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International

Goans in New York Come Together to Celebrate Feast of St Francis Xavier

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral International Desk

The New York Goan Association’s annual celebration of the Feast of St Francis Xavier was held on December 7 at St Luke’s Church Hall in Whitestone, New York, bringing together over 130 members of the Goan and Indian community in a vibrant expression of faith, culture and togetherness.

The day began with a well-attended Holy Mass that set a reverent and reflective tone for the celebrations. Following the Mass, members and guests gathered at the Church Hall, which was beautifully decorated by the association’s committee, creating a warm and festive atmosphere.

Guests were welcomed with an array of appetisers including chicken lollipops, vegetable spring rolls, kebabs and haryali chicken. The programme was set in motion by Master of Ceremonies Valerian Rodrigues, who opened the event with the traditional Goan March. New York Goan Association President Abigail Couto then addressed the gathering, thanking sponsors, members and committee volunteers for their dedication. She highlighted the association’s ongoing work in New York and India, noting that proceeds from the raffle baskets would support charitable initiatives in Goa, Mumbai and Nashik, including orphanages, homes for the aged and hospices.

Music and entertainment kept the celebrations lively, with DJ Evette providing foot-tapping tracks alongside live performances. A special highlight for younger members was the arrival of Santa Claus, continuing a cherished tradition that brought joy and excitement to the children. The feast cake was cut amidst the singing of the traditional feast song, adding to the sense of shared heritage.

The audience was also treated to melodious performances by young singing talent Leanne Rodrigues and by Joey, whose songs added a special charm to the afternoon. Lunch featured a generous spread of Goan, Indian and Portuguese cuisine, catered by Spice Symphony, The Order and O Lavrador, complemented by a signature salad prepared by a committee member. Traditional sorpotel, made and sponsored by The Order, was enjoyed with sannas, while the menu also included seafood paella, Peruvian chicken, chana masala, fish curry, lomein and more. Wines for the event were sponsored by the New York Wine Exchange and the Couto family.

The event was coordinated entirely by the New York Goan Association committee, whose members reiterated that keeping the spirit of Goemkarponn alive in New York and bringing families together remains central to the association’s mission. The celebration stood as a reminder that even far from home, Goan traditions, faith and community continue to thrive.

Finance

GCCI Submits Pre-Budget Memorandum for Union Budget 2026-27

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry has submitted its comprehensive Pre-Budget Memorandum for the Union Budget 2026–27, putting forward a wide range of recommendations to strengthen India’s tax and regulatory landscape. The Chamber emphasises that a simpler, more predictable and business-friendly system is essential for improving ease of doing business and sustaining long-term economic growth. The memorandum highlights the increasing complexity of TDS and TCS provisions, noting that over fifty withholding categories with varying thresholds and rates have created a heavy compliance burden for businesses and individuals. GCCI suggests consolidation of these provisions into fewer, standardised categories, coupled with a PAN-based reporting model, higher thresholds and lower deduction rates. It also proposes the introduction of a digital Tax Wallet to make payments and adjustments easier, much like the existing GST cash ledger.

The Chamber also stresses the need to incentivise compliant taxpayers. By prioritising faster processing of returns and refunds for those with strong compliance histories, and by reducing automated notices for such taxpayers, the government can reinforce a culture of voluntary compliance. GCCI also calls for renewed support for innovation, including reinstating the 200% weighted deduction for in-house R&D, especially vital for pharmaceutical, biotech and deep-tech industries where risk and gestation periods are high. To further boost investment and employment, particularly in Goa, GCCI urges the continuation of the 15% concessional corporate tax rate for new manufacturing units, extending eligibility until 2030.

Recognising the need for simpler tax return processes, GCCI recommends a fully integrated filing portal, dynamic ITR forms that activate relevant sections based on taxpayer inputs, extensive pre-filling using AIS/TIS data, and reduced duplication of information already submitted to agencies like GST or MCA. It also suggests creating dedicated annexures for special cases, including returns involving Goan residents governed by Section 10 (formerly Section 5A) under the Portuguese Civil Code, foreign asset disclosures, and corporate restructurings. The Chamber proposes that individual taxpayers should only fall under the 30% tax bracket beyond an annual income of ₹25 lakh and advocates for rationalising cesses and surcharges to create a clean, transparent rate structure. It also recommends extending Section 80TTA to include all types of deposit interest and raising the limit to ₹25,000, as well as allowing deductions for donations even under the new tax regime.

