Politics

Mapusa MLA Joshua De Souza Engages with St. Francis Xavier’s High School Students at Goa Legislative Assembly


Mapusa MLA and Deputy Speaker of the Goa Legislative Assembly, Joshua De Souza, recently welcomed students from St. Francis Xavier’s High School, Mapusa, to his chamber for an enriching and interactive session.

The visit provided the young learners with a rare opportunity to understand the workings of the Goa Legislative Assembly and its critical role in shaping public policy. Joshua De Souza shared insights on legislative procedures, decision-making, and how laws impact citizens’ lives.

The discussion was marked by curiosity and active participation from the students, who asked thought-provoking questions about governance and the responsibilities of lawmakers. The MLA expressed his delight at the enthusiasm displayed by the students, describing them as “bright young minds filled with curiosity and the potential to be future leaders.”

Such interactions, he emphasized, are important in encouraging youth to engage with democratic institutions and understand the responsibilities that come with leadership. The students left the Assembly with a deeper appreciation of governance and a renewed sense of civic awareness.

EduConnect

Goa Rolls Out Career Navigator-2025 to Guide School Students Towards a Brighter Future


Written by Tanisha Cardozo

In a landmark move towards improving educational outcomes and career readiness among youth, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant formally launched the Goa Career Navigator-2025, a comprehensive career counselling program designed for students of Classes 9 to 12 across the state.

The launch ceremony, held in Panaji, was hosted by the Goa State Council of Educational Research and Training (GSCERT) in partnership with UNOCUE and Pro Edutech LLP. Senior officials from the state’s education ecosystem, including Shri Shailesh Zingde (Director of Education), Shri Bhushan Savoikar (Director of Higher Education), Smt. Meghana Shetgaonkar (Director, GSCERT), Shri Vivek Kamat (Director of Technical Education), and Shri Dhaval Gandhi from UNOCUE, attended the launch and shared their vision for the initiative.

The Goa Career Navigator-2025 is designed to empower students with tailored guidance based on their personal interests, aptitudes, and career aspirations. With a strong foundation in psychometric testing and expert counselling, the program helps students explore academic and vocational paths that align with their strengths.

“Career guidance is essential in today’s fast-changing world,” said Dr. Pramod Sawant at the event. “This initiative will ensure our students are not only informed but also confident in planning their futures. The government is committed to providing such innovative support systems to our youth.”

The pilot phase of the program has already been implemented in the Tiswadi taluka, where students have begun receiving personalised career counselling. The program is set to expand across all talukas in a phased manner, ensuring equitable access for thousands of students in both rural and urban areas.

By bridging the gap between education and employability, Goa Career Navigator-2025 is poised to reshape the state’s academic landscape and create a more prepared, skilled, and motivated generation of learners.

This initiative complements other student-centric policies of the Goa Government, reflecting its progressive stance on youth development, skill-building, and inclusive growth.

EduConnect

GOA UNIVERSITY ACHIEVES NAAC A+ GRADE


Goa University has been accredited with an A+ Grade and a CGPA of 3.30 by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) in its recent accreditation cycle. This achievement marks a significant leap from the previous B++ Grade and is the highest ever grade in the history of Goa University.

The A+ Grade reflects the University’s sustained commitment to academic excellence, research advancement, quality infrastructure, and student-centric initiatives. This milestone was made possible through the collective efforts of the teaching and non-teaching staff, students, alumni, and the unwavering support of the State Government.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Harilal B. Menon expressed immense pride and gratitude, stating, “this achievement is a testimony to the hard work, integrity and dedication of the entire University fraternity. It inspires us to aim higher and fulfill our vision of becoming a globally recognized centre of excellence.

Goa University continues to uphold its mission of delivering quality education and fostering innovation while contributing to the social and economic development of the State and the Nation.

EduConnect

PM SHRI Government High School, Morpirla Attends Innovation Council Workshop at Don Bosco College of Engineering


Quepem, Goa | 26th June 2025 – In a forward-thinking move to empower students with the tools of modern innovation, the students of PM SHRI Government High School, Morpirla participated in an immersive Innovation Council Workshop held at Don Bosco College of Engineering, Fatorda. The workshop, conducted on 26th June 2025, brought together young minds and experts for a dynamic day of exploration, learning, and hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies.

Igniting Minds with Innovation

The workshop began with an inspiring keynote session by Siddhanth Panjikar, who set the tone for the day with an engaging discussion on Innovation and Creativity. Emphasizing the importance of design thinking, collaboration, and a culture of experimentation, his session motivated students to think outside the box and approach problems with fresh perspectives.

