Tag: #india

Travel

Goa Hosts First-Ever Inclusive Boat Cruise to Mark International Tourism Day 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

In a landmark celebration of International Tourism Day 2025, Goa took a historic step toward inclusive tourism by hosting its first-ever Inclusive Boat Cruise on September 26, 2025. Organized by the Travel & Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) in collaboration with the Department of Tourism, this unique initiative offered persons with disabilities the opportunity to experience the beauty of the Mandovi River—a privilege often denied due to both physical and attitudinal barriers.

The cruise, which began from the Santa Monica Jetty in Panaji, welcomed over 60 participants with disabilities, despite heavy rains. Around 15 volunteers without disabilities joined them, not as aides but as equal participants, creating a truly inclusive atmosphere. For many, especially adult participants with disabilities from diverse professions such as teaching, entrepreneurship, government service, and para sports, this was their first time on a boat cruise—an experience both joyful and empowering.

Unlike previous efforts that largely focused on school students with disabilities, this event broke new ground by engaging adults, reflecting a broader and more inclusive vision. It emphasized that persons with disabilities are not just recipients of support but contributors to social and cultural life. This shift in narrative is critical in building a society that sees inclusion as a norm, not an exception.

Director of the Department of Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik, highlighted that the enthusiastic response to the cruise was a powerful indicator of the growing interest in community-based, inclusive tourism in Goa. He affirmed the department’s commitment to continue curating such experiences across the state, which reflect Goa’s dedication to diversity, accessibility, and sustainability.

The concept of the Inclusive Cruise was initiated by Shri Jack Sukhija, President of TTAG, whose vision and commitment turned an ambitious idea into a heartwarming reality. His leadership, along with the backing of key tourism stakeholders, ensured that the event was not only accessible but dignified and celebratory.

Shri Vishant Nagvekar, member of the State Advisory Committee for Persons with Disabilities and a participant in the cruise, expressed deep gratitude to the organizers. He emphasized that this event went beyond symbolic inclusion. It created a rare and much-needed platform for persons with disabilities to connect, share life experiences, and feel genuinely seen and valued. Such events, he noted, are essential for building inclusive communities where stories of resilience, courage, and everyday victories can be shared and celebrated.

As the cruise sailed through Goa’s scenic river under cloudy skies, the participants laughed, danced, and connected with one another. The rain could not dampen the spirit of what was clearly more than just a ride—it was a statement. A statement that accessible tourism is not just desirable but absolutely achievable when intention meets action.

Goa’s first Inclusive Boat Cruise is not the final destination but the beginning of a new journey—one where every person, regardless of ability, has the right to explore, participate, and enjoy the world around them.

EduConnect

Yashogatha Naritvachi – A Tribute to India’s Trailblazing Women at Smt. Sunandabai Bandodkar School

Tanisha Cardozo

At Smt. Sunandabai Bandodkar School, Navratri 2025 was marked not just with traditional celebration, but with a meaningful tribute to India’s real-life icons through a program titled Yashogatha Naritvachi – Aadarsh Karyamagntachi — Saga of Womanhood – A Journey of Ideal Dedication. This initiative sought to spotlight the lives and legacies of eleven extraordinary women in Indian history whose courage, dedication, and contributions continue to inspire the nation.

Just as Navratri celebrates the divine feminine through nine goddesses, the school chose this auspicious time to remember women who embodied those very ideals in real life. Through thoughtful presentations, storytelling, and student engagement, the school celebrated their spirit — courage in the face of adversity, intellect breaking barriers, and service that uplifted generations.

Among those honored was Vyomika Singh, a trailblazer in India’s armed forces, known for her pivotal role in military operations. Her story resonated with students as an example of breaking gender stereotypes and serving the country with valor. Anandi Gopal Joshi, the first Indian woman trained in Western medicine, was remembered as a symbol of academic pursuit and perseverance. The story of Arunima Sinha, the first female amputee to scale Mount Everest, reminded students of resilience and determination in the face of unimaginable odds.

Other legendary women featured in the program included Rani Avantibai, one of the earliest female leaders to fight against British colonial rule in 1857; Shakuntala Devi, famed for her genius-level mental calculations; and Shanti Devi, India’s first female truck mechanic. Equally inspiring were the legacies of Ahilyabai Holkar, whose governance and civic contributions left a long-lasting impact, and Tulsi Gowda, revered as the “Encyclopedia of the Forest” for her environmental stewardship.

