Tag: Goa

Social

Community Spirit Shines at Blood Donation Camp Held in Pilerne, Goa

Tanisha Cardozo

On October 12, 2025, the church hall of St. John the Baptist Church in Pilerne, Goa, was filled not only with people but with purpose, as the parish hosted its annual Blood Donation Camp. Organized in collaboration with Loving Hearts Goa and the North Goa District Hospital (Asilo) Blood Bank, the event exemplified the true meaning of community service and selflessness.

The camp, held from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM, welcomed donors from all walks of life. From young professionals to elderly parishioners, the turnout reflected a collective spirit of generosity and awareness about the importance of donating blood. The smooth execution of the event was made possible with the logistical support of the medical team from Asilo Blood Bank and the hospitality extended by Peppy’s Goan Kitchen Caterers.

Mr. Mark D’Souza, President of Loving Hearts Goa, along with founding member Mr. Ranjit Rodrigues and Treasurer Ms. Sanyukta Gawade, expressed heartfelt appreciation to everyone involved. In particular, they acknowledged the unwavering support of Fr. Derick Fernandes, the parish priest, whose encouragement was vital to the event’s success.

Events like these not only contribute directly to saving lives but also bring communities closer, reminding everyone of the impact a small act of kindness can have. The blood collected during the camp will go on to help patients in need, proving once again that giving is indeed a blessing.

Events in Goa

Nominations Open: 13th Orchid Award for Women Achievers of Goa

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa is a land of culture, talent, and untold stories — especially those of women who are quietly yet powerfully shaping their communities, industries, and the future. Recognizing the need to bring such stories to light, the Orchid Group is proud to announce the 13th edition of the Orchid Award for Women Achievers of Goa.

This unique award ceremony is the first of its kind in the state and was introduced to celebrate women who embody excellence, resilience, and impact in their respective fields. From trailblazers in education and sports to changemakers in rural development and business, these awards are a tribute to the spirit of Goan women.

The categories for this year include: Education, Art & Culture, Sports, Social Work, Journalism, Business, Rural Development, Woman Achiever with Disability, Girl Child Prodigy, and the prestigious Life Time Achievement Award. Each category is crafted to ensure that a wide range of contributions and accomplishments are recognized and honoured.

Nominations are now open, and the invitation is extended to every corner of Goa. Whether you’re a woman who has made a mark or you know someone who deserves this recognition, now is the time to act. The Orchid Award is not just an accolade — it is a movement that aims to uplift, encourage, and inspire future generations of Goan women.

Celebrate the women who inspire us. Celebrate Goa. Nominate today.

Last date of nominations 05th November 2025

Films

Goa’s Aditya Suhas Jambhale Creates History with Filmfare Award for Best Debut Director for Article 370

allycaralgoa

In a moment of immense pride for Goa, filmmaker Aditya Suhas Jambhale has been honoured with the Filmfare Award for Best Debut Director for his powerful and critically acclaimed film Article 370.

This historic win marks a first for Goa, as Aditya becomes the state’s first-ever recipient of a Filmfare Award, a milestone achievement that highlights the growing presence of Goan talent in India’s mainstream film industry.

Article 370, produced by Jio Studios and B62 Studios, delves into one of India’s most defining political events with intensity and precision. Jambhale’s directorial vision brought together gripping storytelling, strong performances, and thought-provoking realism — earning him widespread praise from audiences and critics alike.

Reacting to his win, Aditya expressed deep gratitude:

“This recognition is not just mine — it belongs to every young storyteller from Goa who dreams big. I’m honoured to represent my home state on a national stage.”

Born and raised in Goa, Aditya Jambhale’s creative journey began in short films and regional projects before he made his Bollywood debut with Article 370. His filmmaking blends realism with emotional depth, a trait that has now been acknowledged with one of Indian cinema’s most prestigious awards.

Goa’s creative community, film enthusiasts, and institutions have hailed this achievement as a landmark moment that will inspire future filmmakers from the state.

With Article 370’s success and this Filmfare honour, Aditya Suhas Jambhale has firmly established himself as a director to watch — not only for his talent but for his voice that bridges regional and national cinema.

