Tag: Community Engagement

Events in Goa

National Petalists Day Celebrated in Goa, Marking 10 Years of Inclusive Livelihoods for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities

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Written by Intern Rency Gomes | Team Allycaral 

Goa | Craftizen Foundation celebrated National Petalists Day in Goa at the Museum of Goa, marking 10 years of the Petalists Livelihood Programme — a pioneering initiative that enables adults with intellectual disabilities to engage in meaningful, creative livelihoods.


The event brought together Petalists, partner organisations, caregivers, educators, and government representatives to celebrate a decade of collaboration, creativity, and inclusion. National Petalists Day is envisioned as a two-month celebration that began on December 3, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, and continues with events across Bengaluru, Pune, Lucknow, Hyderabad, and Goa, highlighting the abilities, talents, and contributions of adults with intellectual disabilities.

Launched in 2016, the Petalists Livelihood Programme focuses on creating structured and dignified livelihood opportunities through craft-based work. Across vocational centres, Petalists create handcrafted products using recycled temple flowers and other craft forms, combining therapeutic engagement with skill development and income pathways. Over the past decade, the programme has grown into one of India’s largest collaborative livelihood models in the disability sector, supporting more than 3,000 adults with intellectual disabilities across 100+ partner organisations in 11 states.

In Goa, the programme has created sustained livelihood opportunities through strong partnerships with local organisations, trainers, and caregivers. These collaborations have enabled adults with intellectual disabilities to participate meaningfully in creative work while building confidence, skills, and social inclusion.

The Goa celebration was graced by Varsha Naik, Director, Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Government of Goa, as Chief Guest, along with Taha Haaziq, Secretary, Goa State Commission for Persons with Disabilities. Their presence highlighted the importance of institutional support in strengthening inclusive livelihood ecosystems.

Other dignitaries and special guests included Prakash Kamat, senior journalist and social worker; Avelino de Sa, Founder and President, Disability Rights Association of Goa (DRAG); Mayura Balasubramanian, Founder and CEO, Craftizen Foundation; Vineet Saraiwala, Founder, Atypical Advantage; and Kumaraswamy, Director – Livelihoods, Craftizen Foundation. Leaders from partner organisations, parents, caregivers, trainers, and Petalists were also present.

A key highlight of the event was the active participation of Petalists, caregivers, and partner organisations, who shared their journeys and experiences with the programme. Creative group activities, artisan engagement, and a celebratory cake-cutting marked the milestone, reinforcing the inclusive and participatory spirit of National Petalists Day.

Aligned with International Flower Day on January 19, National Petalists Day is envisioned as a month-long national movement rather than a single-day event. The 2026 campaign began with an online launch on December 3 and continues with celebrations across Hyderabad, Goa, Lucknow, Pune, and Bengaluru.

Speaking at the event, Mayura Balasubramanian expressed gratitude to partner organisations whose continued commitment has enabled the programme to scale and sustain its impact over the past decade.

The Goa celebration concluded with closing remarks by Kumaraswamy and Sagarika Prabhu Gaonkar, Zonal Manager – Goa, Craftizen Foundation, who thanked the Petalists, partners, caregivers, and guests, reaffirming Craftizen’s belief that inclusive livelihoods thrive through collaboration, shared ownership, and community engagement.

Events in Goa

NoMoZo 7.0 Turns Porvorim into a Living Showcase of Sustainable Innovation

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Transforming Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Marg into a vibrant, people-centric public space, the seventh edition of NoMoZo (No-Motor Zone) was held in Porvorim on Sunday, January 11, 2026. The annual initiative once again demonstrated how reduced vehicular movement, community participation and innovation can reimagine urban living in a more sustainable and inclusive way.

Organised under the leadership of Shri Rohan Khaunte, Hon’ble Minister for Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (DITE&C), Tourism, Printing & Stationery and MLA of Porvorim, NoMoZo 7.0 brought together citizens, startups, students and institutions on a common platform. GTDC Chairman and MLA Saligao Shri Kedar J. Naik was also present at the event. Renowned actor Shri Manoj Bajpayee attended as the Chief Guest, adding further prominence to the occasion.

