Tag: Goa education

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Mushtifund Saunstha Receives ₹50 Lakh Donation in Memory of Former Student Swapna Bhobo Caculo

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Mushtifund Saunstha, Cujira, St. Cruz, witnessed an emotional and dignified ceremony on Thursday as the Bhobo Caculo family donated ₹50 lakh to the institution in loving memory of their daughter, Ms. Swapna Pandurang Bhobo Caculo. The contribution was made to honour Swapna’s association with the school, where she studied from Standard I to IV, and to ensure her enduring connection with her alma mater.

The donation aims to support the institution’s educational initiatives and benefit future generations of students, transforming personal loss into a meaningful legacy of learning and opportunity. As part of the tribute, commemorative plaques were unveiled by her parents, Shri Pandurang Shridhar Bhobo Caculo and Smt. Mangalabai P. Bhobo Caculo, in the presence of Mushtifund Saunstha President Shri Anil Khaunte, office bearers, school management, principals, teachers, students, and members of the Bhobo Caculo family.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Manoj M. Caculo fondly recalled Swapna’s years at the school and shared that the family wished to channel their cherished memories into long-term support for education. School authorities expressed their deep gratitude to the family, assuring that the generous donation would be utilised to enhance academic facilities and strengthen the learning environment for students.

The ceremony stood as a heartfelt tribute, reflecting the enduring bond between a student, her family, and her school, and underscoring how remembrance and generosity can together shape a meaningful future for education.

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GDP School Hosts First-Ever Convocation with Enterprise Ramp Walk Across Three Campuses

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The GDP School for Social Entrepreneurship, Skill Building and Applied Social Research marked its first convocation at Borda College, Margao, with a packed auditorium and a high-energy format that placed outcomes above optics and enterprises above certificates. The event brought together graduating cohorts from the Borda, Vasco, and Quepem campuses in a celebration that redefined the traditional idea of a convocation.

Departing from convention, the convocation featured a swag-filled ramp walk where senior citizens, Self Help Groups, and rural youth confidently showcased market-ready products, service offerings, flyers, and enterprise packages. Developed through intensive practitioner-led mentoring and applied social research, the ramp transformed into a live marketplace of social innovation and enterprise readiness.

Stage 1 of the GDP School journey focused on stabilising three core pillars of enterprise building—product, process, and people. Participants underwent repeated cycles of market fitment, customer feedback, redesign, and validation, with a deliberate application of Blue Ocean Strategy to identify uncontested value propositions. The cohorts now advance into Stage 2, the Go-To-Market phase, which will focus on customer acquisition, partnerships, revenue models, and scaling.

The ramp walk was led by GDP School practitioners Deepakshi Mishra from the Quepem Campus, Kaushal Prabhudesai from the Vasco Campus, and Prasad Deshpande from the Borda Campus, who guided their respective cohorts through the showcase. The convocation was led by Chief Guest Mr. Kanjanabha Bhattacharyya, Managing Director of Putzmeister Concrete Machines Pvt. Ltd., who reinforced the importance of industrial rigor and execution discipline in building sustainable social enterprises.

The event saw the presence of a wide range of dignitaries from banking, industry, media, administration, and social development sectors, reflecting strong cross-sector endorsement for the initiative. The convocation also coincided with the birth anniversary of Late Shri Manoharbhai Parrikar, former Union Defence Minister and Chief Minister of Goa, and was envisioned as a tribute to his enduring legacy of institution-building, integrity, and inclusive development.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. Kishore Shah, Managing Trustee of GDP Foundation, followed by live product displays and networking. The convocation marked not an end, but the formal market entry of community-rooted enterprises, reinforcing GDP School’s emergence as a pioneering platform where social purpose meets market discipline and learning translates into real, scalable impact.

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Vatican Observatory Director Fr. Richard D’Souza Celebrates Feast Mass at St. Xavier’s College

allycaralgoa

December 4, 2025 | Mapusa, Goa : St. Xavier’s College celebrated the Feast of its Patron Saint, St. Francis Xavier, with great reverence and enthusiasm. The Feast Mass was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Richard D’Souza SJ, esteemed Director of the Vatican Observatory, Rome, whose presence elevated the significance of the occasion.

Delivering a powerful message rooted in hope and faith, Fr. D’Souza encouraged students to look beyond academics and embrace a holistic approach to learning. He emphasized that education is not merely about examinations but about nurturing communication skills, critical thinking, and intellectual curiosity—qualities essential for facing the wider challenges of life. His words inspired the gathering to work together as a community and translate values into meaningful action.

