Tag: Goa Events

Sports

Goa Strengthens Sports Tourism with Goa Rugby 7s 2025 – Season 2

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa continues to raise the bar for sports tourism in India with the announcement of Goa Rugby 7s 2025 – Season 2, scheduled to take place on November 15 and 16 at the GMC Athletic Stadium in Bambolim. The tournament, which has become a major highlight in the country’s emerging rugby scene, is supported by the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, and organized in collaboration with the Crocotycles Rugby Foundation.

Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, emphasized the strategic importance of this tournament in diversifying Goa’s tourism offerings. “Goa is moving steadily towards becoming a premier sports tourism hub of India. Our support to tournaments like Goa Rugby 7s 2025 is a reflection of our vision to diversify Goa’s tourism offerings beyond beaches and nightlife. By nurturing such high-energy events, we are creating opportunities for our youth, boosting local communities, and showcasing Goa as a world-class destination for sports enthusiasts and travellers alike.”

Director of Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik, added that the event exemplifies Goa’s regenerative tourism approach. “The Department of Tourism is committed to developing an ecosystem where sports and tourism work hand in hand. Events like Goa Rugby 7s not only elevate Goa’s profile on the national and international sporting calendar but also align with our Regenerative Tourism approach by fostering local talent, supporting businesses, and ensuring sustainable visitor experiences.”

The collaboration with Crocotycles Rugby Foundation further highlights Goa’s intention to support niche and emerging sports. Rugby, a rapidly growing sport in India, is gaining momentum in Goa and offers an excellent platform for local athletes to showcase their skills at a national level. The tournament is expected to attract top teams from across India and potentially international entries, making it a significant event on Goa’s sporting calendar.

Goa’s scenic locations, modern infrastructure, and hospitable culture make it a perfect backdrop for such events. From marathons to triathlons and now rugby tournaments, the state is increasingly becoming a preferred venue for sporting events that align with sustainability and community development goals.

With Goa Rugby 7s 2025 – Season 2, the state reaffirms its commitment to promoting sports as a means of tourism diversification and youth engagement, positioning itself firmly as a leader in India’s sports tourism movement.

Social

Loving Hearts Goa Hosts Successful Blood Donation Camp in Collaboration with Local Partners

Tanisha Cardozo

On September 26, 2025, a meaningful community initiative unfolded in Goa as Loving Hearts Goa organized a Blood Donation Camp in partnership with the Fr. Faustino D’Souza Social Service Institute, Divya Gyan (Canacona), and the South Goa District Hospital (Hospico). The camp was held from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM and witnessed a commendable turnout, with 45 individuals stepping forward in the spirit of giving.

Despite the enthusiasm, only 29 individuals met the criteria to donate blood — each one contributing to a collective act of compassion and life-saving support. The event was smoothly coordinated by Sr. Crina Cardozo, sfn, alongside her dedicated team of volunteers who worked diligently to ensure the camp ran efficiently and respectfully.

Adding a personal note of tribute, Tr. Priya Gracias lent her support to the initiative in memory of her late father-in-law, Mr. Aleixinho B. Gracias, honoring his life through the gift of giving.

Mr. Mark D’Souza, President of Loving Hearts Goa, took a moment to express his heartfelt gratitude to all who made the event a success. He acknowledged the selfless efforts of Sr. Crina and her team, the medical staff and doctors from South Goa District Hospital (Hospico), and most importantly, the donors — whose generosity and sense of community made the camp possible.

This event is a shining example of what can be achieved when individuals and organizations come together with a shared vision for the greater good. Through collaboration, empathy, and action, 29 units of blood were donated — each with the potential to save a life.

Social

GCCI Women’s Wing and DRDA South Host ‘Swasth Mahila, Saksham Mahila’ Program Focused on Mental Wellness

Tanisha Cardozo

In a significant stride toward holistic women’s empowerment, the GCCI Women’s Wing, in association with DRDA South, organized a powerful program titled “Swasth Mahila, Saksham Mahila – Mental Health and Well-being for Women” on September 26, 2025, at the Mathany Saldanha Complex in Margao. The initiative brought together over 130 women from across South Goa to focus on a crucial but often overlooked aspect of empowerment: mental health.

