Tag: #Goa

Health

Occupational Therapy: Empowering Goans to Live Life Independently

Tanisha Cardozo

In Goa, where community care and compassion are woven into everyday life, health and independence carry deep meaning. For many Goans recovering from illness, injury, or disability, even simple tasks such as dressing, writing, or returning to work can become challenging. This is where Occupational Therapy plays a vital role, helping individuals rediscover their independence and quality of life through creativity, care, and science.

Occupational Therapy is a holistic healthcare profession that enables people to live meaningful lives by regaining the ability to perform everyday activities. Contrary to what the name might suggest, it is not about finding employment but about engaging in daily occupations — the essential actions that bring purpose, such as self-care, learning, leisure, and work.

Occupational Therapists approach healing by focusing on the person as a whole — the body, mind, environment, and goals. Through purposeful activities, adaptive devices, and individualized exercise programs, they help people rebuild movement, coordination, confidence, and independence.

This dynamic field encompasses several areas, including orthopaedic rehabilitation, neurosciences, paediatrics and NICU care, mental health, geriatrics, oncology and palliative care, ergonomics, and community-based rehabilitation. Occupational Therapists serve across hospitals, rehabilitation centres, schools, and community programs — supporting individuals of all ages.

This year’s World Occupational Therapy Day 2025 theme, “Occupational Therapy in Action: Transforming Lives, Building Communities,” captures the essence of this profession. In Goa, therapists like Dr. Vailanki Nazira Raposo at Goa Medical College exemplify this mission by working hand in hand with doctors, educators, and families to ensure holistic, patient-centred healing.

Occupational Therapy is more than treatment; it is empowerment. It is about enabling individuals to regain control, rebuild identity, and reconnect with their communities. As Goa continues to advance in healthcare, the contribution of occupational therapists remains vital — enabling independence, enhancing quality of life, and empowering Goans to live with dignity and purpose.

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Over 120 Students Felicitated by Porvorim Rising on International Yoga Day

allycaralgoa

Porvorim, 22nd June 2025 – Porvorim witnessed a heartwarming celebration of academic excellence and youthful promise as over 120 meritorious students from the Porvorim constituency were felicitated by Porvorim Rising today, coinciding with the observance of International Yoga Day. The felicitation ceremony took place at the Socorro Panchayat Hall in the presence of students, parents, educators, and dignitaries.

The event was graced by Shri Rohan Ashok Khaunte, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Information Technology, Electronics & Communication, and MLA of Porvorim, who served as the Chief Guest. Congratulating the students, Shri Khaunte emphasized the importance of perseverance, holistic development, and maintaining a balance between academic goals and personal well-being. “In today’s ever-evolving digital era, conventional paths are being constantly disrupted by the rapid pace of technological change. While opportunities are abundant, they require the right guidance, local mentorship, and wider exposure to truly benefit our youth. As someone who has closely observed these shifts, I understand the efforts and resilience needed to excel exceptionally well. Yet, despite any challenges, each one of you has excelled. I congratulate you not only for your academic achievement but for making your parents, your schools, and your community proud. You represent the spirit of a future-ready Porvorim—resilient, aware, and capable of navigating a changing world.,” he stated.
Shri Manoj Sawaikar, Deputy Director of Education, addressed the students as the Chief Speaker, offering valuable guidance on career choices, focus, and character building. He encouraged the young achievers to remain grounded while aiming high.

The felicitation was organized by Porvorim Rising, an initiative led by Shri Khaunte, which continues to conduct impactful community programs aimed at uplifting the constituency. Students who secured above 75% marks in the Goa Board Class 10 and 12 examinations (March-April 2025) from the Socorro, Salvador do Mundo, and Penha de Franca Panchayats were honoured with certificates, mementoes, and words of encouragement.

Held on International Yoga Day, the event also highlighted the importance of balance—between mind, body, and academics—reinforcing the holistic values that Porvorim Rising seeks to promote.

