History came alive at Smt. Sunandabai Bandodkar High School when students transformed their campus into a tribute to the great Maratha warrior, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. What began as a Diwali break activity soon became an inspiring journey into India’s glorious past, as students constructed a grand fort reminiscent of the mighty Maratha strongholds that once defined Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy.
Under the guidance of Principal Jyoti Chipalkar and teacher Kaustubh Pednekar, the young learners meticulously designed, crafted, and built the fort — paying attention to every detail, from sturdy bastions to gateways that reflected historical architecture. The process allowed them to relive the bravery, strategic brilliance, and leadership that defined Shivaji Maharaj’s reign.
The project wasn’t just about art and craft; it was a living lesson in patriotism and teamwork. Through this creative exercise, students learned the importance of unity, resilience, and leadership — values deeply embedded in Shivaji Maharaj’s life and vision. The initiative encouraged them to look at history not as distant facts, but as a vibrant narrative that continues to inspire modern India.
Teachers and parents alike praised the students for their dedication and passion. The fort stood as a symbol of both creativity and national pride, reminding everyone of how experiential learning can bring education to life. The project also reflected the school’s commitment to holistic learning, nurturing not just academic excellence but also cultural and moral understanding.
Through this imaginative tribute, the students of Smt. Sunandabai Bandodkar High School beautifully demonstrated that the legacy of Shivaji Maharaj continues to inspire courage, creativity, and a deep respect for India’s heritage.
Canacona, Goa: The spirit of Ganesh Chaturthi filled the air at Shri Mallikarjun Vidyalaya High School as students from the primary, high school, and higher secondary sections came together to celebrate one of India’s most beloved festivals with grandeur, devotion, and cultural pride.
The campus was abuzz with activities ranging from traditional performances to creative competitions. Students showcased their talent through mesmerizing Ghumat Aarti presentations and an energetic Ganesh dance, captivating audiences and reviving age-old Goan traditions.
In keeping with the festive spirit, the school organized a variety of competitions across junior and senior categories. These included:
Lord Ganesh Clay Idol Making
Ganesh Poster Painting
Chaturthi Special Homemade Sweet-Making
These competitions were generously sponsored by the Char Rasta Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal, Char Rasta, Canacona, who continue to encourage youth involvement in cultural heritage.
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from all levels of schooling, with students turning out in large numbers and impressing judges with their creativity and devotion. A special prize distribution ceremony honored the winners and participants. Prizes were awarded by Chief Guest Shri Babuso Naik Gaonkar, President of the CPI General Assembly, and Guest of Honour Shri RBS Komarpant, Treasurer of the CPI Managing Committee.
The event also saw the active presence of:
Mrs. Varsha Naik Gaonkar, Headmaster of the High School
Mrs. Varsha Naik, Headmaster of the Primary Section
Mr. Vihar Dessai, Principal of the Higher Secondary Section
The celebrations were meticulously coordinated by school teachers Mr. Manoj Naik Gaonkar and Mr. Amol Pagi, whose dedication ensured that the event ran smoothly and was enjoyed by all.
Through such festivals, Shri Mallikarjun Vidyalaya continues to instill cultural values, creative expression, and community spirit among its students.
In a heartwarming tribute to Konkani stalwart Shenoi Goembab on his birth anniversary, Fatima Convent High School, Margao, took a significant step in celebrating India’s linguistic and cultural diversity by inaugurating its Indian Language Club. The event was held recently in the school premises and marked by an inspiring address by renowned Konkani activist and translator Ms. Sneha Sabnis, who graced the occasion as the chief guest.
The club was officially inaugurated in the presence of Sr. Eva Menezes, Headmistress of the school, Teacher Durga, who will serve as the Animator of the club, and other enthusiastic faculty members. The initiative is designed to promote love and respect for Indian languages among students, with a particular focus on Konkani and Hindi.
The Indian Language Club will include students from 5th to 10th standard and aims to nurture language-based skills and cultural appreciation through a variety of creative and educational activities. Planned programmes include:
Storytelling competitions in Hindi and Konkani
Devanagari typing workshops
Wallpaper making and display activities
Interactive sessions and language games
During her interaction with the students, Ms. Sneha Sabnis emphasized the importance of cherishing and preserving one’s mother tongue, stating,
“Our language shapes our identity. Respecting and valuing all languages leads to a more inclusive and enriched society. Clubs like these help develop essential skills and spark interests at a young age.”
Headmistress Sr. Eva Menezes congratulated the faculty on launching such a student-centric and innovative initiative, and encouraged students to actively participate and make the most of the opportunities provided by the club.
The event was smoothly anchored by Teacher Rhea Bangalorekar, while Teacher Durga delivered the vote of thanks, acknowledging the support of the management, staff, and students in bringing the club to life.
Adding a green and meaningful touch to the occasion, the dignitaries also inaugurated a garden of medicinal plants within the school campus—symbolizing the school’s holistic approach to education that values both cultural and environmental awareness.
Porvorim, Goa: Goa is not only known for its beaches, but also for its many historically significant and culturally rich heritage sites. Teachers should take students on field visits to such sites and guide them about Goa’s traditions and heritage, said Bhagirath Shetye, Chairman of the Goa Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education, during a workshop held for secondary-level teachers in Porvorim.