Through interactive discussions, students were encouraged to share ideas and understand how innovation plays a vital role in solving real-world challenges. They learned that innovation isn’t just about technology—it’s about mindset, curiosity, and the willingness to question, explore, and experiment.


Think, Design, Prototype: A Hands-On Journey

The heart of the workshop was the Think, Design, and Prototyping session, which introduced students to the fundamentals of design thinking—from identifying problems to brainstorming, prototyping, and testing. Students were guided through structured innovation processes and real-life case studies that demonstrated the power of empathy, ideation, and creativity.

This session emphasized the role of collaboration and iterative design in creating effective solutions. Students were given a platform to brainstorm ideas, discuss challenges, and visualize how they could bring their ideas to life.


Exploring Future Technologies: 3D Printing and Laser Cutting

One of the most exciting segments of the day was the technology demonstration on 3D printing and laser cutting. Students witnessed the precision of laser cutting, observing how the technology could effortlessly carve intricate patterns and designs. They gained a deeper appreciation for how laser cutting is used in industries such as manufacturing, architecture, and product design.

The 3D printing demonstration opened a window into the fascinating world of additive manufacturing. Students learned about the step-by-step process of creating physical objects layer by layer from digital models. From prototyping to final production, the applications of 3D printing in various fields such as healthcare, engineering, and education were explored.

Adding to the excitement, students had the unique opportunity to use 3D pens, which allowed them to create physical designs in real-time using handheld tools. This engaging activity boosted their confidence and creativity, showing them that innovation can be both fun and accessible.


Inspiration for the Future

The workshop concluded with a reflection session, where students shared their takeaways and expressed enthusiasm about applying their new skills and knowledge in their school environment. The experience not only broadened their understanding of emerging technologies but also instilled a deeper interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).


Towards a Culture of Innovation

The Innovation Council Workshop was more than just a one-day event—it was a step forward in building a mindset of innovation among the students of PM SHRI Government High School, Morpirla. With the skills and inspiration gained, students are now better equipped to take on creative challenges and contribute meaningfully to the school’s journey toward becoming an innovation-driven learning environment.

EduConnect

Dnyanprassarak Mandal College and Research Centre Celebrates 117th Anniversary and Golden Jubilee Year at Assagao, Mapusa


Assagao, Goa – June 20, 2025:
Dnyanprassarak Mandal College and Research Centre (DMC), one of Goa’s most historic and prestigious educational institutions, proudly commemorated its 117th Anniversary alongside the grand celebration of its Golden Jubilee Year at its campus in Assagao, Mapusa. The dual milestone marks over a century of academic excellence and fifty years since the college’s establishment, underscoring its enduring contribution to higher education in Goa.

Distinguished Guests Grace the Occasion

The celebration saw the presence of eminent dignitaries who lauded the institution’s legacy and future vision. Advocate General of Goa, Adv. Devidas Pangam, and Commissioner cum Secretary (Revenue), Shri. Sandip Jacques, IAS, were among the prominent guests. The event was also honored by Shri Kiran Hanumant Shirodkar, Chairman of Dnyanprassarak Mandal, along with other notable leaders and members of the education community.

A Legacy of Education and Empowerment

Founded in 1908, Dnyanprassarak Mandal College has played a pivotal role in shaping the academic and cultural landscape of Goa. Over the years, the institution has evolved from its modest beginnings into a vibrant centre of learning, offering diverse undergraduate and postgraduate programs, fostering research, and nurturing talent across disciplines.

The Golden Jubilee Year celebration marks 50 years of the college’s commitment to excellence in education, research, and community engagement. The institution continues to uphold its mission of empowering students with knowledge, values, and skills to thrive in an ever-changing world.

Celebrations and Future Aspirations

The anniversary function featured cultural performances, felicitations, and speeches reflecting on the college’s journey and aspirations. Leaders highlighted the college’s unwavering dedication to fostering innovation, inclusivity, and academic rigor.

In his address, Chairman Shri Kiran Hanumant Shirodkar expressed pride in the institution’s achievements and reiterated a commitment to further strengthening the college’s role in Goa’s educational advancement.

A Bright Path Ahead

As Dnyanprassarak Mandal College and Research Centre steps into the future, it remains dedicated to nurturing the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and changemakers. With its rich heritage and progressive vision, DMC continues to be a beacon of learning in Goa, inspiring students and faculty alike.