Tag: #india

Events in Goa

First-Ever Zaddachem Fest Brings Pilar Together in a Celebration of Unity and Culture

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Intern Swara Bodke || Team Allycaral

History was created in Pilar on Republic Day 2026 as Clube Marius Festacar hosted the first-ever Zaddachem Fest (Festival of Trees) at the Milroc Colina complex. Curated by renowned linguist and cultural curator Dr. Gwendolyn de Ornelas, the festival brought together Goans and visitors from across India and beyond for a day rooted in heritage, nature, music, food, and community bonding.

Deeply anchored in Goan values of ekvott (unity) and inclusivity, Zaddachem Fest stood out as a people-centric celebration. With no sponsors or chief guests, the festival ensured that the spotlight remained firmly on collective participation, shared heritage, and community spirit.

The day began with a heritage and nature walk led by Dr. Suresh Kunkalikar, Dean of the Goa College of Agriculture, along with noted horticulturist Miguel Braganza. Participants were introduced to medicinal plants and herbs growing within the complex, highlighting the importance of traditional knowledge and biodiversity. This was followed by a Kadha workshop conducted by Dr. Ornelas, where she demonstrated traditional herbal brewing methods and explained the health benefits of local remedies used for colds and coughs.

Cultural performances added warmth and vibrancy to the festival, with music by the Barreto Brothers, the D’sa family, Russell Barreto, and Linda Diniz Braganza. A highlight of the day was the flagship coconut shell dance led by Dr. Ornelas, which drew enthusiastic participation and applause from the gathering.

Senior journalist Prakash Kamat hosted an engaging Bolcaoancheo Gozalli, joined by coordinator Avelino D’sa and resource persons Sabina De Cunha, Rama Parsekar, and Rosita Heredia. The session encouraged meaningful conversations, storytelling, and intergenerational exchange.

Following a traditional homemade Goan lunch, the programme continued with awareness sessions by the Goa Police on cybercrime, talks by local health officers on healthy eating habits, and a presentation on garbage management involving residents of the Milroc Colina complex.

Speaking about the event, Festacar Marius Fernandes said that Zaddachem Fest was not merely a celebration but a reminder of the unity and shared values that bind Goans together, whether in Goa or abroad. He added that Milroc Colina’s lush gardens and open spaces provided the perfect setting for the festival’s historic first edition.

Serving as a cultural bridge, Zaddachem Fest encouraged participants to reconnect with their roots, language, and traditions while embracing Goa’s rich multicultural identity, leaving behind a strong message of unity, sustainability, and community-driven celebration.

rip

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar Dies in Plane Crash

Tanisha Cardozo

Ajit Anantrao Pawar, the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra and one of the state’s most seasoned political leaders, died on January 28, 2026, following a tragic plane crash in Baramati, Pune district. The chartered aircraft carrying Pawar attempted an emergency landing at Baramati airport when it crash-landed under circumstances that are currently under investigation by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. Multiple credible reports confirm that there were no survivors among the key passengers, including Pawar and several others aboard the aircraft.

Pawar, aged 66, had a long and distinguished political career spanning more than three decades, during which he held pivotal roles in the governance of Maharashtra. At the time of his death, he was serving as the state’s Deputy Chief Minister as well as the Minister for Finance and Planning — positions in which he played a central role in shaping policy and economic strategy for one of India’s most populous and economically significant states. Widely respected for his administrative acumen, Pawar was recognized both within his party, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), and among political peers for his deep understanding of fiscal matters.

Born on July 22, 1959, in Deolali Pravara in Ahmednagar district, Pawar’s political journey was rooted in grassroots engagement and cooperative movement involvement, which later propelled him into mainstream legislative and executive roles. Over the years, he served multiple terms in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly and held ministerial portfolios across successive governments, earning a reputation as a pragmatic and seasoned leader.

The crash has triggered an outpouring of grief across Maharashtra and the national political landscape, with leaders from various parties expressing condolences and highlighting Pawar’s contributions to public service. As investigations into the cause of the plane incident continue, his death leaves a significant void in the state’s leadership and governance framework.

Ajit Pawar’s legacy will be remembered for his extensive public service, his role in economic governance, and his influence on state politics, marking the end of a prominent chapter in Maharashtra’s political history.

EduConnect

Srinivassa Sinai Dempo College Honoured with ‘Inspiring Educational Institution Award 2026’

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

DCT’s Srinivassa Sinai Dempo College (Autonomous), Cujira, has been honoured with the prestigious ‘Inspiring Educational Institution Award 2026,’ presented biennially by the Vibrant Goa Foundation, in recognition of its exceptional contributions to education, skills development, industry engagement and societal impact.

The award was conferred by Shri Mauvin Godinho, Hon’ble Minister of Industries, Government of Goa, acknowledging the institution’s consistent efforts in redefining higher education through innovation, academic excellence and holistic development.

Under the leadership of Principal Prof. (Dr.) Manoj S. Kamat and Administrator Shri Rajesh Bhatikar, the college has achieved significant milestones by effectively leveraging its autonomous status. Over the past few years, the institution has introduced innovative programmes in commerce, economics, management, artificial intelligence and aviation, while actively promoting research, entrepreneurship and skill development. The college has also hosted national-level initiatives such as business hackathons and has supported the creation of new start-ups.

