Tag: Goa Media

Events in Goa

Goa Journalist Awards 2025 Presented by CM Dr. Pramod Sawant on National Press Day

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant presented the Goa Journalist Awards 2025 to nine distinguished journalists on the occasion of National Press Day at the Institute of Menezes Braganza Hall, Panaji. The event celebrated and acknowledged the contributions of media professionals who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to public-interest journalism throughout the year. The Best Editor Award on National Integration and Communal Harmony was conferred upon Shri Pandurang Gaonkar, while Shri Ajay Buva was recognised for his impactful rural reporting. Ms Ramandeep Kaur received the award for reporting in public health and hygiene, highlighting her work in bringing key health-related issues to the forefront. Smt Vibha Verma was honoured for reporting with special reference to women, children, and social issues.

In the field of sports journalism, Shri Marcus Mergulhao was awarded for his consistent and insightful sports reporting. Ms Gauree Malkarnekar received recognition for her remarkable work in reporting on art and culture, while Shri Rajtilak Naik was awarded in the category of Photojournalism for producing the Best Photograph of the Year. Ms Christine Machado was felicitated for excellence in reporting on education, and Shri Sameep Narvekar was honoured for his reporting on achievements of the Government. Their contributions represented a diverse spectrum of journalistic impact, reflecting the evolving needs of society and the essential role of the press in shaping informed public discourse.

The event was graced by Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Information & Publicity) Shri Sarpreet Singh Gill, IAS, Director of the Department of Information & Publicity Shri Dipak Bandekar, and Goa Union of Journalists President Shri Rajtilak Naik. The occasion underscored the government’s recognition of the media’s role in upholding democratic values, promoting accountability, and serving as a bridge between the public and policymakers. The ceremony reaffirmed the importance of responsible journalism and celebrated the dedication of individuals who continue to pursue truth, awareness, and social progress through their work.

Business

Vinsan Graphics Becomes Goa’s First INS-Accredited Agency

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Milestone achievement marks a new chapter for Goa’s media and events industry

In a landmark moment for Goa’s communication and media landscape, Vinsan Graphics has made history by becoming the first-ever Goan agency to receive accreditation from the Indian Newspaper Society (INS) — the country’s premier body representing the print media industry.

The INS accreditation authorizes Vinsan Graphics to handle advertising, media, and communication assignments directly with leading newspapers and publications across India. It serves as a mark of credibility, financial stability, and ethical professionalism within the national media ecosystem.

Founded and headquartered in Goa, Vinsan Graphics began as a creative design firm and has evolved into a comprehensive communications and events agency. Over the years, the company has successfully executed campaigns for clients across tourism, hospitality, and government sectors, gaining recognition for its innovative approach and quality delivery.

Speaking about the achievement, Mr. Sanjay Shetye, Proprietor of Vinsan Graphics, shared,

“This recognition is a proud moment not just for our team but for Goa as a whole. Being the first agency from the state to be INS-accredited proves that Goan enterprises can meet the highest national standards in creativity, ethics, and professionalism. Our goal has always been to represent Goa with quality work and integrity — this milestone motivates us to aim even higher.”

With this accreditation, Vinsan Graphics plans to expand its media partnerships, strengthen its event management capabilities, and continue connecting brands and audiences through meaningful communication.

Rooted in Goa yet driven by a national vision, this milestone marks a significant leap forward for the state’s growing creative economy.

rip

GUJ Mourns the Passing of Veteran Journalist Arnold Pinto

Tanisha Cardozo

The Goa Union of Journalists (GUJ) has expressed deep sorrow at the passing of senior journalist Arnold Pinto, who died in Dubai on Monday at the age of 60. Known for his decades-long dedication to journalism and media, Arnold’s legacy spans across Goa, the GCC region, and the wider MENA media landscape.

Arnold began his journalism career with OHeraldo in the late 1980s, serving as the editor of the paper’s Sunday magazine. A native of Revora in North Goa, he was a 1988 graduate of St. Xavier’s College, Mapusa, where he was also an active sportsman and a member of the college hockey team that won the Goa University inter-college hockey championship in 1987-88.

In 1997, Arnold moved to Dubai and joined the business desk at Gulf Today. His journalistic pursuits evolved into a communications leadership role when he became part of the Dubai Government’s Metro project, where he managed the publication of “Metro News”, a daily newsletter. He was instrumental in launching multiple publications in the UAE and played an active role in building and leading editorial teams across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and MENA regions.

Throughout his career, Arnold earned a reputation for editorial excellence, strategic communication, and mentorship within the media fraternity. His sudden demise is being deeply felt by colleagues, friends, and the broader journalistic community that had the privilege of working with him.

The Goa Union of Journalists extends its deepest sympathies to Arnold’s family and loved ones and pays tribute to his remarkable career and contribution to journalism across continents.

Books & Literature

Inside the newsroom, beyond the headlines… new book on the Goa media

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PANJIM, March 11: Goa’s media landscape is as vibrant and complex as the land it represents. From the early struggles of homegrown journalists to the modern day challenges of digital disruption, a new book paints a picture of the media through memories and musings of those in the field.

Through the voices of veteran reporters, photographers, editors, and young writers, this collection captures the spirit of storytelling, the struggle to tell the truth, and the ever-changing nature of the profession.

Noted Mumbai-based journalist and ex-editor Olga Tellis explains how she entered the field, and her experiences there. Journalists Dharmanand Kamat and Mohan Vaidya (ex-Gomantak) give their unusual insights into the field.

John Aguiar was a journalist from his schooldays; Julian D’Costa e D’Cruz narrates her victories over the years; Patricia Ann Alvares shares her freelance and fulltime journalism experiences; as does Cordelia B Francis.

The book is divided into sections — home-grown talent, younger voices, niche spaces, views from the outside, and looking in-looking back.

Besides Tellis, the other outstation journalists with strong Goan links or experiences include Ayesha Kagal, Lina Mathias, Reena Martins, Adrian da Cunha (who worked in circulation in some prominent organisations), Capt Norbert Rebello (whose family ran the community Romi Konkani ‘Cine Times’), and Olav Albuquerque.

Niche spaces focussed on include column writing (Miguel Braganza), Konkani journalism (Fausto V da Costa), from journalism to books (Sheela Jayway), alternative media (Frederick Noronha, who also edits the book), and radio (Nerita D’Cruz).

Younger journalists who share their experiences include Gerard de Souza, Anna Fernandes, Anish Esteves and Diana Fernandes.

Largest is the second of “home-grown talent”, including Pamela D’Mello, Fr Elvis H Fernandes, noted photographer Sandeep Naik, the late Joel D’Souza, Michael Fisher, Mayabhushan Nagvenkar, Camil Parkhe, and veteran late Mariio Cabral e Sa.

Daryl Pereira, an expat Goan who spent a year working in Goa, narrates his story of how he moved “from Goa to generative AI”. Pereira has worked for some giant IT corporations too.

Former journalists and non-journalists also share their experiences in Goa, including Debashish Munshi, Pushpa Iyengar, Gasper D’Souza, the late Ashley D’Mello (his last piece contributed here).

Whether it’s the nostalgia over scarce typewriters, the smell of newsprint, or the reality of pink slips in today’s newspaper industry, each chapter is a window into the lives of those who have shaped and chronicled history. Most of the writers are from Goa, though some are based outside.

With reflections on ethics, press freedom, and the impact of technology, this book is a sequel to the book ‘In Black and White: Insiders’ Stories about the Press in Goa’, which was published in 2008. Now out of print, the earlier title is available at archive.org.

The book will be shortly available in local bookstores, and also via mail-order from WhatsApp 9822122436.