Goa | November 27, 2025: The Directorate of Education has announced a holiday for all schools in and around Canacona on November 28, ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled visit to Goa. The notification was issued on Wednesday by Director of Education Shailesh Zingade following a high-level meeting chaired by the Chief Secretary.
According to the circular, the decision was taken in light of extensive security measures, traffic diversions and other logistical arrangements required due to the movement of multiple VVIPs in the region.
Zingade confirmed that all government, government-aided and unaided primary, secondary, higher secondary and special schools in the Canacona area will remain closed for both students and staff on Friday. Schools have also been instructed not to schedule examinations, academic activities or events on the declared holiday.
Prime Minister Modi will be in Canacona to unveil a 77-foot bronze idol of Lord Ram and inaugurate a 3D projection mapping installation as part of the Sardha Panchashatamahotsava, marking 550 years of Shree Samsthan Gokarn Partagali Jeevottam Math. The event is expected to witness large footfall and heightened security deployment, prompting the temporary closure of schools to ease movement and ensure public safety.
Authorities have urged parents and students to follow official communication for further updates. Schools are expected to resume normal operations on November 29.
The 72nd All India Cooperative Week celebrations in Mapusa showcased the growing importance of the cooperative movement in strengthening the economy and generating employment. Assistant Registrar for Cooperative Societies, Rajesh Parwar, emphasised that cooperatives remain essential for economic resilience, community empowerment, and inclusive development. Addressing the event jointly organised by Bardez Bazaar Consumers’ Cooperative Society and the Rotary Club of Mapuca, he explained that successful cooperatives depend on effective management, dedicated staff, and active shareholder participation. Parwar reminded societies of their legal obligation to conduct annual general body meetings and present audit reports to ensure transparency and accountability.
He highlighted new opportunities introduced through the Central Government’s MPACS legislation, which offers cooperatives an open platform to expand into diverse businesses. Parwar also pointed to schemes supporting common service centres, fuel stations, gas agencies, and grain storage, noting NABARD’s financial assistance for these ventures. He stressed that the real strength of the cooperative movement lies in supporting self-help groups, farmers involved in dairy and agriculture, and artisans working in handloom and handicraft sectors, observing that both cooperatives and community groups thrive when they uplift each other.
Guest of honour Amita Salatry of GCCI spoke about the cultural and spiritual significance of food, urging participants in the cooking competition to value presentation, aroma, and the use of traditional Goan elements. She reminded attendees that India’s cultural heritage regards food as divine and encouraged mindful consumption without waste.
Bardez Bazaar Chairman Nikhilchandra Khalap expressed the cooperative’s long-standing commitment to supporting self-help groups and small entrepreneurs. He shared how Bardez Bazaar has become a trusted first choice for distributors and small businesses seeking stability and visibility. Reflecting on Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru’s vision of cooperatives as “schools of democracy” capable of reaching every household, he emphasised that India’s journey toward self-reliance continues to be supported by all Prime Ministers, including the current leadership under Narendra Modi. Khalap also offered a glimpse into Bardez Bazaar’s humble beginnings, recounting how its founders secured a modest loan of ₹5,000 from Mapusa Urban Bank and developed the organisation into a ₹35-crore enterprise that operates without government aid or debt, employs 100 people, and consistently delivers a 20% dividend to its shareholders.
Rotary Club of Mapuca President Rohit Natekar announced that the club and Bardez Bazaar will launch a permanent project next year to support self-help groups and help them scale their initiatives. He also noted that Bardez Bazaar’s proposed mall will bring added benefits to the local community.
The event’s cooking competition, themed “Gomantakiya God Padarth,” celebrated Goan cuisine, with Mithila Harmalkar winning first prize, followed by Antara Naik and Harsha Redkar. Consolation prizes were awarded to Ranjana Narvekar, Nafiza Shaikh, and Varsha Polle. The celebration underscored how cooperatives continue to nurture talent, support livelihoods, and strengthen community bonds across Goa.
The 98th Death Anniversary of Venerable Agnelo de Souza drew thousands of faithful to the serene and historic hillock of Pilar, where the saintly priest of the Society of Pilar continues to inspire countless devotees. The day, revered as Venerable Agnelo’s Day, became a spiritual homecoming for pilgrims from Goa and beyond who gathered in prayer, gratitude, and devotion to honour a priest whose life of holiness still echoes deeply through generations. The solemn Eucharistic Celebration was presided over by Bishop Dominic Savio Fernandes, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Bombay, and concelebrated by Bishop Alex Dias, Bishop Emeritus of Port Blair, along with several priests of the Society of Pilar including Fr Nazareth Fernandes, SFX, Superior General, Fr Stevan D’Souza, Vicar General, Fr Joaquim Rebelo, Provincial Superior of the Goa Province, Fr Hilary Fernandes from the Vice Postulation office, and Fr Joseph Fernandes, SFX, Central Delegate Superior.
In his homily, Bishop Dominic Savio Fernandes reflected on the theme “Ven. Agnelo Inspires Us to Be Pilgrims of Hope,” inviting the faithful to radiate the same holiness that defined Venerable Agnelo’s life. He expressed deep joy at celebrating the memory of a priest of “extraordinary holiness from our own soil,” reminding the congregation that Venerable Agnelo’s life still speaks “quietly, powerfully and beautifully.” He emphasized that the priest’s simplicity, humility, and unwavering hope offer every believer a model for Christian living. The Bishop highlighted how Venerable Agnelo lived in closeness to the poor, the sick, and the suffering, with a deep belief that endurance and suffering offered to God bear fruit in holiness. His fragile body, he said, held a remarkably strong hope rooted in devotion to the Blessed Sacrament—a hope that was alive, active, and transformative. Calling him a “pilgrim of hope,” Bishop Fernandes reminded the faithful that Venerable Agnelo walked with the suffering and helped lift the fallen, urging everyone to radiate holiness in their own surroundings.
