Janmashtami celebrations took a creative and educational turn at Smt. Sunandabai Bandodkar High School, where students and teachers came together for a unique activity — Pustak Handi.
The event, blending tradition with learning, was not just about celebrating Lord Krishna’s birth, but also about nurturing the love for books and reading among children.
Instead of traditional Dahi Handis, the school introduced Pustak Handis – pots filled not with curd or coins, but with chits of book names. Each student eagerly awaited their turn to pull a chit and receive the corresponding book.
Every class took part in decorating their handis with artistic flair, showcasing creativity, teamwork, and thematic thinking. Judges praised the thoughtfulness, effort, and presentation by students.
The goal? To encourage reading habits and motivate children to explore the world of books beyond textbooks.
Inspiration Through Awards
To further inspire young readers, the school announced the Vachak Veer Award, which will be presented to the most enthusiastic and consistent reader based on their engagement with the gifted books.
“Our aim is to develop not just learners, but thinkers. This Pustak Handi activity is symbolic of the joy and wisdom that books offer,” said one of the school coordinators.
A Festive & Devotional Atmosphere
The celebration wasn’t just about books. A pujan of Lord Sri Krishna was held to instill devotion and cultural values in students. Traditional songs and decorations adorned the school, creating a festive mood that resonated with joy and spirituality.
Students Celebrate with Enthusiasm
From decorating the handis to unwrapping their surprise books, students participated with immense joy. The event was a success in every way — educationally, spiritually, and emotionally.
A Model Worth Replicating
By creatively merging cultural festivals with meaningful learning, Smt. Sunandabai Bandodkar High School has set a wonderful example for schools across the state and country. The Pustak Handi activity reminds us that celebrations can be both fun and intellectually enriching.
In the world of cricket, where early success often defines legacy, Ambey Parwatkar’s story is a rare outlier — shaped by struggle, molded by mentors, and crowned with perseverance.
His is not a tale of overnight fame or flashy leagues. It’s the story of a man who carried his kit across 21 countries, made a mark in every corner, and kept performing long after others hung up their boots.
In an era where cricket careers are often short and commercialized, Ambey’s journey reminds us that there’s still room in the sport for grit, purpose, and loyalty to the game itself.
Ambey first tasted competitive cricket at the age of 13, representing his school and a team called Tadmad CC, captained then by the current Education Director Shailesh Zungde. In his debut match against the Maharashtra MSFC — a corporate government team — he made an immediate impact by taking four wickets and winning the Man of the Match award in the GCA B Division. It was a bold beginning, one that hinted at a spark destined to burn far longer than most.
The Long Road to Ranji
While many cricketers peak in their 20s, Ambey’s first-class debut came at the age of 36. After 23 years of playing the sport at multiple levels and being part of squads for four different state teams, he finally got his Ranji Trophy break for Goa — at Dharmashala, against Himachal Pradesh. Goa not only won the match but also qualified for the 2008 knockouts.
“I was in the squad for 16 matches and only got to play once,” he reflects. That one game, however, was a personal triumph, symbolic of years of unwavering persistence.
Mentors Who Built the Cricketer
His growth in cricket is owed to a constellation of mentors: Chandrakant Chede laid the foundations in Goa; Mohinder Singh Bedi guided the U-17 team to a championship; and Rakesh Rawat instilled discipline in fitness and fielding. Later, in Mumbai, he trained under Late V.S. Patil and Late Vasu Paraspe (whose academy Ambey now runs in Goa). Other major influences included Ramakant Desai, Dilip Sardesai, Sandeep Patil, Praveen Amre, Zubin Barucha, and Jatin Paraspe.
Internationally, he honed his skills under Malcolm Marshall and Omar Henry in South Africa, and with Madanlal, Ali Anwar, and Mushtaq Mohammed in Dubai. He represented Yogi Group and Sharjah Club with distinction.
He was continuously supported by individuals like Sharad Pednekar, Luchi Velji, Sanjay Katkar, Late Nagraj Sir, Chetan Desai, and Dayanand Narvekar in Goa. His family, especially his father (a photographer), his brother, his wife, and his mother, were integral to his stability and focus.
Ambey credits Shivaji Maharaj as his lifelong role model, with sporting inspirations including Muhammad Ali, Andre Agassi, Steve Waugh, and Ravi Shastri. Cricketers like Mohinder Amarnath and Kapil Dev also left a deep impact.