A key highlight of NoMoZo 7.0 was the strong focus on sustainability and responsible innovation. The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, set up an engaging stall that showcased the State’s vision for Regenerative Tourism. Through informative displays, the stall highlighted responsible travel practices aimed at creating positive social, cultural and environmental impacts while encouraging deeper engagement with Goa’s communities, heritage and natural ecosystems.

The Tourism Department’s presence also highlighted major cultural initiatives, including Carnaval and other new tourism offerings, along with a preview of the upcoming Shigmo festival—one of Goa’s most vibrant and deeply rooted cultural celebrations. This integrated approach reflected Goa Tourism’s commitment to sustainability, culture and community participation, positioning the State as a year-round, experience-driven destination.

Adding a cultural dimension to the event, a dedicated heritage zone showcased the work of local artisans, including traditional Goan earthen pots, offering visitors a glimpse into Goa’s living craft traditions and indigenous skills.

Innovation and entrepreneurship were at the heart of NoMoZo 7.0. The Startup & IT Promotion Cell (SITPC) under the Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications (DITE&C) curated a dedicated space for startups and student entrepreneurs to showcase cutting-edge solutions and emerging ideas.

Students participating under the Campus Innovation Scheme presented projects addressing real-world challenges through technology and sustainability. Don Bosco College of Engineering students showcased ‘Synapse-Connect: A Neuro-Muscular Signal Integration Framework’, focused on advanced human–machine interaction, and a sustainability-driven project on processing and testing recyclable materials for 3D printing applications.

From Agnel Institute of Technology and Design, the ‘Innovator’s Squad’ presented a smart jacket designed to assist visually impaired individuals with obstacle detection and navigation, while another team showcased AI Aaji, a voice assistant aimed at providing real-time updates and user support.

Several startups added further depth to the showcase. Sevaco presented a mobile application connecting busy individuals with verified students for everyday tasks. Burraa highlighted its Go-Out app that helps users discover and book curated experiences. Asier Solutions showcased STEM skill-building courses, while DigiWiz demonstrated its work in robotics, drone kits, IoT hardware and home automation.

NoMoZo 7.0 successfully highlighted how innovation, technology and entrepreneurship are driving Goa’s growth. The diverse exhibits and strong community participation reinforced the State’s emergence as a hub for sustainable, technology-driven and socially responsible solutions—demonstrating that when people reclaim public spaces, meaningful change follows.

Social

NAB Students Celebrate Children’s Day with FLY91; Airline Donates Festive Campaign Proceeds

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Children’s Day turned into a memorable celebration for students of the National Association for the Blind (NAB) in Goa, thanks to an engaging and heartwarming initiative by FLY91 — India’s pure-play regional airline. The event brought together visually impaired students, their mentors, the NAB Executive Committee, and the FLY91 leadership team for an afternoon filled with music, joy, and meaningful interactions.

Held at the NAB premises, the celebration was part of FLY91’s continued commitment to community-centered initiatives that go beyond air travel. The highlight of the event was the formal handing over of proceeds from the airline’s special Diwali festive campaign, in which FLY91 pledged ₹100 from every flight booking made on fly91.in between October 15–31, 2025, toward a children-focused cause.

The contribution was presented to the NAB Executive Committee and will be directed toward educational and welfare programs supporting visually impaired individuals across the country.

Speaking at the event, Manoj Chacko, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, FLY91, shared:
“This Diwali, we wanted to give passengers an opportunity to be part of something meaningful while travelling on FLY91. The response was heartening and we felt Children’s Day was the right occasion to share that joy back with children.”

The afternoon included lively performances by NAB students, interactive sessions, and a special high-tea curated by FLY91, featuring favourite in-flight delicacies.

This initiative underscores FLY91’s growing focus on inclusive, community-led programs that make a tangible difference on the ground — strengthening its identity as more than just an airline, but a socially aware and people-first brand.

EduConnect

Ek Rakhi Ped Ke Naam: A Green Raksha Bandhan Celebration by Smt. Sunandabai Bandodkar High School

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo

In a world increasingly burdened by environmental challenges, Smt. Sunandabai Bandodkar High School took a refreshing step towards sustainability — all through a festival deeply rooted in Indian tradition. This year’s Raksha Bandhan was not just about the bond between siblings but also about a heartfelt connection between humans and nature.

