Tag: featured

Music

Paul John Single Malt Whisky Becomes Official Pouring Partner for ‘Tribute to Human Bondage’ Concert Series in Goa

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

India’s rock legacy is set to resonate across Goa as Paul John Single Malt Whisky comes on board as the official pouring partner for Tribute to Human Bondage, a nostalgia-soaked concert series celebrating the iconic 1970s rock band Human Bondage. The series brings together founder member Henry Babu Joseph and the contemporary sound of the Rajeev Raja Combine, with Air India Express supporting the initiative as the travel partner.

The tribute honours Human Bondage’s enduring influence on Indian rock music, uniting Henry Babu Joseph with Rajeev Raja, Adrian D’Souza, Paul Santiago, Hitesh Dhutia and John Thirumalai. The Goa leg of the multi-city tour unfolds across three venues — Cohiba, Candolim on January 22; Take 5, Candolim on January 24; and Goa Chitra Museum, Benaulim on January 25 — offering audiences an immersive live music experience rooted in memory, musicianship and cultural continuity.

Paul John Single Malt Whisky’s association reflects its deep connection with art, culture and craftsmanship. Drawing parallels between music and whisky, the brand highlights how both are shaped by patience, precision and authenticity, with each note and every cask carrying character refined over time through Goa’s tropical climate.

The collaboration builds on Paul John’s cultural presence at the Serendipity Arts Festival Goa 2025, where it unveiled an immersive Paul John Experience Centre celebrating Indian single malt whisky as a cultural craft. Through guided tastings and storytelling, the installation positioned whisky alongside art, music and creative expression.

Speaking about the tour, Rajeev Raja described Human Bondage as a formative influence on his musical journey and credited Babu Joseph as a mentor. He expressed gratitude to Paul John Visitor Centre and Air India Express for supporting a tribute that brings alive a defining chapter in India’s rock history.

Through Tribute to Human Bondage, Paul John continues its commitment to supporting Indian music, live performances and cultural storytelling, reinforcing the shared language between whisky and music — both born from tradition, elevated by creativity and perfected through time.

The series also aligns with Air India Express’s ongoing engagement with India’s cultural landscape, including its ‘Tales of India’ initiative that showcases indigenous art across its aircraft fleet. Together, the partnership celebrates craft, culture and creativity, reaffirming Goa’s place as a vibrant hub for live music and artistic expression.

Music

BTS to Perform in India in 2026? V’s “See You Next Year” Message Sparks ARMY Frenzy

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Speculation around BTS performing in India has reached a new high after BTS member V dropped a tantalising hint during a Weverse live interaction on December 27. Responding to a fan greeting, V said, “Namaste, Indian ARMYs. See you next year,” a brief but powerful message that has sent Indian fans into a frenzy.

The comment comes as BTS prepares for a major comeback in 2026 after a nearly four-year hiatus. The globally acclaimed K-pop group has already confirmed that they are working on a new album, which is expected to release in March 2026, followed by a large-scale world tour. While V did not confirm specific dates or locations, fans have taken his words as a strong indication that India could finally be part of BTS’ tour itinerary.

All seven members of BTS reunited in June 2025 after completing their mandatory military service and have since been focused on individual projects while simultaneously planning the group’s return. With their reunion now complete, the group is reportedly gearing up for what is being described as one of their biggest eras yet.

According to a report by Bloomberg, HYBE is planning BTS’ “biggest tour ever” following the release of their 2026 album. The tour is expected to begin in spring 2026 and may include between 60 and 65 shows across the globe, with North America and Europe likely to be major stops.

Indian fans are eagerly awaiting official confirmation, especially as India has increasingly become a hotspot for major international concerts. Recent successful performances by global artists such as Coldplay, Ed Sheeran, Dua Lipa, and Enrique Iglesias have reinforced the country’s growing prominence on the global touring circuit.

While nothing has been officially announced yet, V’s message has reignited hope among Indian ARMYs that the long-awaited BTS India concert might finally become a reality in 2026.

