Tag: Goa State Biodiversity Board

Events in Goa

Green Glow Environmental Festival: Alexyz Fernandes to Receive Maria Claudete Pinto Memorial Green Commitment Award

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Environmentalist and cartoonist Alexyz Fernandes will be conferred the first Maria Claudete Pinto Memorial Green Commitment Award at the Green Glow Environmental Festival to be held in Panaji on Saturday, January 10, 2026. The award recognises his sustained contribution to environmental awareness through cartoon-art, journalism, and innovative initiatives such as the annual Plant Exhibition at Siolim.

The one-day environmental festival is being organised by the Green Ray Foundation in association with the Goa State Biodiversity Board and the Department of Art and Culture, Government of Goa. The event aims to create a vibrant platform for dialogue, learning, and creative engagement around environmental issues.

As part of the festival, Suhas Premkumar’s award-winning film Little Planet: A Tale of Frogs will be screened alongside journalist-filmmaker Arti Kulkarni’s documentary on Olive Ridley turtles, Turtles with Antenna. The programme also includes a mobile video-editing workshop conducted by journalist Niraj Prabhu, green skilling sessions, and an exhibition featuring climate change posters and wallpapers prepared by Eco Clubs from schools across Goa.

Additional activities planned for the day include training in video-editing skills, prize distribution for the EcoStar competition, and interactive workshops aimed at encouraging environmental responsibility among young participants. The keynote address will be delivered by Dr Pradeep Sarmokkadam, Member Secretary of the Goa State Biodiversity Board.

Details of the festival were shared at a press conference addressed by Green Ray Foundation’s managing trustee Tomazinho Cardozo, along with trustees Pravin Sabnis and Willy Goes. They highlighted that the festival is designed to be inclusive and accessible, bringing together students, teachers, researchers, journalists, filmmakers, and environmentally conscious citizens.

The Green Glow Environmental Festival is free and open to all. Interested participants are requested to send their names via WhatsApp to 9822137958, 9822170102, or 9422640141.

The Green Ray Foundation was established in 1990 by the late Maria Claudete Pinto, a committed environmentalist who envisioned empowering students with values of environmental preservation and guiding society towards sustainable, eco-friendly living. The festival and the newly instituted memorial award continue to carry forward her legacy of grassroots environmental action and education.

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JCI Pilgao Elite Celebrates World Environment Day with Tree Plantation & Student Competitions

allycaralgoa

Pilgao, Goa | June 5, 2025 – In a meaningful celebration of World Environment Day, JCI Pilgao Elite, in collaboration with the Goa State Biodiversity Board, organized a series of impactful activities aimed at spreading environmental awareness and engaging the local youth in climate action.

This year’s theme, “Ending Plastic Pollution Globally”, inspired a full-day program that combined hands-on activities, creative expression, and public speaking to emphasize the importance of sustainability and plastic-free living.

Tree Plantation Drive at Mahadev Temple

The event began with a tree plantation ceremony at the historic Mahadev Temple in Pilgao. Members of JCI Pilgao Elite, along with community participants, came together to plant saplings and promote greener surroundings. The initiative reflects the organization’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and community involvement.

Elocution Competition: Young Voices Speak Out

Following the plantation drive, an elocution competition was held for students from 5th to 7th standard, centered around the theme “Ending Plastic Globally.” A total of 15 students showcased their oratory skills, raising their voices on the pressing issue of plastic pollution and suggesting creative solutions for a plastic-free future.

The competition was judged by JC Shruti Parab Desai of JCI Bicholim, who also took the opportunity to encourage and motivate the students to become active agents of change. The competition served as a platform for young minds to express their concerns, hopes, and visions for a cleaner planet.

Bag Painting Competition: Creativity Meets Sustainability

To further engage students and reinforce the message, a cloth bag painting competition was organized for students from 8th to 10th standard. Also based on the year’s theme, this activity saw another 15 students unleash their artistic talents in designing eco-friendly messages on reusable cloth bags.

The competition was judged by Mudrika Chari and Saisha Fulari, who applauded the efforts and creativity of the participants. In solidarity with the students, JCI Pilgao Elite members themselves joined in, painting cloth bags to show their support for the cause.

Program Highlights & Organizers

The event was smoothly compered by JC Saujanya Parab Gaonkar, ensuring a seamless flow of activities. The overall program was directed and led by Project Director JC Jyotsna Parab Gaonkar, whose coordination brought together the various elements of the day’s celebration.

A formal vote of thanks was delivered by Secretary JC Swati Shirodkar, who appreciated the efforts of all participants, judges, volunteers, and guests.

Also present and actively involved were JCI members:
JC Shanaya Narvekar, JC Siya Parab Gaonkar, JC Diya Parab Gaonkar, JC Ritu Kavlekar, JC Ankita Walavalkar, and JC Pooja Narvekar, all of whom played vital roles in the success of the event.

Leadership Acknowledgment

The program was held under the leadership of:

  • JC Jayesh Valavalkar, President
  • JC Swati Naik Shirodkar, Secretary
  • JC Jyotsna Parab Gaonkar, Project Director

Their dedication and collaborative spirit were evident in the event’s success, making this World Environment Day not just a celebration, but a call to action.

A Small Step, A Big Message

The event concluded with smiling faces, painted bags, planted trees, and most importantly—an inspired community of young students who now understand the power of their voice and actions in protecting the planet.

JCI Pilgao Elite continues to uphold its mission of building better communities through civic engagement, education, and sustainability-focused initiatives.