Human Interest

JCI Pilgao Elite Launches First Aarti Sangrah Booklet on Independence Day 2025


Pilgao, Goa โ€“ Celebrating both national pride and cultural preservation, JCI Pilgao Elite marked a significant milestone on Independence Day 2025 with the launch of its first Aarti Sangrah booklet. This spiritual compilation is a tribute to Goan religious traditions and was released amidst a gathering of esteemed dignitaries and community leaders.

The event was held in Pilgao in the gracious presence of:

  • JC Jayesh Valavalkar, President, JCI Pilgao Elite
  • Asmita Gauns, 1st Lady of JCI Zone 11
  • JC Sharmila Valavalkar, Sarpanch of Pilgao
  • Pravin Parab, Secretary of VP Piligao
  • Sanjay Nanda Falkar, Writer-Director
  • Ashvesh Gimonkar
  • Deepak Prabhu Gaonkar, President of Shantadurga Temple
  • JC Swati Naik Shirodkar, Secretary of JCI Pilgao Elite

A special highlight of the occasion was the presentation of the Aarti Sangrah booklet to Honโ€™ble Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, recognizing the community’s efforts in preserving spiritual literature and passing traditions to the next generation.

The initiative not only commemorated Indiaโ€™s 78th Independence Day but also highlighted the importance of cultural identity, spiritual continuity, and local leadership.

โ€œThe Aarti Sangrah is more than just a book โ€” itโ€™s a celebration of devotion and cultural pride,โ€ said JC Jayesh Valavalkar.

This project marks a promising beginning for JCI Pilgao Eliteโ€™s cultural initiatives, reinforcing the organizationโ€™s mission to build better communities through service, leadership, and tradition.

EduConnect

JCI Sanquelim Hosts JCSAT for 100 Students; Applauded by Local Educators


In a significant step toward promoting student aptitude and scholarship opportunities, JCI Sanquelim hosted the National Level JCSAT (JCI Scholarship and Aptitude Test) for 100 students from three prominent institutions: Progress High School Sankhali, Government Higher Secondary School Sankhali, and Government Higher Secondary School Valpoi.

The JCSAT aims to identify and encourage young minds through a structured aptitude test while also opening avenues for scholarships and further academic support. This impactful event reflects JCI Indiaโ€™s commitment to youth empowerment and education at the grassroots level.

The initiative received high praise from Shri Shrikrishna Naik, Principal of GHSS Sankhali and GHSS Valpoi, who commended JCI Sanquelimโ€™s efforts in bringing such a valuable platform to rural and semi-urban students. Teacher Daya Tendulkar from Progress High School Sankhali also expressed gratitude, emphasizing how these opportunities create a positive shift in the academic motivation of students.

Such collaborations between educational institutions and civic organizations like JCI are crucial to nurturing talent and ensuring every student gets a fair chance at success.

Events in Goa

Governor of Goa Inaugurates JCI Indiaโ€™s NALANDA Function in Benaulim


The Governor of Goa, Shri Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju, inaugurated the prestigious National Academy of Leadership and Administration (NALANDA) function organised by JCI India in Benaulim, Goa.

The NALANDA program is a flagship initiative of JCI India aimed at equipping emerging leaders with essential skills in leadership, governance, and administrative excellence. The event brought together participants from various parts of India, fostering an environment of collaboration, innovation, and nation-building.

In his address, the Governor emphasised the importance of ethical leadership, accountability, and visionary governance, highlighting how empowered youth can become catalysts for positive change in society. He commended JCI India for creating platforms like NALANDA to mentor the next generation of leaders.

The event featured interactive workshops, keynote sessions from industry and governance experts, and networking opportunities for aspiring leaders. The picturesque setting of Benaulim added a vibrant Goan touch to this national leadership initiative.

Social

JCI India Nalanda 2025: Celebrating Leadership with Goaโ€™s Top Dignitaries


Panaji, August 12, 2025 โ€“ JCI India Nalanda 2025, the nationโ€™s premier leadership development program for young changemakers, is set to begin with an extraordinary lineup of distinguished guests from the Government of Goa. The event promises to deliver not just training, but inspiration rooted in governance, public service, and transformational leadership.

๐ŸŒŸ Prestigious Opening Ceremony

We are proud to announce that His Excellency Shri Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju, Honโ€™ble Governor of Goa, will grace the Opening Ceremony as Chief Guest. A respected statesman with decades of public service and parliamentary experience, his presence lends gravitas to the mission of empowering future leaders.

๐Ÿง  Power Talk by a Visionary Leader

Adding to the leadership momentum, Dr. Pramod Sawant, Honโ€™ble Chief Minister of Goa, will deliver a special Power Talk session. Known for his dynamic leadership and progressive governance, Dr. Sawant will share practical insights on:

  • Leadership in public service
  • Youth as nation-builders
  • Sustainable development in governance

His talk is expected to be one of the defining moments of the event, setting the tone for leadership that is both purpose-driven and people-focused.

๐ŸŽฏ What to Expect at NALANDA 2025

  • High-impact leadership training modules
  • Mentorship from senior JCI trainers and industry experts
  • Interactive sessions rooted in real-world challenges
  • Networking opportunities with changemakers from across India

๐Ÿ’ฌ Why It Matters

NALANDA 2025 is more than a training program โ€“ itโ€™s a national platform where vision meets action. With the inclusion of esteemed dignitaries from Goa, the event reflects a powerful synergy between youth leadership and state-level governance, highlighting the importance of nurturing leadership at all levels of society.

๐Ÿ—“๏ธ Event: JCI India Nalanda 2025
๐ŸŽค Opening Ceremony Chief Guest: Shri Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju, Honโ€™ble Governor of Goa
๐Ÿง  Power Talk Speaker: Dr. Pramod Sawant, Honโ€™ble Chief Minister of Goa
๐Ÿ“ Location: TBA
๐Ÿ“† Date: TBA

Social

Goa CM Pramod Sawant Among JCIโ€™s Most Influential Asia-Pacific Members for 2025


Written by Tanisha Cardozo, Team Allycaral

Panaji, July 8, 2025 : Goa Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Pandurang Sawant has been named among the most influential and representative members of Junior Chamber International (JCI) for the Asia-Pacific region in 2025. He joins an elite group of eight Indian honorees who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, vision, and commitment to social impact.
The list includes other notable Indian JCI members such as JC Kumar Gera, Chairman of Gera Developments Pvt. Ltd., Member of Parliament Anil Bonde, and JC leaders like Shine Bhaskaran, Kaveen Kumar Kumaravel, Sunil Kumar R, A M S G Ashokan, and Ravi Shankar.

Dr. Sawantโ€™s roots in JCI run deepโ€”he served as the founder President of JCI Usgao in 2007 and has played a crucial role in launching and mentoring JCI Sanquelim, fostering leadership and community initiatives in his home state.
Dr. Sawantโ€™s selection for this recognition is based on two key factors:
His groundbreaking Swayampoorna Goa initiative, which empowers villages through self-reliance.

His strong and composed leadership during the COVID-19 crisis, ensuring effective healthcare response and public safety.

The prestigious award will be presented during the 110th JCI Anniversary Celebrations, hosted by JCI Philippines on July 17โ€“18, 2025. The global event will witness participation from JCI leaders and dignitaries from across the world, marking a major moment of recognition for Goa and India on the global leadership map.
This honour further cements Dr. Sawantโ€™s standing not just as a state leader, but as a globally recognised changemaker who embodies JCIโ€™s core values of leadership, active citizenship, and positive change.