The program commenced with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, symbolizing the beginning of an enlightening evening. Chairperson of the GCCI Women’s Wing, Mrs. Sandra Fernandes, welcomed the participants with a compelling message on the importance of emotional and mental wellness in a woman’s journey. She aptly stated, “When women are mentally strong and emotionally balanced, they can truly flourish in every role they play.”

Mrs. Deepali Naik, Project Director of DRDA, addressed the gathering and praised the Women’s Wing for continuously leading meaningful initiatives that cater to the real needs of women in the community. She emphasized how collaborative efforts like this can leave a lasting impact.

The heart of the program was a keynote session by well-known psychologist Ms. Neha Khaunte, who took the audience through a practical and reflective journey on stress management, emotional balance, and mindfulness. Using relatable examples and interactive exercises, Ms. Khaunte encouraged participants to acknowledge their mental health challenges while equipping them with everyday strategies to manage them. Her session was a refreshing blend of awareness, empowerment, and connection.

The event was compered with grace and clarity by Mrs. Gouri Joshi, a member of the GCCI Women’s Wing, who ensured a smooth and welcoming flow throughout the program. Mementos were distributed to the speakers and contributors, acknowledging their role in making the event a success.

The program concluded with a heartfelt Vote of Thanks delivered by Mrs. Poonam Ajgaonkar, Co-Chairperson of the GCCI Women’s Wing. She expressed deep gratitude to all the dignitaries, the enthusiastic participants, and especially to the resource person for facilitating such a vital conversation. Special recognition was also given to Ms. Melane Rodrigues, Assistant Director at GCCI, for her behind-the-scenes coordination that ensured the event’s seamless execution.

“Swasth Mahila, Saksham Mahila” was not just an event—it was a movement in itself, a reminder that true empowerment stems from nurturing not just skills and careers, but also the emotional and mental well-being of women. By offering this safe, inclusive, and engaging platform, GCCI and DRDA South reinforced their shared commitment to building stronger, healthier communities—one empowered woman at a time.

Travel

Goa Tourism Celebrates World Tourism Day 2025 with Grand Stakeholders’ Meet and Felicitations

Tanisha Cardozo

On September 27, 2025, the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, in association with the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) and SKAL International Goa, marked the culmination of month-long World Tourism Day celebrations with the largest-ever Tourism Stakeholders’ Meet at Grand Hyatt Goa. The event brought together key leaders from the government, tourism industry, academia, influencers, and community-based tourism networks for a day of reflection, recognition, and renewed vision.

The Hon’ble Tourism Minister, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, delivered a powerful address underlining the essential ecosystem that powers Goa’s tourism — from entrepreneurs and hoteliers to drivers, lifeguards, fishermen, and culinary professionals. Highlighting this year’s theme, he spoke about tourism not just as a business, but as a cultural expression and a shared identity that weaves together stories of the past and aspirations for the future. Emphasizing that Goa is more than just a beach destination, he reiterated the government’s commitment to making Goa a year-round, sustainable, and inclusive destination through initiatives like Unity Mall, Porvorim Town Square, and the Shivaji Maharaja Digital Museum under the Swadesh Darshan program.

Shri Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, further emphasized that the recognitions awarded on this day were not merely about individual accomplishments but were a celebration of the collective energy that drives Goa’s tourism forward. From students and professionals to influencers and tourism clubs, each individual recognized reflects Goa’s future as a regenerative tourism hub.

The prestigious Shri Vincent Ramos Scholarship was awarded to two meritorious students from the Institute of Hotel Management — Mackenzee Vas and Caitlyn Rosanne Mascarenhas — in the presence of Smt. Deena Ramos, honoring the late visionary’s legacy. Felicitations were also extended to Shri Pele and Shri Parag Ragnekar for their invaluable contributions to Goa Tourism. Noted influencers Smt. Scarlet M. Rose and Shri Moses J. Saldanha were recognized for their unique role in amplifying Goa’s tourism narrative. Additional appreciation was given to Smt. Shishti Sudin Prabhu Desai, Smt. Ashrafi Shetdesai Gaikwad, and Shri Viraj Phadte for their outstanding support.