Milestones That Matter
Across his decades-long journey, Ambey’s career has been filled with standout moments, including:
Winning the U-17 Vijay Hazare Trophy with Goa — a tournament that changed his and his teammates’ careers.
A spectacular 9-wicket match haul (7 in the first innings, 2 in the second) against Andhra Pradesh in the U-23 circuit.
Receiving his Ranji debut cap from Dodda Ganesh in 2008.
Leading Yogi Group to victory against Afghanistan Wings, with match-winning figures of 4-1-12-3.
Becoming the most economical bowler in 50+ cricket following the 2025 Sri Lanka World Cup.
Ranking 12th globally in the MVP list at the 2023 50+ World Cup in South Africa.
Earning four consecutive Man of the Match awards in Sharjah’s Champions Trophy, defeating UAE’s top teams.
Cricket Without Borders
Ambey’s most unique achievement? Playing in 21 countries, starting over in each with no entitlement, no shortcuts — just performances.
Whether it was Mumbai, Dubai, South Africa, or England, he had to prove himself again and again. “I never carried my name. I carried my performances,” he says.
This recurring “restart” — across cultures, conditions, and teams — became both his biggest challenge and his greatest strength.
Cricket in the Age of Technology
Ambey is candid about the evolution of the sport. While he acknowledges the value of biomechanics and tech in cricket, he’s concerned about the erosion of the sport’s deeper spirit.
“You can learn technique. You can’t teach heart,” he says.
His Message to Young Cricketers
Ambey urges young players to look beyond fame or league contracts.
“Don’t play just for the IPL or international stardom. Learn cricket. Live cricket. Be Dedicated, Determined, and Disciplined — the 3 D’s. Master the game in all its forms. And always give more than 100%.”
A Life Beyond Cricket
Away from cricket, Ambey is a man of many interests — a traveler, drummer, beach swimmer, and someone deeply engaged with Goa’s social initiatives. He values time with his family, thrives on routine, and firmly believes in “doing things his way.”
A Legacy Still in Motion
At 50+, Ambey Parwatkar continues to compete and lead. More importantly, he continues to inspire.
In a game that often forgets late bloomers and quiet fighters, he stands tall as a reminder that there is no expiry date on passion. He’s not just a cricketer. He’s a student, a mentor, a global ambassador of the game’s enduring soul.
Panaji, August 5, 2025: Goa, India’s premier coastal paradise, has been crowned the ‘Best Destination for Resort Weddings’ at the Wed In India 2025 Awards, held at the Taj Palace in New Delhi. The accolade celebrates Goa’s growing stature as a leading wedding destination, offering a mix of luxury, culture, and natural charm that continues to attract couples from across the globe.
The award was formally received by Shri Sanjeev Ahuja, IAS, Secretary (Tourism), Government of Goa, in the presence of top wedding and tourism industry leaders from across the country.
Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, expressed pride in the recognition, stating:
“Our unique blend of luxury, culture, and natural beauty continues to inspire couples to choose Goa for their special celebrations. We remain committed to strengthening the infrastructure and services that support the wedding industry, while ensuring that every event hosted here contributes positively to the local economy and community.”
Adding to this, Shri Sanjeev Ahuja, IAS, commented:
“Goa is an ideal location for resort weddings, with its beautiful heritage sites, luxury resorts, and rich cultural experiences. This award encourages us to keep improving and ensure that destination weddings add real value to Goa’s economy and create more jobs for our people.”
Shri Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, emphasised Goa’s growing appeal for both domestic and international wedding planners:
“This recognition highlights the growing appeal of Goa for destination weddings. Our aim is to ensure that every celebration held here reflects the beauty, culture, and warmth that Goa is known for. We are continuously working with our partners to offer couples and their guests a well-organised and unforgettable experience.”
From sun-kissed beaches and Portuguese-era churches to state-of-the-art resorts and boutique properties, Goa’s offerings make it the ideal setting for dream weddings. The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, has been instrumental in curating experiences and improving services that enhance Goa’s profile as a top-tier destination wedding hotspot.
The state looks forward to further strengthening its position through innovation, improved infrastructure, and inclusive tourism practices, making every celebration not just memorable for the couple, but beneficial for the local community and economy.
Goa, August 2025 For decades, Goa was synonymous with sun-kissed beaches and relaxed holidays. But under the visionary leadership of Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte, the state ventured deep into uncharted terrain—both literally and figuratively.
The 11th edition of RFC India 2025 officially kicked off in the hinterlands of Goa, putting the spotlight on the state’s rugged natural terrain and potential as a top-tier destination for adventure and sports tourism.