Jijabai’s contribution to shaping the vision and values of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was highlighted, alongside the revolutionary work of Madam Bhikaji Cama, the first person to unfurl an Indian flag on foreign soil. The pioneering efforts of Savitribai Phule, India’s first female teacher, stood as a beacon for educational reform and women’s empowerment.

Led by the school’s Headmistress, Mrs. Jyoti Chiplunkar, the program was deeply impactful, not only paying tribute to these incredible women but also planting seeds of inspiration in the young minds who attended. Through narratives and visuals, teachers engaged students in exploring the depth of these women’s contributions and urged them to emulate their values — courage, wisdom, service, and resilience.

Yashogatha Naritvachi – Aadarsh Karyamagntachi was more than a school event; it was a celebration of womanhood, a history lesson, and a motivational journey all in one. As the spirit of Navratri filled the school with festive energy, the stories of these remarkable women lit a spark that will continue to inspire and guide the future generation.

Travel

Goa Tourism Celebrates World Tourism Day 2025 with Grand Stakeholders’ Meet and Felicitations

Tanisha Cardozo

On September 27, 2025, the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, in association with the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) and SKAL International Goa, marked the culmination of month-long World Tourism Day celebrations with the largest-ever Tourism Stakeholders’ Meet at Grand Hyatt Goa. The event brought together key leaders from the government, tourism industry, academia, influencers, and community-based tourism networks for a day of reflection, recognition, and renewed vision.

The Hon’ble Tourism Minister, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, delivered a powerful address underlining the essential ecosystem that powers Goa’s tourism — from entrepreneurs and hoteliers to drivers, lifeguards, fishermen, and culinary professionals. Highlighting this year’s theme, he spoke about tourism not just as a business, but as a cultural expression and a shared identity that weaves together stories of the past and aspirations for the future. Emphasizing that Goa is more than just a beach destination, he reiterated the government’s commitment to making Goa a year-round, sustainable, and inclusive destination through initiatives like Unity Mall, Porvorim Town Square, and the Shivaji Maharaja Digital Museum under the Swadesh Darshan program.

Shri Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, further emphasized that the recognitions awarded on this day were not merely about individual accomplishments but were a celebration of the collective energy that drives Goa’s tourism forward. From students and professionals to influencers and tourism clubs, each individual recognized reflects Goa’s future as a regenerative tourism hub.

The prestigious Shri Vincent Ramos Scholarship was awarded to two meritorious students from the Institute of Hotel Management — Mackenzee Vas and Caitlyn Rosanne Mascarenhas — in the presence of Smt. Deena Ramos, honoring the late visionary’s legacy. Felicitations were also extended to Shri Pele and Shri Parag Ragnekar for their invaluable contributions to Goa Tourism. Noted influencers Smt. Scarlet M. Rose and Shri Moses J. Saldanha were recognized for their unique role in amplifying Goa’s tourism narrative. Additional appreciation was given to Smt. Shishti Sudin Prabhu Desai, Smt. Ashrafi Shetdesai Gaikwad, and Shri Viraj Phadte for their outstanding support.

Youth Tourism Clubs played a pivotal role in the celebrations, and their achievements were recognized through awards to Shri Shail Sawkar of Sridora Caculo College, Smt. Lisa Dias of IHM-Goa, and Dr. Kiran Gaude of P.E.S. Ravi S. Naik College.

The World Tourism Day celebrations will officially conclude with a Grand Finale one-day Film Festival at the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG), featuring films that celebrate Goa’s rich cultural and natural heritage. These efforts, led by the Department of Tourism, serve to amplify Goa’s broader vision of “Goa Beyond Beaches,” where tourism becomes a tool for storytelling, regeneration, and inclusive growth.

As stakeholders converged across disciplines and interests, the spirit of collaboration and gratitude defined the day — reinforcing Goa’s role as a global tourism leader embracing innovation, sustainability, and culture.

Business

MS Dhoni Invests in House of Biryan, Joins the ‘Meri Wali Biryani’ Revolution

Tanisha Cardozo

Former Indian cricket captain MS Dhoni has announced his newest venture—and this time, it’s all about food. On September 27, 2025, the iconic cricketer officially became an investor in House of Biryan (HOB), a fast-rising food brand known for its customizable biryani experience.

