In a grand ceremony, Clube Tennis de Gaspar Dias proudly inaugurated its centenary celebrations, marking 100 years of heritage, sports, and community. The occasion was graced by Hon. Governor of Goa, Shri P. S. Sreedharan Pillai, as Chief Guest, and Guest of Honour, Dr. Justice Shri Ferdino I. Rebello, of the High Court of Allahabad (Retd.).
The club’s centenary celebrations are a testament to its rich history and contributions to the world of sports, particularly tennis. Over the years, Clube Tennis de Gaspar Dias has been a hub for tennis enthusiasts, providing a platform for players to hone their skills and compete at various levels.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by dignitaries, club members, and tennis enthusiasts from across the state.
The centenary celebrations will continue throughout the year, with a series of events, tournaments, and activities planned to commemorate this milestone achievement.
Goa, 24 March 2025 : Goa Tourism is set to make a strong impression on the South Korean travel market with a roadshow scheduled to take place in Seoul on 28th March 2025. Recognized globally for its blend of beaches, vibrant culture, and heritage charm, Goa will present its diverse tourism offerings to key South Korean travel stakeholders.
The roadshow will bring together leading tour operators, travel agents, airline representatives, and hospitality professionals from South Korea. Designed as a platform for fostering strategic collaborations, the event aims to enhance business ties and promote Goa as a preferred destination for South Korean travellers seeking unique cultural, adventure, hinterland, and wellness experiences.
This initiative enhances Goa Tourism’s commitment to expanding its international footprint, tapping into emerging travel markets, and encouraging long-term partnerships. Attendees at the event will be introduced to Goa’s evolving tourism landscape, and premium travel experiences such as luxury resorts, nature-based adventures, spiritual tourism, and wellness retreats.
Speaking about the upcoming roadshow, Director of Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik, stated, “Our goal is to position Goa as a destination that offers something special for every traveller, while also prioritizing sustainable and regenerative tourism practices. The South Korean travel market holds immense potential, and through this roadshow, we look forward to building meaningful connections with South Korean travel professionals. We are confident that this engagement will further boost Goa’s visibility and encourage responsible tourism growth.”
The event will feature insightful presentations, interactive sessions, and networking opportunities, allowing South Korean travel professionals to gain first-hand knowledge of Goa’s tourism offerings. Special emphasis will be placed on showcasing Goa as a year-round destination that harmoniously blends rich cultural heritage, adventure tourism, wellness experiences, and responsible travel practices.
The serene village of St. Mathias on Divar Island transformed into a lively hub of culture, nostalgia, and sustainability as it hosted the vibrant Potekar Fest 2025. This unique festival, curated by Festaçar Marius Fernandes, brought together people from across Goa to celebrate tradition, inclusivity, and environmental consciousness in an atmosphere of harmony and togetherness.
The festival commenced with the much-anticipated Festaçar passoi, a symbolic procession from the Ghumot Museum to the balcão, where the 93-year-old Anna Regina, the oldest Potekarn, warmly inaugurated the celebration. This was followed by the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by distinguished guests, including Prakash Kamat, Rena Menezes, Maria Gorretti Fernandes, Dominic D’Souza, Jacqueline Alvares, and Mariano Ferrao. Their presence set the stage for a day filled with cultural exchange, nostalgia, and shared learning.
Potekar Fest drew enthusiastic participation from various Goan regions, including Corlim, Panjim, Mapusa, Divar, Sarzora, and Nuvem, reinforcing its spirit of inclusivity. The festival ensured that individuals of all backgrounds and abilities could actively participate, making it a true community event.
A defining feature of Potekar Fest 2025 was its unwavering commitment to zero-waste practices. By incorporating eco-friendly traditions and sustainable living principles, the festival exemplified how cultural celebrations can be both meaningful and environmentally responsible.
The festival featured several engaging cultural elements, one of the most cherished being the Balçaoacheo Gozalli—a platform where Miguel Braganza, Prakash Kamat, and Mariano Ferrao shared their insights and experiences with Festaçar Marius Fernandes. Their discussions provided a rich tapestry of Divar’s past, offering attendees an immersive experience of the region’s heritage. They spoke how those innocent days has changed and we all have to be more aware of our surroundings due to the advent of social media and vloggers and how they can distort our traditions due to lack of knowledge.
Adding to the nostalgic atmosphere, Festaçar reminisced about his childhood days of crafting paper masks, evoking memories of Goa’s age-old traditions and artistic expressions.
A major crowd-puller was the mesmerizing Kottieacho Nach (Coconut Shell Dance), conceptualized by Dr. Gwendolyn de Ornelas. The rhythmic performance captivated onlookers, highlighting Goa’s dynamic folk traditions. Live musical performances further enhanced the festivities, with renowned singers Jacqueline Alvares and Leena Fernandes leading the audience through timeless Konkani melodies.