In a unique initiative titled “Ek Rakhi Ped Ke Naam”, students crafted biodegradable rakhis using natural materials such as leaves, flowers, banana stems, creepers, and coconut threads. These were not just decorative bands — they symbolized a pledge of protection, not for a sibling, but for the trees and plants around them.

Under the shade of trees and amidst the sounds of rustling leaves, students tied these rakhis to plants in the school garden. Along with this symbolic act, they took an oath to nurture and protect the environment, turning the celebration into a powerful eco-message.

This initiative did more than mark a festival. It encouraged children to reflect on their role as caretakers of the planet, showcasing how traditional values can harmoniously align with environmental responsibility.

By blending culture, creativity, and climate consciousness, Smt. Sunandabai Bandodkar High School has set an inspiring example for schools and communities across the country.

Let this be a reminder:
🌱 Every tree we tie a rakhi to… is a promise to a greener future. 🌍

Human Interest

NSS Students Join Vedanta Sesa Goa in Promoting Environmental Sustainability

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As part of its ongoing #IronWill4GreenerPlanet campaign, Vedanta Sesa Goa organized an educational visit to the Sanquelim Reclaimed Mines (SRM) for students of the National Service Scheme (NSS) from Government College of Arts, Science and Commerce (GCASC), Khandola, along with employees of the company. This visit aimed to promote environmental awareness and sustainable practices & provided a valuable learning experience for all participants.

During the visit, the group explored the expanse of the SRM and discovered how an erstwhile while mine cluster has been sustainably reclaimed and converted into a verdant & lush ‘green-scape’ supporting endemic flora & fauna. The SRM today comprises the ‘Nakshatra Van’, a medicinal garden that combines the beauty of nature with the healing power of plants, and the ‘Charak Vatika’, another garden focused on traditional medicinal plants. The visiting group also familiarised themselves with the ‘Pisciculture Pond’, which promotes water conservation and sustainable fish farming, demonstrating Vedanta Sesa Goa’s commitment to eco-friendly agricultural practices. The students were particularly impressed by the ‘Bamboo Pavilion’, an eco-friendly structure built using sustainable materials, which highlights the company’s innovative approach to creating green, sustainable spaces.

The students were introduced to the Sesa Football Academy and Sesa Technical School, both established on the reclaimed land utilising the one time workshop and other built up area at the erstwhile mine cluster. As part of this initiative, the NSS students from GCASC have volunteered to become #SesaGreenWarriors, and will play an active role in spreading awareness about eco-conscious behaviors and sustainable practices within their communities around Goa.
The SRM was developed by Sesa Goa in the late 90s when no regulatory or statutory requirements existed for mine closure, today the SRM has emerged as a mode mine closure project having earned accolades at national & international level. Recently, Shri G Kishan Reddy, Hon’ble Minister for Coal & Mines, Govt of India, had visited the SRM and praised the effort having gone into the project, terming it as a role model for all mining companies.

Dr. Sapna, NSS In-Charge at GCASC, shared, “The visit to the Sanquelim Reclaimed Mines was an eye-opening experience for our students. It demonstrated how industry can contribute to environmental conservation and biodiversity restoration. By empowering our NSS students as #SesaGreenWarriors, we are equipping them with the knowledge and passion to drive positive change in their communities and inspire others to adopt sustainable practices.”

Mr Rajesh Kumar, Head ESG, Vedanta Sesa Goa, said, “The #IronWill4GreenerPlanet campaign is about more than just corporate responsibility; it’s about empowering the community to actively engage in the protection of our environment. By partnering with the GCASC NSS students and involving them in this transformative experience, we’re creating future leaders who will champion sustainability. The Sanquelim Reclaimed Mines is a testament to how industry and nature can work in harmony, and through initiatives like these, we reaffirm our commitment to environmental stewardship.”

Through such initiatives, Vedanta Sesa Goa continues to reinforce its commitment to sustainability and environmental conservation. The company’s efforts are part of a larger vision to contribute to Swayampurna Goa and #ViksitBharat, ensuring ecologically sustainable businesses are also economically viable. Vedanta Sesa Goa’s commitment to innovative mining practices, renewable energy, and community engagement highlights the company’s role in driving a greener future for Goa, India, and the world.