Tag: Higher Education

Events in Goa

Dr. Ashwin Fernandes’ PACT Foundation Launches #GoaSuper100 with Support from Anupam Kher and Sonu Sood

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa, India | August 11, 2025: In a powerful display of community-driven impact and visionary leadership, the PACT Foundation, led by renowned educationist Dr. Ashwin Fernandes, celebrated its 2nd Foundation Day on August 8 at Clube Tennis de Gaspar Dias, Miramar, Goa. The evening witnessed the official launch of #GoaSuper100 — a game-changing undergraduate scholarship initiative designed to support 100 bright but underprivileged Goan students in pursuing higher education at top Indian universities.

The event was attended by two of India’s most respected figures — Anupam Kher, actor and motivational speaker, and Sonu Sood, actor and humanitarian — who joined Dr. Fernandes in unveiling the initiative and championing the power of education as a force for social change.

“We have seen firsthand how hope takes root when resources meet responsibility,” said Dr. Ashwin Fernandes. “Goa Super 100 is not just about financial aid — it’s about shaping future leaders grounded in values of equity, gratitude, and giving back.”

The Goa Super 100 program is a response to the growing challenge faced by many Goan students who, despite academic merit, are unable to pursue college due to financial constraints. This fully-funded program will cover tuition fees, living expenses, mentorship, and more — setting a new benchmark for educational equity in the state.

A Legacy of Impact: The Happy School Project

Since its inception in 2023, PACT Foundation has revitalised over 20 government schools in rural and semi-urban Goa through its Happy School Project, transforming the learning environment for more than 6,000 students. These schools now boast smart classrooms, libraries, safe sanitation, and vibrant play areas — embodying dignity, community, and child-centered education.

Voices of Support

In their keynote speeches, both Anupam Kher and Sonu Sood applauded the Foundation’s grassroots approach.

“Dreams matter. And when they are supported by people who care, anything is possible,” said Anupam Kher.
“Dr. Ashwin has brought his global experience to serve his home — and that is rare,” added Sonu Sood.

What’s Next

The Foundation Day concluded with a strong call to action from Dr. Fernandes, inviting individual donors, corporates, and Goan diaspora to join this movement — through donations, mentorship, and institutional partnerships. The application portal for Goa Super 100 will open soon, with the first cohort of scholars expected to begin college in the 2026–27 academic year.With #GoaSuper100, the PACT Foundation marks not just a milestone, but a mission — to unlock dreams and rebuild futures through education.

EduConnect

Despite 90% Placements, Goa’s Graduates Are Choosing Entrepreneurship and Self-Employment

Tanisha Cardozo

While Goa’s engineering and diploma colleges boast an impressive 90%+ placement rate, a more meaningful transformation is happening beneath the surface. A new generation of graduates is stepping beyond the boundaries of traditional employment — choosing entrepreneurship, self-employment, and reskilling as their path forward.

This isn’t about rejecting jobs — it’s about redefining success. With over 500 students placed in on- and off-campus drives, Goa’s talent is clearly industry-ready. But over 300 others are intentionally opting for higher education, entrepreneurial ventures, or skill-building initiatives. This points to a growing mindset shift: one where skills, not just degrees, are viewed as the currency of the future.

This transformation didn’t happen overnight.

At the heart of this change is the Startup and IT Promotion Cell and the Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications, led by Hon’ble Minister Shri Rohan A. Khaunte. Their strategic focus has been to reimagine education not just as a route to employment, but as a platform for lifelong learning and innovation.

Under this vision, Goa is building a holistic skilling ecosystem that evolves in real time with industry trends. Through initiatives like:

  • BridgeAura ’25: a forward-looking industry-academia partnership program
  • Goa AI Mission: introducing AI-driven learning and problem-solving in institutions
  • Startup Yatra Bootcamp and Masterclasses: that give students direct exposure to entrepreneurial tools
  • Hackathons and real-world project challenges

Goa is not just producing graduates — it’s nurturing founders, builders, and future leaders.

Institutions across the state are playing their part. From TORQUE 2025 at Goa College of Engineering (GEC), led by the Mechanical Engineering Students’ Association (MESA), to IDEAS 3.0 at Padre Conceicao College of Engineering (PCCE), students are being given platforms to innovate, present ideas, collaborate in teams, and build solutions to real problems.

These events are more than academic exercises — they are incubators for startup culture and entrepreneurial confidence.

Goa is now emerging as a model for how a state can equip its youth not just for the jobs of today, but to create the opportunities of tomorrow.

This generation of students isn’t just getting hired — they’re getting ready to hire others.

