Tag: international research

Health

Dr. Sairaj Phaldessai Appointed as Collaborator in Rural Health by The University of Tokyo

Tanisha Cardozo

In a remarkable development that brings pride to Goa and the Indian medical fraternity, Dr. Sairaj Phaldessai has been appointed as a Collaborator in Rural Health by The University of Tokyo. As part of this prestigious role, Dr. Phaldessai will present papers focused on rural healthcare in India, contributing to global medical discourse and research.

A graduate of Goa Medical College, Dr. Phaldessai is the son of the late Dr. Satish Phaldessai, a respected name in rural medicine. His appointment not only carries forward a legacy of service but also signals a growing international recognition of the work being done in India’s rural healthcare sector.

Through this collaboration, Dr. Phaldessai will bring insights into the challenges faced by rural communities in accessing healthcare—ranging from infrastructure and outreach to cultural and socioeconomic factors. Equally, his work will highlight the innovative grassroots solutions being implemented in Indian villages and semi-urban areas to address these barriers.

This appointment also marks a significant milestone in Dr. Phaldessai’s career, establishing him as a thought leader in rural health and a representative voice from Goa on the global medical stage. His contributions are expected to foster deeper academic exchange between India and Japan, while strengthening the bridge between traditional practices and modern healthcare frameworks.

As Goa continues to make its mark in various professional arenas, Dr. Phaldessai’s recognition underscores the global impact local leaders can have when dedication meets opportunity. His journey serves as an inspiration for young medical professionals committed to healthcare accessibility and innovation.

EduConnect

Goan Scholars Present Groundbreaking Research on Dhaalo at International Conference in Germany

Tanisha Cardozo

In a moment of pride for Goa’s academic and cultural communities, Assistant Professors Dr. Tanvi Bambolkar and Ms. Gauravi Khaunte from the Government College, Quepem, Goa, presented their collaborative research at one of the world’s most esteemed academic forums — the 28th European Conference for South Asian Studies (ECSAS) held in Heidelberg, Germany.

Their paper, titled “Expression, Agency, Identity: Studying Dhaalo, A Gender Exclusive Folk Dance of Goa,” was part of a specially curated panel that attracted 32 abstract submissions from across the globe. Only eight papers were selected for presentation, making their inclusion a significant academic milestone. This recognition not only highlights the scholarly depth of their work but also puts the spotlight on a lesser-known Goan cultural form on a global platform.

Dhaalo is a traditional folk performance in Goa, practiced exclusively by women, often during festivals or community gatherings. Dr. Bambolkar and Ms. Khaunte’s research delves deep into the significance of this art form — examining it as a space where Goan women express themselves, negotiate collective and personal identity, and assert agency within the boundaries of tradition and community. Their analysis situates Dhaalo within the broader discourse of gender studies and performance theory, drawing connections between folklore, cultural continuity, and social structures.

Presenting at ECSAS — one of the most prestigious conferences for South Asian Studies — allowed their research to reach an international audience of leading scholars, anthropologists, and cultural historians. The conference serves as a critical platform for new research in South Asia’s diverse cultures, and their participation reflects the increasing global relevance of regional and local traditions in academic dialogue.

This achievement also demonstrates the potential of collaborative research from state-run institutions in India to contribute meaningfully to international academic forums. Their presentation is not only a personal academic success but a cultural milestone that brings Goan folk traditions — particularly those centered on women’s expression — into a global scholarly conversation.