Tag: #food

The Diet Plate

Healthy Lifestyle Choices for Happy Fertility

allycaralgoa

Written by Wellishia D’sa | Dietitian

Motherhood is a dream close to many hearts, but the path to conception can sometimes feel challenging. The truth is, our bodies are beautifully designed to reproduce, but they need the right care, nourishment, and mindset to flourish. Fertility, however, is a team effort — men face challenges too. Stress, toxins, alcohol, smoking, and belly fat can reduce sperm quality and affect conception chances.

The good news is that simple lifestyle changes make a huge difference. Nutrition forms the foundation. Traditional Goan foods are naturally fertility-boosting and can support reproductive health for both partners. Some key fertility-friendly foods include:

  • Goan Red Rice & Local Millets (Nachne, Bajra, Jowar): Help balance blood sugar and improve ovulation.
  • Leafy Greens (Methi, Drumstick leaves): Rich in folate and iron, vital for egg health and preventing birth defects.
  • Seasonal Fruits (Guava, Papaya, Pomegranate, Mango): Packed with antioxidants to protect eggs and sperm.
  • Nuts & Seeds (Cashews, Flax, Pumpkin Seeds, Coconut): Provide zinc and healthy fats that boost sperm count and hormone balance.
  • Pulses & Legumes (Moong, Chana, Kulith, Alsande): Plant-based proteins rich in iron and folate, essential for vegetarian couples.
  • Fish (Mackerel, Sardines, Shellfish): Omega-3s that improve sperm motility and egg health.
  • Eggs: Provide choline and protein, crucial for fertility and fetal development.
  • Lean Meats (Chicken, Local Goan Pork in moderation): Aid hormone regulation and reproductive health.

Along with diet, regular exercise such as beach walks or light yoga supports healthy weight and reduces stress. Adequate sleep allows hormones to reset naturally, while 15 minutes of morning sun provides vitamin D, essential for fertility.

Emotional well-being is equally important. Practices like meditation, prayer, or quiet gratitude ease emotional pressures and nurture hope during the fertility journey.

For couples with special dietary needs or health concerns like thyroid issues or vitamin deficiencies, personalized nutrition advice can make a significant difference. Consulting a qualified dietitian is recommended to tailor plans for optimal egg and sperm health.

With a balanced diet, lifestyle, and love, fertility can flourish — bringing you closer to the dream of parenthood.

EduConnect

232 Meritorious SC/ST Students in Goa Receive Laptops Under Government’s Free Laptop Scheme

Tanisha Cardozo

On August 25, 2025, the Government of Goa marked another milestone in its commitment to inclusive digital empowerment. Through the Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (DITE&C), a total of 232 meritorious students from Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities were awarded laptops under the Free Laptop Distribution Scheme for the academic years 2023–24 and 2024–25. This includes 121 students from 2023–24 and 111 from 2024–25.

Implemented via the Info Tech Corporation of Goa Ltd. (ITG), this initiative is designed to bridge the digital divide, support higher education, and help young Goans build critical digital skills. Since its inception in 2022, the scheme has already benefited over 450 students, furthering access to tools essential in today’s tech-driven world.

The official laptop distribution ceremony took place at the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) in Panaji. The event was attended by top state dignitaries including Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa Dr. Pramod Sawant, Hon’ble Minister for Information Technology, Electronics & Communications Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, Hon’ble MLA and Chairman of ITG Dr. Chandrakant Shetye, Director of DITE&C Shri Kabir Shirgaonkar, Managing Director of ITG Shri Praveen Volvotkar, Joint Director of DITE&C Dr. Milind Sakhardande, and CEO of the Startup and IT Promotion Cell Shri D.S. Prashant.

In his address, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte underscored the importance of equipping youth with digital tools to drive their academic and professional futures. He emphasized that technology now touches every aspect of life and that access to devices like laptops opens up new pathways in knowledge, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Referencing initiatives such as the IT Knowledge Centres and the Goa AI Mission 2027, he encouraged students to become the next generation of thinkers, leaders, and changemakers for the state and the nation.

Echoing these sentiments, Director of DITE&C Shri Kabir Shirgaonkar praised the determination and academic excellence of the beneficiaries. He stated that the distribution was not just about devices, but about investing in the aspirations and capabilities of Goa’s youth.

With a strong focus on digital equity, the Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications continues to lead forward-thinking initiatives that blend access, infrastructure, and innovation. By supporting students from SC/ST communities with tools for success, the Free Laptop Distribution Scheme reaffirms the Goa Government’s commitment to leaving no one behind in the digital future.

International

Leicester Goans Rock the Ekvottachem Fest: A Celebration of Unity and Culture

Tanisha Cardozo

On August 23, 2025, Leicester came alive with the sights, sounds, and flavours of Goa. The Ekvottachem Fest, meaning “Festival of Unity”, made its debut in the UK city, bringing together hundreds of Goans for a joyous celebration of heritage and community.

Organised by Festacar Marius Fernandes, known for his community-led events, the festival marked his third event in Leicester and his 103rd people’s festival globally, showcasing his unwavering commitment to keeping Goan culture alive beyond borders.

The day kicked off with Fr. John Tavares lighting the ceremonial lamp, a powerful symbol of unity, faith, and shared culture. The crowd then welcomed the exciting launch of Salcette Beatz, a dynamic band of young Goan musicians from Leicester, setting the tone with infectious rhythms that blended tradition and youth energy.

