Ponda, Goa: In a resounding initiative to promote academic excellence and intellectual growth among school students, the Junior Jaycee Wing of JCI Ponda successfully conducted the JCSAT Exam 2025 on August 23, 2025.
Hosted across two vibrant centers — Mahatma Gandhi Centenary School, Gaunem-Bandora, and Shiksha Sadan High School, Priol — the examination drew 130 enthusiastic participants from 6th to 10th standard, all eager to challenge their knowledge and embrace the spirit of competition.
The JCSAT (Jaycee Competitive Scholastic Aptitude Test) is designed to test general awareness, problem-solving, and academic reasoning, and is a signature initiative by the Junior Jaycee wing under JCI’s youth development programs.
Key Highlights:
📍 Venues: Mahatma Gandhi Centenary School (Gaunem-Bandora) & Shiksha Sadan High School (Priol)
🧠 Participants: 130 students from Classes 6 to 10
🌟 Focus Areas: Academic aptitude, analytical skills, and personal growth through competition
This initiative reflects JCI Ponda’s commitment to building young leaders, sharpening their academic acumen, and encouraging healthy competition that fosters confidence and curiosity.
Leadership Behind the Event:
👨💼 JC Vadiraj Inamdar – President
🧑💼 JFM Muskan Naik – Secretary
👦 JR JC Shrinivas Inamdar – Junior JC Chairperson
👦 JR JC Shreeshant Upadhye – Project Coordinator
Their coordinated efforts, along with the support of the host schools, ensured a smooth, engaging, and impactful event.
“This is not just an exam; it’s an opportunity for students to explore their strengths and believe in their potential,” said JC Vadiraj Inamdar.
With such meaningful initiatives, JCI Ponda continues to play a vital role in nurturing the leaders of tomorrow — one student at a time.
Ponda, Goa – July 3, 2025 : In a landmark development for Goa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, JCI Ponda will officially launch Ponda’s first-ever Jaycee Chamber of Commerce (JCOM) – JCOM Ponda Table 1.0 on Saturday, July 5, 2025, at 4:00 PM. The grand installation ceremony will take place at Hotel Menino Executive, Ponda, marking a transformative moment for local business networking and youth-led leadership initiatives.
Gracing the occasion as Chief Guest is none other than Mr. Varun Sridhar, CEO of Paytm Services Ltd., India, a dynamic leader known for reshaping India’s fintech landscape. Mr. Sridhar’s presence underscores the national significance of this local milestone.
Also in attendance will be Guest of HonourDr. Ketan Bhatikar, Managing Director at Sparc and a noted social worker. The event will see a confluence of regional business leaders and JCI dignitaries including:
Zone President: JFD Shaba Gauns
Zone Vice President: JC HGF Dr. Shilpa Raghava
Zone Director – Business: JFM Chetan Salelekar
Zone JCOM Chairman: JCI Sen. Ria Patil Chandray
JCI Ponda President: JC Vadiraj Inamdar
The highlight of the ceremony will be the formal installation of JC Nikhil V. S. Sangaokar as the first Chairman of JCOM Ponda, a respected entrepreneur known for his leadership in Ponda’s business community. JC Nikhil will be supported by a dynamic leadership team committed to driving ethical entrepreneurship, business innovation, and community collaboration.
About JCOM: Empowering Business Through Leadership
JCOM (Jaycee Chamber of Commerce) is an initiative under JCI India aimed at fostering a robust platform for entrepreneurs, professionals, and aspiring business leaders. It promotes ethical business practices, structured networking, and leadership training — empowering the next generation of changemakers in India’s economic fabric.
A Catalyst for Change
The launch of JCOM Ponda Table 1.0 represents more than a ceremonial event—it signifies a new chapter in Goa’s business growth story. It will serve as a catalyst for collaborative ventures, innovation-led dialogue, and mentorship for youth with entrepreneurial aspirations.
JCI Ponda invites all business owners, startups, and professionals from Goa to be a part of this landmark occasion and witness the birth of a platform designed to nurture leadership through commerce and community engagement.
