Tag: Mapusa

Events in Goa

Cooperative Movement Key to Economic Growth and Jobs, Says Assistant Registrar at Mapusa Event

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The 72nd All India Cooperative Week celebrations in Mapusa showcased the growing importance of the cooperative movement in strengthening the economy and generating employment. Assistant Registrar for Cooperative Societies, Rajesh Parwar, emphasised that cooperatives remain essential for economic resilience, community empowerment, and inclusive development. Addressing the event jointly organised by Bardez Bazaar Consumers’ Cooperative Society and the Rotary Club of Mapuca, he explained that successful cooperatives depend on effective management, dedicated staff, and active shareholder participation. Parwar reminded societies of their legal obligation to conduct annual general body meetings and present audit reports to ensure transparency and accountability.

He highlighted new opportunities introduced through the Central Government’s MPACS legislation, which offers cooperatives an open platform to expand into diverse businesses. Parwar also pointed to schemes supporting common service centres, fuel stations, gas agencies, and grain storage, noting NABARD’s financial assistance for these ventures. He stressed that the real strength of the cooperative movement lies in supporting self-help groups, farmers involved in dairy and agriculture, and artisans working in handloom and handicraft sectors, observing that both cooperatives and community groups thrive when they uplift each other.

Guest of honour Amita Salatry of GCCI spoke about the cultural and spiritual significance of food, urging participants in the cooking competition to value presentation, aroma, and the use of traditional Goan elements. She reminded attendees that India’s cultural heritage regards food as divine and encouraged mindful consumption without waste.

Bardez Bazaar Chairman Nikhilchandra Khalap expressed the cooperative’s long-standing commitment to supporting self-help groups and small entrepreneurs. He shared how Bardez Bazaar has become a trusted first choice for distributors and small businesses seeking stability and visibility. Reflecting on Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru’s vision of cooperatives as “schools of democracy” capable of reaching every household, he emphasised that India’s journey toward self-reliance continues to be supported by all Prime Ministers, including the current leadership under Narendra Modi. Khalap also offered a glimpse into Bardez Bazaar’s humble beginnings, recounting how its founders secured a modest loan of ₹5,000 from Mapusa Urban Bank and developed the organisation into a ₹35-crore enterprise that operates without government aid or debt, employs 100 people, and consistently delivers a 20% dividend to its shareholders.

Rotary Club of Mapuca President Rohit Natekar announced that the club and Bardez Bazaar will launch a permanent project next year to support self-help groups and help them scale their initiatives. He also noted that Bardez Bazaar’s proposed mall will bring added benefits to the local community.

The event’s cooking competition, themed “Gomantakiya God Padarth,” celebrated Goan cuisine, with Mithila Harmalkar winning first prize, followed by Antara Naik and Harsha Redkar. Consolation prizes were awarded to Ranjana Narvekar, Nafiza Shaikh, and Varsha Polle. The celebration underscored how cooperatives continue to nurture talent, support livelihoods, and strengthen community bonds across Goa.

Events in Goa

Goa Deepotsav 2025 Lights Up Porvorim, Saligao, and Mapusa with Cultural Splendour

Tanisha Cardozo

The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, successfully hosted Goa Deepotsav 2025, a two-day celebration that illuminated Porvorim, Saligao, and Mapusa with festive cheer, music, and cultural splendour. The event brought together Goans from all walks of life to celebrate Diwali through art, tradition, and togetherness, reflecting the essence of Goa’s cultural unity.

The first-ever edition of Deepotsav in Mapusa, held at the Mapusa Taxi Stand Ground, witnessed vibrant community participation and an impressive turnout. The event featured engaging contests such as the All Goa Akash Kandil Competition, cooking and fugdi contests, and an energetic cultural showcase. The evening highlight, Rhythm of Lights, mesmerized audiences with performances that beautifully portrayed Goa’s cultural diversity.

Among the dignitaries present were Hon’ble Minister for Tourism Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, Hon’ble Deputy Speaker & MLA, Mapusa, Shri Joshua De Souza, Chairperson of Mapusa Municipal Council Smt Priya Mishal, Deputy Director of Tourism Shri Dhiraj Vagle, Dy. General Manager (Marketing/Hotels), GTDC, Shri Deepak Narvekar, Asst. Director of Tourism Shri Jayesh Kankonkar, councillors, and former councillors.

In his address, Hon’ble Minister Shri Rohan A. Khaunte highlighted that the Goa Beyond Beaches initiative, launched in 2022, aims to take tourism to the heart of local communities while empowering women and youth through cultural participation. He announced that Deepotsav will be celebrated annually in Mapusa to showcase Goa’s cultural richness and festive unity.

Director of Tourism Shri Kedar Naik expressed his appreciation for the overwhelming response to Deepotsav 2025, noting that the festival embodied Goa’s true spirit of joy, inclusivity, and creativity.

The celebrations began on October 25 at Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal Hall, Porvorim, with workshops and competitions in clay modelling, drawing, cooking, fugdi, and traditional costume contests, concluding with the soulful performance Sur Taal. On October 26, the festivities continued at Saligao Panchayat Area with rangoli, cooking, and Veshbhusha Spardha contests, and culminated with Suron Kee Deepawali, a musical tribute to the festival of lights.