The institution has recorded strong performance in student placements, academic achievements and awards, while building meaningful industry collaborations and partnerships that contribute to the overall development of students. These initiatives have played a key role in enhancing employability, leadership skills and real-world exposure among learners.

Shri Shrinivas Dempo, Chairman of Dempo Charities Trust, and Smt. Pallavi Dempo, Trustee, expressed pride in the college’s progress and reaffirmed that its growth aligns closely with the Trust’s vision of excellence, innovation and service to society.

Principal Prof. (Dr.) Manoj S. Kamat attributed the recognition to the collective efforts of the teaching and non-teaching staff, enthusiastic students, supportive parents and the dynamic management of Dempo Charities Trust under the leadership of Shri Shrinivas Dempo and Smt. Pallavi Dempo. He noted that the award serves as motivation to continue serving Goa with greater dedication and commitment to quality education.

Managed by Dempo Charities Trust, Srinivassa Sinai Dempo College is a premier institution offering undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in commerce, economics and management, with a strong focus on academic rigour, innovation and the holistic development of students.

Travel

FLY91 Launches Daily Kochi–Agatti Flights, Plans Expansion to Seven New Regional Stations

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Travel Desk

FLY91 has announced the launch of daily non-stop flights between Kochi and Agatti in the Lakshadweep islands, with bookings now open for travel in both directions. The announcement comes as the regional airline accelerates its network growth, with plans to add seven new stations over the next 90 days as part of a phased expansion strategy.

The new Kochi–Agatti service marks a significant milestone for FLY91, enhancing connectivity between the Indian mainland and Lakshadweep through a key southern gateway. The airline currently operates flights between Agatti and Manohar International Airport in Goa, and the addition of Kochi provides island residents and visitors with greater flexibility, improved access, and more seamless onward connections.

As part of its expansion roadmap, FLY91 will add Kochi, Rajahmundry, Vijayawada, Hubballi, Dabolim, Nanded, and Indore to its network. Once operational, the airline’s footprint will expand to 15 stations, supported by a fleet of six ATR 72-600 aircraft. Three additional aircraft are scheduled for induction within the next 45 days, enabling higher frequencies and the introduction of new city pairs while maintaining operational reliability.

The airline’s expansion will roll out in phases beginning in early February with the launch of daily Kochi–Agatti flights. This will be followed by thrice-daily services on the Rajahmundry–Hyderabad and Vijayawada–Hyderabad routes, along with daily flights between Hubballi–Hyderabad and Hubballi–Bengaluru. Subsequent phases will include connections from Nanded to South Goa and Bengaluru, while Indore will be linked to Jalgaon and Hyderabad.

Agatti Island, known for its coral reefs, lagoons, and pristine beaches, is an emerging tourism destination. Improved air connectivity is expected to support sustainable tourism while also easing travel for island residents who depend on limited transport options for education, healthcare, and commerce.

Commenting on the launch, Manoj Chacko, Managing Director and CEO of FLY91, said the daily Kochi–Agatti flights add momentum to regional aviation in India and reaffirm the airline’s commitment to connecting aspirational tier-two and tier-three destinations. He noted that improved regional connectivity will play a key role in unlocking India’s next phase of economic and tourism growth.

Headquartered in Ribandar, Goa, FLY91 currently connects nine destinations and operates from regional hubs including Goa, Hyderabad, Pune, and Bengaluru, with a strong focus on underserved regional markets.

Sports

Goan Player Basappa Madar Named in Indian Squad for Inaugural Asian Legends Cup 2026

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Intern Rency Gomes, Team Allycaral Sports Desk

Goa’s veteran cricketer Basappa Madar has been selected to represent India in the inaugural Asian Legends Cup 2026, scheduled to be held in Chiang Mai, Thailand, from January 28 to February 4. His selection marks a proud moment for Goa, with Abhijit Kadam from Sangli also named in the Indian squad from the West Zone.

The Indian squad has been officially announced by the Board for Veteran Cricket in India, marking the launch of the first-ever Asia-level continental championship for cricketers aged 40 years and above. The tournament will feature six Asian nations — India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, UAE, and Hong Kong — and is being seen as a landmark event for veteran cricket in the country.

Former India international Manpreet Gony has been appointed captain of the Indian team, with Jatin Saxena named vice-captain. The squad has been selected based on performances in recent inter-zonal veteran tournaments, bringing together experienced and consistent performers from across the country.

Reacting to the announcement, Vinod Phadke, President of the Goa Veteran Cricket Association and Secretary of the Board for Veteran Cricket in India, described the tournament as a historic step for the sport. He said the selection of Basappa Madar reflects the depth of talent within Goa and the West Zone and expressed confidence that the Indian team would perform strongly on the Asian stage.

Sudesh Prabhudesai, Secretary of the Goa Veteran Cricket Association, also welcomed the development, stating that it was encouraging to see a Goan player gain international exposure through veteran cricket. He added that the association’s sustained efforts and competitive leagues have helped provide players with the right platform to progress to higher levels.

Expressing his happiness, Basappa Madar said that representing India at an international veterans’ tournament was a dream come true and that he was proud to take Goa’s name onto the Asian stage. Abhijit Kadam echoed similar sentiments, calling the selection a great honour and a responsibility he looked forward to embracing.

The Asian Legends Cup 2026 is expected to give veteran cricket a new dimension, offering seasoned players the opportunity to compete at the highest continental level while celebrating the passion, experience, and enduring spirit of the game.