Tag: Goa

Events in Goa

International Purple Fest Goa 2025 Announced; Accessible Boardwalk Inaugurated at Miramar Beach

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo

The state of Goa is preparing to host the International Purple Fest Goa 2025, a celebration of inclusion, accessibility, and empowerment for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), scheduled from October 9 to 12, 2025. The announcement was made by Minister for Empowerment for Persons with Disabilities, Subhash Phal Dessai, during a press briefing attended by key stakeholders including State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities Guruprasad Pawaskar, Director of the Department of Empowerment for PwDs Varsha Naik, Secretary for PwDs Taha Haziq, and Advisory Board member Prakash Kamat.

In a powerful prelude to the fest, the Government of Goa also inaugurated an Accessible Boardwalk at Miramar Beach, a landmark initiative that reinforces the state’s commitment to inclusive infrastructure. The boardwalk will allow Persons with Disabilities safe and dignified access to the beach and even the sea—an experience many have previously been excluded from. The project, developed by the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC), is a first-of-its-kind initiative in the state and is set to become a major highlight of the Purple Fest.

The inauguration was led by Minister for Social Welfare Subhash Phal Dessai and Minister for Tourism Rohan Khaunte, with senior officials from GTDC including Managing Director Kuldeep Arolkar present. The effort demonstrates cross-departmental collaboration in pushing forward Goa’s vision for accessibility, inclusion, and empowerment.

With inclusive spaces like Miramar now better equipped to welcome all, and Purple Fest 2025 on the horizon, Goa continues to set the standard for accessibility and dignified participation for all citizens, regardless of ability.

National

Goa’s Nirbhay Bhav Group Secures 3rd Place at National Performing Arts Championship 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

In a shining moment for Goa’s vibrant cultural scene, the Nirbhay Bhav Group achieved a remarkable 3rd position at the prestigious National Performing Arts Championship 2025. Held on the 5th of October in the culturally rich city of Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, the event saw participation from top-performing teams across India including Haryana, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Uttarakhand.

Representing Goa, the team stood out with their passionate performance and dedication to the arts. Under the inspiring leadership of Dhiraj Naik, Nirbhay Bhav brought not just talent but discipline, originality, and a deep-rooted connection to cultural heritage to the national platform. The achievement marks a significant milestone for the group and the state, adding yet another feather to Goa’s artistic cap.

The team’s journey doesn’t end here. Buoyed by their success and national recognition, the Nirbhay Bhav Group is now setting its sights on participating in upcoming national and international performing arts championships. Their vision is clear—to carry the spirit and talent of Goan culture beyond borders and onto the global stage.

This victory is not just a celebration of a performance—it’s a testament to the power of dedication, leadership, and the universal language of art that connects us all.

Social

Siddesh Shripad Naik Distributes School Uniforms at Golti Navelim Anganwadi

Tanisha Cardozo

In a heartfelt initiative aimed at nurturing early childhood education, Shri Siddesh Shripad Naik visited the Anganwadi centre at Golti Navelim Panchayat to distribute school uniforms to the young children enrolled there. The event brought together not just the children and their caregivers, but also key figures from the local governance structure, highlighting a collaborative spirit in community welfare.

Present alongside Siddesh Shripad Naik were Sarpanch Mario Pinto, Deputy Sarpanch Tanuja Kerkar, Panch Tanisha Pilernekar, Vishwas Durbhatkar, Sunil Mardolkar, and Ranjita Korgaonkar, among others. Their presence underscored the importance of collective effort in promoting the well-being of children and ensuring access to basic educational resources.

Uniforms, often a symbol of belonging and dignity in a school setting, can make a significant difference in a child’s confidence and motivation. Through this distribution, the initiative not only provided material support but also sent a powerful message of care and encouragement to families in the region.

The event marks another step in Siddesh Shripad Naik’s continued commitment to grassroots-level engagement, uplifting communities through targeted action and inclusive development. The smiles on the children’s faces spoke volumes, reflecting the joy and hope such initiatives bring to the heart of the village.

Human Interest

Five Goan Friends Turn College Dream into Reality with Epic Ladakh Road Trip

Tanisha Cardozo

What began as a casual college conversation finally turned into an unforgettable real-life adventure for five Goan friends. During the curfew period, Abhishek Chitnis and Samith Naikgurav from Priol, Swapnil Mayekar from Ponda, Shivraj Gaonkar from Sacorda, and Mangaldas Gauns from Pale set out on their long-awaited road trip to Ladakh—a journey that tested their physical endurance, deepened their bond, and left them with memories to last a lifetime.

Riding through some of the world’s highest motorable roads and braving harsh climates and unpredictable terrain, the group saw their dream evolve from imagination to reality. From mechanical breakdowns to moments of quiet reflection amidst snow-capped peaks, the journey wasn’t just about the destination but everything that happened in between. “Some memories just hit different — this one will stay forever,” said one of the riders, capturing the emotional impact of the experience.

This story is not just about travel, but about commitment to dreams, the power of friendship, and the beauty of finally ticking off something you’ve held close to your heart for years. As they returned home with hearts full and stories richer, their journey stands as a reminder that with a bit of planning, a lot of courage, and friends who ride with you, anything is possible.

Social

CM Dr. Pramod Sawant Inaugurates Sesa Goa-Sponsored Artificial Turf Ground at Amona

Tanisha Cardozo

In a significant step towards youth empowerment and grassroots sports development, Dr. Pramod Sawant, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa, inaugurated a state-of-the-art artificial turf ground in Amona. The ground has been constructed by Vedanta Sesa Goa – Value Added Business, under its flagship YouTheChange, YouThePower initiative, with a project cost exceeding ₹1 crore.

Equipped with floodlights and a fenced playing arena, the facility promises to become a vibrant hub for community engagement, sports competitions, and youth development. The inauguration ceremony saw the presence of Mr. Saptesh Sardesai, CEO of Vedanta VAB, Shri Gopal Surlakar, Zilla Panchayat Member (Pale), Shri Sagar Kamlakant Fadte, Sarpanch, V.P Amona, panchayat members, community leaders, and enthusiastic locals. The event culminated in a friendly football match where CM Dr. Pramod Sawant himself took to the field, encouraging youth to utilise the facility.

Expressing gratitude, Dr. Pramod Sawant lauded Vedanta’s commitment to community welfare. “The long-standing wish of Amona’s youth has now been fulfilled. I appreciate Vedanta’s consistent efforts in infrastructure and skill development. This facility will play a vital role in promoting fitness and sports culture in the region,” he said.

Mr. Saptesh Sardesai emphasized the importance of physical fitness and leadership among the youth. “This turf ground is more than just infrastructure. It’s an investment in the future of our youth — promoting teamwork, health, and active lifestyles.”

This initiative aligns with the Government of India’s Fit India Movement and showcases Vedanta’s philosophy of #TransformingCommunities through impactful CSR projects that bring long-term value and progress to local communities.