Tag: Goa education

EduConnect

Sesa Technical School Achieves 100% Placement for 2023–25 Batch

Tanisha Cardozo

Sanquelim, Goa: Sesa Technical School (STS), a flagship CSR initiative of Vedanta Sesa Goa, marked a significant milestone as it celebrated 100% placement for its 2023–25 graduating batch. A total of 95 students successfully completed their training, making it the institution’s 30th graduating batch since its inception in 1994.

The convocation ceremony, held at the STS campus in Sanquelim, was graced by Mr. P.D. Ambatkar, Assistant Director of the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME), Government of India. He felicitated the students and highlighted the importance of technical education in building a self-reliant India.

“Technical education and vocational training are central to strengthening the MSME ecosystem. Institutions like STS play a crucial role in equipping youth with industry-relevant skills and fostering employability and entrepreneurship,” Ambatkar said, emphasizing KVIC’s continued support through training and financial assistance initiatives.

Also present at the event were Ms. Leena Verenkar, Head CSR & SCDF, Vedanta Sesa Goa, and Mr. Gajendra Alarnicar, Principal of STS, along with faculty members and staff.

Congratulating the students, CEO Navin Jaju expressed pride in their achievements and reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to nation-building through skilling. He also lauded the increasing participation of women in technical education, highlighting their growing role in industrial sectors.

The graduating batch represented diverse trades, including Fitter, Electrician, Machinist, Instrument Mechanic, and Computer Operator Programming Assistant (COPA). Academic toppers included Darshan Gurav (Machinist – 94.08%), Shidalli Suleman Inamdar (Instrument Mechanic – 92.75%), Vinayak Subhash Sawant (92.33%), Aniket Gopal Manik (Fitter – 92%), and Sanjana Fondekar (COPA – 91.83%).

Students secured placements across reputed organisations such as Hindustan Unilever, Nestlé, Zydus Cadila, Guala Closures Group, Unichem Laboratories, Colgate-Palmolive, Sanofi, and CommScope, among others—reflecting the institute’s strong industry linkage.

Additionally, students from the Electrician and Instrument Mechanic trades completed a 15-day specialised training programme in mobile repairing and electrical works under the Gramodyog Vikas Yojana, conducted by KVIC. The initiative aims to enable skilled individuals to establish small-scale enterprises and contribute to grassroots economic development.

Established in 1994 on a reclaimed mining site in Sanquelim, STS has trained nearly 2,000 youth, primarily from Goa’s rural and mining regions. Affiliated with the ITI curriculum, the institution continues to focus on holistic development through hands-on training, industry exposure, and interview preparation support.

With a consistent track record of strong placements and industry-ready graduates, Sesa Technical School remains a cornerstone in Goa’s skill development ecosystem, bridging the gap between education and employment.

EduConnect

GVM’s Ponda College Wins Big at Abhiuday 2026

Tanisha Cardozo

Students of Goa Vidyaprasarak Mandal’s Gopal Govind Poy Raiturcar College of Commerce and Economics in Ponda have brought pride to their institution by clinching the overall trophy at Abhiuday 2026, an intercollegiate event organised by the Government College of Commerce and Economics, Borda. The team also secured a cash prize of ₹20,000 at the prestigious event.

The full-day competition, held at Ravindra Bhavan Margao, witnessed participation from multiple colleges, with students competing across a range of events. Representing the college was a contingent of 40 students, who demonstrated remarkable talent, enthusiasm, and teamwork throughout the day.

The winning trophy was presented by Damodar Naik, adding to the significance of the achievement.

The students participated with the encouragement and permission of Principal Dr. Smita Sanzgiri and were guided by Faculty In-charge Ms. Yeshda S. Prabhu, whose support played a crucial role in the team’s success.

This accomplishment highlights the institution’s ongoing commitment to holistic student development, encouraging participation beyond academics and fostering confidence, creativity, and collaboration among its students.

EduConnect

CM Dr. Pramod Sawant Felicitates Goa’s Young Robotics & STEM Champions

Tanisha Cardozo

In a proud moment for Goa’s education and innovation ecosystem, the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa, Pramod Sawant, felicitated the State’s outstanding young achievers who have brought laurels through exceptional performances in Robotics and STEM competitions at national and international platforms. The ceremony recognised students who have excelled at prestigious events such as the World STEM & Robotics Olympiad (WSRO), VEX Robotics Championships, and the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC), underscoring Goa’s growing prominence in technology-driven education.

The event brought together students, mentors, school leaders, and parents who have collectively contributed to this remarkable success. Addressing the gathering, Dr. Sawant congratulated the young innovators and their mentors, stating that their achievements exemplify innovation, discipline, teamwork, and the spirit of scientific inquiry. He reiterated the Government of Goa’s strong commitment to promoting STEM education, innovation, and future-ready skills in alignment with the National Education Policy 2020. He emphasised that such accomplishments reflect the State’s determination to ensure that Goan youth are prepared to compete and succeed on global platforms.

The Chief Minister lauded the role of Qurious Mind Infotainment Pvt. Ltd., a Goa-based robotics education organisation, for its sustained efforts in nurturing young talent and building a robust ecosystem for hands-on STEM learning across the State. He also acknowledged the invaluable contribution of the Department of Education, Government of Goa, school managements, teachers, mentors, and parents who have collectively enabled students to reach new heights in competitive arenas.

Among those honoured were Ronav Chodankar and Ariana Chodankar of Sharada Mandir School, mentored by Dr. Deepa Chodankar, who received the Judges’ Choice Award – Young Scientist (All STEM – Open Category) at the WSRO National Championship. Shlok R. Juvatkar of Mahila & Nutan English High School, guided by Mahadev Mishal, secured 1st Place in the Junior Robo Race category. Students representing Goa at the VEX Robotics Regional and National Championships, including Mast Vedang Anay Kamat, Miss Surabhi Shubhesh Manerikar, Miss Rajvi Vishwanath Marathe, and Mast Shourya Ganpat Prabhu Kapdi, were also recognised for their exemplary participation.