TechPulse

Maker’s Asylum Positions Goa as a Global Hub for Creative Innovation

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Goa’s emergence as India’s Creative Capital is being shaped by communities, creators, and technology-led learning spaces that celebrate imagination and innovation. Within this evolving landscape, Maker’s Asylum has emerged as a key contributor, bringing together young innovators, global creators, and hands-on learning experiences that reinforce the state’s ambition to build a future-ready creative economy.

From its makerspace in Moira, Maker’s Asylum has welcomed students, artists, engineers, and young problem-solvers from across India and abroad who come to Goa not just for its natural beauty, but to build, experiment, and create. Over the last four years, more than 828 students from 15 countries, 150 schools, and 50 cities have travelled to the state to engage with its growing maker culture.

In 2025, ten cohorts of the Innovation School brought over 150 teenagers to Goa for immersive learning in robotics, electronics, fabrication, and product development. Their projects ranged from assistive devices and environmental robotics to AI-based sports solutions, reflecting the programme’s focus on real-world problem-solving. Maker’s Asylum also holds the highest number of OSHWA-certified open-source hardware projects in India, highlighting its commitment to accessible, collaborative innovation.

Looking ahead, the Fellowship for 2026 aims to expand this impact by supporting 100 teenagers from underserved communities across India through a six-month hybrid Innovation School journey. Participants will design and build solutions to pressing social and environmental challenges, with Maker’s Asylum inviting CSR collaborators and donors to help expand full and partial scholarships.

This December, Maker’s Asylum’s work is being highlighted at the 10th edition of the Serendipity Arts Festival, where it is hosting an eight-day programme of hands-on workshops, conversations, and maker showcases at Art Park, Panjim. By integrating maker culture into one of India’s leading multidisciplinary festivals, the initiative is bringing Goa’s creativity-driven innovation to a diverse national audience until December 21, 2025.

The celebrations will continue on December 28 with the Make Break Create Festival in Moira, a day-long showcase of Goa’s creative energy featuring working prototypes by young innovators, panel discussions on community and cultural spaces, interactive workshops, a makers flea market, and live music celebrating local talent.

Maker’s Asylum’s efforts align with the vision of the Startup and IT Promotion Cell under the Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications, led by Minister Shri Rohan A. Khaunte. By bringing global perspectives into local communities and encouraging cross-cultural exchange, the organisation demonstrates how Goa’s environment enables experimentation, innovation, and new ideas.

As Goa continues its journey toward becoming the Creative Capital of India, community-driven ecosystems like Maker’s Asylum highlight how culture, technology, and imagination can come together to shape a resilient, future-ready creative economy.

Travel

Goa Tourism Concludes Successful Bahrain Roadshow, Showcasing New Experiences and Stronger GCC Partnerships

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Travel Desk

Goa Tourism marked another milestone in its international outreach by successfully concluding its Bahrain Roadshow, which saw an enthusiastic response from travel trade professionals, media representatives, airline partners, and members of the Goan diaspora. The evening was graced by His Excellency Mr. Vinod K. Jacob, Ambassador of India to Bahrain, and key leaders from Goa Tourism including Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism; Shri Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism; Shri Kuldeep Arolkar, Managing Director of GTDC; and Mr. Harish Satlekar, Marketing Manager at GTDC. Together they presented the refreshed tourism positioning of the state, introducing contemporary themes such as Nocto Tourism, Jet-Setting, and CalmCation, brought to life through the newly launched Feels Like Goa campaign that focuses on authenticity, emotion, and the distinctive spirit of Goa.

Hon’ble Minister Shri Rohan A. Khaunte expressed that Bahrain continues to be a strategic and promising market for Goa, with the impressive turnout reflecting strong trust and interest in the destination. He emphasized that the new tourism themes aim to resonate with today’s travellers by offering curated experiences that go beyond traditional tourism. The event was further elevated by the presence of notable dignitaries from Bahrain’s travel sector, including Ms. Fatima Ahmed, President of ABTTA; Mr. Hussain Zaman, Country Manager for Gulf Air, the only airline offering direct flights between Goa and Bahrain; and Mr. Noel Fernandes, President of the Young Goans Club. Their participation highlighted the significance of the event for bilateral tourism collaboration.

