Tag: journalism

Events in Goa

Goa Journalist Awards 2025 Presented by CM Dr. Pramod Sawant on National Press Day

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant presented the Goa Journalist Awards 2025 to nine distinguished journalists on the occasion of National Press Day at the Institute of Menezes Braganza Hall, Panaji. The event celebrated and acknowledged the contributions of media professionals who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to public-interest journalism throughout the year. The Best Editor Award on National Integration and Communal Harmony was conferred upon Shri Pandurang Gaonkar, while Shri Ajay Buva was recognised for his impactful rural reporting. Ms Ramandeep Kaur received the award for reporting in public health and hygiene, highlighting her work in bringing key health-related issues to the forefront. Smt Vibha Verma was honoured for reporting with special reference to women, children, and social issues.

In the field of sports journalism, Shri Marcus Mergulhao was awarded for his consistent and insightful sports reporting. Ms Gauree Malkarnekar received recognition for her remarkable work in reporting on art and culture, while Shri Rajtilak Naik was awarded in the category of Photojournalism for producing the Best Photograph of the Year. Ms Christine Machado was felicitated for excellence in reporting on education, and Shri Sameep Narvekar was honoured for his reporting on achievements of the Government. Their contributions represented a diverse spectrum of journalistic impact, reflecting the evolving needs of society and the essential role of the press in shaping informed public discourse.

The event was graced by Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Information & Publicity) Shri Sarpreet Singh Gill, IAS, Director of the Department of Information & Publicity Shri Dipak Bandekar, and Goa Union of Journalists President Shri Rajtilak Naik. The occasion underscored the government’s recognition of the media’s role in upholding democratic values, promoting accountability, and serving as a bridge between the public and policymakers. The ceremony reaffirmed the importance of responsible journalism and celebrated the dedication of individuals who continue to pursue truth, awareness, and social progress through their work.

EduConnect

Blossoming Marigolds: Sharada Higher Secondary School Students Lead Agricultural Initiative in Nagzar

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

In the Nagzar area of Bhendale Vajri Pedne, a remarkable initiative has brought education, agriculture, and community together. With the active cooperation of students from Sharada Higher Secondary School’s Agriculture Department, local villagers, and the support of the Water Resources and Agricultural Departments, a marigold cultivation project was successfully executed. Known for being low-cost, low-maintenance, and reliably productive, marigolds were chosen as the crop for this venture.

The timing of the cultivation was strategic, coinciding with the festive season of Dussehra, Diwali, and Tulsi Vivah, periods when the demand for marigold flowers is at its peak. The planning involved assessing market needs and ensuring that the flowers were harvested and sold at the right time to maximize both yield and profitability. Through this initiative, students not only learned how to grow a crop efficiently but also experienced firsthand the economic aspects of agricultural production and market sales.

Guidance throughout the project was provided by Agriculture Department teachers, including Mrs. Vrunda Naik, Ms. Shreya Bhendalkar, and Mr. Shamba Marathe, who taught students how to cultivate marigolds according to local environmental conditions. This hands-on approach to learning helped students gain practical skills that complement their formal academic education, emphasizing the importance of connecting theory with real-world experience.

The project also highlighted the value of community collaboration. Local villagers, alongside the Water Resources and Agricultural Departments, actively participated and appreciated the efforts of the students. Principal Mr. Gajanan Marathe noted that such experiential learning initiatives help maintain students’ connection with the soil and foster a deeper understanding of agriculture, ensuring that traditional knowledge and modern education work hand in hand.

By combining education, practical skills, and community engagement, this marigold cultivation project stands as a shining example of how schools can empower students to learn, earn, and grow in harmony with their environment.

Events in Goa

Nominations Open: 13th Orchid Award for Women Achievers of Goa

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa is a land of culture, talent, and untold stories — especially those of women who are quietly yet powerfully shaping their communities, industries, and the future. Recognizing the need to bring such stories to light, the Orchid Group is proud to announce the 13th edition of the Orchid Award for Women Achievers of Goa.

This unique award ceremony is the first of its kind in the state and was introduced to celebrate women who embody excellence, resilience, and impact in their respective fields. From trailblazers in education and sports to changemakers in rural development and business, these awards are a tribute to the spirit of Goan women.

