Tag: Goa News

Events in Goa

GUJ Announces Workshop on Reporting and Defamation for Journalists

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The Goa Union of Journalists (GUJ) is set to conduct the second edition of its ongoing ‘GUJ Workshop Series’ on Saturday, December 13, continuing its effort to create meaningful learning spaces for journalists across the state. The upcoming session will explore the topic Reporting and the Law of Defamation, an area of growing relevance for media professionals navigating today’s complex legal and digital landscape.

The workshop will be led by advocate and writer Yatish Naik, a well-known civil and criminal lawyer whose experience and grounding in legal interpretation make him an insightful guide for journalists. His session will walk participants through how defamation laws intersect with daily reporting, helping them understand both their rights and responsibilities while covering sensitive or contentious issues.

Scheduled to be held at the GUJ Hall at Shram Shakti Bhavan in Patto, Panaji at 11:30 am, the workshop is open to all journalists, irrespective of membership. The GUJ Workshop Series, a bimonthly initiative, was launched to help journalists engage with essential subjects that shape modern reporting—from legal frameworks and ethics to digital tools and industry developments.

With the rise of social media, citizen journalism, and the constant scrutiny under which the press operates today, legal literacy has become indispensable. This workshop aims to equip journalists with clarity on what constitutes defamation, the distinction between civil and criminal liability, and how responsible reporting can balance public interest with legal safeguards.

Pre-registration is mandatory for participation, and interested journalists can register by contacting Rajtilak Naik (9423888311), Vasudev Pagi (9922404492), or Amresh Parab (9673565676) before December 12.

The GUJ continues to strengthen the media fraternity by offering accessible training, dialogue, and professional development opportunities that support journalists in navigating an increasingly demanding industry.

Sports

Vishnu Sinai Dempo Memorial Inter-School Table Tennis Tournament Set for a Grand Showdown at Campal

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk

The Vishnu Sinai Dempo Memorial All Goa Inter School Invitational Table Tennis Tournament is set to bring remarkable enthusiasm to the Indoor Stadium, Campal, on December 14, 2025. Some of Goa’s most promising young athletes, including Chandan Caro, Ishita Colaso, Vedant Wagle, Yug Prabhu, Pradyna Caro, Ruhaan Shaikh and Aarna Lotlikar, will headline what promises to be an exciting day of competition. The event will also feature a vibrant lineup of emerging talents such as Yuvaan Sanke, Ishaan Colaco, Sanisha Sinha, Shreya Phadte, Anaya Srivastava, Ayushi Amonkar, Kavyaa Khalap, Kavish Dalvi and Inara D’Souza, ensuring matches filled with intensity and high-quality sporting spirit.

Organised by the Panaji Morning Stars Sports Club in collaboration with Dempo Royals, the tournament builds on the organisers’ recent success hosting the elite Multi State Masters Table Tennis Championship. This year’s inter-school edition will witness 16 schools battling across Boys and Girls League Team events, bringing together 28 teams and a remarkable participation of 103 players. The organisers view the event not only as a competitive stage but also as a powerful platform for nurturing young athletes. Promoter Yogish Dempo shared that the vision behind the tournament is centred on fostering confidence and leadership in young players, emphasising that the event is about far more than just matches.

The participants share the same spirit of excitement. Goa’s top girl player, Ishita Colaso, expressed how team events bring out the best in every athlete and how representing one’s school teaches values of pride, pressure and responsibility. National Gold medallist Chandan Caro echoed this sentiment, stating that the tournament plays an important role in helping players learn to fight hard and proudly carry their school’s name.

With pure dedication, strong school spirit and youthful energy coming together under one roof, Campal is set to witness a memorable celebration of Goa’s rising table tennis stars. The day promises not only fierce competition but also the joy of young athletes embracing the sport with passion and purpose.

Goan Personalities

John Aguiar Honoured with DGCD Silver Commendation Award for Outstanding Civil Defence Service

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In a proud moment for Goa, John Aguiar, Civil Defence Warden of Panaji Town, has been awarded the Director General Civil Defence (DGCD) Silver Commendation Disc and Commendation Card by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. The honour was bestowed in recognition of his exceptional service, unblemished record, and remarkable dedication on the occasion of the 63rd Home Guards and Civil Defence Raising Day 2025.

The prestigious DGCD Silver Commendation Disc acknowledges individuals from Fire Services, Civil Defence, and Home Guards organisations whose service exemplifies exceptional merit and reliability. John Aguiar stands as a shining example of commitment, leadership, and selfless public service.

Exceptional Service During the Pandemic
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Aguiar displayed extraordinary initiative — writing innovative COVID-awareness songs, volunteering for vaccine trials, and receiving recognition as a COVID Warrior by the Chief Minister of Goa.

