EduConnect

Goa University Holds 36th Convocation Ceremony at Taleigao


Written by Intern Rency Gomes ||Team Allycaral 

Goa University held its 36th Convocation Ceremony on Saturday, 7 February 2026, at the Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium, Taleigao. The event marked a significant academic milestone for graduating students and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to higher education and academic excellence.


The ceremony was conducted in the august presence of Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju, Governor of Goa and Chancellor of Goa University. Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.

Degrees were conferred upon students from various faculties, celebrating their academic achievements and years of dedication. The convocation reflected the university’s role in nurturing knowledge, research and innovation while contributing to the educational development of the state.

The event concluded on a dignified note, symbolising the transition of graduates into the next phase of their professional and academic journeys, and reinforcing Goa University’s vision of fostering excellence in higher education.

EduConnect

St. Thomas Higher Secondary School, Aldona Shines at Colourful Annual Day 2025


Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

St. Thomas Higher Secondary School, Aldona came alive with colour, music, and celebration as it hosted its Annual Day on 22nd November 2025. The programme opened on a patriotic note with the National Anthem and School Anthem, setting the tone for an evening dedicated to talent, culture, and achievement. The Manager, Rev. Fr. Jerard Sahayaraj MSFS, welcomed the gathering and emphasised the school’s dedication to holistic education, shaping students not only academically but also morally and culturally.

The event was honoured by the presence of distinguished guests, including Dr. Ashwin Fernandes, Founder of the PACT Foundation; Adv. Carlos Alvares Ferreira, MLA of Aldona Constituency; and Rev. Fr. Johnson Gonsalves MSFS, Provincial Superior of the Pune Province. Their encouraging words applauded the students’ creativity and reinforced the need to preserve Goan culture and language.

The cultural programme proved to be the highlight of the evening. Students showcased a graceful welcome dance, engaging Goan folk items, dynamic fusion performances, lively comedy skits, and an impactful thematic play titled “Hope Does Not Disappoint Us.” Each performance reflected hours of preparation, collaboration, and artistic expression, earning hearty applause from the audience.

The Prize Distribution Ceremony rewarded outstanding achievements in academics and co-curricular fields, with Purple House proudly lifting the Overall Championship trophy. A special moment of the evening was the felicitation of teacher Asiambi Shaikh, who was honoured for her 25 years of dedicated service to the institution.

Principal Mrs. Angelica Fernandes expressed deep gratitude to the management, staff, parents, and students for their steadfast support in making the event memorable. The celebrations concluded with a spirited medley of Goan songs, accompanied by a live band that filled the campus with energy and nostalgia. The Annual Day 2025 will be remembered as a joyous celebration of talent, culture, and community spirit.

EduConnect

Prof. (Dr.) Karuna Gokarn Appointed as First Woman Principal of St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai


Mumbai, October 2025: In a landmark development for one of India’s most prestigious educational institutions, Prof. (Dr.) Karuna Gokarn has been appointed as the Principal of St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai (subject to University and Government approval). This appointment marks a historic milestone, as Dr. Gokarn becomes the first woman to lead the college in its 156-year history since its establishment in 1869.

A senior faculty member of the Department of Microbiology, Dr. Gokarn has been associated with the institution for many years, contributing significantly to its academic and administrative progress. In her previous roles as Vice Principal (Academics) and Director of the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), she demonstrated exceptional leadership and strategic vision.

Dr. Gokarn also served as the NEP Nodal Officer, playing a key role in the successful implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, ensuring that the college adapted seamlessly to new academic frameworks.

Her appointment is seen as a progressive step towards inclusive leadership in higher education, symbolizing the institution’s commitment to diversity and empowerment.

The college community has warmly congratulated Dr. Gokarn on her appointment, recognizing her dedication to academic innovation, holistic education, and student welfare.

As St. Xavier’s College embarks on a new chapter under her leadership, the institution looks forward to strengthening its legacy of excellence, while fostering an environment of equality, inspiration, and growth.

EduConnect

PM SHRI Government High School Morpirla Celebrates Teacher’s Day with Heartfelt Tributes


PM SHRI Government High School Morpirla celebrated Teacher’s Day with great enthusiasm, creating a heartwarming atmosphere to honor the unwavering dedication and hard work of its teachers. The event began with a special assembly led by students, setting the tone for a day filled with gratitude and celebration.

The school hall was beautifully decorated with flowers and festive elements, transforming the space into a vibrant venue for the occasion. Students showcased their talents through a variety of cultural performances, including traditional and modern dance routines, soulful songs, short skits, and heartfelt speeches—all dedicated to celebrating their teachers.

In a touching gesture, students presented flowers and small tokens of appreciation to their teachers, expressing deep gratitude for the guidance, encouragement, and care they receive daily. The performances and tributes highlighted the selfless contribution of educators in shaping the lives and futures of their students.

The Teacher’s Day celebration at PM SHRI Government High School Morpirla was not just an event, but a meaningful expression of the bond shared between teachers and students. It served as a reminder of the pivotal role educators play in nurturing minds and building a better tomorrow.

EduConnect

CBSE Mandates 75% Attendance for Class 10 & 12 Board Exam Eligibility Starting 2026


The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has introduced a significant policy change: starting from the academic year 2025–26, students in Classes 10 and 12 must have a minimum of 75% attendance to be eligible to sit for their board examinations.

📌 Why This Move?

The policy is designed to:

  • Improve classroom discipline
  • Encourage regular participation
  • Reinforce the importance of academic consistency

This attendance rule applies to all CBSE-affiliated schools across India and abroad.

📝 Exemptions & Special Cases

CBSE has stated that genuine cases of absenteeism will be considered, including:

  • Medical emergencies
  • Participation in sports, NCC/NSS events
  • Exceptional circumstances such as bereavement in the family
  • Disability or long-term illness backed by medical documentation

Parents and schools are expected to report such cases in advance or maintain proper records for review by CBSE’s regional offices.

🏫 Role of Schools

Schools have been instructed to:

  • Maintain accurate attendance records
  • Regularly inform parents about their child’s attendance status
  • Submit reports of students falling short of the 75% mark by January 2026

CBSE will issue further clarifications or circulars on the deadline for attendance submission and the review process.

📣 Reactions from the Education Community

Many educators have welcomed the move, calling it a positive step toward academic seriousness. However, some have expressed concerns about student well-being, especially in post-pandemic times.

A principal from a leading school shared,

“It’s a wake-up call for parents and students to take regular schooling seriously. But the board should also be empathetic about mental health and legitimate issues.”

✅ What Students Should Do

  • Track your attendance regularly
  • Submit medical certificates promptly in case of illness
  • Avoid missing school unless necessary
  • Communicate proactively with teachers and administration