Farmagudi, January 2026: JCI Farmagudi, in association with the Government College of Commerce, Arts and Science, Khandola, Sarthak Foundation Goa and the Rotary Club of Margao Midtown, successfully organised a Blood Donation Camp at the college premises on Thursday, January 22, 2026.
The camp was held from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm and witnessed voluntary participation from 40 students and professors, reflecting a strong spirit of social responsibility and community service. Of these, 27 units of blood were successfully collected, while a few volunteers were unable to donate due to low haemoglobin levels and nutritional factors.
The collected blood units will play a vital role in saving lives and supporting patients during medical emergencies, reinforcing the importance of regular blood donation.
The organisers expressed their sincere gratitude to all the donors, the medical team and the volunteers whose collective efforts ensured the smooth and successful conduct of the camp. JCI Farmagudi President Amin Hipargi and Secretary Dr. Susmi S. Kunju appreciated the overwhelming response and reiterated the organisation’s commitment to continued social welfare initiatives.
In the quiet, verdant landscapes of Goa—where the Mandovi River winds gently and coconut palms sway in harmony with the breeze—lies the village of Tonca in Marcela, also known as Mashel. Nestled close to the serene island of St. Estevam, Tonca is a place where time moves slowly and faith quietly binds people closer than blood.
At the crossroads where paths from Tonca and St. Estevam converge once stood a simple stone Holy Cross. Weathered by monsoons and sun, it had witnessed generations pass by. More than a religious symbol, it was a silent companion to village life—children played in its shade, travellers paused for prayer, and families gathered during the Litany of the Cross.
Among those who grew up under its gaze were a group of boys who proudly called themselves the “Super Star Boys.” Bound by friendship, football, and mischief, they spent their childhood days chasing kites, stealing mangoes and cashews, and dreaming big dreams at that very crossroads.
As years passed, life led them far from Tonca—to Dubai, Kuwait, London, and beyond—in search of opportunities and stability. They built lives, families, and futures abroad, yet the pull of home never truly faded.
One December, many of them returned—not just for a visit, but for good. Drawn by nostalgia, they walked together to the old cross that had shaped their childhood. Time had taken its toll. The paint had peeled, the base had cracked, and the flowers had lost their colour. Though it still stood tall, it needed care.
That evening, over conversations, laughter, feni, and sorpotel, a decision was made. Without debate or hesitation, the Super Star Boys resolved to restore the Holy Cross—not as an obligation, but as an act of gratitude.
The village responded wholeheartedly. Contributions flowed in, and even Hindu families from nearby wards came forward, recognising the cross as a shared symbol of Tonca’s identity. “It belongs to all of us,” they said.
Work began soon after. Men who were once boys laboured side by side—some now grandfathers—laughing, singing old mandos, and reliving childhood memories as they worked. There were no leaders, only brothers united by purpose.
Weeks later, the restored cross stood renewed—clean, vibrant, adorned with fresh flowers and glowing lights. When the village gathered once more for the Litany of the Cross, voices rang louder, lanterns shone brighter, and the cross seemed to radiate a deeper sense of peace.
Children ran around it once again, just as the Super Star Boys once had.
What emerged from this small act was something far greater than restoration. It was a reminder that faith, friendship, and unity can endure time, distance, and change. In Tonca, a simple roadside cross became a testament to shared roots, collective memory, and the quiet strength of community—proving that sometimes, the smallest gestures carry the greatest meaning.
In a heartfelt gesture that blends remembrance with service, philanthropist Ms. Sushma Khandeparkar has donated a specialised blood bank vehicle to the Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS), marking the 100th birth anniversary of her late father. The initiative aims to strengthen blood donation services and improve healthcare access, particularly in rural and underserved areas of Goa.