The festival was a sensory delight, offering a blend of Goan culinary and artisanal traditions. A special workshop on Doce de Grão, conducted by Dr. Gwendolyn de Ornelas and Dorothy De Souza, provided attendees with a hands-on experience of this beloved Goan delicacy, fostering a sense of community and cultural pride.
Reflecting on the success of Potekar Fest 2025, Festaçar Marius Fernandes expressed his gratitude, stating:
We are deeply grateful to our visitors, performers, and everyone who made this event possible. This marks our 98th community festival, and we look forward to continuing this journey of celebrating unity.”
More than just a festival, Potekar Fest 2025 stood as a testament to Goa’s cultural richness, inclusivity, and commitment to sustainability. It left a profound impact on all who attended, reinforcing the importance of community spirit and preserving heritage.
As the sun set on Divar Island, it was clear that this celebration was not just an event, but a heartfelt tribute to Goa’s identity—one that would be remembered for years to come.
Rohit Chari, the founder of Red Canvas Studio, has been making waves in the art world with his vibrant caricatures, quirky illustrations, and stunning murals. From his early days as a mischievous schoolboy doodling in his notebooks to becoming a renowned artist, Rohit’s journey is a testament to his passion and dedication to his craft.
Rohit’s artistic journey began in childhood, long before formal training shaped his skills. His school notebooks were never just for classwork; they were filled with doodles, often landing him in trouble with teachers. These early signs of an innate passion for art led him to enroll at the Goa College of Art, where he gradually honed his craft.
After working under various companies and firms, Rohit realized that his true calling – sketching and illustrations – was being restricted. Despite having a secure job at a reputed company, he felt his creative potential was not being fully utilized. The desire to explore unique artistic styles and break free from limitations kept growing. Amidst much contemplation, Rohit made a bold decision – to step away from conventional employment and carve his own path in the art industry. This leap of faith led to the birth of Red Canvas Studio, an independent venture dedicated to vibrant caricatures, quirky illustrations, and creative merchandise.
Rohit’s art is deeply rooted in Goa’s culture and heritage. He has worked on numerous projects that highlight Goan folk dances, traditional houses, cultural festivals, local transport, food, beaches, and iconic places. His murals have become a staple in many Goan restaurants and establishments, showcasing the state’s unique susegad lifestyle.
Rohit believes that humor plays a crucial role in his art form. “The more lively and humorous the artwork, the more appealing and engaging it becomes,” he says. His caricatures are a testament to this philosophy, often exaggerating the subject’s features to create a humorous and relatable piece.
Rohit has collaborated with numerous brands and establishments, including Coca-Cola, Namaste Chai, and Marriott. He’s always open to new collaborations and is currently working on creating merchandise and exploring different selling platforms to reach a wider audience.
Rohit’s story is a reminder that success is not solely dependent on formal training or conventional employment. With passion, dedication, and a willingness to take risks, anyone can turn their dreams into reality. As Rohit continues to push the boundaries of his art, we can’t wait to see what the future holds for this talented artist.
The Dalgado Konknni Akademi (DKA) recently celebrated “Konkani Journalism Day” at MES Vasant Joshi College of Arts and Commerce, Zuarinagar. The event was attended by distinguished guests, including Dr. Manasvi M. Kamat, Daniel de Souza, Alister Miranda, Fausto V. Da Costa, Savio Dias, Fr. Myron Jeson Barreto, and Satyawan Naik.
A Significant Milestone in Konkani Language History February 2 marks a significant milestone in the history of the Konkani language, as it was on this day in 1889 that the first Konkani newspaper, “Udentichem Sallok,” edited by Eduardo Jose Bruno de Souza, was published. This pioneering publication was printed in Konkani in Roman script.
Panel Discussion: Challenges Facing Konkani Journalism A thought-provoking panel discussion, moderated by Daniel de Souza, explored the challenges facing Konkani journalism. The panel comprised three esteemed experts:
Alister Miranda, former editor of O Heraldo
Fausto Da Costa, editor of Gulab magazine
Savio Dias, Prudent Media journalist
The discussion centered on Konkani journalism in the context of newspapers, magazines, and digital media. The panelists unanimously emphasized the need for a Romi Konkani newspaper.
Welcome Address and Vote of Thanks The welcome address was delivered by Dr. Manasvi M. Kamat, principal of MES Vasant Joshi College of Arts and Commerce. Fr. Myron Jeson Barreto, secretary of DKA, proposed the vote of thanks.
The event was skillfully compered by Nalisha Velip and concluded with the singing of the National Anthem. The celebration was a testament to the enduring legacy of Konkani journalism and the importance of preserving and promoting the Konkani language.
