Tag: Dr. Pramod Sawant

Sports

CM Dr. Pramod Sawant Inaugurates FIDE World Cup Chess Match in Goa

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa witnessed a historic moment as Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant made the ceremonial first move in the highly anticipated match between World Champion D. Gukesh and GM Kazybek Nogerbek at the FIDE World Cup. The event was attended by eminent chess personalities, including Viswanathan Anand, GM Abhijeet Kunte, MLA Praveen Arlekar, and other dignitaries, making it a significant occasion for Indian chess.

Speaking at the event, the Chief Minister remarked that hosting such a prestigious global chess tournament is a proud milestone for Goa and reflects the state’s growing importance in international sports. He emphasized that the event not only promotes competitive chess but also inspires young talent in Goa to aspire to global excellence.

The FIDE World Cup match between D. Gukesh and GM Kazybek Nogerbek brought together India’s finest chess talents and international stars, highlighting the nation’s rising stature in the global chess arena. The presence of legends like Viswanathan Anand further elevated the event, making it a memorable experience for players, spectators, and fans.

This historic occasion signifies Goa’s commitment to hosting world-class sporting events, fostering talent, and promoting the state as a hub for cultural and sporting excellence.

Social

CM Visits MOHAN Foundation’s Organ Donation Stall at Purple Fest 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

From October 9 to 12, 2025, the International Purple Fest transformed Panjim into a vibrant hub of inclusion, accessibility, and empowerment. Among the many highlights was a life-changing initiative by the MOHAN Foundation, where organ donation ambassador Mr. Gabriel Pereira hosted a four-day awareness stall at the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) complex.

Organised by the Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) and the Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and United Nations India, Purple Fest 2025 drew participation from across the country. Within this larger event, the MOHAN Foundation’s presence offered a vital platform to educate and encourage citizens about the importance of organ donation.

Gabriel Pereira, with quiet determination and passion, managed the stall from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. He distributed over 500 flyers and personally engaged with visitors, addressing common concerns and misconceptions around organ donation. His efforts bore fruit as 30 individuals pledged to become organ donors—a significant achievement during a four-day awareness campaign.

The stall gained special attention when the Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant, visited and interacted with the team. Accompanying him were Mr. Subhash Phal Desai, the Minister of Social Welfare, River Navigation, Archives, and Archaeology, and Shri Rahul Gupta, IPS, the Superintendent of Police for North Goa. Their presence underscored the state government’s support for such social impact initiatives.

Mr. Pereira also acknowledged the support and encouragement of Mr. Prakash Kamat, a senior journalist, the National Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the First Sutra Foundation, and a key member of the Goa State Advisory Board on Disability. His advocacy for inclusive initiatives continues to be a driving force in the state’s social ecosystem.

The organ donation awareness campaign at Purple Fest 2025 stands as a shining example of how individual commitment, institutional support, and public engagement can come together to create lasting impact. It wasn’t just about pledges; it was about spreading hope and empowering people with knowledge that could one day save lives.

Events in Goa

CM Dr. Pramod Sawant Inaugurates ‘Mann’ – Mental Health Awareness Program for Women in Sankhali

Tanisha Cardozo

Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant inaugurated “Mann” – a Mental Health Awareness Program for Women – at Ravindra Bhavan in Sankhali, reaffirming the government’s commitment to the holistic well-being of women, especially in rural areas. The event was organized by the Goa State Rural Livelihood Mission under the Department of Rural Development in collaboration with Padmani Foundation.

“Mann” aims to promote mental health awareness among women by creating safe spaces for dialogue, education, and community support. Through a series of sensitization programs, expert sessions, and peer engagement, the initiative is designed to help women better understand mental health challenges and access support systems in their communities.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant highlighted the importance of mental well-being in achieving true empowerment and applauded the collaborative effort between government and civil society organizations. He emphasized the need for continued outreach and inclusion of mental health services at the grassroots level.

