Goa continues to make its mark on the national academic stage as two Goan postgraduates in horticulture have been honoured with Gold Medals at the 14th Convocation of Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology & Sciences (SHUATS), Prayagraj, held on 17th October 2025.
Mr. Utkarsh Radhika Krishnanath Sawant Dessai from Curchorem, who completed his M.Sc. in Horticulture (Post Harvest Management), and Ms. Reema Riya Ravindra Naik from Mandrem, who pursued M.Sc. in Horticulture (Fruit Science), were recognised for their exceptional academic performance and dedication to their field.
Their achievements not only bring pride to their families and institutions but also highlight the growing academic excellence emerging from Goa in the fields of horticulture and agricultural sciences. These young achievers embody the potential of Goan students who are pursuing higher education with passion, innovation, and purpose — representing a new generation of scientific thinkers dedicated to sustainability and food security.
The honour at SHUATS’ convocation is especially significant, given the university’s national reputation for excellence in agricultural education and research. The recognition underscores the importance of Goa’s contribution to India’s expanding horticultural and agricultural sectors.
This achievement is a moment of pride for both Mandrem and Curchorem, and a reminder that the youth of Goa continue to shine brightly on national platforms — inspiring others to pursue excellence in education, research, and innovation.
Raunak Singh, known in the martial arts community as Coach Ronnyy, brings over 17 years of experience as a certified MMA, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), and Combat Sports Instructor. Beyond training athletes, he also serves as an Army Martial Arts and Tactical Combat Trainer, specializing in self-defense and operational combat systems tailored for all age groups and professional categories.
His extensive coaching career includes mentoring athletes for some of the world’s most prestigious events, such as the World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship, ADCC, World Martial Arts Mastership, World Cup, WAKO Kickboxing Championships, AJP Jiu-Jitsu Championships, and the Mombasa Open. Through these experiences, Raunak has always aimed to build a foundation where martial arts training develops not just skilled fighters, but strong, disciplined, and purpose-driven individuals—both on and off the mat.
The Academy of Combat Sports Goa (ACS GOA) was founded with a mission to establish a professional combat training hub that meets international standards right in Goa. Having worked closely with various federations, defense units, and international coaches, Raunak realized that India lacked a structured academy that could blend combat education, fitness science, and moral discipline. Today, ACS GOA acts as the parent academy and central body for multiple clubs, associations, and affiliate academies throughout Goa and India, uniting diverse martial arts communities under one shared goal: to raise India’s combat sports standards on the global stage.
The main academy is based in Old Goa, but official training programs also run in Panjim, Candolim, Vasco, and Margao. Collaborations with local institutions like Fitness Bar Old Goa and Don Bosco Oratory help extend ACS GOA’s reach. Through a network of affiliates and partner clubs, the academy provides technical guidance, instructor certification, and athlete development, serving as the core hub for the region.
At its core, ACS GOA’s mission is simple: to build warriors for life—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Martial arts, according to Raunak, is not just about fighting; it’s about discipline, humility, and leadership. Every program under the academy operates with the belief that strong character is the foundation of true strength.
The academy offers professional-level training across multiple disciplines. These include MMA, which integrates striking, wrestling, and submission grappling; Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, focusing on leverage and ground control; Kickboxing and Muay Thai for striking precision and endurance; TIMD (Tongilmoodo), a Korean unified martial art blending traditional philosophy with modern combat practice; and real-world self-defense systems tailored for civilians, police, and women’s empowerment programs. Each discipline is taught through a structured and progressive approach emphasizing technique, safety, and mental development.
Beginners begin their journey with foundational drills, movement patterns, and discipline habits, while advanced students delve into specialized tactical training, sparring, and conditioning for competition or self-defense. Raunak personally monitors every student’s progress to ensure safety, growth, and consistent development.
ACS GOA boasts an accomplished coaching team combining international experience and national excellence. Notably, Coach Erica J. de Sequeira, an international athlete ranked third globally in Professional Jiu-Jitsu (AJP ranking), represents India at elite competitions such as ADCC, World Pro, and the Mombasa Open. Alongside her, Raunak himself brings expertise as an Army Martial Trainer and Tactical Combat Instructor, while Instructor Ravindra Chand complements the team with certified yoga and martial arts training focused on athlete mobility, flexibility, and recovery. Together, they embody a balance of technical mastery, modern coaching science, and traditional martial discipline.
The academy caters to a wide range of age groups, designing custom programs to fit each. For kids aged five and above, the focus is on building confidence, focus, and coordination. Teens train for strength, discipline, and leadership development. Adults engage in self-defense, conditioning, and personal mastery, while seniors receive tailored training to improve flexibility, balance, and light defensive skills.
