Tag: featured

Social

Lions Club of Loutolim Honours Talents Rupesh Jogale & Mario Pimenta

Tanisha Cardozo

The Lions Club of Loutolim recently celebrated the achievements of two outstanding individuals from the village, Rupesh Jogale and Mario Pimenta, during a special felicitation ceremony held as part of the official visit of District Governor PMJF Lion Jai Amol Naik.

The event began with a warm welcome by President Lion Allen Araujo, who highlighted the consistent efforts of the club in serving the community despite being based in a rural area. Secretary Lion Alwyn Mascarenhas presented a detailed overview of the club’s initiatives since July, which included environmental efforts like sapling distribution during Vanamahotsav, educational support for deserving students, financial aid, and various charitable activities.

The highlight of the evening was the recognition of two local talents who have made significant contributions in their respective fields. Rupesh Jogale, a respected name in Goan theatre and direction, was honoured for his dedication to the performing arts. Known for his powerful portrayals, including roles depicting Jesus Christ, Jogale shared his journey and expressed heartfelt gratitude for the recognition bestowed upon him.

Mario Pimenta, a young and promising filmmaker from Goa, was also felicitated for his growing achievements in cinema and participation in various competitions. At just 21, Mario reflected on his journey, acknowledging the unwavering support of his family, especially his mother and sister. He encouraged aspiring individuals to pursue their dreams with confidence and action, noting that such recognition at a young age was both motivating and humbling.

District Governor PMJF Lion Jai Amol Naik congratulated both honourees and commended the Lions Club of Loutolim for its impactful work. He encouraged more individuals to join the Lions movement, emphasising its core philosophy of service and positive societal impact. During the event, he also presented letters from the International President of Lions Clubs International to veteran members, along with medals and badges, recognising their long-standing dedication.

Treasurer MGF Lion Joaquim Monteiro delivered the vote of thanks, expressing appreciation to all attendees and contributors to the event’s success. With nearly five decades of service, the Lions Club of Loutolim continues to play a vital role in fostering community development while celebrating and encouraging local talent.

EduConnect

ATAL Nirnay – Goa Codes 2026: CARES Leads Goa’s Green Innovation Movement

Tanisha Cardozo

“ATAL Nirnay – Goa Codes 2026” has emerged as a significant student-driven initiative aimed at addressing pressing environmental challenges in the State, particularly those related to pollution and waste management. Conceptualised with the philosophy that meaningful change begins with responsible individual decisions, the competition encourages students from Classes VI to IX to actively participate in environmental transformation through innovation, technology, awareness and community engagement.

The 28-day structured challenge commenced on February 2, 2026, with statewide orientation sessions for Heads of Institutions. The format recognises that building sustainable habits requires consistent effort, encouraging long-term waste segregation practices, environmental accountability and community awareness rather than one-day activities. The focus extends beyond participation to nurturing lasting environmental values among students.

The competition integrates eco-awareness, robotics and innovation through five structured events: the Smart Waste Solution Challenge, Garbage Awareness Campaign from Home to Community, Clean Goa Action Drive, Digital Awareness Campaign, and Study and Documentation. Students identify real waste management challenges, design innovative models and prototypes using Robotics Hardware Kits provided under the CARES scheme, conduct awareness initiatives and document measurable environmental impact.

The initiative is organised by the Project Management Unit under the CARES Scheme of the Directorate of Technical Education Goa, in association with Goa Waste Management Corporation. A total of 688 teams from schools across Goa have registered, reflecting widespread participation and enthusiasm. GWMC is facilitating infrastructure for waste collection during cleanliness drives and will coordinate on identified “Black Spots” where waste frequently accumulates, ensuring student activities connect directly with governance mechanisms.

Mentorship support is being provided by Teach for Goa Fellows, who are guiding schools with technical assistance and coordination. Teachers and students have been trained in the use of Robotics Hardware Kits to develop practical eco-tech solutions, effectively blending environmental awareness with technological skill development.

Attractive cash prizes have been announced to encourage active participation. State-level winners will receive ₹50,000 for first place, ₹40,000 for second place and ₹30,000 for third place, with additional consolation and taluka-level awards. The prize money will be awarded to the respective schools.