This initiative, rooted in the belief that empowered students are the foundation of progressive societies, continues to inspire other learners across the state to strive for excellence. As these bright young minds step forward, Porvorim’s future shines brighter.

EduConnect

Students from Goa University Win Quiz Competition on World Environment Day 2025Date: 5th June 2025

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On the occasion of World Environment Day 2025, Ms. Aishwarya Gaude and Mr. Allan Almeida, two bright students from Goa University, emerged victorious in the highly anticipated Quiz Competition organized by the Goa State Pollution Control Board. The event, which focused on raising awareness about environmental issues and the importance of sustainability, saw enthusiastic participation from various educational institutions across the state.

Celebrating World Environment Day

World Environment Day, observed globally on June 5th, is an annual event dedicated to raising awareness about environmental protection and promoting actions to safeguard the planet. This year, the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) aimed to engage students in a unique and informative way, encouraging them to test their knowledge and understanding of crucial environmental topics.

The quiz competition was designed to highlight various aspects of environmental conservation, including pollution control, sustainable practices, climate change, waste management, and biodiversity conservation. Through this initiative, the GSPCB sought to inspire the younger generation to become proactive environmental stewards.

The Winning Team

After a series of intense rounds and challenging questions, Ms. Aishwarya Gaude and Mr. Allan Almeida of Goa University showcased exceptional knowledge, quick thinking, and teamwork to clinch the top spot in the competition. Their performance impressed the judges and demonstrated their deep understanding of environmental issues.

Both Aishwarya and Allan, who are passionate about sustainability and environmental conservation, dedicated hours to preparing for the quiz, researching key topics, and honing their skills to ensure they could perform to the best of their abilities. Their hard work paid off when they emerged victorious, standing out not just for their knowledge but also for their enthusiasm and commitment to promoting environmental awareness.

Words of Appreciation from the Organizers

The quiz competition was attended by several dignitaries from the Goa State Pollution Control Board, educational institutions, and environmental organizations. In their congratulatory remarks, officials from the Goa State Pollution Control Board praised the enthusiasm and commitment of the students in contributing to environmental awareness. They emphasized the importance of such competitions in fostering a sense of responsibility and encouraging youth to actively engage in environmental conservation efforts.

Dr. Vishal Karve, the Chief Environmental Officer of GSPCB, expressed his appreciation:
“The level of participation and enthusiasm in today’s quiz competition was truly heartening. Aishwarya and Allan’s victory is a testament to the passion of Goa’s youth for environmental protection. It is crucial that our younger generation continues to learn and advocate for sustainable practices, as they are the future custodians of our planet.”

Aishwarya and Allan’s Reaction

In an interview after their win, Aishwarya and Allan shared their excitement and gratitude. Aishwarya said:
“It feels surreal to win this competition, especially on such an important day. The environment is a cause close to my heart, and I believe every small action can make a huge difference. I’m thankful to the Goa State Pollution Control Board for organizing this event and giving us the opportunity to learn and contribute.”

Allan added:
“This win is not just for us but for all the people working tirelessly to protect our planet. We hope that through our efforts, we can inspire more students to take an active role in environmental conservation and advocate for sustainable practices.”

Promoting Environmental Education

The success of this quiz competition is a significant step in encouraging environmental education and raising awareness among students. The event highlighted the importance of integrating environmental issues into educational curricula and empowering students to become informed and responsible global citizens.

Both Aishwarya and Allan have expressed their desire to continue engaging in environmental causes and are looking forward to participating in more activities that promote sustainability. Their victory also shines a spotlight on Goa University, showcasing its commitment to fostering a generation of young environmental leaders.

The Way Forward

With the success of the quiz competition, the Goa State Pollution Control Board plans to organize more such initiatives in the future, focusing on various aspects of environmental conservation. These events are crucial in not only educating the youth but also in providing them with a platform to voice their opinions, ideas, and solutions for creating a sustainable and green future.

