Swami Vivekanand Pratisthan Higher Secondary School, Bori, has brought pride to Goa with remarkable achievements in the group singing competitions organized by Bharat Vikas Parishad Western Region at Bhuj, Gujarat. The students secured first prize in the group folk song category and second prize in the group Sanskrit song competition.
The talented team, including Anupama Amonkar and Vishwas Naik, along with other students, showcased their exceptional musical abilities, bringing recognition to their school and state. The competitions in Bhuj were a platform for cultural exchange and celebration of regional music, where the students performed with dedication and passion.
In recognition of their achievements, Bharat Vikas Parishad Goa Prant felicitated the students on Saturday, 15th November, in the presence of Goa Prant President Dr. Pravin Sawant. The felicitation ceremony also saw the presence of Shrikrishna Dhond, Prakash Prabhu, Minanath Upadhye, Rajendra Barve, Nitin Barve, Anupama Amonkar, and Vikas Kamat. The program was thoughtfully compered by Mahima Barve, and the vote of thanks was proposed by Anupama Amonkar.
This accomplishment highlights the dedication of Swami Vivekanand Pratisthan Higher Secondary School students to cultural excellence and their commitment to representing Goa on a national stage. Their success serves as an inspiration to fellow students and reflects the support and encouragement provided by their mentors and the school administration.
India has officially entered the race to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, with Ahmedabad named as the proposed host city. On Wednesday, August 27, 2025, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the bid, describing Ahmedabad as the “ideal” venue due to its world-class sporting infrastructure, advanced training facilities, and deep-rooted sporting culture.
The decision follows the Indian Olympic Association’s nod earlier this month, after an ‘Expression of Interest’ was submitted in March. The bid will be formally submitted before the August 31 deadline, with the final decision to be made at the Commonwealth Sport General Assembly in Glasgow this November. With Canada exiting the race due to financial constraints, India’s prospects appear brighter.
Ahmedabad boasts the Narendra Modi Stadium—the largest stadium in the world—which recently hosted the 2023 ICC World Cup Final. The under-construction Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave is also set to play a crucial role, offering an aquatics centre, a football stadium, and multi-sport indoor arenas. The Games are seen as a stepping stone toward India’s larger ambition of hosting the 2036 Olympics, with Ahmedabad again seen as a frontrunner.
Beyond showcasing India’s sporting excellence, the bid has been positioned as a catalyst for economic growth. Hosting the CWG is expected to boost tourism, generate local jobs, and promote sports as a viable career path. The government also anticipates large-scale employment opportunities across event management, media, broadcasting, logistics, and more.
India last hosted the Commonwealth Games in 2010. If successful, the 2030 edition will not only include all major disciplines but also bring back medal-heavy sports like shooting and wrestling—disciplines removed from the upcoming 2026 Games in Glasgow. The Indian Olympic Association also aims to promote traditional sports such as kabaddi and kho kho, making the event a culturally rich and competitive showcase.
As the nation awaits the final decision, the bid stands as a testament to India’s rising influence in global sports and its readiness to deliver events on an international scale.
Panaji, July 18 2025 : The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, is pleased to announce its participation in the upcoming Travel & Tourism Fair (TTF) Ahmedabad, to be held from 31st July to 2nd August 2025 at the Mahatma Mandir Convention and Exhibition Centre, Gandhinagar. As one of India’s most prominent travel trade exhibitions, TTF Ahmedabad provides a valuable platform for tourism boards, travel operators, and industry professionals to connect, collaborate, and promote domestic and international travel.
Goa Tourism’s participation at this prestigious event is part of its sustained strategy to position the state as a diverse, responsible, and year-round tourism destination. With Gujarat being one of the key domestic source markets, TTF Ahmedabad offers an important opportunity to strengthen engagement with travel trade partners, reach out to quality tourists, and build greater visibility for Goa’s evolving tourism identity.
At the Goa Pavilion, visitors will experience the state’s multi-dimensional tourism profile that extends beyond the conventional image of sun and sand. The Department will showcase a wide array of offerings such as spiritual tourism, wellness and Ayurveda-based experiences, adventure activities, and monsoon tourism. Additionally, homestay and community-based tourism initiatives, now gaining momentum under the state’s inclusive tourism policy, will also be highlighted.