A Career Marked by Dedication & Achievement
Aguiar has undergone several key training programmes and participated in mock disaster management exercises conducted by INCOIS, DDMA, SDMA, and NDMA. His experience spans multiple vital departments, including serving as the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Goa Police Department, where he played a pivotal role in public communication and media coordination.

He has also held the honorary position of Company Commander, Home Guards, earning numerous accolades including:

  • Goa Chief Minister’s Gold Medal
  • President’s Home Guard & Civil Defence Medal for Meritorious Service (2012)
  • President’s Home Guard & Civil Defence Medal for Distinguished Service (2021)

These awards were presented by former Chief Minister late Manohar Parrikar and Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, respectively — signifying his long-term, consistent commitment to the State.

Leadership in Ceremonial Duties
Aguiar led the Home Guards contingent in several State-level Republic Day parades and served as Parade Commander during Home Guards Raising Day celebrations on December 6, 2011 — reflecting his leadership excellence and discipline.

A Multifaceted Professional
Beyond public service, Aguiar has also held significant administrative roles, including:

  • Information Officer, Department of Information & Publicity
  • Additional Private Secretary (APS) to Union Minister Eduardo Faleiro at the Ministries of External Affairs, Chemicals & Fertilizers, and Finance

He is also widely known as a writer, poet, lyricist, TV host, and senior journalist, contributing richly to Goa’s cultural and media landscape.

John Aguiar’s journey is an inspiring testament to service, resilience, and unwavering dedication — making Goa proud once again.

Social

NAB Students Celebrate Children’s Day with FLY91; Airline Donates Festive Campaign Proceeds

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Children’s Day turned into a memorable celebration for students of the National Association for the Blind (NAB) in Goa, thanks to an engaging and heartwarming initiative by FLY91 — India’s pure-play regional airline. The event brought together visually impaired students, their mentors, the NAB Executive Committee, and the FLY91 leadership team for an afternoon filled with music, joy, and meaningful interactions.

Held at the NAB premises, the celebration was part of FLY91’s continued commitment to community-centered initiatives that go beyond air travel. The highlight of the event was the formal handing over of proceeds from the airline’s special Diwali festive campaign, in which FLY91 pledged ₹100 from every flight booking made on fly91.in between October 15–31, 2025, toward a children-focused cause.

The contribution was presented to the NAB Executive Committee and will be directed toward educational and welfare programs supporting visually impaired individuals across the country.

Speaking at the event, Manoj Chacko, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, FLY91, shared:
“This Diwali, we wanted to give passengers an opportunity to be part of something meaningful while travelling on FLY91. The response was heartening and we felt Children’s Day was the right occasion to share that joy back with children.”

The afternoon included lively performances by NAB students, interactive sessions, and a special high-tea curated by FLY91, featuring favourite in-flight delicacies.

This initiative underscores FLY91’s growing focus on inclusive, community-led programs that make a tangible difference on the ground — strengthening its identity as more than just an airline, but a socially aware and people-first brand.

TechPulse

Social Media Has Replaced the Traditional Police Khabri, Says SP Sunita Sawant

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Panaji, November 2025 — In a thought-provoking address delivered at Clube Tennis de Gaspar Dias’ centenary lecture series, Superintendent of Police (SP) Sunita Sawant highlighted how the landscape of information and policing has radically shifted with the rise of social media. Once reliant on the quiet but steady presence of the khabri—the traditional informer sitting at village corners—police forces now face an overwhelming tide of digital information, much of it unverified and potentially dangerous.

“Earlier, a khabri was someone who observed community life closely—who arrived, who left, what changed,” Sawant said during her lecture titled ‘Police and Public: Expectations and Responsibilities’. “This information was discreet, dependable, and responsibly shared. Today, social media has taken over that role, but without the filters of verification or accountability.”

She warned that rumours and misinformed posts can quickly escalate into aggressive behaviour and law-and-order disruptions, making responsible digital behaviour crucial.

Despite this shift, Sawant stressed that trust between the public and police remains the backbone of effective policing. “Safety doesn’t come from enforcement alone. It comes when people share vigilance and civic responsibility. Public cooperation prevents crimes even before they occur.”

Policing as a Human Service

Sawant shared two emotional cases that shaped her approach to policing—Goa’s first human trafficking case, in which she helped secure convictions across India and Bangladesh, and a missing student she supported who later called her for blessings before her wedding.

“These moments remind us that policing is not paperwork. We are counsellors, guardians, protectors. Compassion saves futures,” she said.

Modern, Future-Ready Policing

Sawant highlighted several initiatives being strengthened within the Goa Police:

  • Commando and anti-terror training
  • Disaster response readiness
  • Upgraded investigation protocols
  • Digital community outreach through YouTube & WhatsApp

“Modern policing anticipates risk,” she noted. “We must adapt to social change and support communities long before wrongdoing occurs.”

The lecture underscored a powerful message: policing is evolving, but community trust, cooperation and responsible information-sharing remain essential pillars of public safety.