MSME reforms form a significant part of the memorandum, including the introduction of a Company Law and LLP Settlement Scheme for 2025, flexibility in presumptive taxation, presumptive options for LLPs, tax neutrality for LLP reorganisations and more practical deadlines for filing returns. GCCI stresses that the current ITR due dates for non-audit cases create challenges due to late population of TDS and SFT data, and therefore recommends fixing 31 August as the final deadline. It also calls for allowing carry-forward of losses even in belated or updated returns, reducing additional tax on updated returns and extending the filing window to all permissible reassessment years.

Addressing litigative issues, GCCI highlights problems such as delays in refund issuance for AY 2025–26, lack of clarity around CSR deductions and inconsistent treatment of employees’ PF/ESIC contributions. It appeals for statutory timelines for CIT(A) decisions, clearer internal SOPs for refund scrutiny, parity in interest computation on refunds and payments, and amendments to ensure interest on delayed TDS deposits is calculated only for the actual period of delay. For co-operative societies, GCCI urges CBDT to issue a circular clarifying that interest earned on deposits with co-operative banks qualifies for deduction under Section 80P(2)(d), helping resolve long-standing disputes and preventing unnecessary litigation.

Through these recommendations, GCCI aims to strengthen investor confidence, reduce administrative friction, support innovation, and boost economic activity across sectors, especially MSMEs, manufacturing and high-value industries. The memorandum reflects the Chamber’s vision for a more transparent, efficient and growth-oriented policy environment as India prepares for the Union Budget 2026–27.

Events in Goa

Kei Ishikawa Brings A Pale View of Hills to Life at the 56th IFFI, Goa

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Japanese director Kei Ishikawa captivated audiences and media at the 56th International Film Festival of India in Goa as he presented his second directorial work, A Pale View of Hills, showcased as part of the festival’s special segment, Country Focus: Japan. The curated selection highlights the richness and evolution of contemporary Japanese cinema, offering an expansive range of genres from intimate dramas to ambitious experimental narratives. Ishikawa expressed his delight at visiting India for the first time and spoke about the profound connection he felt with the novel by Nobel laureate Kazuo Ishiguro, upon which the film is based. He reflected on the difficulty of portraying the emotional landscape of a period he did not live through—post-war Japan—and shared that discovering Ishiguro’s novel gave him the direction and confidence he needed to tell the story authentically.

The film follows a young Japanese-British writer who seeks to uncover the truth of her mother Etsuko’s past in Nagasaki, years after the trauma of her elder daughter’s suicide. Etsuko’s memories drift back to 1952, when she was expecting her first child and formed a complicated bond with Sachiko, a woman determined to leave Japan with her daughter Mariko. The fragments of memory and troubling inconsistencies that emerge as the daughter pieces together her mother’s past form the emotional core of the narrative. Ishikawa explained that he was drawn to the story not only for its connection to the atomic bomb but for its nuanced portrayal of women living through different eras, each navigating loss, change, and identity in deeply personal ways.

He also spoke about his decision to write the screenplay himself and to edit the film, describing editing as the final phase of writing. The film’s multinational production—spanning Japan, the UK, and Poland—brought diverse perspectives on how the story should conclude. British producers leaned toward a more definitive ending, while Polish collaborators preferred a subtler, less explicit resolution. Ishikawa acknowledged that the Japanese viewpoint fell somewhere in between, and he appreciated the collaborative discussions that ultimately shaped what he believes is the most fitting ending for the film. His experience creating A Pale View of Hills reflects both a deep respect for Ishiguro’s literary work and a commitment to exploring the emotional truths that lie beneath memory and silence.

Fit & Fabulous

Sonam Kapoor Stuns in Vintage Princess Diana–Inspired Pink Suit for Chic Pregnancy Reveal

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Bollywood actress and style icon Sonam Kapoor recently made a show-stopping pregnancy announcement, and true to her fashion-forward persona, she did it in a way that had the fashion world talking. The actor, currently in the UAE for work, revealed her second pregnancy at an event hosted by luxury watch brand Audemars Piguet, dressed in a Barbie-pink vintage suit that could easily be mistaken for a modern masterpiece. Styled by her sister and stylist Rhea Kapoor, Sonam’s ensemble paid homage to none other than the late Princess Diana, who herself was celebrated for her impeccable sense of style and iconic power dressing.

