Tag: Goa

Goan Personalities

Governor and Chief Minister Extend New Year 2026 Greetings, Call for Unity, Harmony and Inclusive Development

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Panaji, December 31, 2025: As the State ushers in New Year 2026, the Governor of Goa, Shri Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju, and Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant have conveyed warm greetings and best wishes to the people of Goa and Goans living across the world, calling for unity, harmony, and collective progress.

In his New Year message, Governor Shri Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju described the beginning of a new year as a time of renewal, hope, and fresh beginnings. He urged citizens to reflect on their shared journey, appreciate Goa’s rich cultural heritage, and renew their commitment to peace, harmony, and societal welfare. Expressing optimism for the year ahead, the Governor said he hoped 2026 would bring joy, peace, and prosperity to every home, and encouraged Goans to move forward together with dedication and unity.

Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant, in his message, also extended warm New Year greetings and expressed hope that the coming year would usher in peace, prosperity, good health, and happiness for every Goan. He appealed to citizens to continue supporting the Government’s efforts in effectively implementing welfare schemes and development initiatives across the State.

Reaffirming the Government’s commitment to building a resilient and progressive Goa, the Chief Minister urged people to actively participate in the Swayampurna Goa mission, which aims to promote self-reliance, empower individuals and communities, strengthen local governance, and create sustainable livelihoods.

Acknowledging Goa’s long-standing legacy of peaceful coexistence and religious harmony, Dr Sawant called upon citizens to uphold the values of mutual respect, unity, and collective well-being. He noted that this spirit of togetherness remains one of Goa’s greatest strengths and must continue to guide the State in the year ahead.

Both leaders expressed confidence that with public cooperation, unity, and shared commitment, Goa would continue to progress on the path of inclusive and sustainable development in 2026.

TechPulse

How Goa Is Harnessing Technology to Empower Women Entrepreneurs

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Goa is rapidly embracing digital transformation, with women across the state emerging as entrepreneurs, innovators, and digital contributors. From grassroots digital literacy initiatives to advanced technology training and startup incentives, the Government of Goa is expanding economic opportunities for women across both rural and urban landscapes.

Under the leadership of Hon’ble Minister for Information Technology, Electronics & Communications, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, the Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (DITE&C), Government of Goa, is implementing a range of programmes designed to unlock women’s potential through technology, skills development, and entrepreneurship.

Mahila Digital Sashaktikaran Yojana

A flagship initiative, the Mahila Digital Sashaktikaran Yojana aims to bridge the digital divide, particularly for women in rural and underserved areas. The scheme provides hands-on training in the use of digital devices, online platforms, and essential digital services.

Open to Goan women aged 18 and above with a minimum of 15 years of residency in the state, the programme is delivered through empanelled Information Technology Knowledge Centres (ITKCs), Common Service Centres (CSCs), and Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs). Training sessions are conducted in accessible locations such as panchayat halls and community centres, ensuring last-mile reach.

By bringing digital literacy directly to villages, the initiative is improving employability, enhancing digital confidence, and enabling women to access wider markets and online opportunities.

From Villages to Skies: Women in Drone Technology

Goa has also introduced drone pilot training for women under the national Drone Didi scheme. Women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs) receive specialised training in drone operations and maintenance, opening pathways in agriculture, logistics, disaster management, and environmental monitoring.

For many rural women, this initiative marks a transition from technology users to technology-driven service providers, creating new income streams and fostering entrepreneurship within local communities.

Women-Focused Startup Support under Goa Startup Policy 2025

Under the Goa Startup Policy 2025, the Startup and IT Promotion Cell has launched targeted mentoring and funding support for women-led startups. Women founders working in cutting-edge fields such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), Drones, Robotics, AR/VR, AVGC, and 3D printing are eligible for a monthly allowance of ₹20,000 for up to 12 months.

This one-time financial assistance supports startups at the ideation, prototyping, validation, or early traction stages, ensuring access to capital, mentorship, and structured guidance during the critical early phase of their entrepreneurial journey.

Building a Gender-Inclusive Digital Economy

From digital literacy at the village level to advanced drone training and startup funding, Goa’s initiatives are creating a gender-inclusive ecosystem where women actively participate in both traditional and emerging sectors.

As digital tools reach remote areas and technology-led enterprises continue to grow, women are becoming key contributors to Goa’s evolving innovation and economic landscape, reinforcing the state’s vision of inclusive and sustainable growth.

Events in Goa

Contemporary Goan Writing Explores Identity, Land, and Inclusion at MOG Sundays

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Contemporary Goan writing and art are navigating pressing questions of belonging, land, language, and social inclusion amid a period of rapid change, according to writers and poets at a recent MOG Sunday discussion at the Museum of Goa (MOG). The session focused on The Brave New World of Goan Writing & Art 2025, an anthology that brings together fiction, essays, and art criticism spanning Konkani and Portuguese works in translation, queer narratives, and reflections by artists, curators, researchers, and heritage practitioners.

