Tag: Goa News

EduConnect

CM Dr. Pramod Sawant Engages with NSE to Boost Financial Literacy for Goan Youth

Tanisha Cardozo

Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant recently visited the National Stock Exchange (NSE) in a significant step toward promoting financial literacy and market awareness among the youth of Goa. During his visit, he engaged in in-depth discussions on initiatives focused on educating students and young professionals about stock markets, investment practices, and economic opportunities.

The visit also included a review of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed earlier between NSE and the Directorate of Higher Education, which aims to bridge the knowledge gap by introducing structured financial education in academic institutions across Goa.

Dr. Sawant emphasized that financial literacy is an essential life skill in today’s fast-evolving economic landscape. He reiterated that such collaborative initiatives will empower the next generation with practical insights into financial management, strategic investments, and understanding economic trends. The goal is to prepare students to make informed financial decisions and actively participate in the nation’s economic growth.

This move aligns with the broader vision of creating a financially aware and economically capable youth population in Goa, ultimately contributing to a more resilient and growth-oriented state economy.

Travel

GTDC Signs MoU with NFSU to Host Cyber Commando Training at Farmagudi Residency

Tanisha Cardozo

In a progressive step blending national interest with innovative tourism infrastructure usage, the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) to host Cyber Commando Training Programs at the Farmagudi Residency in Ponda, Goa.

The formal signing took place in Panaji, with Prof. Naveen Kumar Chaudhary, Director of NFSU, and Shri Gavin Dias, General Manager (Marketing) Hotels, GTDC, executing the agreement. The ceremony was witnessed by key officials including Shri Deepak Narvekar, Deputy General Manager (Marketing), GTDC, and Shri Sunder Lal Sharma, Deputy Registrar, NFSU. Following the event, the NFSU delegation met with Dr. Ganesh Gaonkar, Chairman of GTDC, at Paryatan Bhavan to discuss the scope and impact of the partnership.

This MoU marks a significant milestone, not only by opening up GTDC’s Farmagudi Residency for a national security initiative but also by reinforcing the state’s “Goa Beyond Beaches” campaign. The initiative emphasizes developing the hinterland and promoting sustainable, diversified tourism experiences beyond Goa’s well-known coastline.

Dr. Ganesh Gaonkar expressed pride in the partnership, stating that this collaboration highlights how GTDC properties can serve national objectives while boosting regional tourism. He noted that the upcoming NFSU campus in his constituency would further strengthen these developments.

Shri Kuldeep Arolkar, Managing Director, GTDC, emphasized the innovative use of GTDC assets, underscoring the organization’s commitment to supporting initiatives of national importance and adapting its tourism offerings to new contexts.

Farmagudi Residency, the training venue, is situated in a peaceful, scenic location in Ponda, approximately 26 km from Panaji and 36 km from Dabolim Airport. The facility offers comfortable accommodations, landscaped gardens, and a tranquil atmosphere ideal for both intensive training and leisure.

This collaboration between GTDC and NFSU exemplifies the potential for public sector partnerships to align with national priorities while enhancing regional development and tourism. It represents a vision of integrated progress where infrastructure, education, and sustainable tourism go hand in hand.

#TravelwithAllycaral 👒

Water Sports Activities in Goa to Resume from September 15: Rohan Khaunte

allycaralgoa

Goa’s tourism sector is set to receive a major boost as water sports activities will resume from September 15, Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte announced.

The Minister met with members of the Goa Water Sports Association, assuring them that the government remains committed to protecting the livelihoods of Goans who depend on the industry.

Referring to the current sea conditions, Khaunte said the restart date has been fixed in alignment with safety requirements and weather patterns. The monsoon season, which often brings rough seas, usually leads to the suspension of water sports across the state’s beaches for several months.

The announcement has come as a relief to operators and workers engaged in water sports such as parasailing, jet skiing, banana boat rides, and other adventure activities that attract thousands of tourists each season.

Tourism stakeholders are hopeful that the resumption will help revive visitor interest and provide a timely boost ahead of Goa’s festive and peak tourism season.

Human Interest

Tribal Research Institute Goa Seeks Names of Unsung Tribal Freedom Fighters for Museum Inclusion

Tanisha Cardozo

Panaji | September 5, 2025: In a heartfelt initiative to preserve and celebrate the contributions of tribal heroes, the Tribal Research Institute Goa is inviting members of the public to come forward with names and details of Scheduled Tribe individuals who took part in Goa’s freedom movement but whose contributions remain undocumented or unrecognized.

The move is part of the institute’s effort to ensure that no tribal freedom fighter is forgotten, and that their sacrifices are immortalized in the upcoming Tribal Freedom Fighters Museum located at Farmagudi, Ponda.

Deadline for Submissions: October 20, 2025

Those who have credible information about such individuals are requested to submit their details on or before October 20, 2025, at the office of:

Goa State Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation Limited
2nd Floor, Dayanand Smriti Building
Swami Vivekanand Road, Panaji

The collected information will be verified and, upon validation, included in the museum’s permanent exhibition. This initiative aims to provide overdue recognition to the brave tribal men and women who contributed to Goa’s liberation but were left out of mainstream historical narratives.

A Step Towards Inclusive History

This museum is set to become a symbol of recognition and gratitude, shedding light on the often-overlooked role of Scheduled Tribes in Goa’s struggle for independence. By acknowledging their contribution, the state not only pays homage to their bravery but also strengthens its commitment to an inclusive historical narrative.

If you know of any tribal freedom fighters—be it your ancestors, local legends, or community members—now is the time to bring their stories to light. Their legacy deserves to be remembered.

Goan Personalities

Rajesh Faldessai Fulfils Vow, Offers Gold Crown and Necklace to Devi Shree Shantadurga Khubharjuvekarin

Tanisha Cardozo

Rajesh Faldessai, Chairman of the Goa Rehabilitation Board and Cumbarjua MLA, has fulfilled a significant personal and spiritual vow made during last year’s Sangodd Utsav by offering a gold crown and necklace to Devi Shree Shantadurga Khubharjuvekarin at Marcel. This promise was made in 2024 after a potentially tragic incident was narrowly avoided during the annual water float festival, where two canoes carrying floats had capsized. Thankfully, due to the swift actions of participants and onlookers, all individuals involved were safely rescued, and no casualties occurred.

Faldessai had publicly declared that he would offer a token of gratitude to the Goddess for her divine intervention and protection during the incident. A year later, on the same auspicious occasion of Sangodd Utsav, the MLA fulfilled his vow in the presence of his wife Rima, temple committee members, local panchayat members, and several devotees.

Among the dignitaries present were Sarpanch of V.P Cumbarjua Shri Sachin Gaude, Panch Members Shri Nandakumar Shet and Smt. Vinda Joshi, President of the Shantadurga Khubharjuvekarin Devasthan Shri Shivaji Shet, and various other committee members.

Expressing his emotions during the event, Faldessai shared his continued devotion to the Goddess and thanked her for safeguarding the lives of his constituents. He stated, “In view of this incident, I had sought Devi’s intervention to ensure none of the participants are hurt, and I vowed to offer a gold crown and necklace to Devi as a thanksgiving for her protection. I am extremely delighted that Devi’s blessings and protection are upon all the people of Cumbarjua.”

He also extended his gratitude to the state government and the Department of Tourism for their support, including the provision of two new canoes for this year’s Sangodd celebrations. Additional safety measures, including ambulances and emergency services, were also arranged to ensure a secure and joyous festival atmosphere.

The offering marks a moment of spiritual fulfillment and showcases the continued cultural and religious significance of the Sangodd Utsav in Goa, blending faith, tradition, and community resilience.