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JCI Panaji Hosts “Love Beyond Romance” Session to Empower Students in Mapusa


JCI Panaji organized a powerful and engaging session titled “Love Beyond Romance” on February 5 at Purushottom Walawalkar Higher Secondary School in Mapusa, aiming to reshape how young minds understand the concept of love in today’s digital age.

The session was led by JC Dr. Shilpa, a medical expert, who encouraged students to move beyond typical romantic clichés and explore a broader, more meaningful definition of love. Drawing from her medical background, she explained how excessive use of social media and mobile gaming can trigger the release of dopamine, a chemical linked to pleasure and addiction. She warned that this “digital love” can often replace genuine emotional connections, affecting mental well-being and relationships.

Dr. Shilpa urged students to redirect their focus toward healthier forms of love—love for family, friends, society, and the nation. One of the key highlights of the session was her discussion on Artificial Intelligence versus Human Emotions. She emphasized that no matter how advanced technology becomes, human emotions will always remain irreplaceable and must be nurtured and protected.

The session was designed to be highly interactive. Through hands-on activities, students participated in group acts where they creatively demonstrated ways to help a friend overcome mobile addiction and rediscover the joy of real-life friendships. These activities helped students understand emotional management, teamwork, and leadership in a practical and engaging manner.

By the end of the session, both students and teachers expressed their appreciation for the initiative. Many requested more such workshops, recognizing the importance of life skills and emotional awareness in shaping responsible individuals.

Through this initiative, JCI Panaji reinforced the message that love extends far beyond romance—it is about self-respect, communication, empathy, and building a progressive character that contributes positively to society.

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Empowering Youth: JCI Panaji Hosts ‘Love Beyond Romance’ Session in Mapusa School


Purshottam Walawalkar Higher Secondary School in Mapusa witnessed a unique and transformative experience on 5th February 2026, as JCI Panaji conducted a special session under its ‘Empowering Youth’ initiative.

The session, titled “Love Beyond Romance,” was led by JCI National Author and Trainer Karuna Rajan Satardekar. Instead of the usual Valentine-themed conversations around romance, the session offered students a deeper and more meaningful understanding of love as a universal value.

Karuna Satardekar encouraged students to look beyond stereotypes and see love as compassion, respect, and care for the people around them. She explained that love is not limited to relationships but is reflected in how individuals treat society, friends, family, and those who need support.

One of the most touching moments of the session was a video about a 40-year-old individual with autism. The story highlighted the importance of empathy, patience, and inclusion. Students learned that love also means understanding and supporting those with special needs, a message that resonated deeply with the audience.

The session also focused on practical aspects of everyday behaviour. Through interactive discussions, Karuna Satardekar guided students on social etiquette, communication skills, and the importance of good manners. She explained how respectful communication and thoughtful actions can create a more compassionate and harmonious community.

Another key theme was leadership. Students were encouraged to develop leadership qualities rooted in empathy and inclusion. The message was clear: a true leader ensures that no one is left behind and carries every section of society forward with dignity and respect.

The connection between the speaker and the students was evident throughout the session. Faculty members described it as a “one-of-a-kind” experience, noting how strongly the message resonated with the young audience.

The initiative by JCI Panaji once again demonstrated the importance of life-skills education and value-based learning. By introducing such meaningful conversations in schools, the organisation continues to inspire the next generation to lead with empathy, respect, and responsibility.

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JCI Panaji Hosts ‘Love Beyond Romance’ Session Led by Zone Trainer Nikita Gupta


Written by Intern Rency Gomes ||Team Allycaral 

On 4 February 2026, JCI Panaji, in collaboration with the Counselling Cell of Purushottom Walawalkar Higher Secondary School, Mapusa, organised a thought-provoking youth engagement session titled “Love Beyond Romance.” The programme was led by Zone Trainer JC Nikita Gupta and aimed at guiding young minds through emotional awareness, self-reflection and essential life skills.