The suit, designed by Margaretha Ley in 1988 for the German fashion house Escada, is a tailored skirt suit in pure wool, featuring oversized padded shoulders, large black buttons, and a black pocket square. Its silhouette and detailing mirror the elegance and authority that Princess Diana carried in public appearances between 1988 and 1990. Sonam completed the look with sheer black stockings and YSL black pointed-toe kitten heels, while accessorizing with a black Escada clutch with gold hardware and minimal gold jewelry, including thick hooped earrings and gold rings on both hands. Oversized black sunglasses added a modern edge, proving that vintage fashion can feel contemporary and bold when styled thoughtfully.

The actor’s Instagram post announcing her pregnancy was met with adoration from fans and celebrities alike. Her husband, Anand Ahuja, affectionately commented “double trouble” and “Baby ma.. also chicccccc mama!” while her mother, Sunita Kapoor, and friends from the industry showered love in the comments. This chic and deliberate fashion choice underscores Sonam’s position as a trendsetter, blending timeless fashion with personal milestones.

Sonam Kapoor, who previously welcomed son Vayu in 2022, continues to inspire with her sartorial choices, demonstrating that pregnancy style can be both glamorous and empowered. With this Princess Diana–inspired announcement, Sonam has reinforced her reputation as one of Bollywood’s most fearless and influential fashion icons.

Social

Udant Honors Six Goan Icons on International Men’s Day, Celebrates the Spirit of Positive Masculinity

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Udant marked International Men’s Day with an inspiring celebration that brought together distinguished achievers, dignitaries, artists, and well-wishers in an evening dedicated to honoring the evolving narrative of masculinity. The event emphasized that true strength lies not in dominance but in empathy, kindness, and the courage to remain authentic. The program commenced with the traditional Lighting of the Lamp by Chief Guest Mrs. Smita Patil, Chairperson of CII IWN, the Guest of Honor Capt. Rajesh Yadav—recently crowned Mr. India 2025 in the Senior Category—alongside former awardees and the Udant organizing team. Their collective presence gave the evening a solemn yet uplifting beginning. Children from the Udant Centre set an emotional tone for the evening with a heartfelt welcome song, followed by a warm musical interlude by young guitarist Master Mathias, whose performance received enthusiastic applause.

The atmosphere grew more celebratory as Udant felicitated six remarkable Goan icons whose dedication and achievements have significantly shaped Goa’s cultural and social identity. Mr. Vinayak Khedekar was honored for his lifelong work as an eminent writer and folklorist, preserving the essence of Goan tradition through his insightful research and literary brilliance. Mr. Damodar Mauzo, an acclaimed author known for his fearless storytelling, was recognized for his monumental contribution to literature and his ability to portray the soul of Goa with striking authenticity. Mr. Siddhant Mulgaonkar Patil received the award for Inspirational Spirit, a testament to his resilience and commitment to transforming personal struggle into purposeful expression through writing and thought leadership.

Filmmaker and digital creator Mr. Mario Pimenta was celebrated for his innovative storytelling and ability to reach and inspire audiences across borders through social media. Dr. Pravin Gaonkar was recognized for his pivotal role as an Indian Classical Musician and educator, committed to nurturing young talents and preserving rich musical traditions. Acclaimed fashion visionary Mr. Praveen Saldanha, known as Monty Sally, was honored for his creative excellence in transforming narratives into distinctive couture, making a notable mark in the world of fashion.

The evening also witnessed the presence of former awardees, including renowned musician and composer Mr. Roque Lazarus and ace fashion photographer Mr. Prasad Pankar, whose attendance reaffirmed the lasting bond between Udant and the individuals it has honored over the years. Their presence added depth and continuity to the event’s spirit of mentorship and community. As the evening drew to a close, Mrs. Rahila Khan delivered a heartfelt Vote of Thanks, expressing gratitude to the dignitaries, awardees, performers, and guests who contributed to making the occasion truly memorable. The program concluded with a soulful performance by Scully Patricia Fernandes, leaving the audience with a lingering sense of joy, reflection, and appreciation.

Guests ended the evening with refreshments generously sponsored by Taj Cidade de Goa and Taj Vivanta Panjim, along with tea and vadas prepared by the chefs of Ddhyana – the wellness centre. The celebration not only honored outstanding individuals but also reaffirmed Udant’s commitment to fostering positive masculinity and recognizing those who uplift society with creativity, compassion, and courage.