Tag: Goa Events

Business

GCCI Successfully Hosts Agri Startup Conclave 2025

allycaralgoa

The Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI), in partnership with the University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad (UASD), NABARD, and the Government of Goa, successfully hosted the Agri Startup Conclave 2025 at Panjim Gymkhana. The event brought together farmers, agripreneurs, researchers, incubation centres, policy influencers, and industry leaders to explore emerging opportunities in agriculture and strengthen Goa’s growing agri-startup ecosystem.

The conclave opened with the inauguration of the Agri Startup Exhibition, featuring innovative products, agri-technologies, and solutions by startups, FPOs, and young entrepreneurs from Goa and neighbouring states. Dignitaries interacted with exhibitors, acknowledging their contribution to modernising agriculture.

The event was graced by esteemed guests including:

  • Mr Subhash Shirodkar, Hon’ble Minister for Water Resources, Cooperation & Institute of Public Assistance (Chief Guest)
  • Mr Sandeep Phaldesai, Director (Agriculture), Government of Goa
  • Dr P. L. Patil, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, UAS Dharwad
  • Dr S. S. Dolli, PI & CEO, Krishik-Agri Business Incubation Centre
  • Ms Pratima Dhond, President, GCCI
  • Mr Mahesh Patil, Chairman, GCCI Agriculture & Food Processing Committee
  • Mr Sanjay Amonkar, Director General, GCCI

A significant milestone of the conclave was the exchange of an MoU between Goa College of Agriculture and UAS Dharwad. The collaboration will deepen cooperation in research, capacity building, mentorship, incubation, and adoption of agri-technologies—empowering Goa’s farmers, students, and aspiring agripreneurs.

GCCI felicitated recipients of the State Agriculture Awards 2024:

  • Krishi Ratna – Mr Mahesh Matarbhog
  • Krishi Vibhushan – Mr Amar Patil
  • Krishi Bhushan – Mr Yogesh Desai

Their remarkable contributions to sustainable agriculture and rural entrepreneurship were widely appreciated.

GCCI President Ms Pratima Dhond reiterated the Chamber’s commitment to a future-ready agriculture sector driven by innovation and youth participation.
Chief Guest Mr Subhash Shirodkar highlighted the importance of modernization, digital integration, and cooperation in Goa’s agricultural progress.

The technical sessions featured presentations by experts, including:

  • Dr S. S. Dolli on establishing agri-business incubation and funding avenues
  • Insights on revenue models, social impact, and agripreneurship development
  • Success stories from Goan agri-innovators such as Dr Kurade’s Mushroom, Frugurt, Team-24, and Raika Honey

A showcase of Krishik-Agri Business Startup ventures brought fresh energy to the conclave.

The panel brought insights from key institutions:
Startup Promotion Cell, ICAR, GIM, BITS Goa, FiiRE, DBCE, moderated by Dr Dolli and Mr Miguel Braganza.
Discussions focused on policy support, incubation networks, finance accessibility, market linkages, and strengthening the agri-startup value chain.

The Agri Startup Conclave 2025 concluded with a strong commitment from GCCI to continue building collaborations that support agri innovation, value-added processing, and export potential from Goa. The Chamber expressed gratitude to all dignitaries, exhibitors, and participants for making the event a grand success.

Social

“Different Strokes” Art Exhibition Brings Hope Through Creativity with Tr. Dylan Fernandes at Sanskruti Bhavan

Tanisha Cardozo

The “Different Strokes” Art Exhibition at Sanskruti Bhavan, Central Library, Patto, Panjim, has brought together a vibrant collection of over a hundred artworks created by twenty-five talented artists from Goa. This inspiring exhibition, which is open to the public until Sunday, 23rd November 2025, carries a powerful purpose—every artwork showcased contributes to a larger mission of hope, compassion, and transformation. Organized by artist and curator Mrs. Rubina Dsouza in collaboration with Don Bosco’s Charities, the exhibition was inaugurated by Arch. Neville Monteiro, President of ‘Assistencia’. It serves as a meaningful platform where art meets philanthropy, allowing visitors to experience creativity while supporting a significant social cause.

