Tag: Career Counselling

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Career Counselling, Drug Abuse & Cyber Safety Awareness Session Held at T.B. Cunha Higher Secondary School

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Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

Panaji, Goa: A comprehensive awareness and guidance session on Career Counselling, Drug Abuse Prevention, and Cyber Safety was successfully organised at T.B. Cunha Higher Secondary School, Panaji, in collaboration with Antrang Foundation.



The session was conducted by PSI Sahil Warang, Police Sub-Inspector, Anjuna Police Station, and was attended by 40 students from the higher secondary section. The programme aimed to provide students with holistic guidance by integrating career planning with social awareness and safety education.

During the career counselling segment, students were encouraged to identify their strengths, set realistic goals, explore diverse career options, and cultivate discipline, self-confidence, and sound decision-making skills essential for long-term success.

A significant portion of the session was dedicated to drug abuse prevention, where students were sensitised to the harmful physical, psychological, social, and legal consequences of substance abuse. Through real-life examples and practical insights, the speaker highlighted how peer pressure, curiosity, and misinformation can lead to addiction, and stressed the importance of early awareness and strong personal values.

The cyber safety module addressed the growing digital risks faced by young people. Students were educated on safe internet practices, protection of personal data, cyber frauds, online addiction, and responsible use of social media. Emphasis was placed on avoiding the sharing of OTPs or sensitive information, thinking before clicking on links, and promptly reporting suspicious online activities.

The session witnessed active student participation, with meaningful questions and interactions reflecting their interest and awareness. Teachers and school authorities appreciated the practical, student-friendly approach adopted during the programme.

The initiative highlighted the importance of collaboration between educational institutions, social organisations, and law enforcement agencies in shaping informed, responsible, and resilient young citizens. The programme concluded on a positive note, leaving students better equipped to make informed career choices while staying safe, healthy, and law-abiding in an increasingly complex world.

EduConnect

Career Orientation Program Empowers Std. X Students at DM’s PVS S.M. Kushe Higher Secondary School, Assagao

Tanisha Cardozo

Assagao, August 19 — In a meaningful step toward student empowerment and academic readiness, DM’s PVS S.M. Kushe Higher Secondary School and Institute of Vocational Studies, Assagao, hosted a Career Orientation Program for Std. X students as part of its Golden Jubilee celebrations (2025–2026). The event was organized in collaboration with the Assagao Super School Complex and held at the Late Shri Hanumant M. Shirodkar Hall.

A total of 429 students from six local schools — Lourdes Convent High School (Saligao), St. Joseph High School (Arpora), Sacred Heart of Jesus High School (Anjuna), St. Michael’s Convent (Vagator), Sacred Heart High School (Parra), and Assagao Union High School (Assagao) — participated in the session conducted in two batches.

The program featured renowned career counsellor Mrs. Shailaja Sardesai, a certified psychometric test professional from Dishank Academy. Mrs. Sardesai offered students a comprehensive overview of various academic and vocational pathways available after Std. X, from conventional streams like science and commerce to newer, high-growth sectors such as Digital Marketing, Artificial Intelligence, and Data Analytics.

Through an engaging and interactive session, students were able to ask questions, clear doubts, and gain clarity on potential career paths suited to their interests and abilities. The program not only aimed to inform but also inspire students to think critically about their futures.

The event was graced by Vice Principal Mrs. Pratibha Chodankar, Ms. Aquillia Pereira, Convenor of the Assagao Super School Complex, and Mr. Rohan Kishor Manerkar, Convener of the Career Guidance Cell. The session began with an introduction by Mrs. Smita Kalangutkar, while Mrs. Ankita Sawant compered the event. A vote of thanks was proposed by Mr. Rohan Manerkar.

Each participating student received a certificate of participation, and structured feedback was collected to evaluate the effectiveness and impact of the session.

This initiative reflects the school’s commitment to holistic student development, ensuring that learners are not only academically prepared but also career-aware as they approach one of the most critical junctions of their academic journeys.

EduConnect

From a Goan Garage to a National Award: How Bodhami is Redefining Career Guidance in India

Tanisha Cardozo

Panaji, Goa – July 2025

In a landmark achievement for Goa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, Bodhami, an AI-powered career guidance and skilling platform, has been selected among India’s Top 30 Startups by Startup India – DPIIT, from a pool of over 200,000 startups, and awarded the National Startup Award for Rural Impact in the Access to Open Education category.

This makes Bodhami the first and only Goan startup to receive such a distinction at the national level.

🚀 Humble Roots, Bold Vision

Founded in 2018 in a small garage by Damodar Pai Patnekar, an ex-Wipro digital leader, along with IIT–IIM alumnus Ashutosh Sankar and tech architect Aarthy Vasan, Bodhami set out with a mission: to make career guidance and employability accessible, personalised, and affordable—especially for rural and underserved populations.

Damodar’s personal “trigger point” came after 15 years in corporate leadership roles when he realised that over 70% of working professionals were unhappy, and more than 55% of fresh graduates were unemployable. The problem, he believed, began with a lack of career awareness at the right time—typically classes 10 and 12.

“We asked ourselves: What if students could receive truly personalised guidance early on? What if AI could map their strengths to careers, and then help them upskill accordingly?” says Damodar.

🧠 Technology with a Purpose

Bodhami’s platform uses AI and real-world professional data to generate career paths, skill gap assessments, and learning recommendations tailored to individual users. Unlike generic counselling, Bodhami focuses on contextual, data-backed insights.

