EduConnect

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).

EduConnect

JCI Panaji Conducts “Love Beyond Romance” Session to Empower Youth in Mapusa


Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

JCI Panaji, in collaboration with the Counselling Cell of Purushottom Walawalkar Higher Secondary School, Mapusa, organised a powerful and thought-provoking session titled “Love Beyond Romance” on 4 February 2026. The programme was led by Zone Trainer JC Nikita Gupta and was specially designed to guide young minds through emotional awareness, values and life skills.


Moving beyond stereotypical notions of romance, the session encouraged students to explore the deeper meaning of love as an expansive emotion rooted in empathy, responsibility and unity. Through interactive activities and open discussions, students were introduced to the idea that love extends to one’s country, community, teachers and peers, shaping a balanced and compassionate outlook on life.

The core focus of the session was on universal values and unity, with emphasis on emotional management, manners and etiquette. The training aimed to equip students with essential life skills that help bridge personal gaps, promote integrity and foster a sense of togetherness rather than isolation.

The response from both students and faculty was overwhelmingly positive. Students actively participated and resonated deeply with the fresh perspective on emotions and relationships. Faculty members expressed appreciation to JCI Panaji, noting that the session offered a meaningful and timely message for today’s youth. Encouraged by its impact, the school has requested more such initiatives to support holistic character development among students.

The programme reaffirmed the importance of nurturing empathy, respect and emotional intelligence among young individuals, preparing them to lead lives guided by understanding and universal respect.

The initiative was led by JFM Srushti Nagvekar (President), JC Sudesh Salgaonkar (Secretary), JC Runal Kerkar (Project Director) and JC Bhuushan Joshi (Vice President – Training).

Events in Goa

10th International Conference on Life Skills Education to be held in Goa


Panaji, Goa – February 2025: The Indian Association of Life Skills Education (IALSE), in collaboration with the Nirmala Institute of Education, is set to host the 10th International Conference on Life Skills Education (ICLSE 2025) from February 27 to March 1, 2025, in Panaji, Goa. This prestigious event will bring together educators, policymakers, researchers, and practitioners from across the globe to explore the theme, ‘Life Skills Integrated Learning and Living: Pathways for a Sustainable Future.’

At the press conference held on 25th Feb 2025, Dr. M. N. Musthafa, President of IALSE proudly stated, “It is with immense pleasure and delight that we announce that the Government of Goa received this concept with cent percent dedication. Today, the propagation of life skills within society is reflected in the NEP as well as the various policies and guidelines of the University Grants Commission (UGC) under the term ‘Jeevan Kaushal’. We hope that this conference will be a turning point in the educational landscape of the country where more than 100 experts will be sharing their expertise. Education must not move to a materialistic view. The value system of human kind has degraded and deteriorated and that has led to all kinds of problems like depression, disappointment, suicide, communalism, corruption, nepotism etc… Life skills education is a retake on what was there in the true educational process, including the nurturing from the family.”

The convenor of the conference, Dr. Delia Antao said, “It is a privilege for NIE to organise this international conference in association with IALSE, Chennai. This conference will give good exposure to teacher-trainees as well as to school students in Goa. During the conference, we will be having parallel sessions in schools.”

The conference will feature a series of symposiums, panel discussions, plenary sessions, thematic paper presentations, and interactive workshops covering critical topics such as:

• Life skills for personal growth and global competence

• Community empowerment and economic sustainability

• Education policies and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• Life skills in adolescent reproductive and sexual health education

• Addressing gender bias and inclusivity

• The role of artificial intelligence in digital well-being

Esteemed speakers from India and abroad, including academicians, government officials, social entrepreneurs, and NGO representatives, will share insights on how life skills education can shape future-ready individuals and communities. The event will also provide a platform for networking and collaboration among experts and stakeholders working in this field.

In addition to academic discussions, the conference will feature student-led sessions, cultural programs, and a dedicated NGO Conclave showcasing innovations in life skills education. The event will culminate with a Think Tank session focused on the implementation of life skills education under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 framework.

Dr. Russell D’Souza, Principal of Nirmala Institute of Education confidently claimed, “At Nirmala Institute of Education, we’ve always kept the core value of how can we contribute to society?” There are a lot of societal forces that influence the self-concept but how do we tide over all these difficulties? How do we problem solve, nurture certain abilities?”

Participants can register for the conference through the official IALSE website (www.ialse.net) before February 24, 2025. Late and spot registrations will also be available.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Ms. Pratiksha Shirodkar

Assistant Professor, Nirmala Institute of Education, Panaji, Goa

📞 +91-9284557229

📧 ialse.iclse2025@gmail.com