Films

Goan Documentary Bhaangar Kalakusar Karigiri Named Quarterfinalist at FLAME FirstCut Film Festival


The Goan documentary Bhaangar Kalakusar Karigiri, directed by Prachi Shirodkar, has been named a quarterfinalist in the Non-Fiction category at the prestigious FLAME FirstCut Film Festival, hosted by FLAME University, Pune. The recognition marks a proud moment not only for the filmmaker but also for Goan documentary cinema.

FirstCut, regarded as India’s largest international student-run film festival, serves as a vibrant platform for emerging filmmakers across the globe. This year, the festival received over 600 entries from students representing more than 70 countries, making the competition particularly intense. The festival featured four categories—Fiction, Non-Fiction, Animation, and Nano—with the Non-Fiction jury comprising distinguished industry professionals including Nandan Saxena, Kavita Bahl, Jaya Bhattacharya, and Dhanashree Mehta Goel.

Directed, narrated, and shot by Prachi Shirodkar, Bhaangar Kalakusar Karigiri was edited by Mario Pimenta and developed as a college project at Don Bosco College, Panjim, under the guidance of Agnelo Raymond D’Souza. What began as an academic project has now grown into a documentary gaining recognition on national and international platforms.

The film offers an intimate look into the lives and craftsmanship of Goan artisans working in the gold industry. Through interviews with goldsmiths Virendra Rivankar, Rashila Shirodkar, and Pranay Shirodkar, the documentary captures the intricate artistry, discipline, and generational knowledge that define their work. It sheds light on a community of skilled craftsmen whose stories often remain untold despite their contribution to Goa’s cultural and economic fabric.

Beyond its festival recognition at FLAME FirstCut, the documentary has also been selected at multiple national and international film festivals and featured in The Film Catalogue of Jyoti Filmato, organised by the Centre for Media Studies at Jyoti Nivas Autonomous College. These selections further strengthen the film’s growing presence in the documentary circuit.

Significantly, Bhaangar Kalakusar Karigiri stands out as a powerful example of women-led filmmaking in Goa, particularly in the documentary genre where female directors remain underrepresented. Prachi Shirodkar’s achievement reflects not only a personal milestone but also a broader shift towards inclusivity and diversity within Goan cinema.

The film’s success reinforces the importance of documenting local stories and preserving traditional knowledge through cinema. By spotlighting Goan artisans and their craft, the documentary amplifies voices that deserve wider recognition while highlighting the rising presence of women behind the camera shaping meaningful and socially relevant narratives.

EduConnect

Legal Aid Cells Conduct Drug Abuse Prevention Awareness Programme at Don Bosco College, Panjim


Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral

Panjim; January 2026: The Mala Legal Aid Cell of V.M. Salgaocar College of Law, in association with the North Goa District Legal Services Authority, conducted a drug abuse prevention awareness programme at Don Bosco College, Panjim, aimed at sensitising students to the harmful effects of substance abuse and the importance of preventive legal awareness.


The session was led by Sahil Warang, Police Sub-Inspector, Anjuna Police Station, who addressed students on the dangers of drug abuse and its long-term impact on physical health, mental well-being and social life. He also highlighted the legal consequences associated with substance abuse and trafficking, urging students to make informed and responsible choices.
The programme was graced by Irshad Agha, Principal District and Sessions Judge, and Narayan Surendra Amonkar, Retired Judge and presently Chief of the Legal Aid Defence Council, District Legal Services Authority, underscoring the judiciary’s commitment to preventive legal education and youth awareness on social issues.
The awareness programme concluded with the screening of a short film on drug abuse, created and presented by students of V.M. Salgaocar College of Law (Mala Legal Aid Cell). Directed by Klasha De Souza and Salma Shaikh, the film delivered a strong and impactful message on the consequences of substance abuse, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.
The initiative highlighted the role of educational institutions, legal aid bodies and law enforcement agencies in jointly addressing social challenges through awareness and education.

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Don Bosco College, Panjim Hosts ‘Psyrenity’ – A Celebration of Mental Health Awareness


The B.A. Department of Psychology at Don Bosco College, Panjim, organized “Psyrenity – A Celebration of Mental Health Awareness” on October 13, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The festival served as a platform to promote positivity, self-expression, and emotional well-being through an engaging blend of creative stalls, games, and interactive experiences that encouraged reflection on mental health.