ATAL Nirnay represents a grassroots movement aimed at fostering positivity and cleanliness across Goa, beginning from homes, classrooms and neighbourhoods. By reinforcing the idea that small individual actions can generate extraordinary community impact, the initiative aspires to cultivate a culture of sustainability, responsibility and innovation across the State.

Events in Goa

Goa Gears Up for Grand Statewide Carnaval 2026 Celebrations

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa is all set to welcome the much-anticipated Carnaval 2026, one of the State’s most iconic cultural celebrations that brings together colour, music, dance, and a spirit of joyful togetherness. Organised by the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, the festival continues to reflect the State’s rich heritage and festive traditions, drawing participation from residents and visitors alike.

The official announcement of Goa Carnaval 2026 was made in the presence of Managing Director of GTDC Kuldeep Arolkar, Deputy Director of Tourism Dhiraj Wagle, Assistant Director of Tourism Jayesh Kankonkar, General Manager GTDC Gavin Dias, Deputy General Manager (Hotels & Marketing) Deepak Narvekar, and King Momo Cedric Da Costa, who symbolically ushered in the festive spirit of the season.

Hon’ble Minister for Tourism Rohan A. Khaunte stated that Goa Carnaval is a celebration of joy, inclusivity, and cultural pride. By taking the festivities across multiple locations, the aim is to ensure wider community participation while offering visitors an authentic Goan experience. He added that Carnaval 2026 reflects the vision of responsible and regenerative tourism, celebrating traditions while caring for people and the environment.

Director of Tourism Kedar Naik noted that Carnaval is one of Goa’s most vibrant cultural expressions. He said that the 2026 edition has been planned to ensure wider reach, safety, cleanliness, and a high-quality festive experience, with coordinated celebrations across the State to create a joyful and culturally rich atmosphere for residents and tourists alike.

Managing Director of GTDC Kuldeep Arolkar highlighted the scale of preparations, stating that Goa Carnaval 2026 is being organised with a total outlay of approximately ₹1.53 crore. This includes ₹48 lakh towards prize money to encourage greater participation and creativity, and ₹1.04 crore for infrastructure and logistics across all centres. Centre-wise allocations include ₹19 lakh for Porvorim and ₹16 lakh for Morjim, while Panaji, Margao, Vasco, and Mapusa have been allocated ₹29.35 lakh towards prize money and infrastructure, ensuring uniform standards of quality, safety, and visitor experience across locations.

The festivities will begin with the traditional curtain raiser on 13th February 2026 at Porvorim. The celebrations will then move to Panaji on 14th February with the ceremonial flag-off of the main Carnaval parade. Margao will host the festivities on 15th February, followed by Vasco on 16th February. The celebrations will conclude on 17th February with grand parades and events in Mapusa and Morjim, spreading the spirit of Carnaval across North Goa.

Adding to the excitement, the official Carnaval Jingle 2026, performed by RhythMix, was unveiled, setting the musical tone for the festivities. This year’s celebrations will echo the vibrant slogan announced by King Momo: “Amche Goem, Amche Lok, Amcho Carnaval – Viva Goa, Viva Carnaval,” capturing the essence of community pride and collective celebration.

Each venue will come alive with colourful float parades, lively performances, music, and dance, creating the joyful atmosphere that defines Goa’s Carnaval. The festival brings together communities, artists, performers, and visitors, offering a cultural experience that showcases the State beyond its beaches.

Aligned with the Department of Tourism’s vision, Goa Carnaval 2026 will emphasise responsible celebration, cleanliness, safety, and community participation. The festivities aim to create joyful experiences while preserving Goa’s cultural identity and environmental harmony. Goa Tourism has invited residents, domestic travellers, and international visitors to be part of this spectacular celebration and experience the vibrant soul of Goa through one of its most cherished festivals. Additional details regarding parade routes, timings, and associated events are expected to be announced soon.

International

BLACKPINK’s Lisa and Win Metawin Spark Excitement with Regal Joint Appearance at Thailand Event

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Intern Swara Bodke || Team Allycaral

BLACKPINK member Lisa and popular Thai actor Win Metawin sent fans into a frenzy after they were spotted together at the prestigious Amazing Thailand Ambassador Exclusive Night. The high-profile event, celebrating Thailand’s culture and global influence, brought the two stars together as part of the country’s international tourism campaign, instantly becoming a talking point across social media platforms.

