Tag: Bicholim

EduConnect

Inter-School Independence Day Quiz Promotes National Unity & Integrity in Goa

allycaralgoa

Bicholim, Goa, August 18, 2025: As part of the 79th Independence Day celebrations, Vedanta Sesa Goa-Iron Ore hosted the Inter-School Independence Day Quiz 2025 for high school students from Maem, Bicholim, Piligao, Mulgao, and Sirigao.

The competition saw participation from 8 enthusiastic teams, with Shri Shantadurga High School emerging as champions. Ideal High School secured second place, while Radhakrishna Vidyalaya High School finished third.

The prize distribution ceremony was graced by senior leadership from Vedanta IOG, including Dhirajkumar Jagdish (Dy CEO, IOG) and Santosh Mandrekar (Head-North & Central Cluster, IOG).

“We are delighted to witness such spirited participation from young students. Competitions like these not only celebrate our nation’s Independence but also inspire students to learn, explore, and grow with confidence,” said Dhirajkumar Jagdish, Dy CEO, Vedanta IOG.

Echoing the sentiment, Mr. Ganesh Gawde, Principal of Shri Shantadurga High School, expressed pride in his students’ achievement, calling it a reflection of their “hard work, dedication, and keen interest in learning beyond textbooks.”

The event was more than just a quiz—it was a celebration of India’s history, culture, and freedom struggle, while instilling values of teamwork, integrity, and national pride.

Vedanta Sesa Goa reiterated its commitment to nurturing young talent, promoting education, and empowering communities through its various initiatives across Goa and beyond.

Social

Goa Tourism Launches Homestay & BnB Scheme to Empower Women and Boost Hinterland Tourism

Tanisha Cardozo

Porvorim, 7th August 2025: In a landmark move, Goa Tourism has launched the Homestay and Bed & Breakfast Scheme, aimed at empowering women, revitalising rural tourism, and promoting community-led travel experiences. This new scheme was unveiled by Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, alongside Tourism Minister Rohan A. Khaunte and other key dignitaries at the PAC Hall, Secretariat.

🎯 What the Scheme Offers

This enhanced scheme—originally envisioned as a policy—now provides:

  • ✅ One-time grant of ₹2,00,000 for eligible homestays
  • ✅ Marketing support & listing on Goa Tourism platforms
  • ✅ Training, exposure visits, and capacity building programs
  • ✅ Subsidised participation in domestic trade fairs
  • ✅ Gold/Silver quality classification for homestays
  • ✅ Simplified registration via http://www.goaonline.gov.in

📍 Who Can Apply?

Homestay operators in seven key talukas are eligible:
Sattari, Sanguem, Dharbandora, Bicholim, Canacona, Ponda, and Quepem

🧑‍🎓 Empowering Women, Strengthening Communities

Tourism Minister Rohan A. Khaunte highlighted that many homestays are women-led, and this scheme is designed to boost women entrepreneurship, aligning with the broader “Goa Beyond Beaches” campaign.

“This is a strong vote of confidence in community-based tourism and the women behind it,” said Khaunte.

🌏 A Vision for ‘Goa Beyond Beaches’

By promoting Goa’s interior villages, culture, and natural heritage, the scheme supports the state’s goal to diversify its tourism economy and relieve pressure on the coastal belt. Director of Tourism Kedar Naik emphasized that the scheme reflects a shift toward inclusive and regenerative tourism.

📝 How to Apply

Applicants can register online or offline, with provisions for inspections, reclassification, and compliance monitoring. The scheme is valid for five years, with potential extensions by the Department.

🚀 The Impact

The Homestay & BnB Scheme isn’t just about accommodations—it’s about:

  • Shaping a decentralized tourism model
  • Building economic independence for women
  • Creating authentic travel experiences
  • Preserving Goa’s cultural and natural heritage

🔗 Final Word

This initiative reaffirms Goa’s position as a leader in sustainable, inclusive, and future-ready tourism.

#AllycaralFeature 👒

Vedanta Sesa Goa Employee Volunteers Drive Change Through Community Empowerment ActivitiesBy Allycaral News Desk | Community

allycaralgoa

Bicholim, Goa: In a powerful display of corporate social responsibility in action, Vedanta Sesa Goa – Iron Ore Goa (IOG) recently organized a series of employee-led volunteer initiatives across the villages of Piligao, Maem, and Bicholim. These were part of the ongoing Sesa Employee Volunteerism Activity, which aims to foster long-term, impactful engagement with the communities surrounding Vedanta’s operational areas.

