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.
Goa continues to make its mark on the national academic stage as two Goan postgraduates in horticulture have been honoured with Gold Medals at the 14th Convocation of Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology & Sciences (SHUATS), Prayagraj, held on 17th October 2025.
Mr. Utkarsh Radhika Krishnanath Sawant Dessai from Curchorem, who completed his M.Sc. in Horticulture (Post Harvest Management), and Ms. Reema Riya Ravindra Naik from Mandrem, who pursued M.Sc. in Horticulture (Fruit Science), were recognised for their exceptional academic performance and dedication to their field.
Their achievements not only bring pride to their families and institutions but also highlight the growing academic excellence emerging from Goa in the fields of horticulture and agricultural sciences. These young achievers embody the potential of Goan students who are pursuing higher education with passion, innovation, and purpose — representing a new generation of scientific thinkers dedicated to sustainability and food security.
The honour at SHUATS’ convocation is especially significant, given the university’s national reputation for excellence in agricultural education and research. The recognition underscores the importance of Goa’s contribution to India’s expanding horticultural and agricultural sectors.
This achievement is a moment of pride for both Mandrem and Curchorem, and a reminder that the youth of Goa continue to shine brightly on national platforms — inspiring others to pursue excellence in education, research, and innovation.
Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant recently visited the National Stock Exchange (NSE) in a significant step toward promoting financial literacy and market awareness among the youth of Goa. During his visit, he engaged in in-depth discussions on initiatives focused on educating students and young professionals about stock markets, investment practices, and economic opportunities.
The visit also included a review of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed earlier between NSE and the Directorate of Higher Education, which aims to bridge the knowledge gap by introducing structured financial education in academic institutions across Goa.
Dr. Sawant emphasized that financial literacy is an essential life skill in today’s fast-evolving economic landscape. He reiterated that such collaborative initiatives will empower the next generation with practical insights into financial management, strategic investments, and understanding economic trends. The goal is to prepare students to make informed financial decisions and actively participate in the nation’s economic growth.
This move aligns with the broader vision of creating a financially aware and economically capable youth population in Goa, ultimately contributing to a more resilient and growth-oriented state economy.
Goa, India | August 11, 2025: In a powerful display of community-driven impact and visionary leadership, the PACT Foundation, led by renowned educationist Dr. Ashwin Fernandes, celebrated its 2nd Foundation Day on August 8 at Clube Tennis de Gaspar Dias, Miramar, Goa. The evening witnessed the official launch of #GoaSuper100 — a game-changing undergraduate scholarship initiative designed to support 100 bright but underprivileged Goan students in pursuing higher education at top Indian universities.
The event was attended by two of India’s most respected figures — Anupam Kher, actor and motivational speaker, and Sonu Sood, actor and humanitarian — who joined Dr. Fernandes in unveiling the initiative and championing the power of education as a force for social change.
“We have seen firsthand how hope takes root when resources meet responsibility,” said Dr. Ashwin Fernandes. “Goa Super 100 is not just about financial aid — it’s about shaping future leaders grounded in values of equity, gratitude, and giving back.”
The Goa Super 100 program is a response to the growing challenge faced by many Goan students who, despite academic merit, are unable to pursue college due to financial constraints. This fully-funded program will cover tuition fees, living expenses, mentorship, and more — setting a new benchmark for educational equity in the state.
A Legacy of Impact: The Happy School Project
Since its inception in 2023, PACT Foundation has revitalised over 20 government schools in rural and semi-urban Goa through its Happy School Project, transforming the learning environment for more than 6,000 students. These schools now boast smart classrooms, libraries, safe sanitation, and vibrant play areas — embodying dignity, community, and child-centered education.
Voices of Support
In their keynote speeches, both Anupam Kher and Sonu Sood applauded the Foundation’s grassroots approach.
“Dreams matter. And when they are supported by people who care, anything is possible,” said Anupam Kher. “Dr. Ashwin has brought his global experience to serve his home — and that is rare,” added Sonu Sood.
What’s Next
The Foundation Day concluded with a strong call to action from Dr. Fernandes, inviting individual donors, corporates, and Goan diaspora to join this movement — through donations, mentorship, and institutional partnerships. The application portal for Goa Super 100 will open soon, with the first cohort of scholars expected to begin college in the 2026–27 academic year.With #GoaSuper100, the PACT Foundation marks not just a milestone, but a mission — to unlock dreams and rebuild futures through education.