EduConnect

International Yoga Day Celebrated at Our Lady of Merces High School, Merces

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PANAJI: Our Lady of Merces High School, Merces, celebrated International Yoga Day with great enthusiasm and participation. A total of 326 students, teachers, and staff came together to mark the day dedicated to health and well-being through the practice of yoga.

The programme was held under the guidance and support of Rev. Fr. Arnaldo Pinho, Headmistress Mrs. Violet Pires, and Physical Education Teachers Sir Shekhar K. Kerkar and Sir Jonas Fernandes.

The event was graced by esteemed guests, Shri Gajanand Arabekar, Dy. Director of Accounts, Government of Goa (Retired), and Smt. Sheela Kankonkar, Executive Engineer, PWD (Retired), who encouraged students to incorporate yoga into their daily lives for a balanced mind and healthy body.

Yoga is a timeless gift from our ancient tradition that promotes harmony between body, mind, and spirit. Practising yoga regularly improves concentration, reduces stress, and strengthens both physical and mental well-being — empowering students to lead a healthier lifestyle amidst their academic pursuits.

The school management expressed gratitude to all participants and staff for making the celebration a resounding success and reiterated their commitment to nurturing holistic development among students.

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Government of Goa launches LetsGoa portal to revolutionize tourism with seamless digital experience

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Porvorim, December 27, 2024: In a significant step towards transforming Goa’s tourism landscape, Hon’ble Chief Minister, Dr. Pramod Sawant and Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Information Technology, Electronics & Communications, Printing & Stationery, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte launched LetsGoa, an innovative digital platform designed to provide seamless travel experiences for tourists and locals.

The launch ceremony, held at Mantralaya, Porvorim, was attended by key dignitaries, including Chief Secretary, Dr. V Candavelou, IAS, Director of Tourism, Shri Suneel Anchipaka, IAS, Shri Milind Sakhardande, Joint Director for IT, and other senior officials.

LetsGoa, Tourism Experience Platform (TEP) is a transformative platform for tourists, locals, and the tourism sector, including hoteliers, travel agencies, service providers, and activity operators. It allows businesses to showcase their products and services, enabling tourists to explore and book them easily.

During the launch, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant emphasized, “Goa is renowned as a premier tourist destination, and the launch of LetsGoa marks a significant step in providing seamless, technology-driven services. This platform will help showcase Goa’s rich heritage and natural beauty while ensuring convenience for tourists and locals alike.”

Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte said, “The LetsGoa tourism experience platform serves as a comprehensive guide to Goa’s services, integrating tourism, technology, and local businesses. With LetsGoa, we aim to empower tourists with a reliable, single-point resource for all their travel needs in Goa. This initiative will benefit local businesses by connecting them with a wider audience.”

LetsGoa provides a one-stop solution for tourists, offering bookings for accommodations, adventure activities, cultural experiences, and more. Key features include secure online bookings for activities like paragliding, jungle safaris, and kayaking, along with a Digital Tourism Card (e-Card) that unlocks exclusive discounts, rewards, and redeemable travel points. The platform also offers real-time updates on events, attractions, and festivals.

Shri Suneel Anchipaka IAS, Director, Department of Tourism highlighted that LetsGoa represents a major transformation for Goa’s tourism sector, connecting local service providers, tourists, and officials. “With over 100 hotels, 50+ activity providers, and GTDC residencies involved, the platform simplifies bookings and promotes Goa’s rich heritage, wellness, adventure, and hinterland tourism.”

The ceremony also saw the launch of 75 Free Public WiFi Hotspots for seamless digital connectivity, 11 4G BSNL towers to enhance mobile network coverage, and the One Map Goa GIS portal to support efficient spatial planning and infrastructure development.

LetsGoa also serves as a tool to showcase Goa’s cultural heritage. Tourists can explore historic landmarks, attend festivals, and indulge in Goan cuisine through curated recommendations, boosting the local economy while preserving Goa’s authentic charm. With its user-friendly interface, easy payment gateways, and focus on providing unforgettable experiences, LetsGoa is set to become every traveller’s gateway to the soul of Goa