Tag: Community Building

EduConnect

Building Roots: Tambdi Maati’s First Workshop Unites Youth Through Bamboo and Tradition

Tanisha Cardozo

Tambdi Maati Foundation (TMF), a grassroots initiative rooted in the Konkan region, held its first community-centric natural building workshop — titled ‘Map and Build Together’ — on August 30th and 31st, 2025, at the scenic Chafekhol plateau in Malvan.

The workshop brought together young architects, architecture students, and local participants to co-create a temporary bamboo structure while immersing themselves in the natural landscape, local knowledge, and shared purpose.

TMF, which stands for ‘Red Earth’ in Konkani, is the brainchild of three individuals representing different parts of the Konkan region: Tallulah Dsilva (Goa), a long-time advocate of sustainable architecture; Ahana Rao (Gokarna), a passionate architect working with natural materials; and Omkar Keni (Malvan), an advocate focused on land rights and ecological justice.

Together, they envision TMF as a platform that preserves and promotes traditional building wisdom, fosters skill-building among youth, and creates livelihood opportunities rooted in ecological and cultural sensitivity.

At the heart of the workshop was the experience of building with bamboo—a material known for its resilience, renewability, and cultural significance in the region. More than just learning structural techniques, participants were exposed to mapping landscapes, reading ecological cues, and understanding how built spaces can respond sensitively to place and people.

The impact was deeply personal. Rahuman Khalil, an architecture intern from Coimbatore, reflected:

“During our extensive walk on the plateau, I observed that the boundaries of three villages were marked simply by stones, showing that people living on the land built a living community, not dead boundaries.”

Kaniksha Bandodkar, an architect from Goa, shared:

“Building a bamboo structure for the community was a rewarding experience that not only showcased the versatility of sustainable materials but also brought people together, fostering a sense of unity and pride in our shared space.”

This was more than a workshop. It was a living classroom, a reimagining of architectural education outside conventional spaces, and a glimpse into what the future of community-led, sustainable design can look like.

With this successful beginning, TMF is laying the foundation for a larger movement — one that connects artisans, professionals, and youth across the Konkan belt to reclaim and reimagine the region’s architectural legacy.

EduConnect

St. John of the Cross High School Celebrates 60 Glorious Years with Inter-School “Ghumat Arti” Competition

Tanisha Cardozo

Sanquelim, Goa – A milestone worth celebrating, St. John of the Cross High School marked its 60th anniversary — six decades of unwavering commitment to education, values, and cultural preservation. To commemorate this historic occasion, the school hosted an Inter-School Ghumat Arti Competition, inviting participation from schools across Bicholim and Sattari Taluka.

The Ghumat Arti, a treasured form of Goan devotional music performed using the traditional clay percussion instrument Ghumat, brought a soulful vibrance to the celebration. The competition served as a dynamic platform for students to not only showcase their talent but also immerse themselves in Goan cultural heritage.

The inter-school format of the event fostered collaboration, camaraderie, and healthy competition among students. Schools from Bicholim and Sattari came together under one roof, promoting the spirit of togetherness, artistic expression, and cultural appreciation.

Why It Mattered:

  • Cultural Preservation: The event beautifully upheld Goan tradition through music and devotion.
  • Youth Empowerment: Students stepped out of their comfort zones, built confidence, and expressed themselves through performance.
  • Community Building: Schools and students connected across regions, forging lasting bonds beyond the classroom.

The school community — teachers, students, alumni, and parents — came together in joyous celebration, reflecting on decades of dedication, achievement, and impact.

“Sixty years of dedication, countless memories, and an enduring legacy. Congratulations to the entire school community!”

With events like these, St. John of the Cross High School continues to empower young minds through a holistic blend of academics, culture, and values — staying true to its mission as an institution of excellence.