Events in Goa

Celebrating Inclusion: International Week of the Deaf & Sign Languages at Caculo Mall


In a heartwarming and impactful celebration, Caculo Mall in Panjim transformed into a hub of inclusivity as it hosted the International Week of the Deaf and the International Day of Sign Languages. Held from September 22, 2025, the event marked the beginning of a three-day initiative that highlighted empowerment, accessibility, and the importance of communication inclusion.

The celebration was coordinated by Mrs. Sadiya Bandodkar, a dynamic entrepreneur and Purple Ambassador for the upcoming International Purple Fest Goa 2025. The event also served as a prelude to the anticipated Purple Fest scheduled for October 9th to 12th.

Jointly organized by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Government of Goa, the Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, the Goa Association of the Deaf, and Mrs. Bandodkar herself, the event brought together stakeholders, performers, and the community under one inclusive roof.

The inaugural day began with an engaging Indian Sign Language awareness session aimed at sensitizing attendees and encouraging more inclusive communication. A key highlight of the evening was a Navratri-themed dance performance by a group of deaf women, which captivated the audience with its grace and energy, drawing admiration and thunderous applause.

The event welcomed prominent guests including Shri Guruprasad Pawaskar, State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities; Smt. Varsha Naik, Director of the Department of Empowerment of PwDs; Shri Mangesh Dalvi from Caculo Mall; Shri Prasad Joshi, General Secretary of the Goa Association of the Deaf; Shri Avelino Dโ€™Sa, President of the Disability Rights Association of Goa (DRAG), and Mrs. Sadiya Bandodkar.

In his address, Shri Guruprasad Pawaskar emphasized that such initiatives must not be limited to a week, but should act as catalysts for continuous advocacy, awareness, and systemic change. Mrs. Bandodkar, expressing her gratitude, thanked all collaborators for making the event a success and for supporting efforts to create opportunities for persons with disabilities.

Throughout the three days, the pop-up market continues to be a major draw, with stalls managed by entrepreneurs with disabilities, offering everything from handmade crafts to innovative products. Itโ€™s not just a market; itโ€™s a message โ€” that talent knows no bounds and inclusion starts with opportunity.

This celebration stands as a testament to what can be achieved when government bodies, private partners, and individuals come together to champion accessibility. It sets the tone for the upcoming Purple Fest Goa 2025 and reaffirms the commitment to a more inclusive, aware, and empowered society.

Social

Free Health Camp in Piligao Benefits Over 100 Villagers


In a remarkable initiative to bring healthcare closer to the community, JCI Pilgao Elite and Village Panchayat Piligao, in collaboration with Lokmanya Multipurpose Co-operative Bank, organized a Free Health Camp for the residents of Piligao. The event was strongly supported by Goa Diagnostic Service and Matoshri Sevadhaam Arogya Seva Trust, Mumbai.

The camp witnessed an overwhelming response, with more than 100 villagers availing free health services, particularly eye check-ups and medical consultations. The initiative aimed at not only providing immediate healthcare support but also spreading awareness about the importance of regular check-ups for long-term wellbeing.

๐Ÿ‘๏ธ Focus on Eye Care & General Health
Eye care formed a major part of the camp, with several villagers undergoing free eye check-ups. In addition, consultations in general healthcare ensured that the community benefitted from holistic medical support.

๐Ÿค Collaborative Effort
The success of the camp was attributed to the seamless collaboration between multiple stakeholdersโ€”community leaders, local institutions, healthcare providers, and service trustsโ€”demonstrating the power of partnerships in making a real difference.

โœจ Impact & Way Forward
This initiative highlights the importance of accessible healthcare in rural areas, where many villagers often face challenges in accessing timely medical care. The encouraging turnout underscores the communityโ€™s growing awareness and willingness to prioritize health.

By joining hands, JCI Pilgao Elite and its partners have taken a vital step towards building a healthier, stronger, and more empowered community in Goa.

Social

JCI Panaji & Dempo College Host Faculty Training โ€œIn Pursuit of Excellenceโ€


On 20th September 2025, JCI Panaji in association with Srinivassa Sinai Dempo College (Autonomous), Cujira Goa, conducted a Faculty Training Session on โ€œIn Pursuit of Excellenceโ€ and a JCI Orientation program.

The training was spearheaded by JC Dr. Jorson Fernandes, Past State President JCI Goa, who served as the pilot faculty, alongside Jc Sharmila Valavalkar, Zone Secretary JCI India Zone 11, as co-pilot faculty. The session was designed to empower faculty members with leadership values, innovative approaches to teaching, and a deeper connection to the JCI movement.