HOB is changing the way India’s most loved dish is served with its unique “Meri Wali Biryani” concept, which allows customers to tweak spice levels, flavours, and ingredients to suit personal preferences. Whether you like it spicy or mild, vegetarian or with double chicken—HOB makes biryani personal again.

Speaking about the investment, Dhoni shared,

“Happy to join House of Biryan as an investor in a brand that’s redefining how we enjoy biryani. With their ‘Meri Wali Biryani’ concept, they allow you to customise flavours and spices, making every meal personal.”

But for Dhoni, it’s about more than just taste. He emphasized the company’s broader vision:

“What excites me most is their vision of blending authentic taste with modern technology to take India’s favourite dish global. I’m excited to be part of this journey.”

House of Biryan is not positioning itself as just another restaurant chain. The brand is using food-tech innovations to optimize delivery, consistency, and personalization—focusing on creating a scalable model that can introduce Indian biryani to a global audience without compromising its heritage.

The investment also reflects Dhoni’s keen eye for innovation and impact. After building a legacy in cricket, his recent ventures—ranging from organic farming to now biryani—show a deep commitment to India’s cultural and entrepreneurial growth.

Meanwhile, on the cricketing front, Dhoni recently confirmed Ruturaj Gaikwad will return as CSK captain for IPL 2026, following a tough 2025 season. While he hasn’t yet confirmed if he’ll play, Dhoni reiterated his “lifelong bond” with the Chennai Super Kings.

With this latest investment, Dhoni adds another dimension to his post-cricket career—bringing his leadership, trust, and global appeal to a brand aiming to put Indian biryani on the world map.

As HOB grows its presence and scales across new geographies, fans and foodies alike can look forward to one thing: a plate of biryani made exactly how you like it—Meri Wali Biryani.

TechPulse

BSNL Launches Intelligent Swadeshi 4G Network, Connecting 26,700 More Villages

Tanisha Cardozo

In a historic move underscoring India’s digital transformation and technological self-reliance, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) launched its indigenous 4G network on September 27, 2025, powered by the collaborative effort of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), and Tejas Networks. This state-of-the-art solution, known as the Bharat Telecom Stack, has been fully conceptualized, developed, and deployed in India, reflecting the core values of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

The launch marks a significant technological achievement, making India one of only five nations worldwide to possess a fully indigenous telecom technology stack capable of delivering 4G and paving the way for future networks. With this launch, more than 26,700 additional villages are now digitally connected, giving millions of citizens access to essential services like e-learning, e-governance, telemedicine, and online banking.

TCS led the deployment of the end-to-end network architecture in mission mode, establishing data centers, integrating C-DOT’s EPC Core Application, deploying Tejas Networks’ radio access network (RAN) infrastructure, and using TCS Cognitive Network Operations (CNOPS™) for continuous, intelligent network monitoring.

The speed and scale of this deployment have been unprecedented. Within just two years, the teams successfully installed and commissioned over 100,000 telecom sites, achieving full integration with BSNL’s existing 2G and 3G infrastructure. This rapid rollout strengthens national telecom security and enables rural populations to benefit from next-generation connectivity.

“This nationwide rollout of our indigenous 4G network is a monumental achievement for national pride,” said Sh. A Robert J Ravi, Chairman and Managing Director of BSNL. “It secures our digital future and ensures that connectivity empowers every citizen, bridging the digital divide like never before.”

Echoing this sentiment, Sh. Sandeep Govil, Director (Consumer Mobility) at BSNL, added, “This Swadeshi 4G technology, the result of tireless innovation by C-DOT, Tejas, and TCS, is engineered for scalability and ready for the leap to 5G. It will become the cornerstone for building a digitally inclusive society.”

N. Ganapathy Subramaniam, Advisor – Telecom Strategic Initiatives at TCS and Chairman of Tejas Networks, called the deployment “historic and significant,” noting that the Bharat Telecom Stack, compliant with 3GPP standards, lays a strong foundation for India’s future contributions to global telecom innovations.

This milestone adds another chapter to TCS’s six-decade legacy of enabling large-scale nation-building programs. From transforming passport services to digitizing pension systems and public sector services, TCS continues to build the digital public infrastructure that touches nearly every citizen in the country.

The Swadeshi 4G rollout is not just a technological upgrade—it is a strategic leap for India’s digital sovereignty, bridging rural-urban gaps and ensuring that the digital revolution reaches even the most remote corners of the nation.