Sports

Dempo SC Clinch Goa Monsoon Football Premier League 2025 in Style


Dempo Sports Club delivered a footballing masterclass as they overpowered Dempo Juniors 6-1 to win the Goa Monsoon Football Premier League 2025 in a thrilling finale at Duler Stadium, Mapusa.

The match began evenly, with both teams locked at 1-1 by halftime, but it was in the second half that Dempo SC showed their true colorsโ€”scoring five unanswered goals and completely dismantling the oppositionโ€™s defense.

The star of the night was Murphy Fernandes, who not only scored a goal but also provided two assists, orchestrating play with flair and precision. His creative spark and attacking drive turned the tide in Dempo SCโ€™s favor, earning him deserved accolades.

This win reaffirms Dempo SCโ€™s dominance in Goan football and sets a strong precedent for future campaigns. The team’s tactical discipline, attacking prowess, and team spirit were evident throughout the league and culminated in this resounding victory.

Heartiest congratulations to the champions and best wishes for their journey forward.

Social

Goa GSB Sports & Charitable Trust Donates Stationery to Aastha Anand Niketan School for Special Children


Panaji, July 2025: In a heartfelt act of service and community outreach, the Goa GSB Sports & Charitable Trust donated stationery items worth โ‚น20,000 to Aastha Anand Niketan, a school in Mapusa devoted to educating and empowering children with special needs.

The Trustโ€™s teamโ€”comprising President Sidhit Raiturker, Secretary Venkat Biche, Treasurer Siddharth Ghanekar, and trustees Kapil Angle, Kapil Borker, Pranav Biche, and Adv. Sachin Sardesaiโ€”personally visited the school to hand over the supplies. They were joined by Shant Rama Gudanwar, a respected businessman and social worker with longstanding ties to the school.

During the visit, Dr. Chandrashekhar M. Kelkar, Secretary of Aastha Anand Niketan, welcomed the guests and shared insights into the schoolโ€™s journey. He spoke about the challenges and triumphs in providing quality education to differently-abled children and highlighted the schoolโ€™s upcoming milestone: a shift to a newly constructed building funded by the Rotary Club. The new premises are expected to vastly improve the schoolโ€™s facilities and learning environment.

The Goa GSB Trust praised the institution for its remarkable efforts in fostering inclusive education. โ€œWe are truly inspired by the dedication shown by the educators and caretakers here. This is more than just a schoolโ€”it is a place of hope, learning, and transformation,โ€ said the Trust members during their visit.

The Trust also reaffirmed its commitment to continuing such initiatives that bring lasting impact to underserved communities and promote inclusivity in education and society.

EduConnect

St. Xavierโ€™s College Hosts Awareness Programme on International Day Against Drug Abuse


Mapusa, Goa โ€“ June 26, 2025 : St. Xavierโ€™s College, Mapusa, took a strong stand against the growing crisis of substance abuse by organizing an educational and awareness session on the occasion of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

The event, held on campus on June 26, 2025, aimed to sensitize students about the dangers of drug abuse, its ties to mental health struggles, and the importance of reaching out for help. A total of 247 students from the Arts, Commerce, Science, and Self-Financed streams actively participated in the programme.

๐ŸŽค Expert Voices on Youth and Substance Abuse

The session featured two key resource persons:

  • Dr. Sneha Pokle, Senior Consultant Psychiatrist
  • Ms. Meghna Jadhav, Clinical Psychologist
    Both are associated with the State Tele-MANAS initiative at the South Goa District Hospital, Margao.

Dr. Pokle spoke candidly about the mental health dimensions of substance abuse, urging students to recognize early warning signs and resist the glamorization of drugs on social media and in pop culture.

โ€œMental illness and addiction are closely linkedโ€”and both thrive in silence. Letโ€™s break that cycle,โ€ she said.

Ms. Jadhav introduced students to the Goa Governmentโ€™s Tele-MANAS mental health helpline, stressing that confidential support is available to anyone experiencing stress, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts.

โ€œIf youโ€™re struggling, donโ€™t isolateโ€”reach out. Tele-MANAS is free, private, and always listening,โ€ she reassured.

๐Ÿซ Collegeโ€™s Ongoing Commitment

Setting the tone, Prof. Afonso Botelho, Nodal Officer against Drug Abuse at St. Xavierโ€™s, reaffirmed the collegeโ€™s commitment to promoting awareness and fostering resilience among students.

