Tag: Inclusion

Social

DRAG Hosts EMPOWER 2026 Annual Get-Together for Persons with Disabilities

Swara Bodke

Written by Intern Swara Bodke || Team Allycaral

PANAJI, GOA: In a heartfelt initiative to promote inclusion and empowerment, the Disability Rights Association of Goa (DRAG) organised its Annual Get-Together, EMPOWER 2026, on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at Shubham Jinn Ashram, Agacaim — a meditation and holistic healing centre run by the Pilar Fathers. The programme was held from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm and brought together persons with disabilities for a day filled with learning, interaction, and celebration.
More than just an event, EMPOWER 2026 was envisioned as a safe and welcoming space where participants could feel included, heard, and empowered. The day featured interactive sessions on personality development, kitchen gardening, health awareness, mental well-being, and disability rights. Fun games, shared meals, and engaging activities further encouraged bonding and confidence-building among attendees.
Participation in the programme was free of cost, ensuring that financial constraints did not hinder anyone from attending. To enhance accessibility, transport facilities were arranged from Panjim Bus Stand and Agacaim Market for participants who required assistance.


Fr. Hilario Fernandes, SFX, Director of the Centre, inaugurated the programme by reminding participants of their importance as God’s creations. Through religious reflections and quotes, he emphasised that their relationship with God and their inherent dignity matter far more than their disabilities or societal perceptions.
Mithali Naik and her daughter Gargi from Giggle Gardeners, Borim, conducted an engaging session on kitchen gardening. They demonstrated hands-on techniques, including the correct proportion of soil mixing for a healthy and sustainable garden.
Ms. Terrency Luis and Ms. Vivian highlighted the importance of a balanced diet for maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle. They also conducted health check-ups for all participants as part of the awareness initiative.
Avelino de Sa, President of DRAG, elaborated on the provisions of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, urging participants to understand and assert their rights.
Fr. Ivan D’Mello, SFX, delivered an insightful session on mental health, guiding participants through simple breathing exercises to help them let go of past experiences. He explained that dwelling on past challenges can affect the present and future, encouraging everyone to focus on healing and self-growth.
The programme concluded with a thanksgiving Mass, where participants expressed gratitude for the Association’s continued support since its inception.
Through EMPOWER 2026, DRAG reinforced the message that self-growth, dignity, and belonging are rights — not privileges — and that true empowerment begins when communities come together to learn, support, and uplift one another.

Business

Cycle Pure Agarbathi Expands in Goa, Celebrating 77 Years of Fragrance, Heritage, and Purpose

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa, India – Cycle Pure Agarbathi, India’s leading agarbathi manufacturer, celebrates 77 years of fragrance, faith, and purpose as it expands its footprint across Goa. With a legacy that has enriched over six billion prayers worldwide, the brand continues to carry forward the spirit of Indian craftsmanship and devotion, blending tradition with innovation to create timeless experiences.

Founded in Mysuru, Cycle Pure Agarbathi has grown from a humble family enterprise into a global brand exporting to more than 75 countries. Its diverse range includes traditional agarbathies and contemporary wellness offerings under the IRIS Home Fragrances brand, now available across Goa through leading retail and quick commerce platforms. This expansion ensures that every home can experience the essence of purity, peace, and prayer with just a click.

Marking a milestone in its journey, Cycle Pure Agarbathi created history at the International Purple Fest Goa 2025 by unveiling and lighting a 125-feet agarbathi—the longest and most inclusive creation in its legacy. The event, graced by Dr. Pramod Sawant, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa, and other dignitaries, represented a beautiful convergence of tradition, inclusion, and innovation. The ceremonial lighting symbolized unity and celebration of diverse abilities at one of the world’s most inclusive cultural events.

Continuing its deep connection with art and culture, Cycle Pure Agarbathi recently collaborated with Kantara: Chapter 1, a PAN-Indian mythological action drama, as the official prayer partner. To commemorate this partnership, the brand launched the Three in One Parampara Agarbathi, a special edition inspired by Karnataka’s rich cultural heritage. Each stick in this collection is a blend of divine fragrance and devotion, offering an experience that embodies spiritual resonance and artistic tradition.

Speaking on the expansion, Mr. Arjun Ranga, Managing Director of Cycle Pure Agarbathi, said, “At Cycle Pure Agarbathi, we believe fragrance is a bridge between tradition and modern living. Our presence across all leading quick commerce platforms ensures that this sacred experience is just a click away—bringing purity, emotion, and heritage to homes instantly.”

Echoing the sentiment, Mr. Amarnath Datta, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer, added, “Goa represents a vibrant confluence of culture, spirituality, and modern living—values that deeply resonate with our brand. Through our Cycle and IRIS product lines and creative collaborations like Kantara, we’re not just offering fragrance; we’re creating immersive experiences that connect with hearts and homes.”

Sustainability remains at the heart of Cycle Pure’s philosophy. With zero carbon emissions across its production facilities, plastic-free packaging, and natural ingredient sourcing, the brand has built an environmentally responsible model that blends spirituality with stewardship. The company also continues to empower communities through its Gadchiroli Agarbatti Project (GAP)—a rural livelihood initiative launched in 2014 that has uplifted over 1,200 tribal women, tripling their average household income.

Cycle Pure Agarbathi invites Goans to explore its complete range—from traditional incense to modern wellness products—crafted to transform ordinary moments into soulful rituals. As the brand enters its 78th year, it continues to uphold its vision of purity, empowerment, and sustainability, carrying forward a legacy of fragrance that touches lives, connects cultures, and inspires generations.

Social

Clube Tennis de Gaspar Dias Partners with Disha Charitable Trust to Host Drawing Competition for Specially-Abled Students

allycaralgoa

Panaji, October 2025: Over 275 specially-abled students from across Goa came together to showcase their creativity and talent at a drawing competition organised by the Disha Charitable Trust, in collaboration with Clube Tennis de Gaspar Dias, Miramar.