Fr John Bennett, SFX, animated the liturgy, while Fr Hilary Fernandes served as commentator, and the choir, led by Fr Elvis Fernandes, SFX, enriched the celebration with sacred music. At the conclusion of the Mass, Fr Nazareth Fernandes thanked all present and encouraged the faithful to continue praying fervently for the canonization of Venerable Agnelo, especially as submitted miracles are currently under examination by Vatican doctors. Fr Joseph Anthony Fernandes, SFX, also expressed deep gratitude to all who contributed to the meticulous organization of the feast. The celebration also included the distribution of prizes for a poetry competition centered on the life of Venerable Agnelo, in the presence of dignitaries including Adv. Carlos Ferreira, MLA of Aldona, and Viresh Borkar, MLA of St. Andre.
Throughout the day, several Masses were offered by priests of the Society of Pilar, including Fr Rex Fernandes, SFX, Fr Lyndon Rodrigues, SFX, Fr Milton Rodrigues, SFX, Fr George Nandiyala, SFX, Fr Ligorino D’Costa, Fr Alex Fernandes, SFX, and Fr Norman Almeida, SFX. In the days leading up to the feast, the Novena drew large gatherings with Masses celebrated in multiple languages and special intentions. A dedicated Mass for the sick offered comfort and spiritual healing, while a night vigil united the faithful in fervent prayer for the canonization of Venerable Agnelo, whose holy and humble life continues to inspire thousands.
Goa’s political discourse received a renewed spark as Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao called for a united and people-centered political movement during a significant gathering on Sunday. Emphasizing that “Goa comes first,” Alemao said that the state needs a fresh beginning rooted in clean, transparent, and accountable governance. He urged all opposition parties to look beyond individual interests and unite to rebuild Goa in a way that reflects the aspirations of its people.
Alemao expressed confidence that such unity would create serious concern for the ruling BJP, suggesting that a consolidated opposition could alter the political balance in the state. His remarks were made in the presence of several prominent political figures, including AICC Incharge Manikrao Thakare, GPCC President Amit Patkar, CWC Permanent Invitee Girish Chodankar, MLAs Vijai Sardesai, Carlos Ferreira, Altone D’costa, and Viresh Borkar, along with RGP chief Manoj Parab and multiple Congress block presidents. The gathering underscored a rare moment of collective intent among varied political groups in Goa, signaling a potential shift toward collaboration rather than fragmentation. As voices calling for cleaner politics grow louder, the event marked a possible turning point — one that could reshape the future of Goa’s governance.
National, 14 November 2025: This Children’s Day marks a defining moment in India’s social transformation journey. The Anil Agarwal Foundation (AAF), the philanthropic arm of Vedanta Group, announced that Nand Ghar — its flagship initiative to modernise India’s Anganwadi ecosystem — has crossed 10,000 centres across 16 states, impacting millions at the grassroots.
Nand Ghar centres are redefining early childhood development and women’s empowerment through modern, technology-driven facilities aligned with the Government of India’s Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS), which celebrates 50 years this year.
A Modern, Scalable Model of Community Upliftment
Each Nand Ghar is equipped with:
Smart classrooms & digital learning tools
BaLA (Building as Learning Aid) design
Safe drinking water & clean sanitation
Reliable electricity
Nutritious meals for children
Child-friendly furniture
Health check-ups & immunisation services
Skilling programs for women
There are currently 23 Nand Ghars in Goa, each functioning as a vibrant community hub.
A Vision Becoming Reality
Vedanta Chairman Anil Agarwal expressed pride and gratitude during the milestone announcement:
“The dream was simple — nutrition and early education for every child, and opportunities for every woman to stand on her own feet. Today, as we cross 10,000 Nand Ghars across 16 states, that dream is becoming reality. This movement is possible because of the support of the Government of India, state governments and local communities. We are committed to transforming the lives of 8 crore children and 2 crore women.”
Impact Across India
From Rajasthan’s deserts to Andhra Pradesh’s coasts, Nand Ghar is reshaping rural communities:
80 lakh+ nutrition supplements distributed
Digital preschool education in regional languages
90 lakh+ community members impacted through health awareness
Women earning up to ₹10,000 per month through skilling programs
Centres upgraded with sustainable and digital infrastructure
Voices From the Ground
Sunita Devi, a Nand Ghar Didi from Rajasthan, shared: “Before Nand Ghar, our Anganwadi was just a small room. Today, it is the pride of our village.”
Rekha, a mother from Odisha, said: “Nand Ghar has changed how our village sees women. I learned new skills, I earn, and now I teach others.”
A Children’s Day to Remember
Across states, celebrations included storytelling, art, and community gatherings — a joyful reflection of how deeply Nand Ghar has rooted itself in local life.
Looking Ahead: A Larger Mission
With strong footprints in states like Rajasthan, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, Nand Ghar aims to:
Establish 25,000 centres in Rajasthan alone over the next 2 years
Impact 2 million lives through new community-driven interventions
Reinforce a replicable, public–private model for rural empowerment
With 10,000 centres complete, Nand Ghar stands as one of India’s most transformative grassroots movements — a model of what committed community partnership can achieve.