โ€œAt Xavierโ€™s, we strive to nurture informed, responsible, and resilient individualsโ€”empowered to make conscious, life-affirming decisions.โ€

The event was coordinated with the support of:

  • Dr. James Dโ€™ Souza (Botany)
  • Ms. Zarina Chowdari (Commerce)
  • Mr. Clarence Rodrigues (Chemistry)
  • Mr. Prasad S. Naik (Political Science)

Their collective effort helped deliver a powerful and practical message to the student body, underlining the importance of vigilance, compassion, and proactive action in combating drug abuse.

The event concluded with an earnest appeal for students to be allies in this critical fightโ€”not just for themselves, but for their peers and communities.

EduConnect

Dnyanprassarak Mandal College and Research Centre Celebrates 117th Anniversary and Golden Jubilee Year at Assagao, Mapusa


Assagao, Goa โ€“ June 20, 2025:
Dnyanprassarak Mandal College and Research Centre (DMC), one of Goaโ€™s most historic and prestigious educational institutions, proudly commemorated its 117th Anniversary alongside the grand celebration of its Golden Jubilee Year at its campus in Assagao, Mapusa. The dual milestone marks over a century of academic excellence and fifty years since the college’s establishment, underscoring its enduring contribution to higher education in Goa.

Distinguished Guests Grace the Occasion

The celebration saw the presence of eminent dignitaries who lauded the institution’s legacy and future vision. Advocate General of Goa, Adv. Devidas Pangam, and Commissioner cum Secretary (Revenue), Shri. Sandip Jacques, IAS, were among the prominent guests. The event was also honored by Shri Kiran Hanumant Shirodkar, Chairman of Dnyanprassarak Mandal, along with other notable leaders and members of the education community.

A Legacy of Education and Empowerment

Founded in 1908, Dnyanprassarak Mandal College has played a pivotal role in shaping the academic and cultural landscape of Goa. Over the years, the institution has evolved from its modest beginnings into a vibrant centre of learning, offering diverse undergraduate and postgraduate programs, fostering research, and nurturing talent across disciplines.

The Golden Jubilee Year celebration marks 50 years of the collegeโ€™s commitment to excellence in education, research, and community engagement. The institution continues to uphold its mission of empowering students with knowledge, values, and skills to thrive in an ever-changing world.

Celebrations and Future Aspirations

The anniversary function featured cultural performances, felicitations, and speeches reflecting on the collegeโ€™s journey and aspirations. Leaders highlighted the collegeโ€™s unwavering dedication to fostering innovation, inclusivity, and academic rigor.

In his address, Chairman Shri Kiran Hanumant Shirodkar expressed pride in the institutionโ€™s achievements and reiterated a commitment to further strengthening the collegeโ€™s role in Goaโ€™s educational advancement.

A Bright Path Ahead

As Dnyanprassarak Mandal College and Research Centre steps into the future, it remains dedicated to nurturing the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and changemakers. With its rich heritage and progressive vision, DMC continues to be a beacon of learning in Goa, inspiring students and faculty alike.

#faith

Mapusa Gears Up for Annual Milagres Feast on May 5


The town of Mapusa is abuzz with excitement as it prepares for the annual Milagres feast, a significant event in Goa’s cultural and religious calendar. The feast, also known as the Feast of Our Lady of Miracles, will be held on May 5 at St Jerome Church and is expected to attract thousands of devotees from across the state.


The nine-day Novenas preceding the feast began on April 26 and will culminate with vespers on May 4. On the feast day itself, several Masses will be held, starting at 5:30 am, followed by services at 4:00 pm and 5:15 pm. The Novenas during the weekdays will feature Masses at 6:30 am, 8 am (Novena), and 6 pm (Novena and Salve), while Sundays will have additional Masses at 6:30 am, 7:45 am (Novena), 9 am (English), and 6 pm (Novena and Salve).


To complement the religious festivities, the church authorities have organized a five-day entertainment extravaganza, Milagres Fiesta 2025, within the church compound. The event will feature three Konkani dramas on different days, along with various other programs, including games and housie, starting from the feast day.


The Milagres feast traditionally heralds a week-long fair along the thoroughfare leading to the church, adding to the festive atmosphere and attracting visitors from across the region. As the town prepares for this significant event, devotees and visitors alike can look forward to a celebration of faith, tradition, and community.