In celebration of India’s 78th Independence Day and as part of the #HarGharTiranga2025 campaign, a Special Exhibition on the History of the Tiranga was inaugurated by Goa’s Minister for Archives, Shri Subhash Phal Dessai, at the Art Gallery, Sanskruti Bhavan, Patto, Panaji.
Organized by the Department of Archives, in collaboration with the Directorate of Art and Culture, the exhibition takes visitors on a powerful and educational journey through the evolution of the Indian national flag — from the early designs during the freedom struggle to the present-day Tiranga that symbolizes unity, freedom, and pride.
The exhibition features rare archival documents, historical photographs, reproductions of earlier flag versions, and educational materials that highlight the socio-political importance of the national flag throughout India’s history.
📍 Venue: Art Gallery, Sanskruti Bhavan, Patto, Panaji 🗓️ Open to Public Till: August 15, 2025 ⏰ Timings: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Whether you’re a student, historian, or simply a patriot, this exhibition offers a meaningful glimpse into the fabric of our national identity.
🧵 Don’t miss this enriching experience — it’s more than history; it’s the story of India.
Nachinola, August 3, 2025: This year, Friendship Day took on a deeper meaning in Nachinola as the village came together not just to celebrate bonds, but to save lives. A Blood Donation Camp held on Sunday, August 3rd at the Village Panchayat Hall marked a powerful initiative led by Fotify, in collaboration with the Village Panchayat of Nachinola and the Blood Bank – North District Hospital, Mapusa.
The event was a heartening success with 35 community members showing up, and 27 stepping up as blood donors, including 8 individuals donating for the very first time. This surge in first-time participants is a positive indicator of growing awareness and willingness to contribute to such causes.
The camp was graced by Chief Guest Shri Laxman Kerkar, Sarpanch of Nachinola, whose presence and encouragement made a notable impact. His engagement with participants reflected the Panchayat’s strong support for health and community welfare initiatives.
Mario Rodrigues, Founder of Fotify, extended his heartfelt thanks:
“A big thank you to all the donors who showed up, to Shri Laxman Kerkar for his constant support, to the team from the North District Hospital, Mapusa for their seamless coordination, and to the Village Panchayat of Nachinola for their wholehearted cooperation. It was truly heartening to see the community come together for such a noble cause on Friendship Day.”
The organizing team hopes that this initiative not only contributes to meeting the urgent demand for blood but also inspires more such efforts in the future. It also stands as a reminder that Friendship is about support, compassion, and giving—values that resonate far beyond celebration.
The event concluded with refreshments and tokens of appreciation distributed to the donors, who walked away not just as friends, but as life-savers.
📸 View event photos and more stories on allycaral.com
“शेजारी – Neighbour” is the Official Theme for the 48-Hour Short Film Challenge at GSFF 2025
The much-anticipated 48-Hour Short Film Making Competition at the Goa Short Film Festival (GSFF) 2025 has officially begun — and the theme for this year is both intimate and universal: “शेजारी – Neighbour.” 🏘️
With a ticking clock, cameras rolling, and adrenaline running high, filmmakers across Goa and beyond are now racing against time to bring their stories to life. From spontaneous screenplays to overnight edits, this is not just a contest — it’s a celebration of bold, fast, and fearless storytelling.
Participants must submit their completed short films by: 📍 4th August 2025, before 10:00 AM 📌 Submission Venue: ESG Office, Panaji, Goa
🎞️ Film Requirements
⏱️ Duration: Minimum 5 minutes, Maximum 40 minutes
🗣️ Languages: Konkani or Marathi only
🔠 Subtitles: English subtitles are mandatory
This unique format challenges filmmakers to write, shoot, edit, and submit a complete short film in just 48 hours — all while staying true to the central theme: “Neighbour.”
🏘️ Why “शेजारी – Neighbour”?
The theme opens up a world of storytelling possibilities. Whether it’s a slice-of-life drama, a gripping thriller, a quirky comedy, or a social commentary, the idea of a “neighbour” is deeply relatable yet flexible enough for broad interpretation. It’s a prompt that connects us to the people next door — and perhaps, to the sides of ourselves we seldom explore.
From chaotic balconies to community conflicts, awkward conversations to unexpected friendships — this year’s films are sure to reflect every shade of life that unfolds on either side of the wall.
🎥 About the Challenge
Organised as part of GSFF 2025 in association with the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG), the 48-Hour Film Challenge is now one of the most awaited creative contests in the state. It brings together amateur enthusiasts, student filmmakers, and seasoned directors to prove their mettle under real pressure.
With no time to second-guess and no room for delays, the challenge pushes creators to trust their instincts, collaborate quickly, and capture cinematic moments on the go.
💡 Past Impact
Over the years, this competition has not only been a testing ground but also a launching pad. Several short films developed under this challenge have gone on to win awards, gain online traction, and be screened at national and international festivals. The competition thrives on spontaneity — but often results in unforgettable storytelling.
🏆 What’s at Stake?
While the creative rush is its own reward, shortlisted and winning films will be screened during GSFF 2025, offering visibility, recognition, and celebration from the Goan film community and beyond.
📣 Final Word
So if you’re a filmmaker with a vision, a camera, and a tight-knit crew — this is your moment. A theme that speaks to everyday lives. A deadline that fuels raw creativity. A stage that celebrates the art of telling stories that matter — fast.
📽️ Let the challenge begin. 🎞️ Let your neighbours become your next masterpiece. 🚨 Deadline: 4th August 2025, before 10:00 AM at ESG Office
📖 Follow Allycaral for more updates, highlights, and behind-the-scenes moments from GSFF 2025. #GSFF2025 #48HourFilmChallenge #Shejari #ShortFilmCompetition #ESGGoa #Allycaral
The 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) invites passionate storytellers and visionary filmmakers to submit their work to the Indian Panorama, the country’s premier film showcase for cinematic excellence.
With no entry fee and no barriers to access, this year’s Indian Panorama selection truly opens its arms to creative minds from every corner of India.
What’s Indian Panorama? Organized by the Directorate of Film Festivals under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, in collaboration with NFDC, the Indian Panorama selects the finest feature and non-feature films from across India to be screened at IFFI Goa — one of Asia’s most prestigious film festivals.
Who Can Apply? Whether you are a debut filmmaker, indie artist, or seasoned director — if you’ve got a story that deserves the screen, this platform is yours.
Key Highlights
No Entry Fee
Open to Feature & Non-Feature Films
National Recognition and International Visibility
Films selected will be showcased during IFFI in Goa
Goa | July 25, 2025 — In a landmark move ahead of the highly anticipated International Purple Fest 2025, Dr. Ketan Bhatikar has been officially appointed as the Sports Director for the event. The appointment letter was personally handed over by Shri Subhash Phal Desai, Minister for Social Welfare and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities.
Recognised for his unwavering commitment to disability sports, Dr. Bhatikar played a pivotal role in organizing inclusive sports events — most notably wheelchair cricket, which has become a symbol of empowerment for persons with disabilities across Goa and beyond.
As Sports Director, Dr. Bhatikar will oversee planning, curation, and execution of inclusive sporting activities at the Purple Fest — a global platform known for championing accessibility, talent, and the spirit of unity.
The 2025 edition promises to be the most impactful yet, and with Dr. Bhatikar at the helm of the sports segment, it sets the stage for breaking new ground in inclusive sports.