Among the many artists featured, the works of Teacher Dylan Fernandes from Holy Cross High School, Siolim, daughter of Domingos and Benediana Fernandes, stand out as a heartfelt offering as part of her Pilgrimage of Hope during the Jubilee Year. This initiative gave her, along with many other artists, an opportunity to lend their artistic talent to make a difference in the lives of those in need. The exhibition features both established names and emerging creators, all united in their desire to bring hope to the marginalized.

Don Bosco Konkan Development Society, a branch of the Salesians of Don Bosco, has long been committed to improving the lives of children, youth, women, and socially disadvantaged communities. Their mission—“Transforming Lives for a Better Tomorrow”—is reflected through their numerous programmes focusing on education, skill development, women’s empowerment, child care, and community welfare. With the entire proceeds from the sale of artworks dedicated to supporting these outreach initiatives, “Different Strokes” stands as a true example of art being used as a force for good. The exhibition not only celebrates creativity but also amplifies the collective responsibility of society to uplift its vulnerable sections. It is an event that touches the heart, inspires action, and proves that art, when shared generously, can indeed transform lives.

Events in Goa

WAVES Film Bazaar Launches in Goa, Celebrates Global Filmmaking Collaboration

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The WAVES Film Bazaar, South Asia’s premier global film market, officially opened today at the Marriott Resort in Panjim, Goa, with a vibrant inaugural ceremony attended by distinguished leaders, policymakers, filmmakers, and international delegates. Held annually alongside the International Film Festival of India, the 19th edition of the Bazaar, now rebranded as WAVES Film Bazaar, serves as a global hub for filmmakers, producers, sales agents, festival programmers, and distributors seeking creative and financial partnerships. Scheduled from November 20th to 24th, the market features 300 film projects and welcomes delegations from over seven countries.

Shri Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, inaugurated the event, describing the Bazaar as a “complete ecosystem of screenings, masterclasses, and technology showcases.” Highlighting the market’s alignment with the Prime Minister’s vision of “converting art into commerce,” he emphasized the world’s first e-marketplace for filmmakers, which facilitates collaboration between creators and countries. Shri Jaju also noted the curated projects, cash grants, and structured feedback mechanisms, alongside India’s first-ever AI Film Festival and Hackathon as key milestones in embracing the future of cinematic technology.

Guest of Honour Ms. Jaewon Kim, Member of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea, lauded the organisers’ dedication since the festival’s inception and expressed hope for strong India-Korea collaborations. She added a memorable moment by performing a soulful rendition of Vande Mataram, earning a standing ovation from the audience. Dr. L. Murugan, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, praised the Bazaar for empowering young storytellers and new voices, highlighting the participation of 124 new creators this year. He described the event as a bridge connecting creators and producers while projecting Indian culture and content on the global stage. Additional Secretary Shri Prabhat delivered the vote of thanks, rounding off a ceremony that celebrated creativity and industry leadership.

The inaugural event was further enriched by the presence of IFFI Festival Director and acclaimed filmmaker Shekhar Kapur, actors Shri Nandamuri Balakrishna and Shri Anupam Kher, Jerome Paillard, Advisor to Waves Bazaar, Australian film director Garth Davis, and Shri Prakash Magdum, Managing Director of NFDC. Together, they underscored the Bazaar’s role as a dynamic confluence of artistic vision, innovation, and global collaboration, setting the tone for an inspiring and transformative week of cinematic exchange.

Events in Goa

Traffic Advisory: Road Closures and Parking Arrangements for IFFI Float Parade and Rehearsals in Panaji

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The Panaji Traffic Police has issued a comprehensive advisory for residents and commuters in view of the upcoming IFFI Float Parade and its rehearsal. On 18th November 2025, the stretch of D.B.B. Marg from the old Secretariat to Kala Academy will be closed for vehicular traffic from 15:00 to 17:00 hrs during the parade rehearsal. On 20th November, float assemblies will begin at Merces Junction on Panaji–Old Goa Service Road, with Promotional and State floats assembling near Divja Circle.

All floats will line up at the Starting Point at Old GMC via D.B.B. Marg (left side lane, incoming) from 13:00 hrs. Floats parked at Merces Junction will proceed via KTC Panaji to the line-up area. The parade will culminate near Kala Academy, Campal, after which the floats will be parked at the Football Ground on D.B.B. Marg until further instructions from traffic authorities. In addition, Inox Lane (Gen. Bernard Guedes Road) will remain closed for all vehicular traffic from 20th to 28th November 2025.