With Goa Deepotsav 2025, the Department of Tourism reaffirmed its commitment to promoting cultural tourism, local participation, and sustainable community engagement. The festival stood as a radiant symbol of Goa’s heritage, uniting communities under the glow of countless diyas.

Sports

Goa Hosts National Judo Black Belt Camp with Top Coaches and Officials

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa hosted the National Judo Black Belt Camp and NDIC Examination (West Zone) at the Peddem Sports Complex, Mapusa, marking a major event in the state’s sporting calendar. The camp began with an inspiring inauguration ceremony graced by Dr. Ajay Gaude, Executive Director of the Sports Authority of Goa, as the Chief Guest. The event was attended by top coaches and dignitaries, including Dronacharya Awardee Mr. Jiwan Sharma, Mr. Shailesh Tilak, Mr. Satish Pahade, Mr. Virender Vashist, and Mr. Rajan C.S.

A total of 110 participants from across India reported for the camp, which focuses on enhancing technical expertise and evaluating the performance standards of judokas under expert supervision. In his address, Dr. Gaude praised Judo for its discipline and moral strength, describing it as one of the most disciplined sports he personally admires. He encouraged Goan judokas to train harder and compete with the best talent in the nation. Dr. Gaude also highlighted the forthcoming Khelo Goa Scheme, aimed at empowering athletes and boosting Goa’s sports infrastructure.

Mr. Jiwan Sharma reflected on Judo’s global prominence, noting its inclusion in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and commending India’s growing achievements on the world stage. He cited Linthoi Chanambam’s historic world bronze medal as an inspiration for India’s next generation of judokas.

The ceremony was compered by Mrs. Leena Porob. Mr. Girish Pednekar, President of the Goa Judo Association, welcomed the attendees, while Mr. Kripesh Vengurlekar, General Secretary, delivered the vote of thanks. The camp reflects Goa’s commitment to promoting martial arts and nurturing future champions through technical excellence and national-level collaboration.

Human Interest

Eco-Friendly Palm Leaf Decor by Poornay Rivankar and Sabina Da Cunha Brings Sustainable Elegance to Life

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo

In an inspiring blend of sustainability and artistry, Goan creators Poornay Rivankar from Mapusa and Sabina Da Cunha from Parra have brought eco-conscious design to life with their intricate palm leaf decorations. The decor, entirely handmade, celebrates not only traditional craftsmanship but also the values of green living and mindful creativity.

The centerpiece of the design features a beautifully woven palm leaf basket, surrounded by diamond-shaped palm leaf motifs, all crafted with patience, precision, and a deep respect for nature. This aesthetic choice not only minimizes environmental impact but also brings a natural, earthy elegance to any setting.

Poornay Rivankar, known for her dedication to artistic and sustainable practices, collaborated with Sabina Da Cunha, a creative force in natural decor, to produce an arrangement that reflects Goa’s cultural richness and the growing movement toward eco-friendly lifestyles.

This project is more than just decoration—it’s a statement. In an era dominated by synthetic and mass-produced décor, these handcrafted palm leaf designs serve as a reminder of the value of slow, sustainable art.

We celebrate this collaboration as a shining example of how tradition, creativity, and environmental consciousness can come together to create something truly beautiful.

National

Pride of Goa: Two Women Officers Make History in Indian Armed Forces

Tanisha Cardozo

Wing Commander Maria Ismenia Sancha Pereira, hailing from Gonsua-Betalbatim in South Goa, has etched her name into history as the first Goan woman to be decorated in India’s wartime history. Her distinguished service as an Air Traffic Controller (ATC) in the Indian Air Force during Operation Sindoor earned her the prestigious Mention-in-Despatch, a recognition awarded for exceptional service in actual combat operations.

During the operation, Wg Cdr Pereira played a pivotal role in wartime intelligence. She provided crucial radar-based insights that guided Indian fighter jets to vital enemy targets, significantly contributing to the success of mission objectives. Her early warning inputs also helped thwart threats from adversarial aircraft and missiles directed at Indian forces — actions that saved lives and advanced the IAF’s operational edge.

The daughter of Eustaquio Francisco Pereira and Poma Pereira, Maria’s journey began in Goa’s educational institutions — she studied at Mary Immaculate Conception High School, Panaji, followed by Green Rosary Higher Secondary in Dona Paula. She later earned her engineering degree from Goa Engineering College, Farmagudi, before entering the defence services and rising through the ranks in one of the most demanding branches of the IAF.

Adding to Goa’s legacy in Indian defence history is Major Jacqueline Jacinta Dias, a Goan of the diaspora with roots in Bardez. She recently made headlines as one of the first Indian women officers to be posted as Officer Commanding of the Indian Army Overseas Dental Institution in Bhutan — a highly prestigious foreign assignment awarded to officers of exceptional merit. Major Dias is the daughter of Group Captain Joe Peter Matthew Dias and Anne Elizabeth Dias, both originally from Mapusa.

Together, Wing Commander Pereira and Major Dias represent the growing strength and recognition of Goan women in India’s defence services. Their achievements not only mark milestones in the armed forces but also inspire a new generation of young Goans — especially women — to pursue service, excellence, and leadership on a national and global scale.

These are not just individual milestones; they are moments of collective pride for Goa and for India.