The formal handover ceremony was held on January 6 at the Indian Red Cross Society Head Office, where Ms. Khandeparkar presented an initial payment cheque of ₹18 lakh to the Manager of M/s Chintamani Motors, Sangli. The total cost of the Force Traveller blood bank vehicle stands at ₹22.30 lakh, with Ms. Khandeparkar committing to cover the remaining amount upon delivery.
The occasion was attended by Chairman of IRCS Goa Shri Gaurish Dhond, Vice Chairperson Shri Manguerish Pai Raikar, President of Rotary Club of Panjim Rtn. Prashant Prabhakar Kaisare, General Secretary of IRCS Shri John Aguiar, along with other dignitaries and members of the organisation. Their presence underscored the collective commitment towards strengthening public health infrastructure through collaboration and community support.
Expressing his gratitude, Shri Gaurish Dhond highlighted that the donated blood bank vehicle, intended for use by the Goa Medical College, will significantly improve the reach of blood donation services. By enabling mobile blood collection drives, the vehicle will help bridge gaps in accessibility and ensure timely availability of blood in remote regions.
Vice Chairperson Shri Manguerish Pai Raikar and Ms. Sushma Khandeparkar also addressed the gathering, reflecting on the importance of giving back to society through meaningful and sustainable initiatives. For Ms. Khandeparkar, the donation stands as a personal tribute and a commitment to service, transforming remembrance into action that benefits the larger community.
This contribution also marks the beginning of a year-long humanitarian initiative led by Ms. Khandeparkar. Over the coming months, a series of health and community programmes will be organised in collaboration with Rotary International and the Indian Red Cross Society. Fully funded by her, these initiatives aim to maximise the impact of the new blood bank vehicle and strengthen blood donation awareness and participation across the region.
Through this gesture, the legacy of service and compassion continues—demonstrating how individual generosity can create lasting change in public health and community well-being.
The 2023 batch of students from Goa Medical College (GMC), in collaboration with Caring Souls Goa, recently organised a heartwarming Christmas celebration at the Paediatrics and Geriatrics wards of a local hospital, spreading joy among patients, families, and healthcare staff.
This meaningful initiative marked the fourth consecutive year that Caring Souls Goa has brought festive cheer to hospital wards, continuing a tradition of compassion and community service. For the students and volunteers, the aim was simple yet profound — to become a family away from home for patients who are unable to celebrate Christmas with their loved ones.
For the past three years, Caring Souls Goa has consistently worked to uplift spirits within hospital spaces, and this year’s celebration once again reflected the true essence of Christmas — love, kindness, and togetherness. Through carol singing, gift distribution, and warm interactions, the team created moments of happiness that will be cherished long after the festivities.
The event was led by Sangam Sawant, representing the GMC students, and Abisha Fernandes, Secretary of Caring Souls Goa. Together, they guided the students in singing melodious Christmas carols that echoed through the wards, creating a festive and comforting atmosphere.
Adding to the joy, gifts and chocolates were distributed to children and elderly patients, bringing smiles, laughter, and a sense of celebration to their day. The simple gestures of kindness made a lasting impact, reminding everyone present of the power of empathy and human connection.
This initiative stands as a testament to the compassion of young medical students and volunteers who, despite demanding schedules, chose to dedicate time to those in need. Through their actions, they demonstrated that the spirit of Christmas lies not only in celebration, but in service, care, and shared humanity.
JCI Ponda announced that Late Shri Ravi Sitaram Naik, former Chief Minister of Goa, MLA of Ponda, and Past President of JCI Ponda, will be honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award during the organisation’s 54th Installation Ceremony.
The award recognises his exceptional contribution to public life, his long-standing support to JCI Ponda, and his unwavering commitment to community development. The felicitation will be held on 14th December 2025 at Hotel Shakti Palace, Ponda, where Jc Adv. Chaitali Agarwadekar will take the oath as the 54th President of JCI Ponda along with her new team of office bearers for the year 2026.
The Lifetime Achievement Award reflects JCI Ponda’s respect and admiration for Shri Naik’s enduring legacy in public service and community engagement.
