Tag: Goa Colleges

EduConnect

Don Bosco College, Panjim Holds Awareness Session on ‘Prevention of Suicide Among Teenagers’

Tanisha Cardozo

On October 6, 2025, the Department of Psychology and the Wellness Club of Don Bosco College, Panjim–Goa, organized an impactful awareness session on “Prevention of Suicide Among Teenagers.” The event formed part of the National Task Force Initiative and aimed to raise awareness, promote emotional well-being, and equip students with strategies to recognize and respond to signs of distress among peers.

The session was conducted by Ms. Aafreen Khan, College Counsellor at Dhempe College of Arts and Science, Miramar–Goa, who served as the Resource Person. In her engaging and empathetic address, Ms. Khan discussed the growing concern of teenage suicide, shedding light on the complex psychological, social, and emotional factors contributing to it. She emphasized the importance of fostering open communication, encouraging early intervention, and practicing empathy in supporting individuals facing emotional struggles.

Ms. Khan guided students on offering meaningful peer support, seeking professional help when necessary, and addressing the stigma that still surrounds mental health issues. Her interactive approach encouraged students to share their perspectives and engage in open dialogue, creating a safe and reflective space for learning and understanding.

Students from the First, Second, and Third Year B.A. programs, along with members of the Wellness Club, participated actively in the session. The event concluded with a message of hope and reassurance—that every life matters and that help is always available.

This initiative not only sensitized young minds to the realities of mental health challenges but also reinforced the importance of cultivating a campus culture centered on care, empathy, and mental well-being. Don Bosco College continues to uphold its commitment to holistic student development, ensuring that mental health awareness remains a vital part of its educational environment.

EduConnect

Cinemania: Phase Four at Don Bosco College – A Two-Day Celebration of Creativity and Cinema

allycaralgoa

Don Bosco College’s Department of Mass Communication & Journalism, in collaboration with its Film Club Cinemaniacs, hosted the 4th edition of Cinemania on 9th and 10th October 2025. The two-day event combined interdepartmental and intercollegiate competitions, showcasing the creativity, talent, and cinematic passion of students across Goa.

Day One kicked off with the traditional lighting of the lamp by Chief Guest Mr. Sachin Chatte, veteran film critic, alongside College Director Rev. Fr. Kinley D’Cruz, Principal Dr. Cedric Silveira, and Faculty In-Charge Asst. Prof. Agnelo D’Souza. Departments competed in events such as Lord of the Frames, What If?, Genres of the Galaxy Vol. 2, and Any Dept Can Dance 2, with Team I.T. retaining the overall champion title.

Day Two welcomed ten colleges from across Goa for the intercollegiate edition. The red-carpet inauguration featured award-winning filmmaker Mr. Christ Silva as Chief Guest, who inspired students to tell culturally rooted stories. Students represented iconic film directors and competed in events like Action Replayy, MisMatched 3.0, Flopbuster, and Absolute Cinema, a five-hour filmmaking challenge. The dance competitions, including Let’s Nach-O!, brought energy and creativity to the stage.

Winners & Highlights:

  • Champions: Team Priyadarshan, Dhempe College, Miramar
  • Runners-up: Team Christopher Nolan, Rosary College
  • Mr. & Ms. Cinemania: Mr. Swayam Padwal & Ms. Suhani Naik, Dhempe College

The two-day spectacle concluded with gratitude expressed by Asst. Prof. Agnelo D’Souza, celebrating the contributions of faculty, sponsors, and students. Cinemania: Phase Four left behind a legacy of collaboration, creativity, and a shared love for cinema.

— Reported by Allycaral | Connecting Global

EduConnect

Virnora College Hosts Anti-Ragging Awareness Program with Keynote by Prof. Varsha Redkar

Tanisha Cardozo

Sant Sohirobanath Ambiye Government College of Arts and Commerce, located in Virnora, Pernem–Goa, organized a meaningful Anti-Ragging Awareness Program aimed at fostering a safe, inclusive, and respectful campus culture. The session served as a powerful platform to engage students in understanding their role in eliminating ragging and promoting student welfare.

The keynote address was delivered by Asst. Prof. Varsha Redkar from V. M. Salgaocar College of Law, Miramar, who brought a legal perspective to the issue. She emphasized the seriousness of ragging under the law and the long-lasting impact it can have on victims. Her message to the students was not just about awareness, but about responsibility. “Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented. If you witness ragging, speak up. Your voice can be the shield someone desperately needs,” she stated passionately, urging students to be vigilant allies rather than passive observers.