The categories for this year include: Education, Art & Culture, Sports, Social Work, Journalism, Business, Rural Development, Woman Achiever with Disability, Girl Child Prodigy, and the prestigious Life Time Achievement Award. Each category is crafted to ensure that a wide range of contributions and accomplishments are recognized and honoured.

Nominations are now open, and the invitation is extended to every corner of Goa. Whether you’re a woman who has made a mark or you know someone who deserves this recognition, now is the time to act. The Orchid Award is not just an accolade — it is a movement that aims to uplift, encourage, and inspire future generations of Goan women.

Celebrate the women who inspire us. Celebrate Goa. Nominate today.

Last date of nominations 05th November 2025

National

Spotlight Workshop Champions Inclusive and Intersectional Disability Reporting in Indian Media

Tanisha Cardozo

On September 22, 2025, the media sensitisation workshop Spotlight was held in New Delhi to focus on inclusive and intersectional disability reporting in India. Organised by Rising Flame in collaboration with the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Government of India), the Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Goa, the UN in India, and UN Women, the event brought together over 50 journalists, editors, and media professionals to discuss the crucial role the media plays in shaping public perception around disability.

The first session, led by Rising Flame, titled Disability-inclusive and Intersectional Media Representation and Reporting, explored the significant impact of language and framing in news stories. The interactive format encouraged participants to rethink how narratives of persons with disabilities are told, moving away from reductive portrayals and towards more nuanced, respectful, and authentic storytelling.

Nidhi Goyal, Founder and Executive Director of Rising Flame, co-facilitated the session and shared a powerful insight: “Too often, the media paints us people with disabilities as either heroes or objects of pity. We need to go beyond both. There is a need to amplify disabled voices and build nuanced, human-centred stories. Since media plays a critical role in shaping public understanding and influencing policy, journalists can ensure disability is covered with accuracy, dignity, and a rights-based lens.”

The second session, organised by UN Women, featured a panel titled Senior Journalists Share Experiences on Reporting Gender and Disability. Moderated by Sudeshna Mukherjee, Head of Communications at UN Women India, the panel featured experienced media professionals: Uzmi Athar, Chief Correspondent at PTI; Parvinder Singh, Head of Communications at the World Food Programme in India; Pooja Pande, former Co-CEO of Chambal Media; and Bhanupriya Rao, Founder of BehanBox. The discussion highlighted how disability should not be treated as a niche beat but be integrated into broader news narratives with the same importance as health, education, and climate.

Uzmi Athar shared a thought-provoking example: “When we speak about natural disasters, we need to include how persons with disabilities are impacted. When we frame a story that someone ‘braved’ difficulties to reach a polling booth, we should instead ask: why were those difficulties there in the first place?”

Through its sessions and exchanges, Spotlight urged media professionals to play an active role in shifting disability narratives from charity-based to rights-based, from isolated stories to integrated coverage. It reinforced the idea that accurate, inclusive reporting is a powerful tool for societal change—one that upholds the dignity and agency of persons with disabilities.

Events in Goa

Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant Felicitates Veteran Journalist Shekhar Samant on Patrakar Din 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Sankhali, Goa — On the solemn occasion of Lokmanya Tilak Punyatithi, the Government of Goa observed Patrakar Din 2025 with a dedicated event at Ravindra Bhavan, Sankhali. The event was graced by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant.

Highlighting the vital role of journalism in a democratic society, the Chief Minister took the opportunity to felicitate Shri Shekhar Samant, Editor of Tarun Bharat, Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg edition. Shri Samant has been a distinguished figure in regional journalism, known for his unwavering commitment to truth and regional storytelling.

During his address, Dr. Sawant emphasized the legacy of Lokmanya Tilak, one of India’s foremost freedom fighters and a stalwart of nationalist journalism. “Today’s media has a crucial role in shaping informed societies. We must continue to uphold the principles that leaders like Tilak stood for,” the CM noted.

The felicitation of Shri Shekhar Samant was met with applause and respect, as peers and well-wishers acknowledged his longstanding dedication to journalistic integrity. The Chief Minister extended heartfelt congratulations and best wishes for his continued success.

The event served as a meaningful reminder of the responsibilities and influence the press holds in society—especially in an era where authenticity in reporting is more crucial than ever.

📍 Event Venue: Ravindra Bhavan, Sankhali
📅 Occasion: Lokmanya Tilak Punyatithi | Patrakar Din 2025
🎖️ Honoree: Shri Shekhar Samant, Editor, Tarun Bharat (Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg)