Goa Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, addressing devotees during Margao’s Dindi Festival, called upon the young generation of Goa to imbibe and live by the values of Sant Muktabai, known for her teachings of humility, devotion, and selflessness.
Dr. Sawant observed that despite the challenges of today’s digital era, the large turnout of youth at the festival reflected Goa’s deep spiritual roots and its continued reverence for traditional values. He emphasized that devotion to Lord Vittal of Pandharpur is not confined to Maharashtra alone, as Goa too has a vibrant community of followers who express their faith through cultural and devotional celebrations such as the Dindi.
The Chief Minister further assured that his government would extend every possible support required for the smooth organization and promotion of the festival, recognizing it as an integral part of the state’s spiritual and cultural identity.
The Dindi Festival in Margao, celebrated with traditional bhajans, processions, and devotional gatherings, continues to serve as a reminder of the region’s shared heritage and the enduring legacy of saints like Sant Muktabai, who inspired generations to live a life of compassion and devotion.
Parul University is set to mark a major milestone in Goa’s higher education landscape with the inauguration of its new campus near ONGC Betul in Quepem on September 18. The campus represents a significant step in making quality, industry-relevant education more accessible to Goan students, offering a broad range of modern and technical courses including physiotherapy, health sciences, pharmacy, and more.
Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant will officially inaugurate the campus, while Health Minister Vishwajit Rane will preside over the student oath-taking ceremony. The inauguration event is scheduled to be held at 10 am at the Kala Academy auditorium in Panaji, in the presence of dignitaries, university officials, faculty, and students.
Parul University has emphasized that the Goa campus is equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure and aims to create a strong academic ecosystem rooted in innovation and industry engagement. The university’s expansion into Goa is part of a broader commitment to bridging the educational gap and ensuring that students do not need to leave the state to access world-class learning opportunities.
As the state continues to invest in education and infrastructure, the arrival of Parul University’s Goa campus adds to the growing momentum of institutions that are helping shape the future of youth in the region.
PM SHRI Government High School Morpirla has been honored with the prestigious “Mhaji Lab, Bari Lab” Best ICT Lab Award in Category A, marking a significant milestone in its journey toward educational innovation. The award was presented during the Chief Minister’s Vashistha Guru Puraskar ceremony and Teachers’ Day celebration held at Kala Academy, Panjim. It was handed over by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant, in recognition of the school’s exceptional efforts in developing and maintaining a top-tier Information and Communication Technology (ICT) laboratory.
This national-level recognition carries a cash prize of ₹2 lakhs, which will be utilized to further enhance the school’s ICT infrastructure. PM SHRI GHS Morpirla’s lab was selected based on its innovative use of technology, integration of digital tools in everyday teaching, and its strong focus on skill development among students, particularly those from tribal communities.
The school’s success in securing this award highlights its dedication to promoting inclusive and future-ready education. With the Mhaji Lab Bari Lab award, PM SHRI GHS Morpirla sets a benchmark for other institutions across the country striving for excellence in technology-driven learning. The recognition not only celebrates the current achievements of the school but also motivates its teachers and students to continue pushing the boundaries of educational innovation.
In a move that signals Goa’s shift toward future-ready education, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant has announced the introduction of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a formal part of the curriculum in both schools and colleges across the state.
This initiative aims to equip students with 21st-century skills that are becoming increasingly crucial in today’s tech-driven world. Goa is among the first Indian states to take such a bold step.
At the heart of this initiative is the creation of a dedicated AI Council, which will:
Design updated syllabi tailored to evolving industry demands
Oversee teacher training in AI tools and practices
Promote student-led AI projects
Collaborate with industry leaders and research institutions
Support and incubate AI-based startups from young innovators
CM Sawant emphasized the importance of preparing youth for global digital transformation. “We want students from Goa to not just be job-seekers, but creators and innovators. AI education will empower them to lead in the future tech economy,” he stated.
This move aligns with national priorities like Digital India, Atmanirbhar Bharat, and Skilling India, positioning Goa at the forefront of tech-education reforms.