Students join ACS GOA for many reasons: fitness, self-defense, competition, or personal growth. Many start to improve health but stay for the discipline and mental growth martial arts fosters. Some go on to represent India internationally, while others discover balance and peace through consistent practice.
One standout success story is that of Erica J. de Sequeira. Rising from a local Goan student to securing third place in the World Jiu-Jitsu Professional Division, she exemplifies ACS GOA’s vision—empowering Indian athletes to reach global podiums through disciplined training.
Safety remains a top priority. The academy follows certified training protocols, offers medical supervision when necessary, and mandates proper safety gear use. Every session incorporates warm-ups, supervised drills, and skill-level appropriate sparring to ensure students train safely and confidently.
ACS GOA athletes regularly compete at all levels, from local tournaments to international championships such as ADCC, AJP, WAKO Kickboxing, and the World Mastership Games. The academy proudly produces champions who represent India with honor.
Beyond competition, student progress is measured through discipline, consistency, attitude, and technical improvement. The academy employs structured syllabus cards, skill evaluations, and ongoing feedback to support holistic development.
The academy’s self-defense programs are particularly impactful. Through Project Self-Defense Goa, ACS GOA runs initiatives focusing on women’s safety, child protection, and tactical awareness for real-world scenarios. These programs emphasize psychological readiness, situational control, and reaction training, delivered in collaboration with the Goa Police, Department of Women & Child Development, and Pink Force.
Looking ahead, Raunak envisions ACS GOA evolving into a National Center of Excellence for Combat Sports and Tactical Training within five years. The academy plans to expand its network nationwide, creating development pathways for youth athletes, instructors, and defense professionals. The goal is to position Goa as a leading hub for martial arts and combat education across South Asia.
When asked what title would best suit a martial arts movie about ACS GOA, Raunak says it would be “THE FIGHT WITHIN” — because true victory starts inside every individual before it’s visible in the ring.
Training at ACS GOA is not without its lighter moments. One memorable incident involved a kids’ sparring match where a young student suddenly paused mid-round, bowed, and said, “Coach, I need water before my takedown!” Moments like this bring laughter and humility, reminding everyone of the human side of martial arts.
If the academy had a signature move named after it, Raunak would call it “The Goan Lockdown” — a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu-based control transition symbolizing patience, precision, and pure technique, perfectly reflecting ACS GOA’s core values.
Expansion plans include developing international collaborations and launching online coaching platforms to make training accessible worldwide. The academy is also preparing to launch the Goa Fight League, an in-house MMA and Jiu-Jitsu event aimed at nurturing young Indian fighters. Ultimately, ACS GOA aspires to unify combat systems under an educational and ethical framework centered on discipline, respect, and lifelong learning.
Raunak also hopes to break a common myth: “Martial arts is only for fighters.” In reality, martial arts is for anyone seeking balance, strength, and confidence in life.
For those nervous about starting martial arts, Raunak offers simple but powerful advice: “Everyone starts as a beginner—even world champions. You don’t need to be strong to start; training will make you strong. Step onto the mat once, and you’ll realize martial arts isn’t about fighting others—it’s about discovering your best self.”
At ACS GOA, Raunak and his team are building more than fighters—they are creating a legacy of discipline, courage, and unity. As the parent academy to many clubs, associations, and affiliate academies, their mission is to raise the next generation of Indian martial artists who carry strength in skill and humility in heart.
The global spotlight returns to India as the FIDE Chess World Cup 2025 is set to unfold in the scenic coastal state of Goa, marking a monumental return of the tournament to Indian soil after over two decades. Scheduled from October 31 to November 27, the event will be hosted at the plush Resort Rio in Bardez, Arpora — a venue that blends luxury with Goa’s laid-back coastal charm.
A total of 206 elite players from 82 countries will vie for a share of the impressive $2 million prize fund in a nail-biting knockout format. But the stakes go beyond the prize money — the top three finishers will earn a golden ticket to the 2026 Candidates Tournament, the gateway to the World Chess Championship.
Among the notable contenders are household names in world chess: Gukesh D, Arjun Erigaisi, Praggnanandhaa R, Anish Giri, Ian Nepomniachtchi, Vincent Keymer, Hans Niemann, Wesley So, Richard Rapport, Nodirbek Abdusattorov, Vidit Gujrathi, and Nihal Sarin. A special highlight will be 12-year-old Argentinian prodigy Faustino Oro, who is set to become the youngest participant in the tournament’s history.