From career discovery and scholarships to corporate preparedness and job placement, Bodhami addresses the full spectrum of career building.

🌎 National & Global Impact

With its HQ in Goa and operations in over 350 Indian cities and 9 countries, Bodhami has:

  • Empowered 100,000+ students and professionals
  • Conducted 300–400 sessions yearly across India
  • Trained 700+ teachers on career counselling using its AI tool
  • Conducted state-wide career programs across 250+ schools in Goa
  • Delivered over 3,000 scholarships to underprivileged youth

It also partnered with Goa State Innovation Council (GSInC) to launch Innovation Test, a first-of-its-kind initiative in the state.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Bodhami’s recognitions include:

  • National Startup Award – Rural Impact (Open Education)
  • SKOCH Award for rural development
  • Tally MSME Champions of Change
  • IT Educator Award – Govt. of Goa
  • Selected for India–Sweden Innovation Day, VivaTech Paris, SCO Startup Showcase, and INFINITY – Indo-French startup exchange

Recognised by Asia Pacific Career Development Association (APCDA) and IAAP

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Powered by People

Bodhami is built by a lean core team of 10 professionals working remotely, and supported by:

  • 5,000+ certified counsellors
  • 200+ franchise partners
  • 100+ global affiliates

Together, this ecosystem ensures that career guidance reaches even the remotest students in India.

🌱 A Message for Future Entrepreneurs

“If someone from a remote Goan village can build a national award-winning platform, then anyone with commitment and passion can do it,” Damodar shares.
“Entrepreneurship teaches what textbooks can’t—resilience, empathy, and purpose.”

Bodhami’s journey is more than a startup story—it’s a movement for a better future, where every student has the guidance and tools to build a career they love.

📍 Headquartered in Goa
🏆 India’s Top 30 Startups – Startup India
🌍 Reach: 350+ cities | 9 countries
🎯 Mission: Empower 10 million lives in 5 years

EduConnect

Goa Rolls Out Career Navigator-2025 to Guide School Students Towards a Brighter Future

allycaralgoa

Written by Tanisha Cardozo

In a landmark move towards improving educational outcomes and career readiness among youth, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant formally launched the Goa Career Navigator-2025, a comprehensive career counselling program designed for students of Classes 9 to 12 across the state.

The launch ceremony, held in Panaji, was hosted by the Goa State Council of Educational Research and Training (GSCERT) in partnership with UNOCUE and Pro Edutech LLP. Senior officials from the state’s education ecosystem, including Shri Shailesh Zingde (Director of Education), Shri Bhushan Savoikar (Director of Higher Education), Smt. Meghana Shetgaonkar (Director, GSCERT), Shri Vivek Kamat (Director of Technical Education), and Shri Dhaval Gandhi from UNOCUE, attended the launch and shared their vision for the initiative.

The Goa Career Navigator-2025 is designed to empower students with tailored guidance based on their personal interests, aptitudes, and career aspirations. With a strong foundation in psychometric testing and expert counselling, the program helps students explore academic and vocational paths that align with their strengths.

“Career guidance is essential in today’s fast-changing world,” said Dr. Pramod Sawant at the event. “This initiative will ensure our students are not only informed but also confident in planning their futures. The government is committed to providing such innovative support systems to our youth.”

The pilot phase of the program has already been implemented in the Tiswadi taluka, where students have begun receiving personalised career counselling. The program is set to expand across all talukas in a phased manner, ensuring equitable access for thousands of students in both rural and urban areas.

By bridging the gap between education and employability, Goa Career Navigator-2025 is poised to reshape the state’s academic landscape and create a more prepared, skilled, and motivated generation of learners.

This initiative complements other student-centric policies of the Goa Government, reflecting its progressive stance on youth development, skill-building, and inclusive growth.

EduConnect

Career Guidance Program in Chartered Accountancy, Banking, and Finance Held at Narayan Zantye College of Commerce

allycaralgoa

A career guidance program in chartered accountancy, banking, and finance was organized by Narayan Zantye College of Commerce, Bicholim, in association with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), Goa Chapter, Panaji, Goa. The program, held on March 28, 2025, aimed to provide career counseling to higher secondary and college students.

Inauguration and Keynote Speakers
The inauguration ceremony was graced by CA Vishwanath Bhobe, President of ICAI Goa Branch, who highlighted the importance of chartered accountancy, banking, and finance as a career option. The resource persons for the program were CA Mitali Talwadkar and CA Pradnya Bhat, who shared their expertise and experiences in the field.

Dignitaries and Organizers
The program was attended by several dignitaries, including Principal Dr. Rajendra Kumbharjuvenkar, Vice Principal Dr. Rajesh Amonkar, and Prof. Nayana Sail, who was the convenor of the program. Dr. Pravin Sawant welcomed the guests and participants, while Miss. Madhavi op pp compered the program. Prof. Nayana Sail proposed the vote of thanks.

Student Participation
A total of 95 students from higher secondary and college levels participated in the career counseling program, which provided them with valuable insights and guidance on pursuing a career in chartered accountancy, banking, and finance.

Objective of the Program
The program aimed to create awareness among students about the career opportunities available in chartered accountancy, banking, and finance. It also provided a platform for students to interact with professionals in the field and gain a better understanding of the career requirements and prospects.