On 24 September 2025, a vibrant press conference unveiled The Inclusive Run, an inspiring sports initiative designed to celebrate inclusion and empower participants of all abilities. Set to take place on 12 October in Panaji, Goa, The Inclusive Run is a collaborative effort between the Adventures Beyond Barriers Foundation and the International Purple Fest Goa 2025.
This event aims to bring together over 500 participants—people with disabilities alongside those without—in a collective celebration of sport, accessibility, and community. By fostering an environment that encourages participation from everyone, The Inclusive Run seeks to break down societal barriers, promote empathy, and amplify the voices of differently-abled individuals through the universal language of sports.
The run is more than just a race; it is a movement to highlight the importance of disability inclusion and to demonstrate how sport can be a powerful tool for social change. Sign language interpretation, accessible facilities, and other supportive measures will ensure that all participants can engage fully and joyfully.
The Inclusive Run aligns with the broader goals of the International Purple Fest Goa 2025, which champions disability rights, accessibility, and universal diversity through a series of cultural and sporting events. Together with Adventures Beyond Barriers Foundation, the festival continues to pave the way for greater empowerment and visibility for disabled communities in India.
As excitement builds for the event, organizers invite the public, media, and sports enthusiasts to join in the celebration on 12 October, witness inspiring stories of courage and determination, and contribute to a more inclusive society where everyone can enjoy the benefits and joy of sports.
Vedanta Sesa Goa has been certified as a Great Place to Work® for the fourth consecutive year (2022–2025), reaffirming its leadership in building a people-first workplace. The certification, conferred by the Great Place to Work® Institute, is one of the most respected global recognitions for organizations that demonstrate a high-trust and high-performance culture.
This recognition is based on rigorous evaluations of employee feedback, policies, and practices that promote inclusivity, safety, growth, and leadership development. Vedanta Sesa Goa has consistently implemented structured initiatives, from advancing diversity and inclusion to strengthening safety culture and capability enhancement.
In a parallel recognition, Vedanta Group has been named India’s Best Employer Among Nation-Builders 2025, highlighting its contribution to human capital development and national progress.
Speaking on the achievement, Mr. Navin Jaju, CEO – Vedanta Sesa Goa, said: “To be acknowledged as a Great Place to Work® for the fourth consecutive year testifies to our strong employee-centric culture. Each member of our workforce is equally valued & is committed to creating a #ViksitBharat.”
Echoing this, Mr. Praveen George, CHRO, remarked: “This recognition is a testament to our incredible employees, who are the backbone of our success and growth. It reflects our consistent focus on building a progressive and inclusive workplace.”
With operations spread across Goa, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Odisha, and Gujarat, and a workforce of over 6,600 employees, Vedanta Sesa Goa continues to enhance diversity, leadership, and innovation. Women employees are increasingly taking roles in both operations and enabling functions.
The Great Place to Work® Institute, having surveyed over 100 million employees globally, recognizes organizations that demonstrate high trust, leadership effectiveness, and employee engagement.
By aligning its people practices with global ESG and sustainability goals, Vedanta Sesa Goa remains steadfast in building a resilient, future-ready workforce while contributing to India’s socio-economic growth.
The spirit of Goa came alive on 5th April 2025 at the Goa College of Home Science with the successful debut of the Khoshi Lokanchem Fest – the Happy People’s Festival – curated by Festakar Marius Fernandes and hosted by Principal Dr. Mahesh Pai. This marked Festakar’s 99th inclusive festival, celebrating Goa’s vibrant heritage, culture, food, music, and people.
The day began with the symbolic Festakar Pasoi – a special knowledge-sharing walk around the college’s loom and textile laboratory, led by Marius Fernandes and Principal Dr. Pai. Dignitaries including Miguel Braganza, Alexyz, Avelino D’sa, Nicole Suares, Willy Goes, Sheryl Afonso, Louella Dias, and Fatima Bertha Fernandes joined in the ceremonial lamp lighting. Principal Dr. Pai officially opened the festival with a warm welcome, a presentation of a Kunbi shawl and a plant to Festakar.
Book Launch – “Across Three Continents: Legacy of Antonetta Fernandes”
The festival also witnessed the heartfelt launch of Across Three Continents: Legacy of Antonetta Fernandes, a powerful debut by Nicole Suares, published by Dr. Gwendolyn de Ornelas. Noted writer Willy Goes emphasized the importance of preserving family legacies through documentation.
Culture in Conversation & Performance
A midday highlight was the Ghumot Gozalli, a spirited discussion between Marius Fernandes and journalist Nicole Suares on the future of the Ghumot – Goa’s state instrument. In a festive moment, Dr. Pai cut a Ghumot-shaped cake while the Sunshine Band performed the traditional Konkani birthday song.
Making their debut were the 5G – Global Goan Girls’ Ghumot Group with a vibrant performance of Goa Beach by Kuljeet Bhamra, choreographed by Ragwi Raju Naik.
Goan Flavours, Health and Community Wellness
In the Bolcãocheo Gozalli sessions, Professor Sheryl Afonso led insightful talks with Dr. Gwendolyn de Ornelas on women’s health and nutrition, followed by a session with Suman Goswami on sugar-free Goan treats like sweet potato neureos and Ragi Tizaan.
A sugar-free food workshop was complemented by a bustling bazaar with over 20 stalls offering local sweets, plants, seasonal produce, and crafts.