Indian chess fans have another reason to celebrate with the inclusion of Divya Deshmukh in the Open Section through a wildcard entry, marking a significant step for Indian women in elite chess.
The tournament’s return to India underlines the country’s rapid rise in the global chess hierarchy — not just as a breeding ground for prodigies, but as a serious stage for international events. With recent triumphs from Indian grandmasters and increasing national interest, India is poised to redefine its place on the global chess map.
Adding to the excitement is a culturally immersive logo that blends Goa’s signature symbols — a palm tree swaying over a blue wave, a red checkered chessboard, and a yellow sun radiating warmth — creating a visual identity that is as vibrant as the host state itself.
Further elevating the spirit is the official anthem, sung by iconic Indian artist Daler Mehendi. The song celebrates India not only as a host but as a protagonist in global chess. Through the lens of key players — Tania Sachdev, Gukesh, Humpy Koneru, and Vidit — the anthem embodies the pillars of Indian chess: talent, tradition, intellect, and inspiration.
With the perfect blend of tradition, talent, and tropical beauty, the FIDE Chess World Cup 2025 in Goa is set to be more than a tournament — it will be a celebration of chess, culture, and India’s enduring rise on the global stage.
Vedanta Sesa Goa has achieved a landmark milestone by contributing over 1 million meals since 2022 as part of the ongoing #RunForZeroHunger campaign. Aligned with the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon (VDHM), the initiative uses the ‘Step Set Go’ app where every kilometre logged translates into a meal donated—impacting lives across communities, children, and even animals in need.
In the 42-day 2025 edition, Vedanta Sesa Goa organised over 30 events across five states—Goa, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Odisha, and Karnataka—demonstrating the company’s strong commitment to community welfare. In Goa, impactful local events were held in Bicholim, Amona, and Panjim, with over 20 individuals contributing more than 1,500 km, converting into direct meal support. The campaign reached its emotional high with the Funrise Walkathon at Divar Island, where a large crowd walked in solidarity for a world without hunger.
The campaign also integrated seamlessly with Swachhotsav – Swachhata Hi Seva 2025, an initiative led by the Indian Bureau of Mines and the Directorate General of Mines Safety. These joint efforts helped raise awareness about hygiene, cleanliness, and civic responsibility through walkathons and other outreach activities—further elevating the cause beyond hunger eradication.
Speaking at the culminating event, Navin Jaju, CEO of Sesa Goa, said, “Congratulations to the entire Sesa Goa family for their spirited participation in the #RunForZeroHunger. Across locations, the zest for a hunger-free world was visible. I thank everyone for their resolve to give back meaningfully to the world.”
Crucially, this campaign brought together a vibrant mix of employees, business partners, local communities, and students from schools and colleges, showing the power of collective action. By merging health, responsibility, and community service, Vedanta Sesa Goa has set a new benchmark in what corporate social responsibility can truly achieve—one kilometre, and one meal, at a time.
Nestled between the emerald hills and the coastal breeze of Goa lies a tradition that transforms neighbourhoods into sanctuaries. Saibin (also spelled Saibini), meaning the house‐to‐house visitation of the statue of Our Lady (Our Lady of Miracles / Milagres Saibin), is a ritual of faith, unity, and shared heritage. In its humble way, Saibin reminds Goans that devotion isn’t confined to church walls but thrives in living rooms, courtyards, alleyways — where strangers become neighbours, and neighbours, family.
Saibin begins after September 8, the Feast of the Nativity of Mary. Parishes send out the statue(s) of Mary to various wards so it can visit homes one after another. The ritual is deeply rooted in Goan Catholic custom, but it resonates beyond: Hindus also revere Milagres Saibin, offering oil, flowers, and prayers. It’s an expression of syncretism that defines much of Goan culture.
What Happens During Saibin
Altar preparation: Homes receiving the statue dress up an altar with white cloths, fresh flowers, candles, incense (“dhump”) — each host putting their heart into preparing a welcoming space.
Procession & Prayers: Neighbors gather, often led by a member of the host family, singing hymns, reciting the Rosary, sometimes departing from house to house carrying the statue.
Offerings & Vows: Devotees bring oil, wax models of body parts (for ailments), flowers, candles — giving thanks or seeking blessings.
Food & Fellowship: After prayers, boiled chickpeas (“chonne”) with coconut are often served; neighbors drop in; nowadays also sweets, cold drinks. A sharing of food is part of the connection.
Firecrackers & Ceremonial Markers: In many places, lighting firecrackers marks the beginning and end; replacing old floral garlands, incenseing the statue, using oil lamps to mark the sign of the cross.
