Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral
The Social Impact Conclave Goa 2025, hosted by Voice Up and co-hosted by the Rights of Neighbours Campaign, brought together influencers, youth leaders, and community voices to reflect on the evolving role of digital creators in shaping society. The event opened with remarks by Mr. Muzammil, a member of SIO, who expressed that the conclave was designed to create voices capable of influencing society with empathy and responsibility. He reminded participants that true influence lies not in popularity but in impact, compassion, and accountability, qualities that every digital creator must uphold in today’s fast-paced online world.
The keynote address was delivered by veteran journalist Shree Prakash Kamat, who explored the immense power influencers hold in shaping public thought. He emphasised that content must be rooted in constitutional values and civic conscience to contribute meaningfully to society. Warning that purposeless content easily descends into trolling, he urged creators to maintain integrity and consistency in the values they represent, using their platforms thoughtfully and responsibly.
One of the most engaging sessions, “Good Neighbours Build a Society,” was led by Dr. Aisha Fidha of GIO. She reflected on the warmth, trust, and solidarity that once characterised neighbourhood life in India, where communities functioned as extended families. Dr. Fidha explained how urban lifestyles and rising individualism have created what she termed “urban coldness,” leaving people emotionally distant despite physical proximity. She highlighted the physical consequences of weakened community bonds—such as increased stress, disturbed sleep, and reduced emergency safety—as well as psychological effects, including loneliness, anxiety, and social withdrawal. She stressed that neighbourhoods are the first unit of society, and strong neighbourly connections are essential for both social harmony and human well-being.
The programme concluded with a thought-provoking address by Mr. Asif Hussain, Chairman of the Board of Innovative Education. He spoke about the responsibility influencers carry in shaping society’s moral and emotional landscape. In a powerful remark, he said that “mankind should be heroes, but we have reduced ourselves to zeros,” pointing to humanity’s role in conflicts, environmental degradation, and social chaos. Yet he reminded the audience that positive change is always possible, and that even the darkest moments eventually give way to light. Mr. Hussain encouraged influencers to use their platforms for constructive storytelling by creating reels, videos, and short films that inspire transformation. Urging the youth of Goa to rise to the occasion, he emphasised that meaningful change begins with consistent small efforts, saying, “Boond boond se banta hai samandar.”
A total of 24 influencers and change-makers were honoured during the event for their contributions to society through digital media. Among them, Mr. Yunus Shaikh and Mr. Usman Khan Pathan received special recognition for their exceptional work in driving social awareness and promoting impactful causes through their digital skills. Their dedication stood out as an example of how online influence can be used to create real-world change.