Fresh from wrapping up BLACKPINK’s globally successful DEADLINE World Tour alongside Jennie, Rosé and Jisoo, Lisa made a striking appearance that blended couture elegance with deep cultural significance. She wore a Balmain Haute Couture gown inspired by Pierre Balmain’s Spring/Summer 1960 collection, originally reimagined for Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother of Thailand. The ensemble featured a golden bandeau top and voluminous sleeves woven with traditional Thai textiles, paired with a butter-yellow duchesse satin wrap skirt that flowed effortlessly, creating a sculptural yet graceful silhouette. Completing the look with a matching stole, Lisa elevated the ensemble further with exquisite Bvlgari high jewellery, reinforcing her status as a global fashion icon.

Standing beside her was Win Metawin, one of Thailand’s most popular young actors and also a key face of the Amazing Thailand campaign. Win opted for a sleek all-black ensemble, pairing a classic shirt and tie with straight-leg trousers and a velvet blazer. Adding a meaningful cultural touch, he wore a golden brooch shaped like Thailand, subtly echoing the evening’s theme of national pride. The duo were seen interacting warmly on stage and posing together for photographers, moments that quickly went viral online.

Fans flooded social media with admiration, praising not only their visuals but also the symbolic pairing of two of Thailand’s most globally recognised cultural ambassadors. Many highlighted the chemistry between the two, while others applauded the way fashion, heritage and modern stardom came together in a single frame. Comments celebrating Lisa as a “global princess” and Win as Thailand’s “proud representative” dominated timelines, further amplifying the event’s impact.

While Lisa continues to expand her influence beyond music into fashion and cultural representation, Win Metawin is gearing up for his next major project, the historical fantasy drama Scarlet Heart Thailand, currently under production. Their appearance together underscored the growing global spotlight on Thai talent and culture, making the night not just a fashion moment, but a celebration of Thailand’s evolving presence on the world stage.

Events in Goa

First-Ever Zaddachem Fest Brings Pilar Together in a Celebration of Unity and Culture

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Intern Swara Bodke || Team Allycaral

History was created in Pilar on Republic Day 2026 as Clube Marius Festacar hosted the first-ever Zaddachem Fest (Festival of Trees) at the Milroc Colina complex. Curated by renowned linguist and cultural curator Dr. Gwendolyn de Ornelas, the festival brought together Goans and visitors from across India and beyond for a day rooted in heritage, nature, music, food, and community bonding.

Deeply anchored in Goan values of ekvott (unity) and inclusivity, Zaddachem Fest stood out as a people-centric celebration. With no sponsors or chief guests, the festival ensured that the spotlight remained firmly on collective participation, shared heritage, and community spirit.

The day began with a heritage and nature walk led by Dr. Suresh Kunkalikar, Dean of the Goa College of Agriculture, along with noted horticulturist Miguel Braganza. Participants were introduced to medicinal plants and herbs growing within the complex, highlighting the importance of traditional knowledge and biodiversity. This was followed by a Kadha workshop conducted by Dr. Ornelas, where she demonstrated traditional herbal brewing methods and explained the health benefits of local remedies used for colds and coughs.

Cultural performances added warmth and vibrancy to the festival, with music by the Barreto Brothers, the D’sa family, Russell Barreto, and Linda Diniz Braganza. A highlight of the day was the flagship coconut shell dance led by Dr. Ornelas, which drew enthusiastic participation and applause from the gathering.

Senior journalist Prakash Kamat hosted an engaging Bolcaoancheo Gozalli, joined by coordinator Avelino D’sa and resource persons Sabina De Cunha, Rama Parsekar, and Rosita Heredia. The session encouraged meaningful conversations, storytelling, and intergenerational exchange.

Following a traditional homemade Goan lunch, the programme continued with awareness sessions by the Goa Police on cybercrime, talks by local health officers on healthy eating habits, and a presentation on garbage management involving residents of the Milroc Colina complex.

Speaking about the event, Festacar Marius Fernandes said that Zaddachem Fest was not merely a celebration but a reminder of the unity and shared values that bind Goans together, whether in Goa or abroad. He added that Milroc Colina’s lush gardens and open spaces provided the perfect setting for the festival’s historic first edition.

Serving as a cultural bridge, Zaddachem Fest encouraged participants to reconnect with their roots, language, and traditions while embracing Goa’s rich multicultural identity, leaving behind a strong message of unity, sustainability, and community-driven celebration.