Events in Goa

Simran Dhond to Explore ‘Classic vs Contemporary’ Style at Clube Tennis de Gaspar Dias


Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Multidisciplinary fashion designer Simran Dhond will deliver an audio-visual lecture titled Classic vs Contemporary – What Every Generation Can Learn About Style as part of the ongoing centenary celebrations at Clube Tennis de Gaspar Dias, Miramar, in January 2026. The session aims to explore how timeless fashion principles and modern design sensibilities intersect, influence each other and continue to evolve across generations.

Dhond brings with her a strong academic and professional background in fashion and textiles. She holds a master’s degree from De Montfort University, England, and was awarded a Gold Medal in Knitwear Design from the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Bengaluru. Her work has been showcased on international and national platforms, including Leicester Fashion Week and India Intimatewear Fashion Week.

Known for a signature aesthetic that blends technical craftsmanship, sensuality and emotional depth, Dhond has designed across a wide range of categories, from lingerie and shapewear to athleisure and leisurewear. Her design journey includes collaborations with several popular platforms and brands, reflecting her versatility and adaptability within the fashion industry.

Currently, Dhond leads Design and Brand Development at Carbon Tree, a conscious activewear label focused on sustainability and mindful fashion. Alongside this role, she also works independently under her brand Simmydoo, a slow fashion lingerie and sleepwear label rooted in Indian craft traditions, organic materials and comfort-driven design.

The lecture is expected to offer insights into changing fashion narratives, sustainability, craftsmanship and personal style, encouraging audiences to reflect on what classic and contemporary fashion can learn from one another.

The event will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 6 pm at Clube Tennis de Gaspar Dias, Miramar. Entry to the lecture is free and open to all interested attendees.

Business

You Need to Build Your Own Brand to Be Successful in Today’s World: Walter Mascarenhas


Written by Intern Rency Gomes, Team Allycaral

In today’s competitive and fast-changing world, building a strong personal brand is as important as achieving financial success, said motivational speaker, corporate trainer and former Indian Air Force squadron leader Walter Mascarenhas during his talk titled Ask and be Rich. The lecture was organised as part of the ongoing centenary lecture series of Clube Tennis de Gaspar Dias in Panaji in January 2026.

Mascarenhas stressed that true success comes from being in demand and cultivating a strong reputation. He said that qualities such as honesty, kindness, discipline and sincerity form the foundation of a personal brand. According to him, individuals who are known for these values naturally attract opportunities and professional growth.

Explaining his three-pronged ASK approach—Attitude, Skills and Knowledge—Mascarenhas highlighted the increasing importance of soft skills in both personal and professional life. He observed that abilities such as communication, interpersonal skills, problem-solving, decision-making, stress and time management, along with critical and creative thinking, are essential life skills that are often not adequately addressed in formal education.

He elaborated that knowledge includes facts, information, awareness, education and experience, all of which enable better decision-making and innovation. Attitude, he explained, determines how individuals think, feel and behave, ultimately shaping outcomes in life and work.

Mascarenhas also spoke about achieving a fulfilling and balanced life by working on both mental and physical well-being. He referred to neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) as a tool to influence thought patterns and emotional responses, saying that happiness is a conscious choice that individuals can make most of the time.

Addressing the fear of failure, he encouraged the audience to focus on persistence, consistency and patience. He emphasised that progress comes from small, daily efforts rather than mere planning or intention. He also underlined the importance of physical fitness through proper diet, exercise and a positive outlook.

Drawing from his diverse experiences in the Indian Air Force, corporate training, skydiving and scuba diving, Mascarenhas concluded by advocating lifelong learning. He urged people to remain students throughout their lives, continuously improving themselves and overcoming fear as a key step toward personal growth and long-term success.

Events in Goa

Transcend Goa 2026 Kicks Off as India’s First Dedicated Transmedia Conclave


Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Transcend Goa 2026, India’s first-ever dedicated Transmedia Conclave, was inaugurated on January 15 at Maquinez Palace, Panjim, marking a significant step in Goa’s journey towards becoming a hub for creative innovation and media excellence. The opening ceremony and Day 1 proceedings witnessed the presence of key dignitaries, policymakers, and industry leaders, underscoring the importance of the conclave in shaping future-ready entertainment ecosystems.

