Panaji: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant chaired a panel discussion on International Wellness in Panaji, in the presence of yoga guru Ramdev, Acharya Balkrishna, and several eminent Ayurveda practitioners and wellness experts.
The discussion focused on the growing global relevance of India’s traditional systems of medicine and wellness, including Yoga, Ayurveda, Unani and Siddha. Speakers highlighted the importance of integrating these time-tested practices into modern lifestyles to promote holistic health and preventive care.
The panel discussion reflected the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of taking Yoga and Ayurveda to every household, while encouraging wider awareness and adoption of India’s traditional knowledge systems across the world. Emphasis was laid on positioning India as a global hub for wellness and holistic healthcare.
It was also highlighted during the discussion that nearly 50 per cent of the population already benefits from Ayurveda in some form, underlining its deep-rooted presence and acceptance among people. Experts stressed the need for continued research, standardisation and global outreach to further strengthen confidence in traditional medicine systems.
The event reinforced Goa’s commitment to promoting wellness tourism and supporting initiatives that align with India’s broader vision of wellness-driven development.
Sara Tendulkar, daughter of cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar, is stepping into the wellness and entrepreneurial spotlight with the launch of her very own Pilates studio. Known for her love of health, nutrition, and fitness, Sara announced the exciting news through her Instagram, sharing that the dream she had long nurtured has finally become a reality.
The Pilates studio, scheduled to officially open on August 21, represents more than a business venture. In Sara’s own words, it is “more than just a studio — it’s a community built with care and passion.” Her announcement was accompanied by a heartfelt note and glimpses of the new space, which has already started generating buzz in the wellness and social media circles.
Sara, who holds a degree in nutrition, has consistently used her online presence to inspire healthy living. Whether it’s her personal fitness routines or insights into nutrition, her posts reflect a deep commitment to wellness. The studio is seen as a natural progression for someone who not only practices what she preaches but also connects with a large audience that values authentic health journeys.
Despite being in the limelight due to her family legacy, Sara has carved her own path. Apart from being a registered nutritionist, she also serves as a director at the Sachin Tendulkar Foundation, focusing on impactful initiatives in health, education, and sports. This new venture adds another meaningful layer to her work, as she blends her professional expertise with her personal passion.
The Pilates studio is designed to be a welcoming, community-focused space that invites individuals to prioritise their physical and mental well-being. For Sara, it’s not just about movement — it’s about building a place where people can feel seen, supported, and motivated.
With the official launch set for August 21, anticipation is high among her followers and fitness enthusiasts alike. As one of the few celebrity wellness entrepreneurs in the space, Sara Tendulkar’s new venture could become a benchmark for mindful, inclusive fitness in India.
As the wellness world continues to evolve, Sara’s step into the entrepreneurial arena reflects a shift toward passion-driven, purpose-led businesses — and her Pilates studio might just be the beginning of many more initiatives to come.
In a powerful demonstration of community care and proactive education, the Girls Islamic Organisation (GIO) Goa organized two transformative health awareness sessions this July, focusing on hormonal wellness and women’s cancer awareness.
Held on 13th July 2025 at the Islamic Centre in Bilwan Peddem, Mapusa, the session titled “Hormones and Her” addressed the rising prevalence of PCOS and PCOD among young women.
Attended by over 85 women, many expressed that it was the first time they truly understood the health implications of these conditions. Key speakers included:
Dr. Vyoma Shanbhag, hormone specialist from Panjim, who demystified symptoms and treatment options for PCOS/PCOD.
Dr. Kulsum Khan, Clinical Dietitian at Healthway Hospital, who emphasized the deep connection between lifestyle choices and hormonal health. “What you eat, how you sleep, and how you manage stress all show up in your hormones,” she reminded the audience.
The session emphasized food habits, stress reduction, and balanced living over fad diets or pills.
Busting Myths Around Cancer
On 20th July 2025, a second session took place—this time on the often-taboo topic of women’s cancers, featuring Dr. Shivani Jain, an obstetrician and gynecologist from Manipal Hospital, Panjim.
Dr. Jain tackled breast and cervical cancer, highlighting that:
1 in 28 Indian women are at risk of breast cancer, many unaware it’s not always hereditary.
Cervical cancer, largely caused by HPV, is preventable with vaccines and timely Pap smears.
She urged attendees to prioritize early detection through self-exams, screenings, and open conversations.
Building Safer, Stronger Communities
Madeeha Khan, President of GIO Goa, said:
“For years, GIO has worked to build safe spaces where women feel heard, supported, and informed. These sessions are a reflection of that ongoing mission.”
Participants shared stories of clarity, relief, and empowerment.
“It’s the first time I felt like someone explained my health in a way that made sense—and without judgment,” said one attendee.
