Panaji, Goa – In a meaningful cultural event ahead of the upcoming Ganesh Chaturthi festival, Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant, officially released the Ganesh Aarti book published by Tarun Bharat, one of Goa’s leading regional newspapers.
The book launch ceremony was attended by notable leaders including MLA Shri Kedar Naik (@naikkedar0919), MLA Shri Sankalp Amonkar (@SankalpAmonkar), former MLA Shri Damu Naik (@DamuNaik), and Editor of Tarun Bharat, Shri Sagar Jawdekar.
The release was symbolic of Goa’s enduring spiritual roots and cultural traditions, and a timely initiative as the state prepares for Ganesh Chaturthi 2025—one of the most celebrated festivals in the region.
Speaking at the occasion, the Chief Minister appreciated the effort behind compiling devotional literature that is accessible and beautifully presented. “Such initiatives enrich our culture and bring communities together through shared traditions,” he said.
The Ganesh Aarti book includes traditional hymns, devotional songs, and prayers sung during Ganesh Chaturthi, compiled to preserve and promote Goa’s spiritual heritage.
This event is part of a larger cultural revival effort seen in Goa, where literature, art, and devotion are being celebrated with renewed enthusiasm.
Dhargal, Goa – August 2025: In a defining moment for the future of holistic cancer care in India, the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), Goa, successfully hosted the Second Stakeholder Deliberation Meeting on Integrative Oncology at its Dhargal campus. The meeting, in collaboration with the Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Centre, is set to position Goa as a national model for integrative oncology.
The meeting was opened by Dr. Sujata Kadam, Dean of AIIA Goa, and Dr. Pankaj Chaturvedi, Director of ACTREC – Tata Memorial Centre. The event brought together experts from modern oncology, Ayurveda, digital health, research, and policy-making, reflecting a true multi-disciplinary approach to healthcare.
Dr. Vikram Gota presented ACTREC’s initiatives in collaborative research and digital integration for oncology.
Dr. Sujata Kadam outlined AIIA’s infrastructure and implementation plan for an integrative cancer care framework.
Dr. Anura Bale discussed medicinal plant cultivation strategies for therapeutic support.
Dr. Shekhar Salkar, Senior Oncologist, proposed a joint tumor board merging modern and AYUSH oncologists.
Dr. Devdutt M. Sail introduced the vision of a National Integrative Oncology Grid to unify protocols and standardize practices.
The day also included the formation of committees, protocol discussions, and an institutional audit of AIIA Dhargal by ACTREC, DHS, and Goa Medical College.
In the evening, a high-level session at the Secretariat, Porvorim, was led by:
Dr. Mahesh Verlekar, Nodal Officer, NAM
Dr. Sujata Kadam, AIIA Goa
Dr. Pankaj Chaturvedi, ACTREC
Dr. Shekhar Salkar, Senior Oncologist
Arun Kumar Mishra, Secretary of Health, assured the Government of Goa’s full support for the initiative, stating that integrative oncology can redefine patient care and position Goa as a leader in evidence-based, patient-centric cancer treatment.
Dr. Pramod Sawant, Chief Minister of Goa, commended the efforts and announced plans for an “Integrative Oncology Mission”, calling it a critical step toward holistic, accessible cancer treatment. He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to this mission, outlining policy direction, institutional support, and resource mobilisation.
The meeting saw active participation from policymakers, administrators, academic leaders, and clinicians, including:
Dr. Sudeep Gupta, Director, Tata Memorial Centre (virtual)
Dr. Yoguesh Bandale, Chairman, Rasayu Group (virtual)
Trupti Manerkar, Joint Secretary (Health)
Dr. Pooja Madkaikar, Director, Admin DHS
Dr. Nilesh Korde, Principal, Gomantak Ayurved College
Dr. Sneha Bhagwat, President, Goa Ayurveda Council
Dr. Manohar Gundeti, CARI, Mumbai
Dr. Sandip Sardesai, Goa Medical College
Dr. Vinayak Tembhurnikar, NIMA
Dr. Avinash Kadam, CSO, Rasayu Group
Their contributions enriched the discussions with diverse insights on education, clinical practices, research protocols, and policy alignment.
📍 Host: All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), Dhargal 🤝 In Partnership With: ACTREC – Tata Memorial Centre 🗓️ Event: Second Stakeholder Deliberation on Integrative Oncology 🗣️ Chief Guest: Dr. Pramod Sawant, Chief Minister, Goa
Pissurlem, Goa | August 15, 2025 In a landmark moment for environmental progress in Goa, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant officially inaugurated the state’s first Common Hazardous Waste Facility (CHWF) at Pissurlem Industrial Estate. The event also saw the presence of Former MP Shri Ajay Sancheti, and senior officials from the Goa Waste Management Corporation (GWMC), Goa Industrial Estates Manufacturers Association (GIEMA), and Ponda Envocare Ltd. – a subsidiary of SMS Ltd.