At the FIRST Tech Challenge, students such as Soham Mahesh Redkar, Dhruv Sameer Salgaonkar, Sparsh Swapnesh Verlekar, and Sairaj Amonkar from Saraswat Vidyalaya, Mapusa, along with Anam Raza of Podar International School, Panelim, Avaneesh Devendra Phadte of Mushtifund High School, Cujira, and Sai Pranav Gandhi of Sharada Mandir School, Miramar, were honoured for leadership and excellence within the international competition framework.

Goa’s representation at the WSRO International Championship marked a particularly proud milestone. Students from New English High School, Digas Panchwadi—Miss Paravi Prakash Gaonkar, Miss Shravya Rajendra Naik, Miss Akshavi Ashok Gaonkar, and Miss Aarushi Arun Sawant—mentored by Atul Shirodkar, earned international participation recognition in the Industry 4.0 category, reflecting the highest level of competition and global exposure.

Additional accolades included Mast Dilraj Dilip Kavthankar of Pradnya High School securing 6th Prize in the Line Follower category under the mentorship of Prasad Gadekar; Mast Ian Nunes of St. Bartholomew’s High School, Chorao, mentored by Vincent Toscano, winning 5th Prize in Young Scientist (Algorithms); Mast Vedang Kamat of Saraswat Vidyalaya, Mapusa, mentored by Anay Kamat, earning 4th Prize in Industry 4.0; and the team of Manish Mahadev Gawandi, Nirbhay Manoj Talkar, and Mayank Sandeep Kavathankar from Pradnya High School achieving 3rd Prize in the Line Follower category, guided by Prasad Gadekar.

The ceremony concluded with an engaging interaction between the Hon’ble Chief Minister and the students, followed by official photographs, marking a proud and inspiring chapter in Goa’s journey towards becoming an emerging hub for robotics, innovation, and technology education. The achievements celebrated at this event stand as a testament to what focused mentorship, institutional support, and youthful determination can accomplish, placing Goa firmly on the national and global STEM map.

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JCI Panaji Hosts “Love Beyond Romance” Session to Empower Students in Mapusa

Tanisha Cardozo

JCI Panaji organized a powerful and engaging session titled “Love Beyond Romance” on February 5 at Purushottom Walawalkar Higher Secondary School in Mapusa, aiming to reshape how young minds understand the concept of love in today’s digital age.

The session was led by JC Dr. Shilpa, a medical expert, who encouraged students to move beyond typical romantic clichés and explore a broader, more meaningful definition of love. Drawing from her medical background, she explained how excessive use of social media and mobile gaming can trigger the release of dopamine, a chemical linked to pleasure and addiction. She warned that this “digital love” can often replace genuine emotional connections, affecting mental well-being and relationships.

Dr. Shilpa urged students to redirect their focus toward healthier forms of love—love for family, friends, society, and the nation. One of the key highlights of the session was her discussion on Artificial Intelligence versus Human Emotions. She emphasized that no matter how advanced technology becomes, human emotions will always remain irreplaceable and must be nurtured and protected.

The session was designed to be highly interactive. Through hands-on activities, students participated in group acts where they creatively demonstrated ways to help a friend overcome mobile addiction and rediscover the joy of real-life friendships. These activities helped students understand emotional management, teamwork, and leadership in a practical and engaging manner.

By the end of the session, both students and teachers expressed their appreciation for the initiative. Many requested more such workshops, recognizing the importance of life skills and emotional awareness in shaping responsible individuals.

Through this initiative, JCI Panaji reinforced the message that love extends far beyond romance—it is about self-respect, communication, empathy, and building a progressive character that contributes positively to society.

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Empowering Youth: JCI Panaji Hosts ‘Love Beyond Romance’ Session in Mapusa School

Tanisha Cardozo

Purshottam Walawalkar Higher Secondary School in Mapusa witnessed a unique and transformative experience on 5th February 2026, as JCI Panaji conducted a special session under its ‘Empowering Youth’ initiative.

The session, titled “Love Beyond Romance,” was led by JCI National Author and Trainer Karuna Rajan Satardekar. Instead of the usual Valentine-themed conversations around romance, the session offered students a deeper and more meaningful understanding of love as a universal value.

Karuna Satardekar encouraged students to look beyond stereotypes and see love as compassion, respect, and care for the people around them. She explained that love is not limited to relationships but is reflected in how individuals treat society, friends, family, and those who need support.

One of the most touching moments of the session was a video about a 40-year-old individual with autism. The story highlighted the importance of empathy, patience, and inclusion. Students learned that love also means understanding and supporting those with special needs, a message that resonated deeply with the audience.

The session also focused on practical aspects of everyday behaviour. Through interactive discussions, Karuna Satardekar guided students on social etiquette, communication skills, and the importance of good manners. She explained how respectful communication and thoughtful actions can create a more compassionate and harmonious community.

Another key theme was leadership. Students were encouraged to develop leadership qualities rooted in empathy and inclusion. The message was clear: a true leader ensures that no one is left behind and carries every section of society forward with dignity and respect.

The connection between the speaker and the students was evident throughout the session. Faculty members described it as a “one-of-a-kind” experience, noting how strongly the message resonated with the young audience.

The initiative by JCI Panaji once again demonstrated the importance of life-skills education and value-based learning. By introducing such meaningful conversations in schools, the organisation continues to inspire the next generation to lead with empathy, respect, and responsibility.