In a world overwhelmed with misinformation, GIO Goa’s human-centered approach to health education is a vital reminder of what communities can achieve—when they listen, learn, and lead with compassion.
These two events are just the beginning. GIO Goa is committed to continuing such impactful programs, helping women thrive emotionally, physically, and spiritually.
July 2025 — In a landmark discussion held at GVM College, Ponda, senior journalist and former sports administrator Jovito Lopes stressed that exercise and physical activity are not just lifestyle choices, but now officially national priorities, embedded deeply in the National Sports Policy (NSP) 2025.
The event, hosted by Karuna Football Foundation (Ponda) in collaboration with Civitas (Panjim), brought together faculty members of GVM’s Gopal Govind Poy Raiturcar College of Commerce and Economics, Dr Dada Vaidya College of Education, and SNJ Aguiar High School, emphasizing the integration of sports into everyday life.
Lopes explained that Khelo Bharat Niti, as the NSP is also known, seeks to build a physically active society aligned with the goals of the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP). The policy promotes grassroots sports, infrastructure development, coaching ecosystems, and most importantly, mass participation in physical activity.
“The link between sedentary lifestyles and chronic diseases is undeniable,” Lopes said, quoting global studies that demonstrate a 39% reduced risk of early death with regular physical activity.
Key stats and messages shared:
Most adolescents and adults do not meet recommended activity levels.
Adults (18-64) should engage in 150 to 300 minutes of moderate or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous activity weekly.
Regular exercise helps prevent obesity, Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and mental decline.
Daily steps—even modest ones—can significantly reduce the risk of early mortality and cardiovascular events.
Quoting Dr Bert Mandelboum, Lopes added:
“Exercise is probably the most robust drug we have—it leads to longevity.”
Also speaking at the event, Prof Teotone Vaz, Prof Jojen Mathew, Krishna Shetye, Geeta Shastri, and Betty D’Silva endorsed the policy’s grassroots vision and advocated for public fitness infrastructure like open-air gyms in parks.
The takeaway? “It’s never too late to start”—a message that resonated across age groups and institutions.
This session marked an important step in reshaping the role of education institutions in India’s sporting and health future, turning policy into grassroots action.
Porvorim, 17th April 2025 – In a significant step towards enhancing community sports infrastructure and promoting a healthy lifestyle among residents, Khelangan, a comprehensive multi-utility sports and recreation facility, was inaugurated on 16th April 2025 in Porvorim by Hon’ble Minister for IT & Tourism and MLA of Porvorim, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte.
The event saw the esteemed presence of Shri Kuldeep Arolkar, Managing Director, GTDC, senior officials from the Department of Tourism, Zilla Panchayat Member Kavita Gupesh Naik, Sarpanch Swapnil Chodankar, Sarpanch Sonia Sanjay Pednekar, and Panch members from Socorro, Penha de Franca, and Salvador Do Mundo, along with a large gathering of enthusiastic residents.
Speaking at the occasion, Hon’ble Tourism Minister Rohan A. Khaunte expressed his vision for creating a robust ecosystem that nurtures physical wellness, community bonding, and youth development through such grassroots-level initiatives. “Earlier, our children had to travel to Panjim or Mapusa for training and to access facilities. Today, right here in Porvorim, everything is available in one place—training grounds, a futsal ground, a laughter club, coaching facilities, and much more. These amenities are now fully accessible to the people of Porvorim. With the help and guidance of the Goa Cricket Association (GCA), especially Shri Suraj Lotlikar and the officials of the GCA, we are also bringing structured training programs for our youth. This will empower them with skills, opportunities, and a pathway to a brighter future. Futsal, which has become extremely popular among the youth, now has a dedicated ground right here. Alongside this, we have a badminton court and several other facilities to promote a healthy and active lifestyle.”
What was once available only in selected cities is now here for the people of Porvorim. The overwhelming turnout and enthusiasm of the public reflect the love for sports and community activities.
The commitment to ensuring that the best resources are made available with this inauguration proves that Porvorim is not just progressing—it is setting an example. Khelangan offers a variety of facilities including: A cricket training centre in collaboration with the Goa Cricket Association (GCA), A futsal court catering to the growing interest in the sport, A badminton court, A dedicated senior citizen sit-out area, Community activity zones such as a laughter club and coaching spaces
The project represents the shared commitment of local leadership and government bodies to bring world-class amenities closer to the people. It exemplifies the efforts of the Department of Tourism in supporting initiatives that go beyond tourism, actively contributing to the social and physical wellbeing of local communities.
Khelangan is envisioned as a dynamic hub where generations can come together, engage in physical activity, learn new skills, and strengthen the spirit of community living—making Porvorim a beacon of progress and inclusivity.