With leadership presence from Mr. Dhirajkumar Jagdish, Deputy CEO – IOG, the initiatives covered a wide range of community-focused activities:

  • Health & Hygiene Awareness: Targeted towards adolescent girls, these sessions aimed to improve awareness and promote positive practices.
  • Career Guidance: Conducted at Zantye Narayan College of Commerce, the session helped bridge the gap between academics and the corporate world.
  • Financial & Digital Literacy: Women from the community received valuable training to navigate modern banking and digital tools.
  • Tech Talks for Students: Designed to ignite curiosity in school-going children.
  • Football Match: A friendly game to promote physical activity and strengthen bonds with locals.

One of the event’s most heartfelt highlights was the ‘Rakhi’ stall, organized in partnership with Keshava Seva Sadhana, showcasing products handcrafted by special children. The proceeds directly supported their cause, promoting inclusive development and awareness.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Jagdish remarked,

“Employee Volunteerism is an extension of our core philosophy of giving back and staying rooted in the needs of our people.”

Echoing this spirit, Prof. Dr. Rajendra Kumbharjuvenkar, Principal of Zantye Narayan College, stated:

“It was a pleasure hosting Vedanta’s career guidance session. It bridged real-world expectations and helped students think ahead.”

Vedanta Sesa Goa continues to drive change through its multi-pronged CSR efforts, including Sesa Football Academy and Sesa Technical School, which have empowered over 2,000+ youth since 1994.

With meaningful volunteerism, the company demonstrates how industry can go beyond business — and truly become part of the community.

📸 For pictures, updates, and more, visit allycaral.com
🟢 @allycaralgoa | #CSR #Vedanta #GoaDevelopment

Events in Goa

Bicholim Taluka Legal Services Committee Observes World Day Against Trafficking in Persons

allycaralgoa

Bicholim | Goa | July 30, 2025 — To mark the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, the Bicholim Taluka Legal Services Committee organized a Legal Awareness Programme at the Library Hall, Sarvan, Bicholim. The event focused on spreading awareness about the menace of human trafficking and the importance of legal measures to combat it.

The session was graced by the presence of:

  • Hon’ble Judge Ms. Anusha G. Madkaikar, Civil Judge Junior Division and JMFC, Bicholim
  • Advocate D.G. Pal, Legal Services Panel Advocate
  • Shri Jayprakash Jankar, PSI, Bicholim Police Station
  • Advocate Divya Sawant

The dignitaries addressed the gathering, highlighting the legal remedies available for victims, the role of the judiciary and police, and the importance of community participation in eradicating trafficking.

Interactive discussions and real-life case references made the session informative and engaging for the attendees.

Such initiatives underscore the importance of legal literacy and community awareness in fighting crimes against vulnerable populations.

EduConnect

Four Students from Narayan Zantye College of Commerce Clear CMA Foundation Exam

allycaralgoa

Narayan Zantye College of Commerce, located in Bicholim, Goa, has added another feather to its cap as four of its students successfully cleared the CMA (Cost and Management Accountancy) Foundation exam. The college has been a pioneer in offering the CMA Foundation course alongside the B.Com degree for the past 20 years, giving students a valuable opportunity to build professional credentials during their undergraduate studies.

This year, 11 students enrolled in the CMA Foundation course, out of which four – Anushka Shetchawadikar, Sanika Naik, Shravani Valvaikar, and Shraddha Polji – cleared the exam and are now eligible to pursue the intermediate level of the CMA program. These students were honored during a special ceremony conducted at the college.

The event was graced by Mr. Sagun Parmekar, a former student and CMA-qualified professional, who inaugurated the current academic session of the CMA course. Also present were Principal Dr. Rajendra Kumbharjuvekar, Commerce Department Head Prof. Ramchandra Surlekar, CMA Coordinator Prof. Krupa Mayekar, and faculty member Gina Korgaonkar.

The college has a legacy of producing CMA-qualified professionals who are now working in renowned organizations across India. With expert faculty and well-structured guidance, the college continues to empower its students to pursue professional certifications alongside their academic journey.

CMA Foundation classes for the current year have now begun, and the course will be conducted in a hybrid mode, offering flexibility and convenience. Interested students can contact Prof. Krupa Mayekar during office hours for registration details.

The event was compered by Prof. Madhavi Haldankar, and a vote of thanks was delivered by Prof. Krupa Mayekar.

📢 For more updates on education success stories, visit allycaral.com