The event witnessed the active presence of:

  • JFM Sandeep Kerkar, President, JCI Panaji
  • Jc Gautam Kharangate, Zone Vice Chairman, JCI Alumni Club
  • Prof. Dr. Manoj Kamat, Principal, Dempo College
  • Prof. Sangeeta Chakraborti, Vice Principal, Dempo College
  • Assoc. Prof. Dr. Prisca Braganza, TLET Coordinator
  • JFM Saikrishna Mandrekar, Zone Director Training
  • Jc Srushti Lotlikar, Secretary, JCI Panaji

Together, the faculty, JCI leaders, and academic representatives emphasized excellence, leadership development, and community engagement.

This collaboration marks a significant step in strengthening the academicโ€“community ecosystem by fostering innovation, leadership, and problem-solving skills among faculty and students alike. It reflects JCIโ€™s mission of creating positive change through training, orientation, and leadership-building initiatives.

Social

Workshop on Handling Rejection and Failure Held for Kids Under โ€˜Chirag Datta Naikโ€™ Initiative


Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral

The Chirag Datta Naik Initiative saw yet another successful workshop on โ€œHandling Rejection and Failureโ€ conducted by Anishaโ€™s Nurture Nest this past Sunday at Samarth Krupa Hall, opposite ESI Hospital, Margao. The session, intended for children aged 7 to 15, was led by Anisha Kapdi and marks the third in this series.

Congress leader Chirag Naik, present at the workshop, applauded the parents who made the effort to bring their children. He said, โ€œThere are three types of parents: those who have experienced such things in childhood and now encourage their kids; those who never got the opportunity and want their children to go ahead and do it โ€“ I appreciate such parents; and those who had the experience but are unable to bring their kids due to reasons like work, lifestyle, social media, gadgets, etc.โ€ His words underscored the importance of parental involvement in building emotional resilience.

During the workshop, Anisha Kapdi taught key coping skills: accepting rejection, expressing oneโ€™s feelings openly, analysing the reasons behind a rejection to improve upon them, and maintaining selfโ€‘confidence. She emphasized that rejection is a normal part of life. Parents were encouraged not to treat failuresโ€”such as low examination scoresโ€”as shameful events. If children feel embarrassed or punished for failure, they may stop seeking support or sharing their struggles.

Anisha also urged parents to normalize their own stories of rejection, helping children feel safe and understood. She cautioned against comparing children with others, highlighting that each child is unique. Instead of pushing them into a rat race, parents should recognize their childrenโ€™s individual capacities (their potential) and capabilities (their interests and passions). Whether a child is drawn to science, arts, culinary fields, or anything else, supportive recognition matters. Above all, she stressed that children must feel loved so they are always willing to come back to their parents when things go wrong.

Events in Goa

HIFAA 2025: Bringing Over 500 Doctors Together at Taj Convention, Goa for Healthcare Iconic Fashion and Awards


Goa is gearing up to host one of the most prestigious healthcare events of the yearโ€”HIFAA 2025 (Healthcare Iconic Fashion and Awards)โ€”at the luxurious Taj Convention Center. This landmark event will bring together more than 500 esteemed doctors and healthcare professionals from various disciplines including naturopathy, acupuncture, chiropractic care, modern medicine, and wellness therapies.

The event aims to recognize and celebrate excellence in healthcare while fostering innovation, awareness, and interdisciplinary collaboration. HIFAA 2025 is more than just an award ceremony; it is a vibrant platform for thought leaders, practitioners, and industry influencers who are pioneering the future of healthcare in India.

The event will be inaugurated with a networking lunch at 1:00 PM, followed by an official opening ceremony and panel discussions at 2:00 PM. The sessions will focus on critical topics such as integrative medicine, advancements in preventive healthcare, mental wellness, and sustainable health practices. The occasion will be graced by Shri Ajay Kumar Mishra, former Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, alongside renowned healthcare visionaries.

One of the hallmark features of HIFAA is its unique blend of healthcare and fashion, showcasing the lighter, creative side of the medical community. The fashion segment will feature doctors walking the ramp, symbolizing the harmony between health, beauty, and lifestyle. This celebration highlights wellness, confidence, and positivity within the medical fraternity.

In todayโ€™s healthcare landscape, treatment is just one part of a broader concept of holistic well-being. Events like HIFAA inspire innovation and foster networking among professionals from diverse medical streams. It provides a valuable opportunity to share knowledge, explore emerging trends, and build collaborations that can elevate patient care nationwide.

The grand event will conclude with the Healthcare Iconic Awards, recognizing outstanding contributions by doctors, medical institutions, and organizations making a significant impact across various healthcare fields. The presence of dignitaries like CM Goa Shri Pramod Sawant alongside Dr. Biswajit Mondal and Dr. Santosh Pandey further underscores the eventโ€™s importance.

HIFAA 2025 promises to be a landmark celebration of healthcare excellence, innovation, and unity in the heart of Goa.