Tag: Goa

TechPulse

DITE&C’s Skilling Initiatives Gaining Momentum Under Minister Rohan Khaunte

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Goa’s digital transformation has been rapid under the leadership of Hon’ble Minister of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications Shri Rohan Khaunte. One of the key pillars driving this growth is digital skilling — an effort to ensure that Goa’s citizens are prepared for the opportunities of a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Goa is redefining its development narrative, not only through its rich tourism and cultural heritage, but also through a forward-looking digital vision that empowers every citizen. Guided by Shri Rohan Khaunte’s vision, the Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications (DITE&C) has been implementing initiatives that strengthen connectivity, nurture innovation, and prepare Goa’s workforce for the future.

At the heart of this vision lies the belief that development must be inclusive. The Department of ITE&C is committed to equitable growth, launching several initiatives aimed at building a digitally skilled population and bridging the digital divide, especially among youth, women, and marginalized communities.

One such initiative is the Free Laptop Distribution Scheme for Meritorious Students from the Scheduled Tribe (ST) and Scheduled Caste (SC) communities. This scheme provides deserving students with the essential digital tools to access online education, skill-building platforms, and career opportunities. Since 2022, more than 300 students have benefited, highlighting the State’s commitment to inclusive digital empowerment. Students like Varad Matondkar from Lourdes Convent High School, Saligao, and Sohan Malgaonkar from Loyola High School, Margao, expressed gratitude to the Goa Government and Minister Shri Rohan Khaunte, emphasizing how these laptops have enhanced their learning experiences.

To further empower Goa’s youth, DITE&C has established IT Knowledge Centres (ITKCs) across the State. These centres offer job-oriented IT training programs designed to build employable skills. Currently, seven ITKCs operate across Bardez, Ponda, Sanguem, and other talukas, bringing digital learning closer to local communities. Over 20,000 training sessions have been conducted, benefiting more than 5,000 participants and resulting in nearly 19,500 e-certificates across 46 modules.

Recognizing the crucial role of women in social and economic development, the Department launched the Mahila Digital Shashaktikaran Yojana (MDSY). This flagship program aims to provide digital training to women, enhance their employability, and help them participate confidently in Goa’s digital journey.

An Additive Manufacturing Hub is also being developed under the Goa Information Technology Development Corporation (GITDC) to promote 3D printing technology. Through a structured three-level training program — beginner, intermediate, and advanced — the initiative ensures skill development for students, government officers, and trainers. Infinyt3D Pvt. Ltd. acts as a knowledge partner, providing technical expertise, software support, and operational guidance.

Under Shri Rohan Khaunte’s leadership, Goa is also gearing up for the next wave of innovation with the Goa AI Mission 2027. The mission envisions building a strong AI talent and infrastructure ecosystem from schools to startups. Plans include introducing AI courses in educational institutions, establishing the Goa AI Academy, and organizing AI bootcamps, masterclasses, and hackathons.

With these initiatives, Goa is positioning itself as India’s Creative and Innovation Capital — a State where technology meets inclusivity, and every citizen is empowered to thrive in the digital age.

Human Interest

Jonty Rhodes Compares Delhi’s Toxic Air to Goa’s Clean Breeze: “Hardto Digest”

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo

South African cricketing legend Jonty Rhodes has raised alarm over Delhi’s worsening air pollution, calling it “hard to digest” and comparing it with the clean, refreshing air of Goa. Passing through Delhi en route via Ranchi, Rhodes took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his gratitude for living in a small fishing village in South Goa, far from the choking smog engulfing the national capital.

Rhodes’ post came as Delhi recorded its worst air quality levels of the year, with thick smog blanketing the city and pollution levels reaching “severe” on the Air Quality Index (AQI). Using the hashtags #AQI and #whats2Bdone, the former South African cricketer drew attention to the growing environmental crisis and urged awareness about India’s air quality challenges.

Alongside his message, Rhodes shared a photo of his children playing football on a Goan beach — a moment of joy that highlighted the contrast between Goa’s open, breathable environment and Delhi’s hazardous conditions. “If this was in Delhi, they’d probably be playing indoors,” he suggested, pointing to the alarming difference in lifestyle caused by pollution.

Known for his association with India through the Indian Premier League and his enduring connection with Goa, Rhodes’ remarks resonated with many online users who echoed his concerns about Delhi’s air and the urgent need for long-term solutions.

As the national capital continues to battle smog and health advisories warn residents to limit outdoor activities, Rhodes’ post serves as both a reminder and a wake-up call — urging reflection on the state of urban air quality and the importance of protecting cleaner, greener spaces like Goa.

EduConnect

Sanguem Girl Shines in the UK: Fiza Shaikh Appointed International Officer at Leeds Beckett University

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Fiza Shaikh, daughter of Ex-Vice Chairperson Imtiaz Shaikh and Councillor Fouziya Shaikh from Sanguem, has made her hometown and the entire state of Goa proud with her recent achievement in the United Kingdom. A former student of The Kings School and a graduate of Padre Conceicao College of Engineering (PCCE), Fiza has consistently demonstrated excellence both academically and professionally.

After completing her Bachelor’s degree in engineering, she pursued her passion for management and leadership by enrolling for a Master’s in Project Management at Leeds Beckett University in the UK. Her dedication, perseverance, and commitment to excellence paid off as she graduated with distinction — a testament to her hard work and determination.

Adding yet another feather to her cap, Fiza has now been appointed as an International Officer at Leeds Beckett University. In this new role, she will contribute to fostering global connections and supporting international students, continuing her journey of inspiring leadership and cross-cultural engagement.