Panjim, Goa – 24th May 2025 The Goa College of Home Science, Panjim, was transformed into a vibrant hub of celebration, music, food and cultural unity as it hosted the first-ever Marius Fernandes Day, an event that will go down as a landmark moment in Goa’s cultural calendar. This groundbreaking celebration was held in conjunction with the Purumentachem Fest – Goa’s traditional Festival of Provisions – marking the onset of the monsoon season with flavor, festivity, and deep-rooted community spirit.
The historic day began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by Dean Suresh Kunkalikar, joined by Festakar Marius Fernandes, cultural supporter Maria Goretti Fernandes, senior journalist Prakash Kamat, cultural activists Dominic D’Souza and Luciano Almeida. The moment set the tone for a day that would blend tradition with innovation and celebration with heartfelt recognition.
Culture came alive on stage as the festivities opened with a captivating ponti dance by students of Goa College of Home Science with Rajwi Naik and group, bringing a splash of color and rhythm to the stage. This was followed by the unique cultural segment titled “Balcãoacheo Gozalli” – an intergenerational Goan dialogue moderated by Dr. Gwendolyn de Ornelas and enriched by the insights of historian Prajal Shankardande and academic Dr. Glenis Mendonca. The conversation touched on topics of identity, community memory and the changing face of Goan traditions.
Honoring Festakar as a Cultural Warrior, Dean Suresh Kunkalikar, in a deeply symbolic gesture, felicitated Marius Fernandes with a one-of-a-kind memento – a slate inscribed with recognition of 24th May to be observed as Festacar Marius Fernandes Day annually, for his 101 inclusive, community-driven festivals, Known for reinventing the concept of festivals by removing alcohol, chief guests, sponsors, competitions and barriers to participation, Fernandes has become synonymous with the spirit of inclusive celebration.
In an emotional highlight, Dr. Gwendolyn de Ornelas was awarded a symbolic Doctorate of Community Service by the Goencho Festakar team. The honour recognized her selfless voluntary work across three years, contributing tirelessly to cultural research, education and community outreach. The recognition was met with a standing ovation.
A workshop was held on medicinal herbal tea, locally known as khodo, usually drunk as remedy for colds and fevers by Samita Sameer kolvalkar.
A Dazzling Cultural Programme unfolded as the afternoon unfolded, the campus echoed with music, laughter, and applause. The ever-energetic young Barretto brothers, Abner 8 years of age and Asher 6 years of age, delivered a crowd-pleasing set of Goan classics and contemporary tunes, accompanied by the soulful guitar of Dr. Glenis Mendonca, vocals by Renald Mendonca and harmonies from Linda Braganza and John Lino. It was an electrifying reminder that Goa’s youth are not only preserving tradition but reimagining it.
The symbolic anthem of Festacar Marius Fernandes Festam, the iconic Kottieacho Nach, conceptualized by Festacar Marius Fernandes, in Succorro, was a most awaited and the participants were the guests, vendors, disabled community, choreographed and led by Gwendolyn De Ornelas, all enjoyed and felt a sense of Goa of yesteryears.
Food, Flavors and Festive Nostalgia as No Goan celebration is complete without food and the Purumentachem Fest brought the soul of Goan kitchens to the college grounds. An array of stalls featured monsoon staples like dried fish, pickles, homemade sweets, local spices, and chillies. From sorpotel to prawns molho , the aroma of traditional dishes drew students, faculty and guests to sample and reminisce. Local artisans and vendors proudly showcased their wares, rekindling the spirit of old village markets and encouraging sustainable, local economies.
A Festival Rooted in Purpose as the celebration wasn’t just about looking back—it was about forging a way forward. The day stood as a model of how educational institutions can partner with grassroots cultural innovators to keep traditions alive while engaging the next generation. The festival emphasized inclusion, environmental sensitivity and local pride—principles central to Marius Fernandes’ philosophy.
As Marius Fernandes Day concluded amid cheers, hugs, and hopeful eyes, one thing was clear: this was not the end, but the beginning of a new tradition. One that honours Goa’s diverse heritage, celebrates ordinary heroes and plants seeds for stronger, more connected communities.
