Tag: Chicalim Bio-Crusaders

Human Interest

Chicalim Bio-Crusaders Launch Website Showcasing Goa’s Rich Biodiversity and Cultural Heritage

allycaralgoa

CHICALIM, GOA – June 8, 2025
In a landmark moment for grassroots environmental and cultural advocacy in Goa, the Chicalim Bio-Crusaders officially launched their new website at a vibrant function held at Chicalim. The digital platform, developed with the aim of preserving and promoting Goa’s biodiversity, folklore, and village heritage, marks a significant step forward in community-driven conservation and education.

The event was graced by Mr. Daniel D’Souza, President of the Botanical Society of Goa, as Chief Guest, and Mr. Jack Mascarenhas, President of Goyche Fudle Pilghe Khatir (GFPK), as Guest of Honour. They were joined by Mr. Cyril A. Fernandes, President of the Chicalim Bio-Crusaders, and Adv. Fr. Micael A. Fernandes, General Secretary of the group.

🌍 A Digital Archive of Goa’s Natural and Cultural Wealth

Unveiling the website, Mr. Cyril Fernandes highlighted the rich and diverse content it houses. From the biodiversity of Chicalim, Dabolim, and St. Jacinto Island, to village history, heritage landmarks, and hidden natural treasures, the platform offers a virtual gateway into the heart of Goa’s lesser-known wonders.

A standout feature is the digital archive of Konkani riddles collected and featured in the group’s popular contest ‘Parkonnem – Kitem Tem Sang’, now made accessible to the global Goan diaspora at the click of a button.

Also featured are traditional Goan folk dances such as Fuggdi, Dhalo, Zagor, Kunbbi Naach, Dhangar Naach, Divli Naach, Mando, and Morulo, along with visual content on local fauna and flora—including wild animals, birds, butterflies, fishes, and a vibrant collection of wildflowers photographed and documented by Bio-Crusader members over the past three years.

“This is more than a website; it’s a living library of Goa’s soul,” said Fernandes.

🎓 A Learning Tool for Students and a Resource for All

The primary goal of the platform is to offer Goan students a ready reference to support school projects, ecological awareness, and cultural knowledge. The launch was symbolically officiated by students Miss Leanne Viegas of St. Andrew’s School (ICSE) and Master Divesh C. Kalangutkar, who were given the honor of being the first to access the site.

“I feel lucky to be the first student to explore this beautiful website. It’s so colourful and full of interesting things about Goa,” said Leanne.

🌟 Guest Speakers Praise the Initiative

Mr. Daniel D’Souza lauded the Bio-Crusaders’ commitment, stating that this might be the first village group in Goa to create such a comprehensive digital archive. He encouraged other communities to follow this proactive model of environmental and cultural preservation.

Echoing the sentiment, Mr. Jack Mascarenhas of GFPK emphasized that the site provides a unique opportunity for Goans of all ages to reconnect with their roots, observe local species, and cherish traditional knowledge—an effort commendably initiated not by institutions, but by the community itself.

“When local people take charge of preserving their biodiversity, the impact is lasting. This is Goa showing the way forward,” he said.

📈 A Growing Movement Since 2018

Adv. Fr. Micael Fernandes, General Secretary, opened the function with a comprehensive review of the Chicalim Bio-Crusaders’ journey since their formation in 2018. From organizing eco-walks to cultural contests and biodiversity documentation, the group has steadily grown into one of Goa’s most respected grassroots conservation movements.

The evening was elegantly compered by Mrs. Cynthia D’Souza Silveira, and a warm vote of thanks was delivered by Mrs. Vinny Fernandes, who expressed gratitude to all guests, participants, and service providers for supporting the group’s latest milestone.

View the website on https://www.chicalimbiocrusaders.com

EduConnect

Goa’s Rich Heritage Leaves Students in Awe

allycaralgoa

In a bid to educate students about Goa’s fascinating history and heritage, Presentation Convent Higher Secondary School, Fatorda, organized a field trip to various heritage sites in Quepem and Sanguem talukas. The excursion, which was part of their studies and assignment, left the students astounded and enlightened.

Seventy-seven students and nine teaching staff, led by their history teacher Sr. Zinia Caeiro, visited several sites, including two Buddhist caves in Rivona, Usgalimol Rock Art site, Kajur Petroglyph, Paik Dev Temple, the tribal Maand, and the Bubbling Lake at Netravali.

The trip was facilitated by Chicalim Bio-Crusaders, a organization dedicated to preserving Goa’s history and heritage. Mr. Cyril A. Fernandes, President of Chicalim Bio-Crusaders, accompanied the students and shared his vast knowledge of Goa’s history and heritage.

The students were particularly fascinated by the rock art carvings at Usgalimol. Miss Shane Pasha, a student, was “literally dazed” by the ancient art and appealed to her fellow students to visit the site and learn about the contributions of their ancestors.

The students also gained valuable insights into the history and practices of the tribals. They were shown the “Baska” or the Maand, where the tribal heads or “Budvont” would sit and deliberate on the day-to-day affairs of their people.

Miss Stephnie Fernandes, another student, expressed her satisfaction with the learning experience. “It was the first time I heard about the Kajur Petroglyph or the tribal Maand and Paik Dev,” she said.

The final visit was to the Bubbling pond (Budbudeanchi Tolli) at Netravali, where the students enthusiastically participated in clapping and observing the reaction of the claps in the form of bubbles emanating from under the pond water.

History Teacher Sr. Zinia Carneiro expressed her gratitude to Chicalim Bio-Crusaders and Mr. Cyril A. Fernandes for facilitating the trip and sharing their knowledge with the students.

This field trip was a unique opportunity for the students to explore and learn about Goa’s rich heritage. It not only enhanced their knowledge but also instilled in them a sense of pride and appreciation for the state’s history and culture.