The event featured several unique and thought-provoking activities, including “Pop Your Insecurities,” where participants symbolically released their self-doubts; “Compliment Booth,” which spread smiles through kind words; “Knock Out the Negativity,” a fun stress-relief game; and “Express to Destress,” a space for artistic and emotional expression. One of the highlights of the day was the special fundraising canteen titled “Mood Foods,” themed around the link between food and emotions — blending nourishment with awareness.

The festival was organized under the guidance of Director Fr. Kinley D’Cruz, Principal Dr. Cedric Silveira, and Dr. Vijay Viegas, Head of the Department of Psychology, along with Ms. Grebian Alemao (College Counsellor), Ms. Nerissa Zuzarte (Faculty Coordinator), and Assistant Professors Ms. Andrea D’Souza and Ms. Tabitha Nunes. Students from all three years of the B.A. Psychology program worked with great enthusiasm to design and host the stalls, ensuring every visitor left inspired and smiling.

Psyrenity witnessed enthusiastic participation from students and faculty across various departments, creating a campus-wide spirit of positivity and unity. The event served as a gentle reminder that mental health matters — and that small acts of kindness, understanding, and self-care can have a powerful ripple effect.

With its creative and compassionate approach, Psyrenity reflected Don Bosco College’s ongoing commitment to promoting holistic well-being, empathy, and emotional growth within its academic community. The celebration concluded with laughter, reflection, and a renewed awareness that nurturing mental health is a joyful and collective responsibility.

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Don Bosco College, Panjim Holds Awareness Session on ‘Prevention of Suicide Among Teenagers’


On October 6, 2025, the Department of Psychology and the Wellness Club of Don Bosco College, Panjim–Goa, organized an impactful awareness session on “Prevention of Suicide Among Teenagers.” The event formed part of the National Task Force Initiative and aimed to raise awareness, promote emotional well-being, and equip students with strategies to recognize and respond to signs of distress among peers.

The session was conducted by Ms. Aafreen Khan, College Counsellor at Dhempe College of Arts and Science, Miramar–Goa, who served as the Resource Person. In her engaging and empathetic address, Ms. Khan discussed the growing concern of teenage suicide, shedding light on the complex psychological, social, and emotional factors contributing to it. She emphasized the importance of fostering open communication, encouraging early intervention, and practicing empathy in supporting individuals facing emotional struggles.

Ms. Khan guided students on offering meaningful peer support, seeking professional help when necessary, and addressing the stigma that still surrounds mental health issues. Her interactive approach encouraged students to share their perspectives and engage in open dialogue, creating a safe and reflective space for learning and understanding.

Students from the First, Second, and Third Year B.A. programs, along with members of the Wellness Club, participated actively in the session. The event concluded with a message of hope and reassurance—that every life matters and that help is always available.

This initiative not only sensitized young minds to the realities of mental health challenges but also reinforced the importance of cultivating a campus culture centered on care, empathy, and mental well-being. Don Bosco College continues to uphold its commitment to holistic student development, ensuring that mental health awareness remains a vital part of its educational environment.

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Don Bosco College Panjim Hosts “Career in Drone Technology” Session for BCA Students


Written by Intern Queeny George M.H, Team Allycaral

Panaji, 8th September 2025:

The Department of Computer Applications at Don Bosco College Panjim conducted an informative session titled “Career in Drone Technology” for BCA students, organized in collaboration with Tech Savvy Hub, the Training Internship & Placement Committee, and JCI Panjim.

The session was designed to introduce students to the rapidly evolving world of drones and their applications across industries such as agriculture, logistics, disaster management, and more.

Guest speaker Mr. Sudesh Salgaonkar addressed the students, highlighting the growth of the IT sector during the COVID-19 pandemic and identifying emerging opportunities in software development, digital media, and drone technology. He elaborated on career options for students, including drone pilots, technicians, and data analysts, and explained the process of obtaining a Remote Pilot Certification from the DGCA, which is essential for professional drone operations in India.

The session concluded with a vote of thanks by course coordinator Assistant Professor Rohan R Kerkar, who appreciated the efforts of the guest speaker and collaborating partners for providing the students with valuable insights into this futuristic technology.

The session successfully provided students with knowledge and guidance to pursue careers in drone technology, empowering them to explore innovative and technologically advanced career paths in India and globally.