Tag: Dona Paula

Events in Goa

Guided Lok Bhavan Heritage Tour Flagged Off at Dona Paula to Promote Responsible Tourism Experiences

rencygomes02

Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

Dona Paula, January 24, 2026: As part of initiatives to promote curated and responsible visitor experiences, a guided Lok Bhavan Tour was organised by the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) and the Department of Tourism, offering visitors an opportunity to explore the heritage, architecture and natural surroundings of the Lok Bhavan premises through a structured walking trail.


The tour was flagged off by the Governor of Goa, Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju, along with the First Lady of Goa, Suneela Raju, at Lok Bhavan. The event was attended by Tourism Minister Rohan A. Khaunte; Secretary to the Governor Arjun Mohan, IAS; General Manager, GTDC, Gavin Dias; Deputy General Manager, GTDC, Deepak Narvekar; Comptroller of Governor House A.K. Harsha; Founder of Soul Travelling Varun Hegde; representatives from various hotels and other dignitaries.

Speaking on the occasion, the Governor appreciated the initiative, stating that the guided tour provides visitors with a valuable opportunity to understand and appreciate the heritage, surroundings and values associated with the Lok Bhavan premises.

Tourism Minister Rohan A. Khaunte said that curated initiatives such as the Lok Bhavan Tour help present Goa’s heritage and natural surroundings in a structured and meaningful manner. He added that such experiences encourage responsible engagement with important public spaces while enhancing awareness of Goa’s cultural and ecological assets.

Director of Tourism Kedar Naik stated that guided tours like the Lok Bhavan Tour reflect the growing emphasis on experiential tourism. He noted that these initiatives allow visitors to gain deeper insights into heritage and ecology while promoting responsible tourism practices.

Managing Director of GTDC Kuldeep Arolkar said the tour has been thoughtfully designed to ensure a smooth, informative and dignified visitor experience, adding that GTDC continues to support initiatives that enhance the depth and quality of tourism offerings in the state.

The guests and dignitaries were welcomed with a traditional cultural programme featuring Ghodemodni and dhol tasha, setting a vibrant and ceremonial tone for the occasion.

Designed by Soul Travelling on behalf of GTDC and the Department of Tourism, the curated trail covered key locations within the Lok Bhavan premises, including the chapel and a sea-facing viewpoint, followed by an exterior overview of the main building. The tour also included a stop at the vintage Cadillac car for interaction and photographs, and a visit to the cannon point, where participants were briefed on its historical significance along with panoramic views.

The trail further included visits to the gau shala, a sea-facing viewpoint, the Aushadhi Vatika (medicinal plant nursery) and the bird tower, highlighting the ecological dimensions of the Lok Bhavan premises.

The Lok Bhavan Tour forms part of ongoing efforts by the state to promote well-organised, meaningful and responsible tourism experiences in Goa.

Health

Organ Donation Awareness at Blood Donation Camp in Dona Paula, Goa

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Health Desk

On November 21, 2025, Mr. Gabriel Pereira, Organ Donation Ambassador with the MOHAN Foundation, set up an organ donation information desk at the blood donation camp held at Bay 15 Resort, Dona Paula, Goa. The camp was organized by the Models Group in association with the Indian Red Cross Society, Goa, and the Goa Medical College Blood Bank, Bambolim, in fond memory of the late Mr. Peter Vaz, founder of the Models Group, to commemorate his birth anniversary.

The Models Group, which began as a modest real estate firm, has grown into one of Goa’s most respected names in development, tourism, and community initiatives. From landmark residential projects to iconic hospitality ventures and a celebrated football club, the group’s legacy is built on innovation, integrity, and impact. Under the guidance of Mrs. Natalina Vaz, along with Danira Vaz and Diogo Nathan Vaz, the group continues to honor the vision of Mr. Peter Vaz while driving real estate development in Goa to new heights.

At the camp, 77 attendees from various establishments of the Models Group donated blood. Mr. Gabriel Pereira distributed around 60 sets of frequently asked questions on organ donation and engaged with the donors, emphasizing the importance of organ donation. He expressed his appreciation to the blood donors for their generosity, noting that their contributions could save three to four lives. He highlighted that by pledging to donate organs, one person could save up to eight lives and enhance the lives of up to 50 people through tissue donation. Inspired by the awareness session, 10 individuals signed organ donation pledge cards.

Mr. Gabriel extended his gratitude to Mr. Rio, Program Officer at the Indian Red Cross Society, Goa, for inviting the MOHAN Foundation to participate in the camp and promote organ donation awareness.

EduConnect

NIO Goa to Host Open Day on 26th September, Students Invited to Marine Resources Exhibition

Tanisha Cardozo

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Institute of Oceanography (CSIR-NIO), Goa, is gearing up to celebrate its 84th Foundation Day with a special Open Day event on the 26th of September. The event will take place at the NIO campus in Dona Paula, from 9:30 am to 3:00 pm, and promises to be an engaging experience for students and the wider community interested in the fascinating field of oceanography.

As part of the celebrations, the institute has extended a warm invitation to students from across the state to take part in an exhibition dedicated to marine resources and scientific instruments. This exhibition will highlight the latest scientific endeavors in ocean research, showcasing the tools and techniques used by scientists to study and preserve the ocean environment.

In addition to the exhibition, students will have the opportunity to watch a series of films related to ocean sciences, providing an immersive and educational insight into marine ecosystems, oceanography, and the importance of sustainable marine resource management.

A key highlight of the day will be a talk titled ‘Careers in Oceanography,’ designed to inspire and inform young minds about the various career paths available in this dynamic and critical field. The talk aims to encourage students to consider oceanography as a viable and exciting career option, emphasizing the role of scientific research in addressing global challenges such as climate change, marine biodiversity loss, and sustainable development.

The CSIR’s mission to enhance the quality of life in India through innovative, competitive, and sustainable scientific solutions is deeply embedded in the institute’s work. By promoting awareness and education through events like the Open Day, CSIR-NIO continues to support the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, fostering self-reliance through scientific and technological advancements.

This Open Day presents a unique opportunity for students and the public to connect with leading oceanographers, explore cutting-edge research, and understand the critical role oceans play in sustaining life on Earth. The event underlines CSIR-NIO’s commitment to nurturing scientific curiosity and empowering the next generation of ocean scientists and researchers.

All students, educators, and marine science enthusiasts are encouraged to participate in this free event to celebrate science, innovation, and the vast mysteries of the ocean.

National

Governor of Goa Presents Aiguillette to Shri. Akshat Aayush, IPS, New Police ADC

Tanisha Cardozo

Raj Bhavan, Dona Paula, Goa — In a solemn and dignified ceremony held at the iconic Raj Bhavan in Dona Paula, Shri Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju, Hon’ble Governor of Goa, presented the ceremonial Aiguillette to Shri Akshat Aayush, IPS, marking his formal assumption of duties as the Police Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to the Governor.

Shri Akshat Aayush, who currently holds the rank of Additional Superintendent of Police, brings with him a legacy of discipline, leadership, and dedication to public service. The Aiguillette—a symbol of trust, duty, and authority—was conferred upon him in the presence of dignitaries, senior officials, and members of the Governor’s Secretariat.

The Police ADC plays a key role in coordinating ceremonial and security duties attached to the office of the Governor. Shri Aayush’s appointment reinforces the tradition of excellence and honour associated with the post.

This symbolic gesture not only represents the Governor’s confidence in the capabilities of Shri Aayush but also underscores the professionalism and integrity of the Indian Police Service.

The event concluded with words of encouragement from the Governor, who praised the commitment of the state’s police forces in upholding peace and protocol at the highest levels.