Youth Tourism Clubs played a pivotal role in the celebrations, and their achievements were recognized through awards to Shri Shail Sawkar of Sridora Caculo College, Smt. Lisa Dias of IHM-Goa, and Dr. Kiran Gaude of P.E.S. Ravi S. Naik College.

The World Tourism Day celebrations will officially conclude with a Grand Finale one-day Film Festival at the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG), featuring films that celebrate Goa’s rich cultural and natural heritage. These efforts, led by the Department of Tourism, serve to amplify Goa’s broader vision of “Goa Beyond Beaches,” where tourism becomes a tool for storytelling, regeneration, and inclusive growth.

As stakeholders converged across disciplines and interests, the spirit of collaboration and gratitude defined the day — reinforcing Goa’s role as a global tourism leader embracing innovation, sustainability, and culture.

Events in Goa

19th Global Communication Conclave of PRCI Concludes Successfully in Goa

Tanisha Cardozo

The 19th Global Communication Conclave of the Public Relations Council of India (PRCI) concluded with great success in Goa on September 27, 2025. Held over two days at a vibrant venue, the conclave drew eminent personalities from government, business, media, academia, and the creative industries, all united by a shared commitment to shaping the future of communication.

The Hon’ble Governor of Goa, Shri Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju, inaugurated the conclave, stressing the importance of credibility, authenticity, and ethics in modern communication. He spoke about communication’s growing influence in governance and business, and its power to build trust and transparency.

Later that evening, the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa graced the Chanakya Awards function, congratulating participants and underlining how this year’s theme—“Power of PR: Emerging Waves of Communication”—captures the shift towards digital innovation, purposeful storytelling, and engagement that is real, timely, and impactful. He encouraged all present to raise the bar in ethical communication.

Mr. M B Jayaram, Chairman Emeritus of PRCI, praised the conclave’s successful execution and the quality of discourse, calling it a milestone for the communication fraternity. National President Ms. Geeta Shankar echoed this sentiment, commending the organizers and highlighting the value of such events in uniting professionals and inspiring progress.

The conclave featured lively panels and talks on topics such as Public Relations and Technology, Political Communication, PR and Leadership, Youth Engagement, and Global Communication Trends. Renowned speakers included corporate leaders, TEDx speakers, and academicians like Professor Mathew Hibberd from Switzerland. Other prominent guests included film producer Pramod Shetty, Rtn. Dr. Srinivasan, and Kaayan Kalthia of KosolEnergie.

The Chanakya Awards recognized top achievers in the field. Dr. Siba Prasad Mohanty of Hindustan Urvarak & Rasayan Ltd. was awarded CEO of the Year (Joint Ventures), while Irfan Rashid of REC Limited received the Jury Special Award for Promising Corporate Communicator of the Year. VSR Naidu was inducted into the PR Hall of Fame, acknowledging his lasting contributions to the field.

Alongside, the PRCI Excellence Awards 2025 drew entries from over 100 leading corporates, celebrating creativity, impact, and innovation in corporate communication. The awards ceremony was honored by Dr. Ganesh Gaonkar, Speaker of the Goa Legislative Assembly.

A special cultural performance titled “Gomantarang” was showcased by the Department of Art and Culture, Government of Goa, adding a vibrant, traditional touch to the conclave’s atmosphere.

The conclave’s success was made possible by the efforts of the PRCI Goa Chapter, under the leadership of Chairman Deepak Narvekar and his dedicated team including Waman Prabhu, Gurunath Pai, Nikhil Wagh, Kalika Bapat, Nikita Chodankar, John Agular, Anant Joshi, John Samuel, Raj Britto, Vrundavan Raikar, and Sandeep Kamble. Their tireless work ensured a meaningful and memorable experience for all attendees.

The 19th Global Communication Conclave reaffirmed PRCI’s mission to foster excellence, encourage dialogue, and advance the profession of communication across sectors. It stood as a testament to the collaborative spirit of the industry, and its potential to lead meaningful change in society and business.