The discussion featured contributors Heta Pandit, Janeita Singh, Annie Sengupta, and Glenis Mendonca, in conversation with moderator Aaron Monteiro. Conversations explored the cultural significance of Goan homes, the role of informal community spaces, and notions of public responsibility, while also delving into the complex identities of contemporary Goan artists who navigate multiple cultural worlds. The anthology highlights the value of retaining untranslatable words, documenting environmental and social transformations, and bringing historically marginalised narratives around caste, gender, and queer communities into the spotlight.

Speakers emphasised that translation, documentation, and critical engagement are crucial for sustaining Goa’s rich and diverse cultural voices during a time of rapid transformation. The discussion reflected a vision of Goan identity that embraces complexity, hybridity, and inclusivity, positioning literature and art as vital tools for understanding and shaping the state’s evolving cultural landscape.

Events in Goa

Serendipity Arts Festival Transforms Panaji’s Art Park into a Hub of Art, Food, and Community

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Panaji, December 2025: The Serendipity Arts Festival (SAF), Asia’s largest multidisciplinary art festival, has once again turned Panaji’s Art Park along the riverfront into a dynamic cultural hub. Visitors of all ages have been immersed in a vibrant blend of art, workshops, culinary experiences, and entertainment.

The festival space is thoughtfully designed to cater to varied interests. The western end features the photography exhibits in Feeling Home. Where is Home?, with works ranging from Assavri Kulkarni’s tribal portraits to Anurag Banerjee’s homage to Bombay, drawing visitors into diverse worlds through the lens. Moving inward, the buzz grows louder with interactive workshops, storytelling sessions, and a showcase of Goan culinary traditions.

SAF’s colourful stalls and installations make the festival appealing to schools and families alike. Surekha Gaonkar, a teacher from Bal Bharati Vidyamandir, Ribandar, brought 73 students from standards 1 to 3, saying, “We come to help students learn something new while having fun. There’s so much to do here.”

Students like Nisha Fernandes of Chubby Cheeks High School were equally enthused, exploring workshops such as Changing Charpai and creative storytelling sessions. “It was my first time here, and I had a lot of fun. The Hive workshop helped us learn limericks and poetry, and the charpai installation was fun to climb and play on,” she shared.

Parents, too, found the festival a perfect opportunity to engage with their children while enjoying a safe and relaxing environment. Upen Kumar from Margao said, “I registered my son for storytelling and workshops on emotions and musical instruments while browsing the stalls. Every amenity, from washrooms to guidance, was well taken care of.”

The Serendipity Arts Festival continues to offer an inclusive, engaging, and educational experience, blending celebration, learning, and community bonding in the heart of Panaji.

Social

JCI Ponda Honours Late Shri Ravi Sitaram Naik with Lifetime Achievement Award at 54th Installation Ceremony

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

JCI Ponda successfully organised its 54th Installation Ceremony on December 14, 2025, at Hotel Shakti Palace, Ponda, marking an important milestone and leadership transition within the organisation. The ceremony was attended by Jaycees, past presidents, junior Jaycee members and invited guests, reflecting the strong sense of unity and purpose that defines the organisation.

The event was graced by Chief Guest Dr. Kautuk Prabhu Bhatikar, Deputy Medical Superintendent of Shri Kamaxidevi Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Shiroda. The Guest of Honour was JFD Shabha Gauns, Zone President 2025, while JFM Adv. Mamta Naik, Zone President Elect 2026, attended as Special Invitee. Their presence added significance to the occasion, highlighting the role of JCI in nurturing leadership and community engagement.

During the ceremony, JC Adv. Chaitali Agarwadekar was sworn in as the 54th President of JCI Ponda, along with her Local Governing Board team. In her address, the newly installed president reaffirmed her commitment to strengthening community service initiatives, leadership development programmes and meaningful engagement among members. The outgoing president, JFM Vadiraj Inamdar, was felicitated and appreciated for his dedicated service and impactful leadership during his tenure.

A defining moment of the evening was the announcement of the Lifetime Achievement Award in honour of Past President Late Shri Ravi Sitaram Naik, recognising his outstanding and enduring contribution to JCI Ponda and society at large. Born and raised in Ponda, Late Shri Ravi Naik went on to become one of Goa’s most respected political leaders, serving the state with distinction for over four decades. He was elected seven times as a Member of the Goa Legislative Assembly from the Ponda and Marcaim constituencies and also served as Member of Parliament from North Goa.

His association with the Jaycee movement remained deep and unwavering. As the 12th President of JCI Ponda in 1984, he played a pivotal role in shaping the organisation’s growth and values. Even after his presidency, he continued to actively support JCI initiatives, participate in events, host visiting dignitaries and offer guidance to younger members. For nearly 41 years, he extended steadfast support to JCI Ponda’s Annual Running Race held on March 12 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Goa’s first Chief Minister, Late Shri Bhausaheb Bandodkar, helping transform it into a flagship community event.

Late Shri Ravi Naik’s encouragement of youth leadership, promotion of fitness and lifelong association with JCI brought immense pride to the Jaycee fraternity. His legacy, remembered with gratitude and respect, continues to inspire members to serve with integrity and commitment.

The ceremony concluded on a positive and reflective note, underscoring the organisation’s shared vision of leadership, service and continuity, while honouring a leader whose contributions will remain etched in the history of JCI Ponda.