The Padmani Foundation, known for its work in mental health and community outreach, brings its experience and sensitivity to the program. Their collaboration with the Goa State Rural Livelihood Mission ensures that the initiative reaches the most vulnerable women across the state, including self-help group members, rural entrepreneurs, and homemakers.

“Mann” represents a step forward in addressing mental health in rural development agendas and ensuring that women’s health and emotional resilience are prioritized alongside economic empowerment. The program will continue with a series of follow-up activities and training sessions across Goa.

Books & Literature

Zilu Gaonkar Urges Citizens to Use Govt Schemes and Promote Konkani Language

Tanisha Cardozo

Konkani writer, publisher, and teacher Zilu Gaonkar made a compelling appeal for citizens to adopt Konkani in their day-to-day lives and correspondence while encouraging greater awareness and use of government-supported language schemes. Speaking at a special Seva Pakhwada awareness program held at Government College, Khandola, he emphasized that the Directorate of Official Language provides Konkani language training for government employees and that it is now time for the public to follow suit by promoting and preserving the language through daily use.

The event was organized by the Directorate of Official Language in collaboration with the college and aimed to spread awareness of various language development schemes under the guidance of Goa’s Chief Minister and Minister for Official Language, Dr. Pramod Sawant.

Dr. Seema Salgaonkar, Vice Principal of Government College, welcomed the gathering and noted that preserving our mother tongue is a responsibility that lies with each of us. Meghnath Parab, Director of the Directorate of Official Language, cited the example of Dr. Raghunath Mashelkar, a distinguished figure from Mashel who received his early education in his mother tongue and went on to achieve national prominence.

Deputy Director Anil Sawant provided detailed insights into key schemes run by the department including “Amcho Gãv, Amchi Parampara, Ani Amchem Daiz” (Our Village, Our Traditions, and Our Heritage), the Language Development Scheme, and the Language Awards Scheme.

Senior Translator Seby Fernandes discussed the opportunities available in language-related careers in India and explained the work being done at the Directorate. Junior Translator Sneha Sabnis highlighted efforts in terminology creation and the translation of knowledge-based books into Konkani, making academic and professional content more accessible in the regional language.

Anil Sawant also expressed his thanks to all participants and attendees. The event was anchored by Konkani Professor Kiran Palkar and Hindi Professor Sachi Naik, with a large presence of students, faculty members, and parents — showing that language revival and promotion remain a shared concern across generations.

Events in Goa

Goa Honours Outstanding Educators with CM-Vashishtha Guru Puraskar on Teachers’ Day 2024 – 25

Tanisha Cardozo

On the occasion of Teachers’ Day 2024, the Government of Goa paid tribute to educators across the state by conferring the CM-Vashishtha Guru Puraskar 2024-25 upon 10 outstanding teachers and school leaders. This annual honour, presented by the Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant, recognizes exemplary service in the field of education across various levels.

The awards were presented across multiple categories. In the Primary Teacher category, Ms. Chhaya Vaijanath Bokade from North Goa and Shri Kamalakar Vishwas Desai from South Goa were recognized. In the Secondary Teacher category, the honours went to Ms. Manjiri Dattaprasad Jog and Shri Rajmohan Ramnath Shetye from North Goa, as well as Shri Kalidas K. Satardekar and Ms. Mamata Tatoba Patil from South Goa.

Shri Gurudas S. Palkar from North Goa and Ms. Aurora D’Souza from South Goa received the award in the High School Headmaster category. In the Higher Secondary Teacher category, Shri Sunil Jagannath Shet was recognised for his pan-Goa contribution, and in the Higher Secondary Principal category, Ms. Cintia Maria Borges e Abranches was felicitated for her academic leadership and service.

Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant conveyed his heartfelt appreciation to all educators in Goa for inspiring generations of students, nurturing values, and contributing to the state’s educational and social development. He emphasized that teachers remain the true torchbearers of knowledge and appealed to students to carry forward the wisdom and principles imparted by their mentors.

The Teachers’ Day celebration in Goa not only honoured individual excellence but also reinforced the importance of the teaching community in shaping a compassionate, educated, and progressive society.