Beyond the syllabus, this is a systemic shift in mindset — encouraging critical thinking, problem-solving, and entrepreneurial spirit from a young age.
By integrating AI into mainstream education, Goa is setting a benchmark for innovation, inclusivity, and adaptability in India’s education landscape.
As the AI Council begins its work, educational institutions across Goa will see significant upgrades in digital infrastructure, teacher capabilities, and learning outcomes.
With this initiative, Goa aims not just to keep pace with global trends, but to lead India’s charge into a technologically empowered future.
Chief Minister, Dr. Pramod Sawant today announced that Goa State Film Festival themed on 75 Years of Goan Cinema, will be held from August 14 to 17, 2025.
Vice-Chairperson of Entertainment Society of Goa, Delilah Lobo, CEO of ESG Asvin Chandru, IAS, General Body Member of ESG, Sharmad Raiturkar were also present at the press conference.
The four-day festival comprises 10th, 11th and 12th editions of Goa State Film Festival and will be organised in association with Department of Information and Publicity.
The 10th edition will showcase the films made from 1st January 2018 to 31st Dec 2019. The 11th edition will pertain to 1st January 2020 to 31st December 2021 films, while the 12th edition will have the films made from 1st January 2022 to 31st December 2023.
The inaugural ceremony will be held on 14th August 2025 and closing ceremony will be on 17th August 2025.
The movie screenings will take place in Maquinez Palace theatre and Inox, Panaji. Various workshops, In-Conversation sessions, Market Interactions, Knowledge series and Information segments will be the part of this festival.
The festival, which will showcase Goan regional language movies in Konkani and Marathi languages, will be screening in 2 categories – •Feature Films will have two sections – Konkani and Marathi separately •Non-Feature films will have a combined section for Konkani and Marathi languages.
The feature film should have minimum running time of 70 minutes while non-feature films should have a minimum running time of 5 minutes and maximum time of less than 70 minutes. Films of which a minimum of 15% on screen artist and 15% main technicians must be of Goan origin or having at least 15 years domicile in the State of Goa (further details are available on http://www.esg.co.in). All films should have Censor Certificate and with subtitles in English.
Submission of films for the competition section of Goa State Film Festival, will start from 17th June 2025 and the last date of submission of the forms is 7th July 2025.
Awards in the Feature Films section:
Best Film First Prize Rs. 500000 Second Prize Rs. 300000
Best Direction First Prize Rs. 50000 Second Prize Rs. 35000
Best Actor Rs. 25000
Best Actress Rs. 25000
Best Sup. Actor Rs. 25000
Best Sup. Actress Rs. 25000
Best Child Artiste Rs. 25000
Best Story Rs. 25000
Best Screenplay Rs. 25000
Best Dialogues Rs. 25000
Best Lyrics Rs. 25000
Best Music Director Rs. 25000
Best Playback Singer (male) Rs. 25000
Best Playback Singer (female) Rs. 25000
Best Cinematography Rs. 25000
Best Editor Rs. 25000
Best Audiography Rs. 25000
Best Art Director Rs. 25000
Best Costume Designer Rs. 25000
Awards in the Non-Feature Films section:
1.Best Non-Feature Film (Two awards as under) Fiction Rs. 100000 Non-Fiction Rs. 100000
Other awards for Non-Feature Films:
Best Cinematography Rs. 25000
Best Audiography Rs. 25000
Best Editing Rs. 25000
Best Music Direction Rs. 25000
Best Theme Rs. 20000
Meanwhile, there is new feature that is set to delight the aspiring filmmakers and enthusiasts at the upcoming film festival. ESG has mooted a short film-making competition during pre-festival period.
The topic for the film will be given during festival and the movie-makers will have to submit their films in 48 hours after the topic is announced. Selected films will also be screened during the festival.
Awards for Short film competition: Best Film – First place Rs 25000 & 2nd place Rs 20000 Best Cinematographer – Rs. 15000 Best Editor – Rs. 15000 Best Director – Rs 15000 Best Actor (Male) – Rs 15000 Best Actor (female) – Rs 15000