EduConnect

Goa University Signs Historic MoU with Chanakya Mandal Pariwar

allycaralgoa

In a proud moment for Goa’s academic landscape, Goa University has officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Chanakya Mandal Pariwar, a pioneering institution established in 1996 known for its excellence in competitive exam training, leadership development, and public service preparation.

This historic agreement marks the first collaboration of its kind in Goa, opening doors to specialized programs, workshops, and research opportunities for students and faculty. Through this partnership, Goa University aims to equip its students with skills that go beyond conventional academics — nurturing leadership, analytical thinking, and a deeper understanding of governance and administration.

Chanakya Mandal Pariwar, with its decades of expertise, will bring valuable mentorship, training modules, and a wealth of knowledge to Goa University’s ecosystem. This collaboration also reflects Goa University’s commitment to building national and global competencies among its students.

The MoU was signed in the presence of dignitaries from both institutions, marking the beginning of a long-term vision to enhance education, professional readiness, and leadership capacity in the state.

EduConnect

IGNOU Regional Centre Goa Hosts Workshop on Research Proposal Writing for Postgraduate Learners

Tanisha Cardozo

The IGNOU Regional Centre in Goa continues to strengthen academic and research foundations for its learners. On a recent academic day at the IGNOU Dhempe College Centre, Panaji, a specially curated workshop was conducted focusing on the fundamentals of preparing research proposals for postgraduate students.

Expert-Led Sessions

The workshop was led by Dr Ajay Gaude and Ms. Pratiksha Shirodkar, two accomplished educators and research experts, who brought clarity, structure, and practical wisdom to the often-daunting task of writing a research proposal. Their collaborative approach and hands-on examples helped adult learners understand the technical and strategic elements of research planning.

Their session included:

  • Structuring a research question
  • Framing objectives
  • Conducting a literature review
  • Understanding methodology
  • Ethical considerations in research
  • Formatting and presenting proposals

Support from Academia

The workshop wouldn’t have been possible without the dedicated support of Prof. Ramu Murty, Principal of Dhempe College, and Dr Annie, the IGNOU Centre Coordinator, both of whom were praised for creating a learner-focused and intellectually stimulating environment.

A Milestone in Capacity Building

This workshop is part of IGNOU Regional Centre Goa’s ongoing mission to empower its learners not just with degrees, but with academic and practical competencies that are crucial in both academic and professional spheres.

Sasicoumar Brumot, representing the organisers, expressed appreciation to all stakeholders involved for making the event impactful and successful.

With more such initiatives in the pipeline, IGNOU Goa is setting a strong precedent in enhancing the research culture among distance learners.

Books & Literature

Publications Division Launches Chhota Bheem Comic Series to Promote Indian Storytelling

Tanisha Cardozo

In a landmark initiative to promote Indian narratives and boost content creation, the Publications Division under the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting today launched a brand-new Chhota Bheem comic series. The unveiling took place at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, in the presence of key stakeholders from the media and animation industries.

The comic series has been developed in collaboration with Green Gold Animation Pvt. Ltd., creators of the iconic Indian animated series, Chhota Bheem. The launch marks a significant step in India’s cultural content strategy and aligns with the government’s vision to promote indigenous storytelling traditions in children’s literature.

Speaking at the event, Principal Director General, Bhupendra Kainthola, said:

“The stories we tell, especially to our children, should have an Indian connection. In a land like ours where our grandparents told bedside stories with Indian characters, Publications Division cannot but look at those storytelling traditions. The more we talk about them in the mother tongue, the more rooted would be the growth story of our new generation. As Indian stories leave a message of values and courage, they ought to reach all corners.”

Chhota Bheem, the protagonist of the series, is a symbol of strength, integrity, and kindness. Set in the fictional kingdom of Dholakpur, the comics follow Bheem and his friends as they navigate exciting adventures filled with life lessons inspired by Indian folklore and values.

Rajiv Chilaka, Founder and CEO of Green Gold Animation, emphasized the government’s role in nurturing India’s animation and creative sectors:

“The Government of India has been actively promoting Indian content creation in animation, visual effects, gaming, and comics through initiatives such as WAVES 2025. With this continued support, India is poised to emerge as a global leader in these sectors.”

The comic series also aligns with the outcomes of the recent WAVES Summit held in Mumbai, where thought leaders highlighted the need for culturally resonant content to strengthen India’s creative economy. As the country rises as a key player in AVGC-XR sectors, such efforts represent the government’s commitment to not only preserving but evolving Indian storytelling for the digital age.

With its universal themes of friendship, teamwork, courage, and moral values, the Chhota Bheem comic series is designed to inspire children while reinforcing a sense of cultural identity. It aims to engage readers across India through relatable characters and storylines rooted in Indian tradition.

This initiative is a celebration of homegrown content, encouraging young readers to discover Indian heroes and values through an entertaining and educational medium.