Tag: Dr. Pramod Sawant

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No Restrictions on Visiting Goa’s Waterfalls: GFDC Chairperson Clarifies

Tanisha Cardozo

Panaji, Goa – In line with the directives of Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, the Goa Forest Development Corporation (GFDC) has issued a public clarification confirming that all popular waterfall sites in Goa remain open to visitors.

Amid speculation or confusion surrounding access to natural tourist sites during the monsoon season, the Chairperson of GFDC has reaffirmed that there are no restrictions on visiting Goa’s scenic waterfalls.

Waterfalls such as Dudhsagar, Mainapi, Savari, and Pali, all of which are under the management of GFDC, are fully operational with necessary facilities in place. These include trained personnel, safety guidelines, sanitation measures, and eco-friendly infrastructure aimed at ensuring a safe and memorable experience for all.

“Our focus at GFDC is to make Goa’s waterfalls not just accessible, but safe, clean, eco-friendly, and enriching,” the Chairperson emphasized. “We are committed to preserving these natural treasures while promoting responsible tourism that benefits both people and the environment.”

This announcement comes as a reassurance to both domestic and international tourists who plan to explore the rich biodiversity and natural heritage of Goa during the monsoon and post-monsoon seasons.

GFDC continues to work closely with Goa Tourism and other state bodies to encourage nature-based tourism, ensuring sustainability and local engagement in every initiative.

Visitors are encouraged to follow guidelines, respect nature, and participate in keeping these spaces clean and safe for future generations.

Human Interest

JCI Pilgao Elite Launches First Aarti Sangrah Booklet on Independence Day 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Pilgao, Goa – Celebrating both national pride and cultural preservation, JCI Pilgao Elite marked a significant milestone on Independence Day 2025 with the launch of its first Aarti Sangrah booklet. This spiritual compilation is a tribute to Goan religious traditions and was released amidst a gathering of esteemed dignitaries and community leaders.

The event was held in Pilgao in the gracious presence of:

  • JC Jayesh Valavalkar, President, JCI Pilgao Elite
  • Asmita Gauns, 1st Lady of JCI Zone 11
  • JC Sharmila Valavalkar, Sarpanch of Pilgao
  • Pravin Parab, Secretary of VP Piligao
  • Sanjay Nanda Falkar, Writer-Director
  • Ashvesh Gimonkar
  • Deepak Prabhu Gaonkar, President of Shantadurga Temple
  • JC Swati Naik Shirodkar, Secretary of JCI Pilgao Elite

A special highlight of the occasion was the presentation of the Aarti Sangrah booklet to Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, recognizing the community’s efforts in preserving spiritual literature and passing traditions to the next generation.

The initiative not only commemorated India’s 78th Independence Day but also highlighted the importance of cultural identity, spiritual continuity, and local leadership.

“The Aarti Sangrah is more than just a book — it’s a celebration of devotion and cultural pride,” said JC Jayesh Valavalkar.

This project marks a promising beginning for JCI Pilgao Elite’s cultural initiatives, reinforcing the organization’s mission to build better communities through service, leadership, and tradition.

Films

Goa State Film Festival 2025 Brings Together 10th, 11th & 12th Editions

allycaralgoa

Panaji is set to shine under the cinematic spotlight as the 10th, 11th, and 12th editions of the Goa State Film Festival kick off on August 14, 2025 at INOX Screen 1, Panaji. The inauguration will be graced by Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant and Smt. Delilah M Lobo, MLA and Vice Chairman of the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG).

Film lovers can look forward to screenings at Maquinez Palace Theatre and INOX, Panaji, with 19 feature films and 4 non-feature films vying for 21 feature and 7 non-feature awards. The festival will also host insightful workshops and masterclasses by renowned film personalities, including Shri Neelaabh Kaul, Shri Pankaj Saxena, veteran actor Shri Kanwarjit Paintal, and Shri Chitah Yajnesh Shetty.

One of the most anticipated moments will be the lifetime achievement award presentation to Smt. Varsha Usgaonkar, an acclaimed actress, singer, model, and social worker who has left her mark in Hindi, Marathi, and Konkani cinema. This honor will be conferred during the award ceremony on August 17, 2025.

The opening ceremony promises a vibrant cultural experience with performances by celebrity singer Jolly Mukherjee, a solo band act by Mukesh Ghatwal, and a comedy show by Sagar Karande and Ankur Wadhave.

Adding to the festive atmosphere, the INOX courtyard will host a food court and handicraft stalls from August 14 to 17, 2025. Winners of the 48 Hours Short Film Competition will also be announced on opening day.

Delegate registration is open for Goan Film Fraternity, Film Enthusiasts, Student Delegates, and Media Delegates. For details, visit www.esg.co.in.

Social

JCI India Nalanda 2025: Celebrating Leadership with Goa’s Top Dignitaries

Tanisha Cardozo

Panaji, August 12, 2025 – JCI India Nalanda 2025, the nation’s premier leadership development program for young changemakers, is set to begin with an extraordinary lineup of distinguished guests from the Government of Goa. The event promises to deliver not just training, but inspiration rooted in governance, public service, and transformational leadership.

🌟 Prestigious Opening Ceremony

We are proud to announce that His Excellency Shri Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju, Hon’ble Governor of Goa, will grace the Opening Ceremony as Chief Guest. A respected statesman with decades of public service and parliamentary experience, his presence lends gravitas to the mission of empowering future leaders.

🧠 Power Talk by a Visionary Leader

Adding to the leadership momentum, Dr. Pramod Sawant, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa, will deliver a special Power Talk session. Known for his dynamic leadership and progressive governance, Dr. Sawant will share practical insights on:

  • Leadership in public service
  • Youth as nation-builders
  • Sustainable development in governance

His talk is expected to be one of the defining moments of the event, setting the tone for leadership that is both purpose-driven and people-focused.

🎯 What to Expect at NALANDA 2025

  • High-impact leadership training modules
  • Mentorship from senior JCI trainers and industry experts
  • Interactive sessions rooted in real-world challenges
  • Networking opportunities with changemakers from across India

💬 Why It Matters

NALANDA 2025 is more than a training program – it’s a national platform where vision meets action. With the inclusion of esteemed dignitaries from Goa, the event reflects a powerful synergy between youth leadership and state-level governance, highlighting the importance of nurturing leadership at all levels of society.

🗓️ Event: JCI India Nalanda 2025
🎤 Opening Ceremony Chief Guest: Shri Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju, Hon’ble Governor of Goa
🧠 Power Talk Speaker: Dr. Pramod Sawant, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa
📍 Location: TBA
📆 Date: TBA

Books & Literature

Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant Releases Book “Virus of Fear”

allycaralgoa

In a significant literary event, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant released the book “Virus of Fear” written by Shri Shyam Gaonkar at Sankhali. The book release ceremony marked a notable moment in the literary calendar, highlighting the author’s contribution to the world of literature.

The book “Virus of Fear” is a thought-provoking work that explores themes and ideas that resonate with readers. With its release, Shri Shyam Gaonkar’s writing will now reach a wider audience, sparking conversations and reflections on the topics covered in the book.

Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant’s presence at the event underscores the importance of literature in society and the role it plays in shaping our understanding of the world. The release of “Virus of Fear” is a testament to the author’s dedication to their craft and their ability to engage readers with their work.