The audience was treated to captivating Goan folk dance performances, including the iconic dekhni and corridinho, which brought the vibrant cultural heritage of Goa to life. Shri Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, reiterated the immense potential of the Bahrain market and shared that the Feels Like Goa narrative places culture, cuisine, heritage, and immersive experiences at the forefront. Shri Kuldeep Arolkar, Managing Director of GTDC, highlighted the ongoing upgrades to hospitality infrastructure and the enhancements in residencies and transport services, ensuring improved comfort and reliability for visitors from Bahrain.

One of the major highlights of the evening was the Destination Presentation, featuring specially curated films showcasing Goa’s diverse tourism landscape—from beaches and heritage sites to festive traditions, hinterland attractions, and new experiential initiatives. The program concluded with a lively networking dinner, where trade partners, media, airline representatives, and members of the diaspora engaged with Goa Tourism officials to explore collaborative opportunities and future possibilities for expanding connectivity and tourism offerings.

The Bahrain Roadshow forms a crucial part of Goa Tourism’s broader strategy to strengthen its presence in the GCC region. With consistent trade engagement, improved air connectivity, and a renewed focus on diversified experiences, Goa continues to position itself as a dynamic, year-round destination for travellers seeking authenticity, culture, and memorable experiences.

Social

Malabar Group Celebrates Children’s Day Across 1531 Micro Learning Centres in India

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Malabar Group, one of the world’s leading jewellery retailers, celebrated Children’s Day with heartfelt programmes across its 1531 Micro Learning Centres spread throughout India. More than sixty thousand underprivileged children supported by these centres took part in the celebrations, which began with the distribution of sweets and continued with activities designed to create a joyful, inclusive, and enriching environment for every child. Senior representatives from Malabar Group, community leaders, and dignitaries were present at various centres, making the day memorable for the young participants.

The Micro Learning Centres were established to support children who had been forced into labour or had to discontinue schooling due to difficult social or economic circumstances. Each centre provides a full year of age-appropriate primary education, enabling these children to transition back into the formal school system. Parents, community leaders, police officials, health department personnel, and Malabar Group teams joined the children in activities intended to build confidence, encourage participation, and nurture a love for learning.

Nutrition plays an equally vital role in the functioning of the centres. By offering milk, fruits, and eggs daily, the MLCs ensure that children receive essential nourishment to help them focus and learn better. The programme relies on trained graduates from local communities who serve as teachers, maintaining a ratio of one teacher for every forty children. This grassroots model has already borne remarkable results, with approximately thirty thousand children successfully returning to mainstream education through the initiative.

Speaking about the significance of the programme, Malabar Group Chairman M. P. Ahammed emphasized that the initiative addresses two of the most crucial needs of children—nutrition and education. He stated that a child learns best when they feel secure and cared for, and that nourishment strengthens their ability to study while education gives them direction. Together, these two elements empower a child to build a future rooted in confidence and dignity. He added that the Micro Learning Centres reflect the Group’s commitment to long-term community upliftment and form a key part of its broader CSR efforts.

The centres operate under Malabar Group’s Hunger Free World initiative, which distributes one lakh five thousand food packets every day across India while also supporting communities in Zambia and Ethiopia. Over the years, the Group has invested more than three hundred and fifty-six crore rupees in various social welfare programmes. These initiatives have touched the lives of more than seventeen lakh beneficiaries, spanning key areas such as women’s empowerment, healthcare access, educational scholarships for girls, and the Grandma Home initiative that provides shelter and care for elderly women.

This Children’s Day celebration across the Micro Learning Centres once again highlighted Malabar Group’s belief that every child deserves access to nourishment, education, and opportunities to grow with dignity. The celebrations not only brought joy to thousands of young faces but also reinforced the Group’s ongoing commitment to building stronger, more inclusive communities through sustained social impact initiatives.