A Bold Vision: Goa Beyond Beaches
“Known over the World as a Sun, Sand & Sea Destination, Our Goa is going Beyond Beaches with alternative options of Adventure & Sports Tourism,” — Rohan Khaunte, Tourism Minister of Goa
With that statement, Minister Khaunte signaled a clear intent: Goa’s future lay not just on its shores, but also in its forests, hills, and challenging off-road tracks. Hosting RFC India was not just about motorsports—it was about tourism reinvention.
RFC India 2025: Bigger, Bolder, Better
Organized by Cougar Motorsport, RFC India was the official Indian chapter of the iconic Rainforest Challenge of Malaysia—rated among the world’s top five toughest off-road events. Since its debut in 2014, it had grown into India’s most prestigious motorsport event.
🚜 Key Stats:
77 teams from 11 Indian states
First-time participation from Meghalaya
Women participants across all 3 categories
Host state Goa represented by 9 teams
The competition was expanded with the addition of:
4X4 Extreme (25 teams, 26 stages)
4X4 Modified (22 teams, 20 stages)
4X4 Stock (30 teams, 14 stages)
Why This Mattered for Goa Tourism
Goa’s participation as both host and competitor reinforced Minister Khaunte’s broader tourism strategy—diversification, sustainability, and year-round attraction.
From promoting hinterland trails and treks to welcoming national and international adventure events, Goa crafted a new tourism identity that was:
Less seasonal
More inclusive
Environmentally conscious
Economically decentralized
Inclusivity and Growth
RFC India 2025 was also a model of inclusive sports tourism:
Women competed in all categories
New regions like Meghalaya entered the circuit
First-time 4X4 owners participated thanks to the Stock & Modified formats
The Minister’s Mission
By bringing events like RFC to Goa, Rohan Khaunte tapped into a growing segment of global travelers seeking active, immersive, and experiential journeys. Goa’s unique terrain, combined with its hospitality infrastructure, made it an ideal hub for sports-based tourism.
“You will be tested in mind, body and machine — a true initiation into the global RFC community.” — Luis J.A. Wee, Founder, Rainforest Challenge
A New Goa Emerged
RFC India 2025 was more than a motorsport event. It was a statement—that Goa was evolving.
From the beach to the backwoods, from cocktails to camo, from leisure to challenge—this was the Goa of tomorrow.
VATICAN CITY, July 31, 2025 – In a significant moment for the global scientific and ecclesial community, Pope Leo XIV has appointed Fr Richard Anthony D’Souza, S.J., as the new Director of the Vatican Observatory, succeeding Br Guy Consolmagno, S.J., whose tenure concludes on 19 September 2025.
Fr D’Souza, a native of Goa, India, and a doctoral scholar in astronomy, has been part of the Observatory since 2016 and currently serves as Superior of the Jesuit community attached to the institution. His new leadership signals both continuity and a bold progression in the Observatory’s mission of bridging science and faith.
A Legacy of Cosmic Curiosity
Founded in 1891 by Pope Leo XIII, the Vatican Observatory has long stood as a symbol of the Church’s embrace of scientific exploration. Its mission — “that the Church is not opposed to science, but promotes it” — remains alive through the works of Jesuit scientists around the world.
Fr D’Souza’s research spans galaxy formation and mergers, a field central to understanding the evolution of the universe. He earned his doctorate at the Max Planck Institute for Astrophysics in Germany and completed a post-doctoral programme at the University of Michigan, USA.
Br Consolmagno praised the appointment:
“I am delighted His Holiness has chosen Fr D’Souza. He has the vision and wisdom to lead during a time of rapid change in astronomical research.”
Fr D’Souza responded with equal admiration:
“Br Consolmagno’s legacy lies in his dedication to the dialogue between science and faith. I am honoured to continue this mission.”
The Intersection of Cosmos and Spirit
The Vatican Observatory — with research centers in Castel Gandolfo and Tucson, Arizona — explores everything from galaxies and meteorites to cosmology and exoplanets. The staff consists predominantly of Jesuit scientists who collaborate globally to decode the mysteries of the universe.
Fr D’Souza’s appointment continues this tradition with fresh momentum. His leadership not only honors the past but points boldly toward the future — one where Indian scientists and global faith traditions converge among the stars.
“From the streets of Goa to the galaxies above — Fr D’Souza’s journey reminds us that science and spirituality are not opposites, but twin quests for truth.”