Dharbandora, Goa | June 21, 2025 — In alignment with the global spirit of International Yoga Day, JCI Ponda organized a rejuvenating yoga session at Matoshri Anandibai Vaman Marathe Vidyamandir, Dharbandora. The initiative aimed to inspire young minds to embrace the timeless practice of yoga as a tool for physical health, mental clarity, and emotional well-being.
The event witnessed the enthusiastic participation of 100+ students from the school, who engaged in various yoga asanas, breathing exercises, and mindfulness techniques in a vibrant yet peaceful atmosphere.
The session began with light warm-up exercises to prepare the body and mind, followed by a sequence of foundational yoga asanas such as:
🪷 Padmasana – The Lotus Pose for meditation
🌲 Tadasana – The Mountain Pose for posture and balance
🪑 Vrikshasana – The Tree Pose for strength and concentration
These were complemented by a set of Pranayama techniques (breathing exercises) and a short guided meditation session to help students center themselves and experience inner calm.
The school premises were filled with the energy of focused students and committed mentors — reflecting the core message of Yoga Day: “Yoga for Harmony and Peace.”
👩🏫 A Community Effort Rooted in Support
The success of the program was made possible by the active support of school leadership and JCI Ponda members. Ms. Manjusha Ravindra Naik, Headmistress of the school, was specially thanked for her encouragement and vision in fostering a culture of health and mindfulness among students.
JCI Ponda was also honored by the presence of:
JFP Sneha Naik, Past President
JC HGF Janhavi Shet Tilve, Past President
JC HGF Amey Shet Tilve
JR JC Rushank Natekar
Their presence lent inspiration and gravitas to the session, reinforcing JCI Ponda’s commitment to youth development through impactful community initiatives.
🧘♀️ Reflections from the Organizers
JC Vadiraj Inamdar, President of JCI Ponda, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the school and the team, saying:
“Yoga is a lifestyle, not just a practice. It’s encouraging to see young students connect with something so deeply rooted in our culture yet so relevant in today’s fast-paced world.”
JFM Muskan Naik, Secretary, and JC Mahadev Shinde, Project Coordinator, were instrumental in organizing the event, ensuring smooth execution and meaningful engagement throughout the session.
🌞 A Step Towards a Healthier Tomorrow
The event closed with collective reflections, gratitude, and a renewed pledge to carry forward the practice of yoga beyond just one day — into the daily routines of these young learners.
By integrating yoga into school activities, JCI Ponda has once again demonstrated its dedication to holistic youth development and community wellness.
Celebrating Communication, Confidence & Leadership at Its Best
Ponda, Goa | May 2025 — JCI Ponda proudly hosted the Valedictory Ceremony of Speechcraft 2025, marking the culmination of a transformative journey in communication, leadership, and personal development. The event brought together aspiring speakers, mentors, and dignitaries to celebrate the incredible progress of participants who committed themselves to growth and self-expression through the powerful platform of Speechcraft.
The evening was elevated by the presence of Chief Guest Shri Advocate Narendra Sawaikar, whose words of wisdom and encouragement resonated deeply with both the participants and attendees. His address emphasized the importance of communication as a cornerstone of effective leadership and public engagement, inspiring many young minds in the audience.
A special note of appreciation was extended to the driving forces behind Speechcraft 2025:
Pilot Faculty: JFM Hitesh Giriya
Co-Pilot Faculties: JC Dattaram Bicholkar and JC Anju Desai
Their commitment to mentoring and nurturing the participants played a pivotal role in transforming nervous speakers into confident communicators.
The presence of Zone President JFD Shaba Gauns and Acting Chairman of Speechcraft, JC HGF Dr. Shilpa Raghava Silveria, further added prestige to the event. Their support and words of encouragement reaffirmed the role of JCI in fostering leadership and self-development among youth.
The true stars of the evening were the participants of Speechcraft 2025, who impressed with their command over speech, poise, and presence. A special congratulations to our top five standout participants:
JC Vadiraj
JC Juhi
JC Jijith
JC Khyati
JC Bhushan
In addition, accolades were awarded to Outstanding Performers who truly raised the bar with their impactful oration:
JC Ansh
JC Amit
JC Sahil
Each participant received recognition not just for their final performances, but for their personal journeys of improvement, confidence-building, and camaraderie throughout the course.