Now in its 24th edition, this annual event is dedicated to encouraging specially-abled children to express themselves through art while promoting inclusion and understanding in society.

Students from 30 special schools across the state participated in six different categories, each reflecting unique talent, creativity, and imagination.

Speaking about the initiative, Sandhya Kalokhe, Secretary of Disha Charitable Trust, shared:

“Over the years, we’ve realised that these children have creativity, abilities, and dreams just like anyone else. Our aim is to showcase their talents and create empathy, not sympathy.”

Following the drawing competition, the children also took part in a dance activity, filling the venue with joy and energy. The event concluded with a prize distribution ceremony, graced by Parind Nachinolkar, Managing Director of Priority Constructions, who served as the chief guest.

Each winner received a certificate and trophy for their exceptional work.

🏆 Winners included:

  • KR Adidev – SFAL, Panaji
  • Dikshit Gawade – Keshav Seva Sadhana School, Valpoi
  • Jubal Peixoto – Chetna School, Curchorem
  • Seema Kalangutkar – SFAL, Panaji
  • Ramnath Bhandari – Peace Heaven Convent School, Caranzalem
  • Shivani Chari – Lokvishwas Pratishthan Special School, Mollem

The event once again proved that art knows no barriers and that initiatives like these help create an inclusive, compassionate Goa where every child’s talent shines bright. 🌈

Sports

Goa State Chess Championship for Persons with Disabilities Sets the Stage for International Purple Fest 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo

In a powerful showcase of resilience, intellect, and inclusive spirit, the Goa State Chess Championship for Persons with Disabilities was held on September 21, 2025, at Hotel Menino, Ponda. The event served as an official prelude to the International Purple Fest – Goa 2025, setting the tone for a celebration of abilities, accessibility, and empowerment.

Organized through a collaborative effort between the Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Office of the State Commissioner for PwDs, Goa Chess Association for PwDs, Bhatikar Charitable Trust, and the Goa Cricket Association, the championship welcomed participants from across the state in a spirit of friendly competition and community.

Participants displayed exceptional strategy and focus, reminding us all that chess is a game where mental prowess takes center stage, regardless of physical ability. The atmosphere was one of solidarity and support, filled with applause for every thoughtful move and every resilient spirit.

This event wasn’t just a competition—it was a movement. A reaffirmation that platforms like the Purple Fest are not just about showcasing talent but about creating systems of inclusion that allow every individual to shine.

As Goa prepares to host the much-anticipated International Purple Fest 2025, this championship stands as a testament to the state’s ongoing commitment to inclusion and equality in all spaces—including sports.

Special Occasion

Stories of Being Left-Handed in a Right-Handed World

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo

Many individuals from earlier generations grew up unaware that they were naturally left-handed, often because they were “corrected” during childhood to use their right hand. This often led to long-term adjustment challenges. Even today, left-handed individuals—especially children—might begin using their right hand after observing that most of their peers are right-handed. The need to conform and feel included can cause some to suppress their natural preferences, potentially affecting their comfort and development over time. 

This Left-Handers Day, we spoke to three individuals who reflect on what it’s like growing up left-handed in a world designed for right-handed people. Their stories range from funny to frustrating, but above all, they are real.

✨Jai Vernekar

“Being left-handed in a right-handed world is both fun and frustrating,” says Jai. “Every time I start writing, someone inevitably asks, ‘Wait—are you left-handed?’ as if it’s a rare superpower!”

Fun fact: Jai describes a world where even lefties are surprised to see another leftie. “It’s weird for us when we see a leftie too,” he jokes. “We’re so used to everyone being right-handed.” Some people even challenge them to write with their right hand—just to watch them fail.

🖐️Logan Lobo

“I would instinctively use my left hand for anything,” Logan remembers. “I had to practice making my right hand dominant—handing things over or greeting people.”

Logan found writing the letter S difficult because watching right-handed kids confused him. How long it took him? A couple of years he said. “I don’t think there’s anything special about my left hand,” he states.

Fun fact: Logan says, “I’ve been learning to use my right hand too, just so I can confuse people and they won’t know if I’m lefty or righty.”

🎯Manuela Braganza

“I’m by definition right-handed but use both hands,” Manuela shares. She recalls an eye-opening experience from third grade, when she had mirror twins in her class—identical twins who used opposite hands. At the time, she didn’t even know such a thing existed. Thinking it was a skill she needed to learn, she began to write with her left hand.

While she admits she’s not perfect at writing left-handed, the shift brought unexpected benefits. Manuela found that using her left hand came naturally when she picked up a camera or tried archery. In fact, she shoots archery left-handed because she feels she has more control and better aim using that hand.

Manuela’s ability to use both hands proved especially valuable in her role as a cabin supervisor, where she had to operate the heavy manual doors on Boeing’s smaller aircraft. “They can weigh over a ton,” she explains. “You need your full body strength to open them—especially the angled ones connected to the aerobridge.”

For many crew members, these doors are notoriously difficult. “You need to be skinny to meet the flight standards, but strong enough to open the door, especially in tough conditions like strong winds or on ladders,” she explains. While many crew members struggled or even failed door checks, Manuela’s ambidexterity made the task more manageable— pushing with her left hand while gripping the assist handle with her right gave her greater balance and confidence during the process.

🌍🤝Taking Back the Narrative

For too long, left-handedness was seen as something to correct or fix. But Jai, Logan, and Manuela show us that being left-handed is something to embrace and take pride in—not something to hide or change. This Left-Handers Day, it’s time to take back the narrative, celebrate our differences, and build a world that truly includes everyone—lefties and righties alike.