The facility has been developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, a collaboration between Ponda Envocare Ltd., GWMC, and GIEMA. It represents a major infrastructure leap in Goa’s commitment to sustainable industrial development.
Key Features of the Facility:
🟢 100 Years of Scientific Waste Treatment & Storage Designed with longevity in mind, the facility can safely manage hazardous waste for the next century under strict environmental protocols.
💡 Advanced Technologies Equipped with secured landfills, cutting-edge incineration units, and water & effluent treatment plants — the facility ensures minimal environmental impact.
🛡 Complete Transparency & Accountability Operations are monitored rigorously by GWMC, with regular environmental audits to ensure compliance and public safety.
👷♂️ Local Employment Opportunities Dozens of skilled and unskilled jobs will be created for locals in Sattari and surrounding areas.
🤝 Community Engagement through CSR Ponda Envocare Ltd. has committed to working with local panchayats on community development, aligning the project with grassroots welfare.
Expert Guidance Behind the Scenes
The facility’s design and operational model has been guided by Padma Shri Dr. Sharad Kale, a pioneer in waste management and environmental science. His contributions ensure the facility meets both national and global standards in hazardous waste handling.
CM’s Vision for a Cleaner Goa
During the inauguration, CM Dr. Pramod Sawant emphasized the importance of responsible industrialization:
“Goa must grow, but not at the cost of its environment. This facility proves that industry and ecology can co-exist with the right intent and innovation.”
What This Means for Goa
With this development, Goa takes a firm step toward becoming a national leader in scientific waste management. The Pissurlem facility not only addresses a critical industrial need but also sets an example for environment-first infrastructure across India.
In a landmark development for the Konkani language, the Lok Sabha Secretariat has appointed three Konkani Consultant Interpreters, enabling complete live interpretation of parliamentary proceedings in Konkani for the first time in history. This significant step was championed by Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, whose steadfast commitment to the promotion and preservation of Konkani has been instrumental in bringing this initiative to fruition.
Under Dr. Sawant’s visionary leadership, arrangements were made to ensure that the Konkani-speaking community, both within Goa and across the globe, could access the workings of the nation’s highest legislative body in their mother tongue. The interpreters—Evita D’Souza, Gauri Mavlinkar, and Samiksha Velip—have undergone rigorous training under the guidance of renowned expert Sharat Krishna Raikar, ensuring that they are fully prepared to deliver accurate and nuanced interpretations.
From Monday, 18 August 2025, the entire Lok Sabha proceedings will be broadcast live with complete Konkani interpretation. This historic broadcast marks a proud milestone not only for Goa but also for India’s rich tapestry of linguistic diversity, highlighting the increasing recognition of regional languages in national discourse.
The initiative reflects Dr. Pramod Sawant’s broader agenda to uplift Konkani culture, language, and identity on both national and international stages, setting a precedent for further inclusion of India’s many linguistic communities in parliamentary affairs.
This milestone is celebrated widely as a cultural victory, signifying a renewed respect and platform for Konkani within India’s democratic framework.
In a vibrant ceremony symbolizing Goa’s artistic flair, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant unveiled the official logo of the Goa State Film Festival (GSFF). The event was attended by Smt. Delilah Lobo, Vice Chairperson of the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG), the CEO of ESG, and other members of the ESG Governing Body.
The newly revealed logo embodies the dynamic energy, rich cultural fabric, and cinematic aspirations of Goa — reinforcing its growing reputation as a creative and cultural hotspot in India.
GSFF Dates Announced: 14–17 August 2025
The Goa State Film Festival will take place from August 14 to 17, 2025, welcoming filmmakers, storytellers, and film enthusiasts from across the country and beyond.
The Chief Minister expressed his excitement, stating:
“The GSFF is not just an event, it’s a celebration of storytelling, imagination, and identity. I invite every dreamer, filmmaker, artist, and enthusiast to be a part of this landmark celebration in Goa.”
With a mix of film screenings, interactive panels, local talent showcases, and cross-industry collaborations, GSFF 2025 promises to be a major event in India’s creative calendar.
A Platform for New Voices
More than just a showcase, GSFF aims to nurture budding talent and offer a platform for Goan and Indian filmmakers to connect, collaborate, and grow.