The program was effectively coordinated by Ms. Salima Haldankar and Ms. Manju Shetye, whose efforts ensured a smooth and engaging event. The initiative was well-received by students and staff alike, further demonstrating the institution’s unwavering commitment to maintaining a ragging-free environment and cultivating values of respect, empathy, and unity among students.

Health

Don Bosco College Panjim Hosts State-Level Mental Health Awareness Event

Tanisha Cardozo

Don Bosco College, Panjim, marked Mental Health Week with a powerful State-Level Mental Health Awareness Celebration on September 30, 2025. Organised by the Department of Psychology and the Wellness Club, in collaboration with the WOW Foundation and Aaji Care, the event served as a platform for dialogue, education, and empowerment around mental health, focusing on both youth resilience and dementia awareness.

The event featured a keynote address by Dr. Amit Dias, Assistant Professor at the Department of Preventive Medicine, Goa Medical College. His session, titled “Ask about Dementia, Ask about Alzheimer’s,” underscored the importance of early diagnosis, supportive caregiving, and breaking societal silence around aging-related mental health conditions. His insights were both informative and emotional, highlighting how dementia affects not just individuals but entire families and communities.

Adding to the depth of the event, Ms. Ketaakii Parob Gadekar, Founder and President of the WOW Foundation, led a highly engaging session on “Psychological Resilience among Teenagers.” With real-life scenarios and practical tools, she spoke about the increasing pressures faced by today’s youth and the need to equip them with strategies to manage stress, uncertainty, and emotional challenges in a rapidly evolving world.

Dr. Vijay Viegas, Head of the Department of Psychology, emphasized the impact of such events in creating mental health awareness at the grassroots level. Ms. Nerissa Zuzarte, the Event Coordinator, was instrumental in ensuring the smooth and impactful execution of the program, which saw participation from a wide spectrum of educational institutions including GVM College, St. Xavier’s College, Chowgule College, Carmel College, and Gomantak Ayurved Mahavidyalaya and Research Centre.

College Principal Dr. Cedric Silveira and Director Fr. Kinley D’Cruz praised the initiative, underlining the role of educational institutions in nurturing not just academic excellence but holistic well-being. They reiterated the need for ongoing efforts to normalise mental health conversations and provide safe spaces for students and faculty alike.

The event concluded with a collective reflection on the true meaning of mental health—not just as the absence of illness but as the presence of well-being, inner strength, and community support. The success of the program echoed a growing awareness in Goa’s educational circles: that mental health is essential, and the time to act is now.

EduConnect

Carmel College Hosts State-Level Workshop on Effective Communication for Students

Tanisha Cardozo

Carmel College of Arts, Science, and Commerce for Women, Nuvem, hosted a One-Day State-Level Workshop on Effective Communication on 20 August 2025. Conceptualized by the Department of English in collaboration with Ms. Mariette Valsan, a seasoned communications professional with expertise in public relations and corporate communication, the workshop offered a vibrant space for students to grow their interpersonal and professional communication abilities.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Brian Mendonca, Convenor of the event, highlighted how communication is often underestimated despite being a crucial life skill. Dr. Aldina Braganza e Gomes, Officiating Principal, in her welcome address, emphasized the importance of being intentional in both speech and silence. She remarked, “You can communicate by speaking, you can communicate by being silent.” Dr. Glenis Mendonca, Head of the Department of English, shared the department’s vision and initiatives, and formally felicitated the guest speaker. Ms. Valsan expressed her excitement about engaging with students at Carmel and gave a brief overview of the day’s activities. The programme was anchored by Danielle, while Joanne delivered the vote of thanks.

The day was packed with insightful activities designed to challenge students to reflect on their individual communication styles and unlock their strengths. Whether through team-building games or story-driven presentations, Ms. Valsan’s approach kept participants fully engaged. Her ability to connect with the students through relatable anecdotes made the session not just informative but also inspiring. Participants unanimously agreed that the workshop offered a refreshing perspective on communication—transforming it from a theoretical concept into a practical, lived experience.

The event showcased how Carmel College continues to provide holistic education, blending academics with essential life skills that prepare students to navigate both careers and communities with confidence.