EduConnect

PM SHRI GHS Morpirla Wins Prestigious ‘Mhaji Lab, Bari Lab’ ICT Award


PM SHRI Government High School Morpirla has been honored with the prestigious “Mhaji Lab, Bari Lab” Best ICT Lab Award in Category A, marking a significant milestone in its journey toward educational innovation. The award was presented during the Chief Minister’s Vashistha Guru Puraskar ceremony and Teachers’ Day celebration held at Kala Academy, Panjim. It was handed over by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant, in recognition of the school’s exceptional efforts in developing and maintaining a top-tier Information and Communication Technology (ICT) laboratory.

This national-level recognition carries a cash prize of ₹2 lakhs, which will be utilized to further enhance the school’s ICT infrastructure. PM SHRI GHS Morpirla’s lab was selected based on its innovative use of technology, integration of digital tools in everyday teaching, and its strong focus on skill development among students, particularly those from tribal communities.

The school’s success in securing this award highlights its dedication to promoting inclusive and future-ready education. With the Mhaji Lab Bari Lab award, PM SHRI GHS Morpirla sets a benchmark for other institutions across the country striving for excellence in technology-driven learning. The recognition not only celebrates the current achievements of the school but also motivates its teachers and students to continue pushing the boundaries of educational innovation.

EduConnect

Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrated with Great Fervour at Shri Mallikarjun Vidyalaya, Canacona


Canacona, Goa: The spirit of Ganesh Chaturthi filled the air at Shri Mallikarjun Vidyalaya High School as students from the primary, high school, and higher secondary sections came together to celebrate one of India’s most beloved festivals with grandeur, devotion, and cultural pride.

The campus was abuzz with activities ranging from traditional performances to creative competitions. Students showcased their talent through mesmerizing Ghumat Aarti presentations and an energetic Ganesh dance, captivating audiences and reviving age-old Goan traditions.

In keeping with the festive spirit, the school organized a variety of competitions across junior and senior categories. These included:

  • Lord Ganesh Clay Idol Making
  • Ganesh Poster Painting
  • Chaturthi Special Homemade Sweet-Making

These competitions were generously sponsored by the Char Rasta Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal, Char Rasta, Canacona, who continue to encourage youth involvement in cultural heritage.

The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from all levels of schooling, with students turning out in large numbers and impressing judges with their creativity and devotion. A special prize distribution ceremony honored the winners and participants. Prizes were awarded by Chief Guest Shri Babuso Naik Gaonkar, President of the CPI General Assembly, and Guest of Honour Shri RBS Komarpant, Treasurer of the CPI Managing Committee.

The event also saw the active presence of:

  • Mrs. Varsha Naik Gaonkar, Headmaster of the High School
  • Mrs. Varsha Naik, Headmaster of the Primary Section
  • Mr. Vihar Dessai, Principal of the Higher Secondary Section

The celebrations were meticulously coordinated by school teachers Mr. Manoj Naik Gaonkar and Mr. Amol Pagi, whose dedication ensured that the event ran smoothly and was enjoyed by all.

Through such festivals, Shri Mallikarjun Vidyalaya continues to instill cultural values, creative expression, and community spirit among its students.

EduConnect, Human Interest

Bal Bhavan Goa Announces State-Level Results: GreetingCard Design Contest 2025


Panaji, August 2025: Bal Bhavan Goa has revealed the results of its much-anticipated State-Level Greeting Card Design Contest 2025, celebrating creativity and artistic expression among school students across Goa.

The contest featured three categories:

1. Group A (Standards V–VII):

1st Prize: Hardik Namder Naik (High School, Sarvodaya Educational Society)

2nd Prize: Kavish V. Deridas (Sarvodaya Educational Society High School, Curchorem)

3rd Prize: Sadiya Bala Malik (Our Lady of Grace High School, Bicholim)

Consolation Prizes: Ansh Rajendra Velip (English High School – Shree Damodar Vidyalaya), Jivya Jeevan Narvekar (Fatima Convent High School), and Khushi Sadanand Naik (A J D Almeida High School)

2. Group B (Standards VIII–X):

1st Prize : Nirvee Rajesh Naik (Sarvodaya Educational Society High School)

2nd Prize: Vedika Vinod Gaonkar (G.H.S. Advoi High School)

3rd Prize: Archis Manesh Kavlekar (Shree Saraswati High School, Karlem)