Events in Goa

India’s First Multi-Inclusive Hindi Film “Rabb Di Awaaz” to Screen at Purple Fest Goa 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

The International Purple Fest Goa 2025 will open with a powerful screening of “Rabb Di Awaaz,” India’s first multi-inclusive and multi-accessible Hindi feature film. The screening, scheduled for October 9 at INOX Panjim (Screen 1), is a fitting start to a festival that champions inclusivity and accessibility in every form.

Directed by National Award-winning filmmaker Ojaswwee Sharma, the film explores the lives, challenges, and aspirations of persons with disabilities. What sets this film apart is its authentic casting — featuring actors with disabilities in key roles — including lead actor Shiv Kumar Sharma, who is visually impaired. His nuanced performance lends emotional depth and truth to the film’s narrative, making it not only a cinematic experience but a social statement.

“Rabb Di Awaaz” has already created a global ripple. It has completed over 275 complimentary screenings across India and internationally, spanning over 650 days. The film has reached audiences in schools, colleges, universities, and special education institutions across 13 Indian states and territories, including Goa, Delhi, Punjab, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and more. Internationally, it has been featured in festivals across California, Leicester, and London. It was most recently recognized by the United Nations India and UNESCO at the We Care Film Festival 2025 for its commitment to accessibility and inclusion in cinema.

Ahead of the main screening at IPFG-2025, the film was already introduced to audiences in Goa through a series of pre-event screenings under the Purple Spectrum initiative, led by the Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Government of Goa. The film was showcased at educational institutions like Chubby Cheeks Spring Valley High School, St. Britto High School, Goa University, and the National Association for the Blind, among others. This made Goa the first Indian state administration to invite and facilitate screenings of “Rabb Di Awaaz” across multiple educational setups.

Director Ojaswwee Sharma expressed deep gratitude to the Government of Goa for this opportunity, stating that it represents a meaningful step toward national recognition for inclusive cinema. He emphasized that this film is not merely an artistic project but part of a larger cultural movement that uses cinema as a catalyst for empathy, dialogue, and social change.

As part of the festival’s rich and inclusive programming, the screening of “Rabb Di Awaaz” reaffirms that inclusive cinema is not a niche category but an essential pillar of India’s evolving cultural narrative. With policymakers, educators, and changemakers in attendance, the festival provides an important platform to amplify the voices and stories that matter.

Films

Goan Documentary “Bhaangar: Kalakusar Karigiri” Nominated at NanoCon Film Fest 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

A Goan short documentary celebrating the artistry of traditional goldsmiths has earned international recognition. “Bhaangar: Kalakusar Karigiri” has received a nomination at the prestigious NanoCon International Film Festival (NIFF) 2025, held in the state of Washington, USA.

Now in its 7th edition, NIFF is an independent film celebration hosted by the Lower Columbia Rotaract Club. This year’s edition received a staggering 2,964 short film entries from 194 countries — and only 100 films were selected as finalists. Among these, “Bhaangar: Kalakusar Karigiri” represents a proud moment for Goan storytelling and Indian student cinema.

Directed, narrated, and shot by Prachi Shirodkar, the documentary was edited by Mario Pimenta and created as part of a college project at Don Bosco College, Panjim, under the mentorship of Agnelo Raymond D’Souza.

The documentary provides a sensitive, in-depth look into the experiences and techniques of Goan artisans working in the gold industry. Featuring candid interviews with goldsmiths Virendra Rivankar, Rashila Shirodkar, and Pranay Shirodkar, the film explores the nuances of craftsmanship, generational knowledge, and the passion that keeps these ancient skills alive.

The nomination at NIFF marks the film’s first international selection and offers a spotlight on Goa’s lesser-told artisanal heritage. With strong storytelling, visual empathy, and cultural relevance, “Bhaangar: Kalakusar Karigiri” joins a distinguished lineup of films from around the world that celebrate identity, tradition, and innovation through independent cinema.

For a film that started as a college project, this achievement is a testament to the power of local stories told with authenticity and heart.