For incoming traffic, vehicles entering Panaji during the rehearsal and parade should follow designated diversion routes including the new Patto Bridge via Divja Circle and Dayanand Bandodkar statue, or via the new Mala Bridge for traffic from Bambolim. City buses will be suspended on parade routes during the event. Traffic from Ribandar will be diverted via the Ribandar Causeway and NH-748. Outgoing traffic, including route buses from Miramar, will be diverted via Campal Ganesh/Kala Academy, Fire Brigade Junction, St. Inez, Caculo Island, 18th June Road, and Church Square. Heavy and commercial vehicles are restricted from entering the city between 07:00 and 21:00 hrs, and tourist buses from Dona Paula will be restricted beyond Miramar Circle after 13:00 hrs.

Designated parking zones for vehicles with passes include PVR Inox Multiplex, Kala Academy (S1 & S2 pick-up/drop), and Market Lane (S4 Media). Vehicles without passes will be directed to EDC Plaza/MLCP and KTC Bus Stand for North Goa traffic, and via GMC Bambolim–Goa University–Miramar for South Goa traffic. No-parking zones have been declared along Jose Falcao Road, Joao Castro Road, Match Corner to Casa International (M.G. Road), Caculo Island to St. Inez Junction, Church Square to Cortin Foot Bridge, and Down the Road Pub to Match Corner.

Commuters are advised to follow the traffic guidelines, use alternate routes, and plan their travel in advance to avoid inconvenience during the IFFI Float Parade and rehearsals.

Events in Goa

Social Impact Conclave Goa 2025 Showcases Digital Responsibility, Neighbourhood Bonds & Community Values

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The Social Impact Conclave Goa 2025, hosted by Voice Up and co-hosted by the Rights of Neighbours Campaign, brought together influencers, youth leaders, and community voices to reflect on the evolving role of digital creators in shaping society. The event opened with remarks by Mr. Muzammil, a member of SIO, who expressed that the conclave was designed to create voices capable of influencing society with empathy and responsibility. He reminded participants that true influence lies not in popularity but in impact, compassion, and accountability, qualities that every digital creator must uphold in today’s fast-paced online world.

The keynote address was delivered by veteran journalist Shree Prakash Kamat, who explored the immense power influencers hold in shaping public thought. He emphasised that content must be rooted in constitutional values and civic conscience to contribute meaningfully to society. Warning that purposeless content easily descends into trolling, he urged creators to maintain integrity and consistency in the values they represent, using their platforms thoughtfully and responsibly.

One of the most engaging sessions, “Good Neighbours Build a Society,” was led by Dr. Aisha Fidha of GIO. She reflected on the warmth, trust, and solidarity that once characterised neighbourhood life in India, where communities functioned as extended families. Dr. Fidha explained how urban lifestyles and rising individualism have created what she termed “urban coldness,” leaving people emotionally distant despite physical proximity. She highlighted the physical consequences of weakened community bonds—such as increased stress, disturbed sleep, and reduced emergency safety—as well as psychological effects, including loneliness, anxiety, and social withdrawal. She stressed that neighbourhoods are the first unit of society, and strong neighbourly connections are essential for both social harmony and human well-being.

The programme concluded with a thought-provoking address by Mr. Asif Hussain, Chairman of the Board of Innovative Education. He spoke about the responsibility influencers carry in shaping society’s moral and emotional landscape. In a powerful remark, he said that “mankind should be heroes, but we have reduced ourselves to zeros,” pointing to humanity’s role in conflicts, environmental degradation, and social chaos. Yet he reminded the audience that positive change is always possible, and that even the darkest moments eventually give way to light. Mr. Hussain encouraged influencers to use their platforms for constructive storytelling by creating reels, videos, and short films that inspire transformation. Urging the youth of Goa to rise to the occasion, he emphasised that meaningful change begins with consistent small efforts, saying, “Boond boond se banta hai samandar.”

A total of 24 influencers and change-makers were honoured during the event for their contributions to society through digital media. Among them, Mr. Yunus Shaikh and Mr. Usman Khan Pathan received special recognition for their exceptional work in driving social awareness and promoting impactful causes through their digital skills. Their dedication stood out as an example of how online influence can be used to create real-world change.