Social

Community Spirit Shines at Blood Donation Camp Held in Pilerne, Goa


On October 12, 2025, the church hall of St. John the Baptist Church in Pilerne, Goa, was filled not only with people but with purpose, as the parish hosted its annual Blood Donation Camp. Organized in collaboration with Loving Hearts Goa and the North Goa District Hospital (Asilo) Blood Bank, the event exemplified the true meaning of community service and selflessness.

The camp, held from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM, welcomed donors from all walks of life. From young professionals to elderly parishioners, the turnout reflected a collective spirit of generosity and awareness about the importance of donating blood. The smooth execution of the event was made possible with the logistical support of the medical team from Asilo Blood Bank and the hospitality extended by Peppy’s Goan Kitchen Caterers.

Mr. Mark D’Souza, President of Loving Hearts Goa, along with founding member Mr. Ranjit Rodrigues and Treasurer Ms. Sanyukta Gawade, expressed heartfelt appreciation to everyone involved. In particular, they acknowledged the unwavering support of Fr. Derick Fernandes, the parish priest, whose encouragement was vital to the event’s success.

Events like these not only contribute directly to saving lives but also bring communities closer, reminding everyone of the impact a small act of kindness can have. The blood collected during the camp will go on to help patients in need, proving once again that giving is indeed a blessing.

Social

Loving Hearts Goa Hosts Successful Blood Donation Camp in Collaboration with Local Partners


On September 26, 2025, a meaningful community initiative unfolded in Goa as Loving Hearts Goa organized a Blood Donation Camp in partnership with the Fr. Faustino D’Souza Social Service Institute, Divya Gyan (Canacona), and the South Goa District Hospital (Hospico). The camp was held from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM and witnessed a commendable turnout, with 45 individuals stepping forward in the spirit of giving.

Despite the enthusiasm, only 29 individuals met the criteria to donate blood — each one contributing to a collective act of compassion and life-saving support. The event was smoothly coordinated by Sr. Crina Cardozo, sfn, alongside her dedicated team of volunteers who worked diligently to ensure the camp ran efficiently and respectfully.

Adding a personal note of tribute, Tr. Priya Gracias lent her support to the initiative in memory of her late father-in-law, Mr. Aleixinho B. Gracias, honoring his life through the gift of giving.

Mr. Mark D’Souza, President of Loving Hearts Goa, took a moment to express his heartfelt gratitude to all who made the event a success. He acknowledged the selfless efforts of Sr. Crina and her team, the medical staff and doctors from South Goa District Hospital (Hospico), and most importantly, the donors — whose generosity and sense of community made the camp possible.

This event is a shining example of what can be achieved when individuals and organizations come together with a shared vision for the greater good. Through collaboration, empathy, and action, 29 units of blood were donated — each with the potential to save a life.

Social

Victor Hospital & BJP Goa Host Blood Donation Camp on PM Modi’s Birthday


Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral

Margao, 17th September 2025:
On the occasion of the 75th birthday of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, Victor Hospital, in association with the BJP Medical Cell, hosted a Blood Donation Camp in Margao under the nationwide Sewa Pakhwada 2025 initiative.

The camp was formally inaugurated by Hon’ble PWD Minister & Margao MLA Shri Digambar Kamat, Hon’ble Navelim MLA Shri Ulhas Tuenkar, Dr. Sneha Bhagwat – Ayurvedic & Yoga Practitioner and Entrepreneur, Mr. Yogiraj Kamat – Social Worker, and Mr. Damodar Shirodkar – Margao Municipality Chairperson, in the presence of dignitaries, doctors, staff, and volunteers.

Also gracing the occasion were Shri Abhishek Kakodkar, President of BJP Margao Block, Ms. Roana Costa, Executive Director of Victor Hospital, Dr. Ajay Gangoli, COO & MS of Victor Hospital, and Dr. Eugene D’Souza, HoD Pathology & Blood Bank, Victor Hospital.

The initiative received enthusiastic participation, with citizens and hospital staff alike coming forward to donate blood and support the cause. Leaders from BJP Goa and representatives of Victor Hospital emphasized the significance of voluntary blood donation in saving lives and addressing critical healthcare needs.

Victor Hospital expressed its heartfelt gratitude to all donors, organizers, and participants for their contribution and reiterated its dedication to community health initiatives and service to society.

This initiative, held as part of Sewa Pakhwada, is one among several service-driven programs across the nation to mark the Prime Minister’s birthday, promoting the values of seva (service) and samarpan (dedication).

Health

 Jamaat e Islami Hind Women’s Wing and Healthway Hospital Organize Free Medical Camp in Vasco


Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral

 The Jamaat e Islami Hind Women’s Wing, in partnership with Healthway Hospital, recently organized a free medical camp in Vasco, dedicated to improving women’s health in the community. This thoughtful initiative addressed a critical need, as many women often neglect their own health due to various reasons. Mrs. Naazmeen Khan, a prominent member of the Women’s Wing, emphasized that the camp was a sincere effort to serve society by reaching women who might otherwise hesitate to seek medical care.

The camp offered a range of general health screenings, including checks for diabetes, hypertension, orthopedic concerns, gynecology, and skin ailments. A physiotherapist was also present to provide expert advice and guidance. Dr. Ankit Nair, a specialist in general medicine, highlighted the importance of such camps in expanding healthcare access through comprehensive investigations and consultations. Dr. Rini Naik, a gynecologist, stressed the need for regular health checkups and early detection, especially for conditions like cancer, encouraging women to be proactive about their health. Additionally, she shared information about Healthway Hospital’s discounted test schemes, making essential diagnostics more affordable.

Dr. Anupama Kuchadkar, a dermatologist, urged women to seek care from experienced medical professionals rather than relying on over-the-counter remedies, which may not address underlying conditions effectively. Mrs. Khan expressed deep appreciation for the doctors and the organizing team, whose commitment and teamwork were instrumental in the success of this medical camp.

Over 60 women from diverse age groups and socio-economic backgrounds took part in the camp, benefiting from personalized consultations and screenings. The clinical breast examinations conducted raised awareness about early cancer detection, a vital aspect of women’s health. The camp was well-organized and created a supportive environment where women felt comfortable and informed about their health.

Initiatives like this free medical camp underscore the importance of community-driven healthcare efforts and serve as a reminder that early diagnosis and regular health maintenance can save lives. Through collaboration and dedication, the Jamaat e Islami Hind Women’s Wing and Healthway Hospital continue to empower women in Vasco by ensuring they have access to quality medical services.

Human Interest

Rotaract Club of Bicholim Launches 5th Edition of Aarati Book with Artist Suraj Pinge


Rotaract Club of Bicholim recently celebrated a cultural milestone with the launch of the 5th edition of their Aarati Book. The inauguration was graced by renowned Goan artist Mr. Suraj Pinge, who unveiled the book in a small but meaningful ceremony.

The Aarati Book, a project close to the heart of the club, aims to preserve and share devotional songs that are an integral part of Goan traditions. Over the years, the book has become a valuable resource for communities during religious and cultural events.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Suraj Pinge praised the efforts of the young Rotaractors for combining youth leadership with cultural preservation. He highlighted the importance of initiatives like these in strengthening social values and nurturing the next generation of leaders.

The Rotaract Club of Bicholim continues to remain active in promoting service, cultural awareness, and youth engagement, staying true to the global motto of “Fellowship through Service.”