Following the Mass, the programme continued with the felicitation of meritorious students from the Self-Financed Departments of the 2024–25 batch, celebrating their hard work and academic excellence. The institution also honoured Ms. Jacqueline Monteiro, a dedicated faculty member, on the occasion of her retirement, recognising her valuable contributions to the college over the years.

Adding vibrancy to the celebrations, the College Students Council hosted the annual “Socials”, featuring this year’s glamorous theme—The Red Carpet. Students participated enthusiastically, showcasing creativity and spirit. The event concluded with the crowning of Mr. Xavier 2025, awarded to Mr. Yash Pawar of T.Y.B.Com, and Ms. Xavier 2025, awarded to Ms. Aloma Saldanha of T.Y.B.Sc.

The honours were conferred by Officiating Principal Ms. Ursula Barreto and Administrator Fr. Tony Salema, adding prestige to the grand celebration. The day reflected the college’s rich tradition, vibrant student community, and commitment to holistic development.

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U.N.M.U.T.E. Training of Trainers Program Concludes Successfully at Ganpat Parsekar College

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The five-day U.N.M.U.T.E. Training of Trainers Program came to a meaningful close at Ganpat Parsekar College of Education, Harmal, bringing together a vibrant group of educators, trainers, and experts who shared a collective commitment to strengthening digital awareness across Goa. The program focused on equipping participants with practical knowledge on digital safety, AI literacy, financial literacy, and essential government schemes, all delivered through creative, interactive, and community-oriented methods designed to be easily transferred to local groups and institutions.

The closing ceremony featured distinguished speakers who enriched the learning experience with their insights and expertise. Prof. Anand Kumar delivered an inspiring keynote address that emphasized the importance of digital empowerment in an increasingly technology-driven world. Dr. Rahul Tripathi from Goa University added depth to the discussions with his insights on responsible and conscious digital participation. Dr. Arvind, also from Goa University, encouraged participants to think innovatively through a powerful lightning talk that highlighted new ways of engaging with digital tools. Amitabh Kumar, Co-founder of Contrails.ai, shared special remarks on the future of technology and the role of community-led initiatives in driving digital progress.

The program also featured an impactful inaugural talk by PSI Sahil Vijay Warang of Anjuna Police Station, who addressed rising cyber threats and shared essential knowledge on safe digital practices, responsible online behavior, and the significance of protecting personal data. His real-life examples and practical advice enabled participants to understand cyber challenges more deeply and carry forward this awareness in their communities.

Participants expressed appreciation for the diversity of expertise and the interactive nature of the sessions. Many shared that the training boosted their confidence in guiding others toward safer, smarter, and more responsible digital habits. The U.N.M.U.T.E. initiative concluded on an uplifting note, reinforcing a shared commitment to creating digitally aware, resilient, and empowered communities across Goa.

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St. Thomas Higher Secondary School, Aldona Honours Students Who Cycle Daily on Children’s Day

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

St. Thomas Higher Secondary School, Aldona marked Children’s Day with an inspiring gesture that celebrated both discipline and sustainability. The school felicitated eighteen students, including two girls and sixteen boys, for their unwavering commitment to cycling to school every single day. This daily practice has not only strengthened their personal fitness but has also contributed to the school’s broader mission of promoting environmentally responsible habits among the student community. The event was graced by the Manager, Fr. Jerard Sahayaraj, Principal, Ms. Angelica Fernandes, and Senior Teacher, Mr. Amarnath Panjikar, who presented tokens of appreciation to the young cyclists. Their recognition highlighted the students’ dedication at a time when many teenagers opt for motorbikes even before meeting the legal age for licenses. This simple act of choosing a bicycle over a motorcycle stands as a powerful example of responsibility, safety, and conscious living.

Senior Teacher Amarnath Panjikar, who coordinated the initiative, emphasised the importance of this effort. He noted that the students have set an example worth following, reminding their peers of the many benefits that cycling offers — from improved physical fitness to reducing pollution and contributing to a cleaner, greener environment. The school hopes that this initiative will inspire more students to adopt bicycles as a sustainable mode of daily transport. By celebrating these young cyclists, the school has not only recognised their discipline but has also sent a message rooted in community well-being, environmental care, and responsible behaviour. The simple act of cycling has become a reminder of how small choices can bring meaningful change within a school environment, especially on a day dedicated to celebrating children.