Tag: Bal Bhavan

Travel

Goa Tourism Highlights Regenerative Tourism Through Rural & Heritage Experiences on World Tourism Day 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Panaji, 26th September 2025 – As part of the World Tourism Day 2025 celebrations, the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, in collaboration with the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) and SKAL International Goa, curated a vibrant set of immersive experiences focused on community, culture, and sustainability.

A highlight of the celebrations was the rural tourism experience at Mulgao Village. Visitors were guided through a traditional coconut farm where they learned about the production of Virgin Coconut Oil and were introduced to local deities and folk legends that form part of the region’s intangible heritage. The serene natural surroundings and storytelling format gave participants an intimate glimpse into Goa’s agrarian traditions and regenerative tourism practices.

Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, expressed, “Through such rural experiences, we are showcasing Goa’s authentic culture and supporting local communities. Mulgao exemplifies how heritage and livelihood can go hand in hand when tourism is designed responsibly.”

Director of Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik, added, “The enthusiastic participation in the Mulgao Village Experience demonstrates the growing appeal of community-based tourism. We will continue to curate such experiences across Goa to highlight our state’s diversity and sustainability practices.”

In parallel, Goa Tourism also organized a special Hop-On Hop-Off (HOHO) Bus Tour for children from Bal Bhavan. This initiative offered young students an exciting, educational journey through key tourist attractions across North Goa. The Hon’ble Minister also took the opportunity to interact with the children and handed out Goa Tourism caps as a souvenir of their experience.

The day’s activities were designed to highlight the broader vision of “Goa Beyond Beaches” and reflect the Department’s commitment to regenerative tourism that prioritizes cultural preservation, environmental care, and inclusive community participation.

Looking ahead, Goa Tourism has lined up a series of events as part of the extended World Tourism Day celebrations. These include scenic boat cruises, a Tourism Stakeholders’ Meet at Grand Hyatt Goa, and a special film festival at ESG that will showcase Goa’s heritage and conservation narratives.

The 2025 edition of World Tourism Day serves as a reaffirmation of Goa’s evolving role as a model for sustainable and community-led tourism in India.

EduConnect

Empowering Talent: Students with Disabilities Craft Eco-Friendly Ganesh Idols at Sanjay Centre, Goa

Tanisha Cardozo

In a heartening display of inclusion, creativity, and sustainability, students at the Sanjay Centre for Special Education in Porvorim showcased their artistic talents at a Ganesh idol-making workshop organised by Mapusa Kalakirti in collaboration with Bal Bhavan Panaji. The event saw the presence of Subhash Phaldessai, Minister for Social Welfare and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, who commended the students for their craftsmanship and praised the efforts of teachers and parents who have nurtured their creative journey.

The workshop focused on producing eco-friendly Ganesh idols using pure shadu clay, a traditional material known for being water-soluble and environment-friendly. The students displayed idols modeled after iconic depictions like Lalbaugcha Raja and “Bappa Sitting on Undir,” reflecting their three years of commercial training. Under the guidance of Bal Bhavan instructors and dedicated teachers, students adopted modern techniques while honoring traditional rituals, producing beautifully detailed idols now available for public purchase at Sanjay Centre, Porvorim, for ₹2,000 each.

State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Guruprasad Pawaskar, proposed an exciting opportunity for the students to demonstrate their skills through a live street workstation during the upcoming International Purple Fest Goa 2025, scheduled for October 9–12. He further announced that, under Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant’s leadership, the Goa Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education will introduce Vocational Equivalency Certificates for persons with disabilities who cannot pursue conventional academic pathways—an important step toward formal recognition of skill-based education.

Prerna Pawaskar of Mapusa Kalakirti welcomed the gathering, sharing that such workshops are held annually, with this year’s edition focusing on commercial outcomes to promote entrepreneurship. Dignitaries present included Paulo Rodrigues, Accounts Officer, Sanjay School; Premanand Khumbar of Bal Bhavan; and Tatu Kudalkar, Headmaster, Sanjay School. Training was provided by teachers Ranjeeta Narvekar, Shri Deepesh Shetkar, Sanjay Mandrekar, and Ravi Harmalkar, while Shweta Harmalkar served as compere and delivered the vote of thanks.

The initiative stands as a powerful example of how inclusive platforms and focused vocational training can empower youth with disabilities—building both confidence and livelihood opportunities—while promoting sustainable cultural practices.