Social

Jeet Adani Marks First Anniversary by Funding FDs for 500 Divyang Women


Jeet and Diva Adani marked their first wedding anniversary by completing one year of Adani Mangal Seva, a social security initiative designed to support divyang women with long-term financial stability and dignity. The milestone was observed at the Belvedere Club lawns in Shantigram, Ahmedabad, where beneficiaries, their families, and representatives of the Adani Foundation gathered to reflect on the programme’s progress.

Launched ahead of the couple’s wedding on February 7, 2025, Adani Mangal Seva was envisioned as a way to transform a personal celebration into a sustained social commitment. Instead of marking the occasion with symbolic gestures, the initiative was structured to deliver tangible, long-term benefits to women with disabilities.

In its first year, the programme supported 500 divyang women, each receiving a fixed deposit of ₹10 lakh. Created in partnership with the State Bank of India, these deposits are designed to provide an assured monthly income, while the principal amount becomes accessible after ten years. The structure aims to ensure both immediate support and long-term financial security.

Anchored by the Adani Foundation, the social welfare arm of the Adani Group, the initiative focuses on women between the ages of 25 and 40. Beneficiaries are identified in collaboration with project partner Youth for Jobs and must hold a valid Unique Disability ID card. The programme is set to continue for at least five years, supporting up to 500 women annually, with an allocation of ₹50 crore each year.

According to the Foundation, the initiative reflects the philosophy of Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani, who believes that service should be continuous, purposeful, and responsibility-driven rather than symbolic.

The anniversary event included the distribution of fixed deposit certificates to beneficiaries, along with cultural performances by the Blind People’s Association of Ahmedabad. The programme featured a Garba presentation and a fusion music performance, creating an atmosphere of celebration and inclusion. The evening began with prayer and reflection, followed by presentations outlining the initiative’s objectives and impact.

In a message on social media platform X, Gautam Adani extended his blessings to the couple and reflected on the impact of the initiative. He noted that Adani Mangal Seva has brought financial security, dignity, and renewed hope to many families, adding that the satisfaction of restoring confidence and smiles in people’s lives goes beyond material success.

Dr Priti Adani, Chairperson of the Adani Foundation, said the initiative was inspired by the belief that personal happiness finds its highest meaning when shared for collective well-being. She described Adani Mangal Seva as more than a programme, calling it an expression of faith in the strength, resilience, and dignity of women with disabilities.

Addressing the gathering, Jeet Adani described the initiative as a quiet but enduring form of support, representing a responsibility the family intends to carry forward. Diva Adani added that the programme is built on the belief that financial security should be lasting and dignity should never depend on circumstances.

During the event, Gautam Adani also released a book documenting stories of transformation under Adani Mangal Seva. The evening concluded with a community dinner, reflecting the inclusive spirit at the heart of the initiative.

As Adani Mangal Seva completes its first year, it stands as an example of how personal milestones can be transformed into sustained social commitments, reinforcing the Adani Foundation’s belief that prosperity and service go hand in hand.

Sports

AAI Kicks Off Inter-PSU Football Championship 2026: A Celebration of Synergy, Sportsmanship and the Spirit ofthe Game


The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has officially kicked off the Inter-PSU Football Championship 2026, transforming Goa into a hub of competitive sport, camaraderie, and celebration. Designed as a premier sporting platform for India’s Public Sector Undertakings, the tournament reflects AAI’s continued commitment to fostering fitness, teamwork, and a vibrant sports culture within the public sector.

The championship brings together 12 elite PSU teams, including AAI, Bank of Baroda, Coal India, CAG, EPFO, ESIC, FCI, RBI, SAIL, Union Bank and others. Over the course of a week, these teams will compete in a league-cum-knockout format, ensuring intense matches, high-energy performances, and sustained engagement for players and spectators alike.

Beyond competition, the tournament carries a larger purpose. It seeks to strengthen inter-organizational bonds and promote a “Fit India” lifestyle among employees, reinforcing the idea that physical fitness and teamwork are essential to professional excellence. The football pitch becomes a shared space where collaboration, resilience, and mutual respect take centre stage.

Speaking on the occasion, Flt. Lt. Akash Deep, Airport Director, Goa International Airport, Dabolim, highlighted the broader vision behind the initiative. He noted that the spirit of collaboration witnessed on the football field directly translates into professional synergy, adding that the tournament is not merely about scoring goals, but about building unity and shared purpose within the public sector. He also described the championship as a major football event coinciding with the vibrant Goa Carnival season.

The Inter-PSU Football Championship 2026 will be held from 14th to 19th February 2026, with matches hosted at two prominent venues—PJN Stadium, Fatorda, and Rosary Ground Stadium, Navelim. The Opening Ceremony is scheduled for 15th February 2026 at 9:00 am at PJN Stadium, Fatorda, and will be graced by Shri Vipin Kumar, IAS, Chairman, Airports Authority of India.

As a Mini Ratna Category-I Public Sector Enterprise, the Airports Authority of India plays a pivotal role in developing and managing India’s civil aviation infrastructure. Through initiatives such as the Inter-PSU Football Championship, AAI continues to extend its impact beyond airports—championing employee welfare, community engagement, and the unifying power of sport.

With football, fitness, and fellowship at its core, the Inter-PSU Football Championship 2026 stands as a celebration of “Team India” beyond office walls.

#faith

Babreshwar Jatra at Calangute: Faith, Festivity and the Spirit of the Banana Festival


Written by Sakshi Aiwale

Babreshwar Jatra at Calangute is one of those celebrations where faith is not just practiced but lived collectively. Each year, the jatra draws devotees from across the region, transforming the temple surroundings into a space filled with prayer, reverence, and vibrant cultural energy.

