Events in Goa

Department of Tourism announces Cleeven Mathew Fernandes as the King Momo for 2025


Panaji, 17 February 2025: Goa Carnaval 2025 is all set to light up the streets with vibrant festivities, music, and merriment. The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, is delighted to announce the selection of Shri Cleeven Mathew Fernandes as this year’s King Momo.

Hailing from Benaulim, Shri Cleeven Mathew Fernandes was selected from a total of four applicants after a screening process. The judging panel, comprising a representatives of Panaji, Mapusa, Margao, and Vasco Carnival Committees; Director of Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik; Managing Director, GTDC, Shri Kuldeep Arolkar selected the King Momo based on the personality, communication skills and presentation. General Manager, GTDC, Shri Gavin Dias; Dy General Manager, GTDC, Shri Deepak Narvekar; Assistant Director of Tourism, Shri Jayesh Kankonkar and others were also present on the occasion.

Scheduled from 28th February to 4th March 2025, the grand festivities of Goa Carnaval 2025 will feature vibrant float parades, lively music, captivating performances, and a celebration of Goa’s unique cultural heritage, drawing thousands of tourists and participants. The Department of Tourism remains committed to promoting this iconic festival as a showcase of Goa’s diverse cultural traditions.

With King Momo’s call for celebration, the state is ready to revel in the joyous spirit of Carnaval 2025—a spectacle of colour, rhythm, and festive cheer.

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The Opinion Poll Day preserved the identity of Goa


The Directorate of Official Language, Government of Goa ​​organised special programmes in North and South Goa on the occasion of the Opinion Poll Day. A special programme titled as Opinion Poll: The Movement for Goa’s Existence’ was held in South Goa in collaboration with M.A. Konkani Department of Government College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Quepem. Konkani writer and thinker Adv. Uday Bhembre gave information on the events of the Opinion Poll day. Adv. Uday Bhembre, is one of the leaders who expressed Opinion Poll day and worked to safeguard Goa’s separate identity, highlighted the important events from 1963 to 1967. He further said that this day preserved the separate identity of Goa.

Director of Official Language Prashant Shirodkar, Principal of the college Dr. Joydeep Bhattacharjee, Asst. Professor Sushant Naik, Programme Coordinator Deepraj Satordekar, Junior Translator Sneha Sabnis, and other assistant professors as well as students were present.

Director Prashant Shirodkar said that Adv. Uday Bhembre is the right person who can share events of Opinion Poll which he experienced and such programmes are organised to create awareness about the day among the students. Asst. Professor Sushant Naik delivered the welcome address. Asst. Professor Deepraj Satordekar introduced the guest. Translator Sneha Sabnis gave the vote of thanks.

In North Goa, Directorate Official Language, the Department of Konkani and the Department of Political Science of the Government College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Khandola jointly organised the Opinion Poll day programme. At the event, senior journalist and writer Sandesh Prabhudesai shed light on the history of the Opinion Poll. Sandesh Prabhudesai said that Opinion Poll gave Goa an independent existence and the youth made a huge contribution during that period. He added that it is because of this day that Goans can express their views today.

Deputy Director of Official Language ​​Anil Sawant delivered the introductory address. Principal Dr. Purnakala Samant delivered the welcome address. Asst. Professor Prithvi Naik moderated the function and introduced the guest. Asst. Professor Divya Govekar delivered the vote of thanks. Prof. Prakash Vazrikar, Head of Konkani Department, Prof. Seema Salgaonkar, and assistant professors from various departments and students were present.

About 230 students, teachers and government employees learned about the Opinion Poll at both the programmes.

#AllycaralFeature 👒, EduConnect

Historic MoU Signed Between Harvard University and Government of Goa


In a landmark moment, Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant witnessed the signing of a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Harvard University and the Government of Goa. This pioneering collaboration aims to revolutionize the educational landscape in Goa, empowering public schools and providing transformative opportunities for underprivileged students.

Program for Scientifically-Inspired Leadership (PSIL)

At the heart of this initiative is the Program for Scientifically-Inspired Leadership (PSIL), a dynamic platform that converges three distinct groups:

  1. Harvard University College Students: Taking on the role of instructors, these students will bring their expertise and knowledge to the table.
  2. College Students from Goa: Acting as instructor fellows, these students will work closely with their Harvard counterparts, fostering a spirit of collaboration and mutual learning.
  3. Higher Secondary School Students: The primary beneficiaries of the program, these students from public schools under the Education Department of Goa will gain invaluable exposure to innovative educational methods and leadership development opportunities.

Fostering Academic Excellence and Equitable Opportunities

This historic partnership symbolizes a powerful step towards fostering academic excellence, leadership development, and equitable opportunities for all. By bridging the gap between Harvard University and the Government of Goa, this collaboration has the potential to create a lasting impact on the educational ecosystem in Goa.

A Brighter Future for Goa’s Students

As the Program for Scientifically-Inspired Leadership (PSIL) takes shape, the students of Goa can look forward to a brighter future, empowered by cutting-edge educational programs and leadership development opportunities. This momentous occasion marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in Goa’s educational journey.