Moving away from stereotypical notions of romance, the session introduced students to a broader and more meaningful understanding of love. Through interactive activities and open dialogue, the speaker highlighted that love extends beyond personal relationships and encompasses respect for one’s country, community, teachers and peers.

The session focused strongly on universal values and unity. Students were encouraged to develop emotional management skills, practice good manners and etiquette, and cultivate integrity in daily life. The emphasis remained on equipping teenagers with life skills that promote empathy, togetherness and personal responsibility.

The impact of the session was clearly visible, with students actively participating and responding positively to the discussions. Faculty members expressed their appreciation to JCI Panaji, noting that the session presented a much-needed perspective on emotional development for today’s youth. Encouraged by the response, the school has requested more such initiatives to support holistic character-building among students.

The programme reinforced the idea that nurturing a deeper, value-based understanding of love prepares young individuals to lead lives rooted in empathy, respect and universal harmony.

The initiative was supported by the leadership of JCI Panaji, including JFM Srushti Nagvekar (President), JC Sudesh Salgaonkar (Secretary), JC Runal Kerkar (Project Director) and JC Bhuushan Joshi (Vice President – Training).

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JCI Dapoli Organises Individual Development Training Session for 119 Students


Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

JCI Dapoli successfully organised an Individual Development Training Session on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at Padmashi Bhiku Ramji tatha Dadasaheb Idate Arts and Commerce Junior College, Kumbale, Mandangad. The initiative aimed at empowering students with essential life skills such as leadership, personality development, confidence building, and motivation.

The session was conducted by Zone Trainer JFD Kunal Mandlik, who engaged students through an interactive and insightful approach. A total of 119 students actively participated in the programme, showing enthusiasm and keen interest throughout the session. The training provided students with clarity on personal growth, goal setting, leadership qualities, and self-confidence, helping them better prepare for their academic and professional journeys.

Students responded positively to the session, appreciating the practical guidance and motivational insights shared. The programme aligned with JCI’s mission of nurturing young leaders and fostering holistic development among youth.

The session was smoothly coordinated and successfully executed, making it a meaningful and impactful initiative. JCI Dapoli expressed sincere gratitude to JFD Kunal Mandlik, the college authorities, and the participating students for their cooperation and support in making the programme a grand success. The event was organised under the leadership of JC Dr. Kunal Mehta, President; JC Roshan Vedak, Secretary; JC Swapneel Mehta, Project Director and Vice President – Training; and JC Rahul Rathod, Director – Training.

EduConnect

500 NCC Cadets from 25 Goan Institutions Participate in Annual Training Camp at Pernem


Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The Annual Training Camp of the 1 Goa Naval Unit NCC is currently underway at the Multipurpose Sports Stadium in Pernem, bringing together around 500 NCC cadets from 25 educational institutions across Goa. The camp is being conducted under the command of Capt. Sumeet Sinha, Commanding Officer of the unit, and serves as a key platform for holistic cadet development.

Designed in keeping with the ethos of the National Cadet Corps, the camp focuses on enhancing physical fitness, mental alertness, social awareness, and a strong sense of unity and camaraderie among participants. Cadets from diverse institutions train together, fostering teamwork, discipline, and mutual respect.

The training programme includes a range of activities aimed at developing leadership and overall personality. Cadets undergo weapon handling sessions, boat pulling practice on simulators, semaphore training, and attend lectures on various service-related subjects that build awareness of defence forces and national service.

The smooth conduct of the camp has been made possible with the active support of the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs, Government of Goa, whose logistical assistance has played a crucial role. Camp administration is being efficiently managed by a dedicated team comprising Permanent Instructional staff, State Government staff, and Associate NCC Officers.

Through structured training and shared experiences, the Annual Training Camp continues to shape young cadets into disciplined, confident, and socially responsible citizens, reinforcing the NCC’s commitment to nation-building and youth empowerment.