The success of Speechcraft 2025 was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the entire JCI Ponda team. From planning to execution, every element was meticulously crafted to provide a platform for growth and inspiration.
“This journey was not just about learning to speak — it was about finding your voice and learning to lead with it,” said JC Saikrishna Mandrekar, Chairman of Speechcraft 2025.
The event was ably supported by:
JFD Shaba Gauns, Zone President
JC Vadiraj Inamdar, President, JCI Ponda 2025
JFM Muskan Naik, Secretary & Project Director
The Speechcraft program, long considered a flagship initiative within the JCI ecosystem, once again proved its value in empowering individuals to overcome stage fright, express ideas effectively, and lead with confidence. With each passing year, JCI Ponda continues to nurture the next generation of changemakers through programs like these.
As the curtains fell on Speechcraft 2025, the message was clear — communication is not just a skill, it’s a superpower, and every participant left the hall empowered to use it.
Margao, Goa | May 23, 2025 — The serene ambiance of the Seasons Hotel & Spa in Fatorda, Margao, became the cradle of transformation as JCI Ponda, under the umbrella of JCI India Zone 11, inaugurated its much-awaited flagship initiative — Speechcraft 2025. This prestigious 3-day residential public speaking and leadership development program officially commenced on the evening of May 23, 2025, amidst an atmosphere of inspiration, enthusiasm, and excellence.
Speechcraft is more than just a training program — it is a journey of personal empowerment, where participants step out of their comfort zones to explore the art of impactful communication, develop their self-confidence, and emerge as responsible and articulate leaders.
With over 50 eager participants in attendance, Speechcraft 2025 began with a resounding message: that communication is the cornerstone of leadership and transformation.
The inaugural session was honored by the presence of Dr. Ketan Bhatikar as the Chief Guest. A well-respected educationist, visionary entrepreneur, and motivational speaker, Dr. Bhatikar addressed the gathering with words that were both empowering and thought-provoking. He emphasized the importance of public speaking as a lifelong skill and urged participants to embrace learning with an open heart and fearless mind.
Also gracing the event was JFD Shaba Gauns, Zone President of JCI India Zone 11, whose presence uplifted the morale of the organizing team and added immense value to the proceedings. Her commitment to youth empowerment and structured learning was echoed in her address to the participants.
The session was chaired by the Program Chairman, JFM Saikrishna Mandrekar, whose tireless dedication and visionary leadership brought Speechcraft 2025 to life. He welcomed the dignitaries, introduced the objectives of the program, and set the tone for a transformative weekend ahead.
True to JCI’s legacy of quality and mentorship, Speechcraft 2025 is powered by a faculty team of seasoned and passionate trainers:
JFM Hitesh Giriya – National Trainer
JC HGF Anju Dessai – Co-Pilot
JCI Senator Dattaram Bicholkar – Co-Pilot
Together, they bring a wealth of experience, infectious energy, and an unwavering commitment to nurturing future leaders.
A special highlight of the inaugural function was the release of the event souvenir, unveiled at the hands of all the dignitaries. This symbolic moment marked the beginning of what promises to be a transformational experience for every participant.
With a meticulously curated curriculum, interactive learning sessions, real-time speaking opportunities, and values of self-discipline and collaboration at its core, Speechcraft 2025 is poised to shape confident orators, thoughtful communicators, and responsible citizens of tomorrow.
“This program is a mission — a mission to instill courage, voice, and character in every participant. We believe that strong communication leads to strong communities.” — JFM Saikrishna Mandrekar, Chairman, SpeechCraft 2025
“We are proud to support initiatives that create real, measurable impact. Speechcraft is a cornerstone of leadership development in JCI.” — JFD Shaba Gauns, Zone President 2025
“JCI Ponda is honored to host this program and contribute to the vision of building better leaders through better communication.” — JC Vadiraj Inamdar, President, JCI Ponda
“Behind every success story is a platform like Speechcraft. We’re proud to be the team behind it.” — JFM Muskan Naik, Project Director
As the sun set on the first day, the spark of self-belief had already ignited among participants. With every session, interaction, and speech, the next three days promise to shape leaders who speak not just with words — but with vision, empathy, and conviction.
Stay tuned for more updates from the heart of Speechcraft 2025 – where voices rise, and futures are shaped.
