Deputy Speaker of the Goa Legislative Assembly and Mapusa MLA Joshua De Souza took to words to express his love and appreciation for his wife Sanzia on the occasion of her birthday.
In a heartfelt message, Joshua De Souza described how being with Sanzia fills his life with joy, laughter, and warmth beyond measure. He acknowledged her steady support, gentle strength, and the positivity she brings into his life every day.
“Being with you fills each moment with joy, laughter, and warmth beyond measure. I am always grateful for your steady support, gentle strength, and the light you bring into my life,” he wrote.
Wishing her continued good health, peace, and happiness, the Deputy Speaker concluded his note by expressing his hope that she is always surrounded by love and contentment.
The message resonated with many, offering a glimpse into the personal side of the public leader and highlighting the importance of family support behind public service.
Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk
The 9th edition of the State-Level Tribal Sports Festival will be organised from January 9 to 11, 2026, at Adarsh Gram, Amone, in Canacona. The festival is being conducted as part of the Government of India’s special policy for the upliftment of the Scheduled Tribes community under the Tribal Sub-Plan, with a strong focus on promoting sports and physical activity among tribal youth.
The event is being organised by the Sports Authority of Goa in collaboration with the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs, continuing an initiative that has been in place since 2011. Over the years, the Tribal Sports Festival has evolved into a significant platform for identifying and nurturing sporting talent within tribal communities across the state.
Previous editions of the festival have featured sports such as Volleyball, Kabaddi, Kho-Kho, Tennis Ball Cricket, Tug-of-War, Langadi, Lagori, Vithu Dandu and other traditional games, conducted under the technical guidance of respective State Sports Associations. The details of the upcoming festival were announced by Sports Minister Dr. Ramesh Tawadkar in the presence of Dr. Ajay Gaude, Director of DSYA and Executive Director of SAG, along with Dr. Vivek Pawar, Deputy Director, DSYA.
Each edition of the festival has seen participation from over 1,200 athletes representing all 12 talukas, supported by nearly 200 technical officials and sports teachers. The participation of both men and women has steadily increased over the years, highlighting the immense sporting potential present within Goa’s tribal population.
For the 2026 edition, around 1,648 players along with 240 officials and support staff are expected to take part. Competitions in Kabaddi, Kho-Kho, Volleyball and Tennis Ball Cricket will be held in both men’s and women’s categories, while traditional sports such as Tug-of-War, Langdi and Lagori will be played at the Canacona taluka level. Winners in major disciplines will receive cash prizes along with trophies and certificates, with first place awarded Rs. 25,000, second place Rs. 20,000 and third place Rs. 15,000.
Selection trials for taluka teams were conducted on December 28, 2025, across various venues under the supervision of APEOs, TSOs, DSYA, SAG coaches and sports associations. Adding to the scale of the event, an All India Marathon Race will also be organised during the festival, with participation expected to exceed 1,000 runners.
Goa Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan Ashok Khaunte, offered humble tributes on the occasion of Veer Bal Diwas at Shree Guru Singh Sabha Gurudwara, Betim, commemorating the extraordinary courage and supreme sacrifice of Sahibzada Zorawar Singh Ji and Baba Fateh Singh Ji, the younger sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji.
The solemn event was attended by BJP Goa State President Shri Damodar Naik, MLA Saligao Shri Kedar Naik, along with other dignitaries, members of the Sikh community, and devotees. The gathering paid homage to the young martyrs whose steadfast faith and bravery continue to inspire generations across India.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Rohan Khaunte recalled the historic sacrifice of the Sahibzadas, emphasizing that their courage stands as a timeless symbol of righteousness, resilience, and unwavering commitment to truth. He noted that Veer Bal Diwas serves as a reminder for today’s youth to draw inspiration from their values of courage, unity, and selflessness.
The programme at the Gurudwara was marked by prayers, reflection, and remembrance, reinforcing the spirit of communal harmony and respect for India’s rich and diverse heritage. The dignitaries present highlighted the importance of preserving and sharing such stories of sacrifice, which form the moral foundation of the nation.
Veer Bal Diwas, observed across the country, honours the supreme sacrifice of Sahibzada Zorawar Singh Ji and Baba Fateh Singh Ji, who laid down their lives at a tender age while standing firm in their faith and principles.
Calangute, Goa: A moment of immense pride and happiness filled the Lobo household as Calangute MLA Michael Lobo celebrated the engagement of his son, Daniel Lobo, who currently serves as the Sarpanch of Village Panchayat Parra (V.P. Parra).
Surrounded by family, friends and well-wishers, the ceremony marked a cherished milestone for the prominent Calangute-Parra family. The engagement was celebrated with grace and warmth, reflecting the family’s deep connection with the community.
MLA Michael Lobo expressed heartfelt gratitude to everyone who extended their blessings, love and kind wishes to Daniel and his fiancée. He shared that the family feels truly blessed as the young couple begins a new chapter built on love, trust and shared dreams.
As Sarpanch of Parra, Daniel has been actively involved in community development and public welfare initiatives. His engagement was met with warm congratulations from residents, colleagues, and supporters across Parra and Calangute, who celebrated the beginning of this beautiful new journey for him.
The engagement marked not just a personal milestone but also a moment of collective joy for the community that has long supported the Lobo family.
A fresh controversy has erupted at the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) after the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS) filed an official complaint against Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh. The organisation has accused the actor of insulting religious sentiments during IFFI’s closing ceremony in Goa.
According to the complaint, Ranveer Singh allegedly mimicked the divine form portrayed in the film Kantara – Chapter 1 and further referred to Chamundi Daiva, a revered Kotitulu deity, as a “female ghost.” These remarks, HJS claims, were disrespectful and amounted to derogatory comments against a sacred cultural tradition.
The HJS stated that the Daiva tradition, particularly in coastal Karnataka, is deeply rooted in spirituality, family lineage, and centuries-old rituals. Any misrepresentation, they argue, can hurt the sentiments of devotees and distort the understanding of indigenous cultural practices.
The complaint seeks:
A police inquiry into the actor’s statements
Appropriate legal action for hurting religious sentiments
A public apology from Ranveer Singh
The organisation also expressed concern that influential public figures must remain sensitive while representing cultural or religious symbols on prominent platforms such as IFFI.
Police have acknowledged receipt of the complaint, and further inquiry is awaited.
This controversy comes at a time when Kantara’s cultural impact has remained strong, especially among communities who consider Daiva worship a sacred responsibility rather than a performative art.
Further updates are expected as the matter progresses.