The pavilion will also provide insights into Goa’s rich cultural calendar, featuring festivals such as Sao Joao, Chikhal Kalo, Spirit of Goa, Shigmo, and Carnaval, all of which attract experiential travellers and those seeking authentic local traditions.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, Government of Goa, stated: “Our participation at TTF Ahmedabad aligns with Goa’s vision to promote tourism that is immersive, inclusive, and sustainable. We are committed to engaging meaningfully with the travel trade community and highlighting the wide spectrum of experiences that Goa offers across all seasons. Gujarat remains a valuable market, and we look forward to welcoming more travellers who seek depth, culture, and renewal in their journeys.”
The Department of Tourism invites all travel trade professionals, media representatives, and visitors to visit the Goa Pavilion at TTF Ahmedabad to explore new collaborations and discover why Goa continues to stand out as one of India’s most compelling and evolving destinations.
The University of Surrey is set to open a world-class International Branch Campus in GIFT City, Gujarat, India, delivered in collaboration with experienced transnational education group GUS Global Services (GGS). Professor GQ Max Lu, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Surrey, and Dr Sharad Mehra, Regional CEO – Asia and Australia, Global University Systems (GUS) Asia Pacific, announced the collaborative project on the side lines of the QS India Summit 2025 in Goa today.
The project, which is at an advanced stage of pre-delivery, is contingent on regulatory approval from Gujarat’s International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) under the International Branch Campus Regulations, in place to position GIFT City as an Indian hub for international higher education providers. Professor Lu and representatives from GGS will be meeting with IFSCA in GIFT City on Friday 31 January to progress discussions.
Delivery of the new India campus will be a partnership combining the University of Surrey’s teaching and research excellence in business, international finance, computer science, cyber-security and other areas aligned with the strategic vision of GIFT City with GGS India’s proven capabilities as a strategic partner for higher education providers. All teaching and academic assurance will be delivered and led by University of Surrey staff. Ancillary services, such as strategic advice on India entry, student enrolment, campus establishment and operations management, will be provided by GGS, ensuring a seamless setup and operational excellence.
The University of Surrey and GGS are working closely with officials from the British High Commission and the British Council in India. The project will help cement ties between the two countries and is closely aligned with Government of India priorities to expand education and become a global knowledge superpower. The UK Government has expressed its appetite for collaboration across a range of scientific priorities and opportunities to drive greater growth for both countries.
Professor GQ Max Lu, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Surrey, said: “The University of Surrey campus at GIFT City will be a shining example of British education excellence and impact, contributing to transnational education in a more globalised world. We are proud and excited to be part of the GIFT City story, where we’ll combine India’s strengths in the global financial sector with the University of Surrey’s academic and teaching competencies in business, finance and computer science.
“Students can look forward to a world-class education delivered at the heart of a thriving new international finance and technology powerhouse for the region. Together we’ll be contributing to the skills and growth agendas of both our countries.”
Dr Sharad Mehra, Regional CEO – Asia & Australia, Global University Systems (GUS), said: “This initiative seeks to expand world-class academic standards and global learning experiences available in India. It will offer Indian students the opportunity to access transformative education without leaving the country. The collaboration aligns with India’s higher education goals, such as improving global competitiveness, offering world-class education locally, and contributing to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020’s emphasis on internationalisation.”
Aaron Etingen, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Global University Systems, said: “This strategic alliance between the University of Surrey and Global University Systems in GIFT City represents a significant milestone in transnational education. The collaboration aligns perfectly with our vision of transforming lives through education while supporting India’s ambitions to become a global knowledge hub. By bringing together international expertise and local knowledge, we’re creating pathways that will empower students and strengthen communities. It combines Surrey’s academic excellence with Global University Systems’ proven expertise in educational services, creating new opportunities for students in India to access world-class British education.”
The University of Surrey and GGS delegations will be travelling together from the announcement at the QS India Summit in Goa to GIFT City on January 31 for high-level meetings to accelerate progress on the project, which is designed to grow a talent pool in GIFT City, ready to thrive in a globally-connected world