Beyond academics, Fiza is also the Managing Director of the SmileKeeper Foundation, an organization focused on social development and community upliftment. Her story is not just one of personal success but also a symbol of what Goan youth can achieve with vision, persistence, and passion.

Her accomplishment stands as a proud moment for Sanguem, celebrating the potential of young Goans making their mark across the world and reminding us that with dedication and hard work, the world truly has no boundaries.

Events in Goa

The Legends of Khasak: A Spellbinding Journey into Magical Realism at Serendipity Arts Festival 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

This December, Goa’s riverfront city of Panjim will come alive as the Serendipity Arts Festival celebrates its tenth milestone edition from December 12 to 21, 2025. Among the highlights of this year’s festival is The Legends of Khasak, an immersive Malayalam-language theatrical production that promises to transport audiences into a world of magical realism.

Curated by renowned theatre scholar Anuradha Kapur and directed by celebrated Kerala-based theatre director Deepan Sivaraman, the play is an adaptation of O.V. Vijayan’s groundbreaking novel Khasakkinte Itihasam (The Legends of Khasak). It will debut in Goa for the first time with performances scheduled from December 17 to 20 at 6:30 PM at the Sports Authority of Goa ground.

Set against the backdrop of a riverside playground, The Legends of Khasak is designed as a sensorial and philosophical experience rather than a conventional stage play. The production blends fire, water, soil, scent, fog, and the vast open sky into its narrative, creating a powerful, immersive environment. Drawing from Kerala’s traditional art forms such as Theyyam, puppetry, and mask performance, the play unfolds the story of a young man who arrives in a remote Kerala village to teach, only to be drawn into its mythical, dreamlike landscape where reality and imagination intertwine.

According to Festival Director Smriti Rajgarhia, the open-air performance “unfolds like a dream, supported by a rich sensory experience.” It uses the natural elements of the environment as part of the storytelling, challenging the boundaries between theatre, ritual, and the viewer’s imagination.

The production features a stellar ensemble, including P.C. Gopala Krishnan, K.V. Krishnan Mash, P. Baskaran Master, Kumar Pariyacheri, and C.K. Sudheer, with music by Chandran Veyyattummal. Together, they create an atmosphere where folklore, philosophy, and emotion merge to form an unforgettable artistic journey.

Now in its tenth year, the Serendipity Arts Festival stands as one of South Asia’s largest multidisciplinary cultural events. The 2025 edition marks a decade of creativity, cultural exchange, and community engagement through visual arts, music, theatre, dance, design, photography, and culinary arts. Over 300,000 square feet of heritage venues across Panjim—from the Old GMC Complex to Kala Academy—will transform into spaces of imagination and collaboration.

Registrations for the festival are now open, inviting audiences from across the world to join this ten-day celebration of art, culture, and creative exploration.

Human Interest

Goa Weekend Rescues: Drishti Marine Lifesavers Save 12, Aid Monkey-Attack Victim at Dudhsagar

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Over the weekend, Drishti Marine lifesavers demonstrated exceptional courage and efficiency, rescuing twelve individuals from potentially life-threatening situations across Goa’s beaches and providing urgent first aid to a tourist injured at Dudhsagar waterfalls.

At Dudhsagar waterfalls, a 28-year-old man from Hyderabad suffered injuries after being attacked by a monkey, which caused him to fall and cut his left hand. Lifesavers promptly administered first aid and handed him over to his companion. Elsewhere, a 32-year-old tourist from Andhra Pradesh was rescued from drowning after jumping into water without a lifejacket, with lifesaver Babu Gavli rushing in with a rescue tube to bring him safely ashore.

On Sinquerim beach, three members of a family from Gujarat were swept by a large wave, prompting lifesaver Anand Rawool, assisted by Divakar Desai, Santosh Linda, Jimdar Karai, and Mangesh Gawas, to coordinate a successful rescue using a rescue tube. A similar rescue was carried out at Candolim beach when a 30-year-old man from Bengaluru was caught in a rip current 70 meters offshore. Lifesaver Roshan K., with support from Nanda Sawant on a jet ski, brought him safely to shore.

On Calangute beach, a group of four children faced panic after two went missing while playing. Lifesaver Suraj Sawant alerted supervisor Vinod Gaonkar, who immediately launched a search operation using the patrol vehicle. The missing children were soon found on another stretch of the beach and reunited safely with their group.

Baga beach saw lifesavers Biliyam Surim and Jitendra Giri rescue a 56-year-old man from Kerala caught in a rip current. Similarly, at Vagator beach, two minor boys aged 14 and 15 were rescued from a rip current by lifesavers Yashwant Kurle and Sachin Naik. Lifesavers also attended to a 12-year-old boy who accidentally swallowed water while playing, ensuring his transfer to a medical facility via ambulance.

Miramar beach witnessed the successful tracing of a missing child by lifesaver Ramesh Bhomkar, who reunited the distressed child with their parents using the tower’s loudspeaker for coordination. At Benaulim beach, lifesaver Siddhesh Gaonkar rescued a 29-year-old woman from Bengaluru who drifted 50 meters offshore while using a bodyboard.

Palolem beach incidents included the rescue of a 70-year-old tourist from South Korea by lifesaver Kalpesh Pagi and a 38-year-old man from Pune by lifesavers Jeeva Gaonkar and Nilesh Velip. At Agonda beach, a 76-year-old man from the UK was rescued from a rip current by lifesaver Bhikesh Velip, with assistance from Nilesh Galankar on a jet ski.

Through swift coordination, vigilance, and expert lifesaving skills, Drishti Marine teams ensured the safety of tourists and locals alike, showcasing professionalism and dedication in every rescue operation across Goa over the weekend.