Consolation Prizes: Prince Chauhan (Shree Damodar Vidyalaya English High School), Sai Velip (Shree Balram Residential High School), and Amber Gracias (Fr. Agnel Central School)

3. Special Category (Special Children):

1st Prize: Eshwari Patil (Loknishwas Pratishthan)

2nd Prize: Mansi Anand Bhole (Asha Deep)

3rd Prize: Bhavesh Dilip Sudhir (Lokvishwas – Canacona)

Consolation Prizes: Sneha Zaravkar (Loknishwas, Canacona), Mustafa Rajakhan (Keshav Seva, Sadhana), and Bibi Suhana Karajgi (Sanjay Centre for Special Education)

This year’s theme encouraged participants to explore Goan aesthetics through floral motifs, landscapes, and seasonal festivals like Diwali and Christmas. Bal Bhavan Goa extends heartfelt thanks to all schools and institutions that contributed to this enriching cultural and artistic celebration.

EduConnect

St. John of the Cross High School Celebrates 60 Glorious Years with Inter-School “Ghumat Arti” Competition


Sanquelim, Goa – A milestone worth celebrating, St. John of the Cross High School marked its 60th anniversary — six decades of unwavering commitment to education, values, and cultural preservation. To commemorate this historic occasion, the school hosted an Inter-School Ghumat Arti Competition, inviting participation from schools across Bicholim and Sattari Taluka.

The Ghumat Arti, a treasured form of Goan devotional music performed using the traditional clay percussion instrument Ghumat, brought a soulful vibrance to the celebration. The competition served as a dynamic platform for students to not only showcase their talent but also immerse themselves in Goan cultural heritage.

The inter-school format of the event fostered collaboration, camaraderie, and healthy competition among students. Schools from Bicholim and Sattari came together under one roof, promoting the spirit of togetherness, artistic expression, and cultural appreciation.

Why It Mattered:

  • Cultural Preservation: The event beautifully upheld Goan tradition through music and devotion.
  • Youth Empowerment: Students stepped out of their comfort zones, built confidence, and expressed themselves through performance.
  • Community Building: Schools and students connected across regions, forging lasting bonds beyond the classroom.

The school community — teachers, students, alumni, and parents — came together in joyous celebration, reflecting on decades of dedication, achievement, and impact.

“Sixty years of dedication, countless memories, and an enduring legacy. Congratulations to the entire school community!”

With events like these, St. John of the Cross High School continues to empower young minds through a holistic blend of academics, culture, and values — staying true to its mission as an institution of excellence.

EduConnect

Smt. Sunandabai Bandodkar High School Celebrates Janmashtami with a Creative Pustak Handi Twist


Janmashtami celebrations took a creative and educational turn at Smt. Sunandabai Bandodkar High School, where students and teachers came together for a unique activity — Pustak Handi.

The event, blending tradition with learning, was not just about celebrating Lord Krishna’s birth, but also about nurturing the love for books and reading among children.

Pustak Handi: An Innovative Initiative

Instead of traditional Dahi Handis, the school introduced Pustak Handis – pots filled not with curd or coins, but with chits of book names. Each student eagerly awaited their turn to pull a chit and receive the corresponding book.

Every class took part in decorating their handis with artistic flair, showcasing creativity, teamwork, and thematic thinking. Judges praised the thoughtfulness, effort, and presentation by students.

The goal? To encourage reading habits and motivate children to explore the world of books beyond textbooks.

Inspiration Through Awards

To further inspire young readers, the school announced the Vachak Veer Award, which will be presented to the most enthusiastic and consistent reader based on their engagement with the gifted books.

“Our aim is to develop not just learners, but thinkers. This Pustak Handi activity is symbolic of the joy and wisdom that books offer,” said one of the school coordinators.

A Festive & Devotional Atmosphere

The celebration wasn’t just about books. A pujan of Lord Sri Krishna was held to instill devotion and cultural values in students. Traditional songs and decorations adorned the school, creating a festive mood that resonated with joy and spirituality.

Students Celebrate with Enthusiasm

From decorating the handis to unwrapping their surprise books, students participated with immense joy. The event was a success in every way — educationally, spiritually, and emotionally.

A Model Worth Replicating

By creatively merging cultural festivals with meaningful learning, Smt. Sunandabai Bandodkar High School has set a wonderful example for schools across the state and country. The Pustak Handi activity reminds us that celebrations can be both fun and intellectually enriching.