leave a lasting legacy in the sports world that inspires future generations of athletes and fans. She aspires to be remembered as a trailblazer, role model, and champion.


Erica De Sequeira’s story is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and hard work. Her commitment to martial arts and her community is inspiring, and her legacy will undoubtedly continue to motivate and inspire others for years to come.