Workshops, Inclusion & Artistic Showcases
Counsellor Louella Dias introduced a student flash mob, followed by impactful workshops on accessibility, inclusion, and diversity by Prakash Kamat. A traditional Diuli dance and a Kunbi saree draping demonstration by Dr. Charlotte Facho Lourenco, featuring Dr. Gwendolyn de Ornelas as the model, showcased Goa’s living textile heritage.
In a later Bolcãocheo Gozalli, Dr. Pai and Prakash Kamat discussed building an inclusive future for Goa.
The staff of the college—teaching and non-teaching—took the stage with Goenchim Noketram, choreographed by Louella Dias. The much-loved Kottieacho Nach, choreographed by Dr. Gwendolyn de Ornelas and conceptualized by Festakar Marius, brought the community together in a joyous cultural anthem.
Live music by Dr. Glenis Mendonca (guitar) and Renald Mendonca (violin) filled the air with beloved Konkani melodies, followed by a spirited closing performance by the Sunshine Band.
In her vote of thanks, Professor Sheryl Afonso acknowledged all contributors and participants. Festakar Marius Fernandes reflected, “Khoshi Lokanchem Fest brought together diverse voices, traditions and talents, building a people-powered platform where Goa’s legacy meets contemporary relevance.”
Looking Ahead – The 100th Festival!
The grand milestone – the 100th Fest – will take place on 12th April 2025 at the Goa College of Agriculture, Old Goa with the HONEY Fest, promising to inspire future generations through joy, collaboration, and cultural pride.
Every year on February 13th, the world comes together to celebrate World Radio Day, a day dedicated to the significance of radio in shaping our lives, opinions, and knowledge. This year, World Radio Day 2025, highlights the importance of radio in fostering dialogue, bridging gaps between diverse cultures and communities, and sharing stories that need to be heard.
A Brief History World Radio Day was officially declared by UNESCO in 2011, after Spain proposed the idea. Interestingly, February 13th also marks the founding of United Nations Radio in 1946.
The Significance of Radio Radio remains a powerful tool in mass communication, with its reach extending to both urban and rural areas. It plays a vital role in:
Fostering dialogue and bridging gaps between diverse cultures and communities
Sharing stories and raising awareness on important issues
Providing real-time information and ensuring voices from every corner of the world are heard
Building and shaping society, opinions, and informed decisions
“Radio: A Powerful Tool for Climate Action” This year’s theme, “Radio: A Powerful Tool for Climate Action,” emphasizes the impact of radio on shedding light on climate change. Radio has the potential to educate, inform, and empower listeners globally, especially rural communities, indigenous people, and those affected by environmental disasters.
Amplifying Marginalized Voices Mirta Lourenço, UNESCO Chief of Media Development and Media Emergency, highlights the importance of radio in amplifying marginalized voices. “Engaging communities meaningfully — by incorporating marginalized voices and highlighting practical solutions — can also help broadcasters by shedding light on the human aspect of the climate crises.”
Celebrating World Radio Day 2025 As we celebrate World Radio Day 2025, let us recognize the power of radio in shaping our lives and opinions. Let us appreciate the role of radio in fostering dialogue, bridging gaps, and sharing stories that need to be heard.
Share your thoughts on the significance of radio in your life. How has radio impacted your opinions, knowledge, and lifestyle? Join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #WorldRadioDay.
The sun-kissed village of Corlim was abuzz with excitement on Republic Day as the Ekvottachem Fest brought together people from all walks of life to celebrate unity, inclusivity, and Goa’s rich cultural heritage. This spectacular event, curated by festival director Festaçar Marius Fernandes and hosted by Mariano and Perpetua Ferrao, was a testament to the power of community and the importance of preserving our cultural traditions.
The Ekvottachem Fest was a shining example of inclusivity, with individuals with disabilities actively participating in the celebrations. The festival’s zero-waste philosophy was also a highlight, showcasing eco-friendly practices and traditional ways of living. As the guests arrived, they were greeted with a warm welcome and a sense of belonging, setting the tone for a day filled with joy, laughter, and community spirit.
The festival was a vibrant celebration of Goa’s rich cultural heritage, with a range of activities and performances that showcased the state’s unique traditions and customs. The Balçaoacheo Gozalli platform brought together notable personalities who shared their knowledge and experiences, while the traditional lifestyle demonstrations took the guests on a journey back in time. The unique dance performances, including the Kottieacho Nach, conceptualized by Dr. Gwendolyn de Ornelas, were a highlight of the festival, showcasing the beauty and elegance of Goan dance forms.
The Festacarachi Pasoi, a heritage walk led by Dean Suresh Kunkalikar, was a unique and immersive experience that connected the participants with Corlim’s indigenous trees, medicinal plants, and historic landmarks. This initiative highlighted the importance of preserving local biodiversity and the need to protect our natural heritage for future generations.
As Festaçar Marius Fernandes approached his 100th community festival, he was honored with a commemorative 2025 Festaçar Calendar. The calendar featured vibrant photos and documentation of his 12 festivals, capturing the essence of Goa’s cultural vibrancy and the spirit of community that defines our state.
A Lasting Impression
The Ekvottachem Fest was a resounding success, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended. As the guests departed, they carried with them memories of a day filled with joy, laughter, and community spirit. The festival was a testament to the power of unity and inclusivity, showcasing the beauty and diversity of Goan culture. As we look to the future, the Ekvottachem Fest will remain a beacon of hope and inspiration, reminding us of the importance of preserving our cultural heritage and promoting community spirit.