From the early hours, devotees gather to participate in live rituals and traditional prayers, creating an atmosphere charged with devotion. The sounds of chants, the sight of offerings, and the steady flow of people reflect the deep-rooted belief associated with Babreshwar, a deity revered for protection, blessings, and guidance. Families, elders, and youth alike come together, reinforcing the strong sense of community that defines the jatra.

A distinctive highlight of the Babreshwar Jatra is the Banana Festival, a ritual that sets this celebration apart. Devotees offer bananas with great respect, expressing gratitude for blessings received and seeking divine grace for the future. The simplicity of the offering carries profound meaning, symbolising humility, abundance, and unwavering faith. Rows of bananas offered at the temple become a powerful visual representation of collective devotion.

Beyond the rituals, the jatra is also a celebration of tradition and cultural continuity. Local customs, shared meals, and the gathering of neighbours and families strengthen social bonds, turning the event into a living expression of Goa’s spiritual heritage. It is a time when faith transcends individual belief and becomes a shared experience.

Babreshwar Jatra at Calangute stands as a beautiful blend of devotion, tradition, and cultural unity—where every prayer, every offering, and every gathering reinforces the enduring connection between faith and community.

Sports

Goa’s Madar Basappa Shines as India Legends Storm into Asian Legend Cup 2026 Final


Goa’s Madar Basappa produced a match-defining performance with the ball as India Legends registered a thumping 104-run victory over Hong Kong in a league match of the Asian Legend Cup 2026 in Thailand, sealing their place in the tournament final. The win marked yet another dominant display by the Indian side in an impressive campaign.

After opting to bat first, India Legends piled up a massive 240 for 4 in their allotted 20 overs, powered by aggressive knocks from Bhanu Seth, Parminder and Amer Khan. The imposing total put Hong Kong under immense pressure from the outset, setting the stage for India’s bowlers to take control of the contest.

Madar Basappa emerged as the standout performer with the ball, delivering an exceptional spell of 3 wickets for just 17 runs in his four overs. Bowling with sharp control, variation and discipline, the Goan all-rounder struck at crucial moments to dismantle Hong Kong’s chase. He removed Kamal as the batter attempted to steady the innings, dismissed Ibrez soon after, and then produced a key moment by stumping Iftikhar to halt any hopes of a recovery. His economy rate of 3.75 reflected the pressure he consistently applied on the batters.

Hong Kong were eventually restricted to 136 in 20 overs, never able to recover from the damage inflicted by Basappa and the disciplined Indian bowling unit. While Bhanu Seth was named Player of the Match for his explosive batting performance, Madar Basappa’s spell stood out as one of the defining highlights of the encounter.

Basappa’s contribution brought pride to Goa as he showcased his talent on a major international stage. The all-rounder has also represented Gomanchal Warriors in the GVCL tournament and continues to strengthen his reputation as a dependable match-winner. India Legends have enjoyed a dominant run in the tournament, beginning with a six-wicket win over Sri Lanka, followed by a comprehensive 77-run victory against arch-rivals Pakistan and a close 12-run win over Bangladesh, underlining their strong form heading into the final of the Asian Legend Cup 2026.

Sports

Desserts N More Avengers, RC Goa Register Thrilling Wins in PGML 5.0


Spectators at the Panaji Gymkhana ground were treated to two closely fought league encounters on Saturday in the ongoing PGML 5.0 tournament, with Desserts N More Avengers and RC Goa emerging victorious in nail-biting finishes.

In the morning match, Sun Estate Warriors won the toss and elected to bat but were restricted to 125 for 9 in their 20 overs. Mehank Dharwadkar stood firm with an unbeaten 48, while opener Devidas Kholkar chipped in with 31. Despite a steady start, regular wickets in the middle order curtailed the Warriors’ progress. Madar Basappa was the pick of the bowlers for Desserts N More Avengers, finishing with two wickets, while Ojas, Amod Borkar, Vikas Shetty and Muktiar Kadri claimed one wicket each.

Chasing 126, Desserts N More Avengers paced their innings carefully to reach 129 for 6 in 19.1 overs. Amod Borkar anchored the chase with a composed 50 off 42 deliveries. In the closing stages, Smit Dalvi and Suraj Hirani remained unbeaten to guide their side to a four-wicket win. Dhilan Shah was the standout bowler for Sun Estate Warriors with two wickets, while Rohit Rane picked up one.

The afternoon fixture saw Manas Mavericks post 128 for 7 in their allotted 20 overs after opting to bat. Ajinkya Kudtarkar top-scored with 38, supported by Avishkar Mone’s 21 and an unbeaten 18 from Raj Morajkar. RC Goa’s bowling attack shared the spoils, with Kushnab Ghai and Ramnath Gaonkar claiming two wickets each, while Aryan Mashelkar, Gauresh Khandeparkar and Vardhan Prabhu Misquin contributed with one wicket apiece.

RC Goa responded positively in their chase, reaching 134 for 7 in 19.3 overs to seal a three-wicket victory. Ramnath Gaonkar played a steady innings of 41, with valuable contributions from Aryan Mashelkar (21) and Paras Naik (20). The match swung decisively in the final overs as Gauresh Khandeparkar smashed a quick 18 off just five balls, remaining unbeaten alongside Dattesh Priolkar to take RC Goa home. For Manas Mavericks, Avishkar Mone and Om Fadte picked up two wickets each, while Ajinkya Kudtarkar claimed one.

With both matches delivering tense finishes, PGML 5.0 continues to live up to its reputation as one of Goa’s most competitive and entertaining local cricket tournaments.