The event was inaugurated in the presence of the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa, Dr Pramod Sawant, along with Dr V. Candavelou, Chief Secretary, Government of Goa; Smt Delilah Lobo, MLA – Siolim Constituency and Vice-Chairman, Entertainment Society of Goa; Shri Asvin Chandru, CEO, Entertainment Society of Goa; Shri C. Sajan Raj Kurup, Chairman, Creativeland Group; and Shri Harish Rao, Founder, Bulletproof Entertainment and Co-founder, Goa Future Proof, among other dignitaries and registered participants.

Day 1 of Transcend Goa 2026 set the tone for meaningful dialogue and collaboration through keynote addresses and engaging panel discussions focused on emerging trends in transmedia storytelling, film, digital content creation, and evolving entertainment business models. The conclave provided a dynamic platform for creators, filmmakers, industry professionals, and policymakers to exchange ideas, explore synergies, and discuss opportunities for innovation and investment.

Organised by the Entertainment Society of Goa in partnership with Goa Future Proof and supported by the Government of Goa, Transcend Goa 2026 reflects the state’s vision to strengthen its global footprint in the media and entertainment sector. By fostering collaboration across creative disciplines and highlighting Goa’s cultural vibrancy and infrastructure, the conclave aims to position Goa as a future-forward destination for storytelling, creativity, and media-driven growth.

TechPulse

Cogniflux Cybersecurity Workshops Impact Nearly 8,000 Participants Across Goa


Written by Intern Rency Gomes, Team Allycaral

The 4th edition of the Cybersecurity Awareness Workshops organised by Cogniflux in Goa, held from January 7 to 10, 2026, concluded as a resounding success, benefiting nearly 8,000 students, parents, working professionals, and government staff across the state. The four-day initiative was led by Dr Rakshit Tandon, one of India’s foremost cybersecurity experts, whose experience and insights played a pivotal role in shaping the programme’s impact.

Conducted across multiple institutions and platforms, the workshops focused on addressing the growing challenges of cybercrime and digital vulnerability in an increasingly connected world. Participants were educated on critical topics such as online fraud, cybercrime prevention, data protection, digital privacy, and the responsible use of the internet and social media. The sessions were designed to be practical and age-appropriate, ensuring that participants from diverse backgrounds could relate to and apply the learnings in their daily digital lives.

Dr Tandon’s interactive and relatable approach helped simplify complex cybersecurity concepts, empowering attendees with actionable knowledge to protect themselves and their families online. The workshops reinforced the importance of awareness, vigilance, and informed digital behaviour as essential tools in combating cyber threats.

The organisers highlighted that achieving such a large-scale outreach would not have been possible without the unwavering support of Cogniflux’s sponsors, partners, and well-wishers. Their continued encouragement and collaboration enabled the initiative to reach thousands across Goa, further strengthening Cogniflux’s mission of creating a safer, more cyber-aware society.

Events in Goa

Sunshine Art and Literature Festival (SALF) 2026 Opens with Creativity, Culture and Celebration


Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The Sunshine Art and Literature Festival (SALF) 2026 commenced with a vibrant and thoughtfully curated opening day that celebrated creativity, culture and youthful expression. The festival opened with a warm welcome to guests and participants, followed by engaging student performances that reflected artistic diversity, confidence and imagination, setting the tone for the days ahead.

The opening day was made even more special by the esteemed presence of Mr. Jackie Shroff ji and Mrs. Sulakshana Sawant ji, whose participation brought warmth, inspiration and a sense of occasion to the festival. Their interaction with students and visitors added a memorable personal touch to the celebrations.

Throughout the day, the festival grounds came alive with thoughtfully designed stalls showcasing food, crafts, games and student-led initiatives, creating a space that encouraged interaction, discovery and creativity. Visitors explored ideas, flavours and artistic expressions while engaging with the vibrant energy that defined the festival.

A series of enriching sessions added depth to Day 1, with discussions and workshops on preserving heritage, filmmaking, Kaavi art, public speaking, podcasting and a young author’s interview offering valuable insights and inspiration. These sessions reflected SALF’s commitment to nurturing dialogue, creativity and learning across disciplines.

Day 1 marked a strong and promising beginning for SALF 2026, leaving visitors inspired and eager for what lies ahead. With its blend of art, literature, culture and youthful energy, the Sunshine Art and Literature Festival continues to shape itself as a meaningful platform for expression, exchange and celebration.