On this occasion, the new Class 9 history textbook was officially launched by Chairman Bhagirath Shetye. Present at the event were Jyoti Chiplunkar, Datta Parab, Manisha Prabhu Desai, and Bonita Rodrigues, along with other dignitaries.
Teachers who contributed to the development of the new textbook were felicitated during the ceremony. They included: Bonita Rodrigues, Jyoti Chiplunkar, Manisha Prabhu Desai, Datta Parab, Aditya Watwe, Archana Pednekar, Sandeep Patil, Tiyaf Silveria, and Alvita D’Souza.
Guidance sessions for teachers were conducted by Datta Parab, Sandeep Patil, Aditya Watwe, Archana Pednekar, and Tiyaf Silveria.
The event was hosted by Jyoti Chiplunkar, while the vote of thanks was delivered by Manisha Prabhu Desai. Bonita Rodrigues coordinated the overall workshop.
Panjim, Goa – 24th May 2025 The Goa College of Home Science, Panjim, was transformed into a vibrant hub of celebration, music, food and cultural unity as it hosted the first-ever Marius Fernandes Day, an event that will go down as a landmark moment in Goa’s cultural calendar. This groundbreaking celebration was held in conjunction with the Purumentachem Fest – Goa’s traditional Festival of Provisions – marking the onset of the monsoon season with flavor, festivity, and deep-rooted community spirit.
The historic day began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by Dean Suresh Kunkalikar, joined by Festakar Marius Fernandes, cultural supporter Maria Goretti Fernandes, senior journalist Prakash Kamat, cultural activists Dominic D’Souza and Luciano Almeida. The moment set the tone for a day that would blend tradition with innovation and celebration with heartfelt recognition.
Culture came alive on stage as the festivities opened with a captivating ponti dance by students of Goa College of Home Science with Rajwi Naik and group, bringing a splash of color and rhythm to the stage. This was followed by the unique cultural segment titled “Balcãoacheo Gozalli” – an intergenerational Goan dialogue moderated by Dr. Gwendolyn de Ornelas and enriched by the insights of historian Prajal Shankardande and academic Dr. Glenis Mendonca. The conversation touched on topics of identity, community memory and the changing face of Goan traditions.
Honoring Festakar as a Cultural Warrior, Dean Suresh Kunkalikar, in a deeply symbolic gesture, felicitated Marius Fernandes with a one-of-a-kind memento – a slate inscribed with recognition of 24th May to be observed as Festacar Marius Fernandes Day annually, for his 101 inclusive, community-driven festivals, Known for reinventing the concept of festivals by removing alcohol, chief guests, sponsors, competitions and barriers to participation, Fernandes has become synonymous with the spirit of inclusive celebration.
In an emotional highlight, Dr. Gwendolyn de Ornelas was awarded a symbolic Doctorate of Community Service by the Goencho Festakar team. The honour recognized her selfless voluntary work across three years, contributing tirelessly to cultural research, education and community outreach. The recognition was met with a standing ovation.
A workshop was held on medicinal herbal tea, locally known as khodo, usually drunk as remedy for colds and fevers by Samita Sameer kolvalkar.
A Dazzling Cultural Programme unfolded as the afternoon unfolded, the campus echoed with music, laughter, and applause. The ever-energetic young Barretto brothers, Abner 8 years of age and Asher 6 years of age, delivered a crowd-pleasing set of Goan classics and contemporary tunes, accompanied by the soulful guitar of Dr. Glenis Mendonca, vocals by Renald Mendonca and harmonies from Linda Braganza and John Lino. It was an electrifying reminder that Goa’s youth are not only preserving tradition but reimagining it.
The symbolic anthem of Festacar Marius Fernandes Festam, the iconic Kottieacho Nach, conceptualized by Festacar Marius Fernandes, in Succorro, was a most awaited and the participants were the guests, vendors, disabled community, choreographed and led by Gwendolyn De Ornelas, all enjoyed and felt a sense of Goa of yesteryears.
Food, Flavors and Festive Nostalgia as No Goan celebration is complete without food and the Purumentachem Fest brought the soul of Goan kitchens to the college grounds. An array of stalls featured monsoon staples like dried fish, pickles, homemade sweets, local spices, and chillies. From sorpotel to prawns molho , the aroma of traditional dishes drew students, faculty and guests to sample and reminisce. Local artisans and vendors proudly showcased their wares, rekindling the spirit of old village markets and encouraging sustainable, local economies.
A Festival Rooted in Purpose as the celebration wasn’t just about looking back—it was about forging a way forward. The day stood as a model of how educational institutions can partner with grassroots cultural innovators to keep traditions alive while engaging the next generation. The festival emphasized inclusion, environmental sensitivity and local pride—principles central to Marius Fernandes’ philosophy.
As Marius Fernandes Day concluded amid cheers, hugs, and hopeful eyes, one thing was clear: this was not the end, but the beginning of a new tradition. One that honours Goa’s diverse heritage, celebrates ordinary heroes and plants seeds for stronger, more connected communities.