Festival curator Marius Fernandes led a unique Pasoi — a traditional walk where he engaged the audience with vibrant stories of Goa’s past. Highlighting instruments like the Ghumot, he brought to life the forgotten narratives that define Goan identity.

This wasn’t just a stroll — it was a walk through memory lane.

The cultural stage lit up with performances that tugged at the heartstrings of every Goan in attendance. The Kottiacho Nach, a traditional dance using coconut shells, mesmerized the crowd with its rhythm and grace.

Local chefs and home cooks served homemade Goan food, including a hands-on workshop on Atol, a traditional Goan sweet that had both young and old rolling their sleeves up.

The energy peaked when Manjit Singh, Leicester’s very own Guinness World Record holder, performed his iconic stunt — lifting a 50-kilo weight with his ears. The crowd gasped, cheered, and celebrated this fusion of strength, identity, and performance art.

The Ekvottachem Fest wasn’t just another cultural event — it was a reminder of what happens when community comes together with pride, passion, and purpose.

As Goans danced, ate, and celebrated together thousands of miles from home, the message was clear:
Unity lives on, wherever the heart of Goa beats.

Fit & Fabulous

Rahul Mishra Opens Doors to His Exquisite Flagship Store in Kala Ghoda’s Luxury Mansion

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral

In the bustling heart of Mumbai’s art district, Kala Ghoda, internationally acclaimed fashion designer Rahul Mishra has unveiled his flagship store — not just a retail space, but a living museum of art, architecture, and couture.

Rahul Mishra, the 2023 International Woolmark Prize winner and the first Indian to present at Paris Haute Couture Week, takes us through the grand mansion that now houses his latest creative expression. Once an ice factory dating back to the 1970s, the 80-year-old structure has been magnificently transformed into a 75,500 square foot fashion sanctuary with ceilings towering over 150 feet.

This restored mansion pays homage to its colonial roots — the same neighborhood where King Edward VII once stood with his horse and where British architectural influence still stands tall. Today, the area is also home to the iconic Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, and this new flagship store fits seamlessly into its rich tapestry of culture.

Inside, the store is not just about couture — it’s a sensory experience. From embroidered swatches and archival motifs to rooms filled with dried floral arrangements and art installations, each space tells a story. The wooden carvings embedded into textile designs reflect a poetic fusion of fashion and architecture. Every element, from the nude-toned rustic wall finishes to the handcrafted floral French knots by skilled artisans, contributes to the mansion’s deep colonial and artisanal undertones.

“The mansion is a zen of art and peace where I can feel the aura around it,” says Mishra. The mansion’s intimate experience continues with personal shopping lounges, coveted handcrafted bags, and a couture atelier that feels more like a gallery than a store.

Mishra’s approach goes beyond just showcasing fashion — it embodies a deep respect for storytelling, sustainability, and heritage. The mansion isn’t merely a space to shop, but a place to feel, see, and connect with Indian craft in its most luxurious form.

Events in Goa

Chef Saurabh Puri Launches Weekly Culinary Masterclass Series at Goa Dabolim Airport

Tanisha Cardozo

Dabolim, Goa – August 21, 2025: In a unique blend of hospitality and gastronomy, Goa Dabolim Airport today launched its first-ever Culinary Masterclass Series, hosted in collaboration with Travel Food Services (TFS) and the Airports Authority of India (AAI). The inaugural session, held in the airport’s premium lounge, featured celebrated Executive Chef Saurabh Puri and set the tone for a weekly Thursday tradition of culinary exploration.

The session began with a warm welcome by Mr. C. George Varghese, Airport Director, in the gracious presence of senior AAI leadership, officials from BCAS, CISF, and distinguished guests. Chef Puri, known for his mastery of Italian and Continental cuisine, engaged guests and passengers with a live cooking demonstration that combined expert techniques with vibrant Goan and Indian flavours.

Children, families, and travellers joined the session, many of whom expressed surprise and delight at being able to participate in such an interactive experience while awaiting their flights. From plating tips to flavour secrets, the event brought culinary inspiration straight to the terminal.

More than just a one-time showcase, this event marks the launch of a recurring Thursday Masterclass Series. Each week, a renowned chef will host a live session, bringing gourmet experiences directly to passengers and airport staff. The initiative is a part of AAI’s broader vision to transform airports into experiential spaces, enriching time spent before boarding.

With over two decades of culinary experience, Chef Puri currently leads the kitchens at The Zuri White Sands, Goa Resort & Casino. Revered for his ability to manage large-scale culinary operations while maintaining finesse in flavour, his appearance at the airport was as insightful as it was entertaining.

“It’s an honour to be part of such a forward-thinking initiative,” Chef Puri said. “Airports are evolving, and what better way to engage travellers than through food?”

The Culinary Masterclass Series is part of a larger passenger-centric approach by AAI, one that aims to deliver comfort, culture, and creativity across all touchpoints. As travellers await their flights, they can now enjoy exclusive access to some of India’s best chefs, right at the airport.

Make sure to stop by the TFS Lounge at Goa Dabolim Airport every Thursday for new flavours, new faces, and a journey that starts with taste.