Chief Minister Pramod Sawant attended the naming ceremony of the Ponda Sports Complex as the Ravi Naik Sports Complex at Ponda, marking a significant occasion for the region’s sporting infrastructure. The event was held in the presence of Sports Minister Ramesh Tawadkar, Commissioner for NRI Affairs Adv. Narendra Sawaikar, Chairman of the Rajiv Gandhi Kala Mandir, Ponda, Ritesh Ravi Naik, Director of Sports and Youth Affairs Dr. Ajay Gaude, and other dignitaries.
The renaming of the sports complex reflects recognition of contributions made toward the development of sports and community engagement in the region. The ceremony brought together government officials, sports administrators, and members of the local community, highlighting the importance of strengthening sports infrastructure in Goa.
The Ravi Naik Sports Complex serves as a key venue for sporting activities and youth engagement in Ponda. With continued investment in infrastructure and policy support from the state government, Goa aims to nurture talent and encourage greater participation in sports at grassroots and competitive levels.
The presence of senior officials at the ceremony underscored the government’s commitment to promoting sports as a vital component of youth development and community building. The renaming ceremony marks another step in enhancing facilities and recognizing individuals who have contributed to the growth of sports in the state.
NRI Commissioner Adv. Narendra Sawaikar inaugurated a week-long Short-Term Certificate Course in Technical Translation organized by the Directorate of Official Language in association with the Government College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Khandola, held at Marcel. The initiative aims to provide participants with enhanced technical translation skills, strengthening their proficiency in multiple languages and promoting professional and academic development in the field of translation.
The course is part of a broader effort by the Directorate of Official Language to enhance linguistic capabilities among students and professionals in Goa, enabling them to navigate the growing need for accurate and effective technical translation in education, administration, and industry.
By combining theory with practical exercises, the week-long program offers participants hands-on experience in translating technical documents, thereby preparing them to meet professional standards in multilingual communication. The collaboration with Government College Khandola ensures that academic guidance complements practical training, creating a robust learning environment for all attendees.
Through such initiatives, Goa continues to foster skill development and multilingual proficiency, equipping its youth and professionals to contribute meaningfully to both local and global contexts.
Panaji, Goa – In a proud moment for Goa’s green transformation and tourism innovation, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant inaugurated the state’s first private solar-powered passenger/cruise boat, M.V. LRAJ GREEN Solution, at a formal ceremony attended by top government officials and dignitaries.
The event was graced by Union Minister Shripad Naik, MP Sadanand Shet Tanavade, NRI Commissioner Narendra Sawaikar, and several other officials and stakeholders from Goa’s sustainability and tourism sectors.
The M.V. LRAJ GREEN Solution is the first fully solar-powered private boat in Goa. Designed for passenger cruises and eco-friendly tourism, the boat operates solely on solar energy, eliminating the need for diesel and reducing carbon emissions. The launch is a symbol of Goa’s commitment to renewable energy and sustainable tourism practices.
Chief Minister’s Statement
During the launch, CM Dr. Pramod Sawant remarked,
“Goa is not just India’s favorite tourist destination — it is also emerging as a leader in green tourism and clean energy adoption. The LRAJ GREEN Solution is a great example of what innovation and commitment to the environment can achieve.”
Why This Matters
This solar-powered boat opens the door to eco-tourism ventures in Goa that are cleaner, quieter, and more environmentally responsible. It sets a precedent for the future of transport and tourism in the coastal state, balancing economic growth with ecological responsibility.
What’s Next?
The success of the M.V. LRAJ GREEN Solution could inspire more private and public sector players to adopt similar sustainable innovations. With Goa’s natural beauty and growing tourist footfall, solar boats offer a perfect intersection of green tech and economic opportunity.
This is more than a launch — it’s a leap toward Goa’s green future.
Celebrating Communication, Confidence & Leadership at Its Best
Ponda, Goa | May 2025 — JCI Ponda proudly hosted the Valedictory Ceremony of Speechcraft 2025, marking the culmination of a transformative journey in communication, leadership, and personal development. The event brought together aspiring speakers, mentors, and dignitaries to celebrate the incredible progress of participants who committed themselves to growth and self-expression through the powerful platform of Speechcraft.
The evening was elevated by the presence of Chief Guest Shri Advocate Narendra Sawaikar, whose words of wisdom and encouragement resonated deeply with both the participants and attendees. His address emphasized the importance of communication as a cornerstone of effective leadership and public engagement, inspiring many young minds in the audience.
A special note of appreciation was extended to the driving forces behind Speechcraft 2025:
Pilot Faculty: JFM Hitesh Giriya
Co-Pilot Faculties: JC Dattaram Bicholkar and JC Anju Desai
Their commitment to mentoring and nurturing the participants played a pivotal role in transforming nervous speakers into confident communicators.
The presence of Zone President JFD Shaba Gauns and Acting Chairman of Speechcraft, JC HGF Dr. Shilpa Raghava Silveria, further added prestige to the event. Their support and words of encouragement reaffirmed the role of JCI in fostering leadership and self-development among youth.
The true stars of the evening were the participants of Speechcraft 2025, who impressed with their command over speech, poise, and presence. A special congratulations to our top five standout participants:
JC Vadiraj
JC Juhi
JC Jijith
JC Khyati
JC Bhushan
In addition, accolades were awarded to Outstanding Performers who truly raised the bar with their impactful oration:
JC Ansh
JC Amit
JC Sahil
Each participant received recognition not just for their final performances, but for their personal journeys of improvement, confidence-building, and camaraderie throughout the course.
The success of Speechcraft 2025 was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the entire JCI Ponda team. From planning to execution, every element was meticulously crafted to provide a platform for growth and inspiration.
“This journey was not just about learning to speak — it was about finding your voice and learning to lead with it,” said JC Saikrishna Mandrekar, Chairman of Speechcraft 2025.
The event was ably supported by:
JFD Shaba Gauns, Zone President
JC Vadiraj Inamdar, President, JCI Ponda 2025
JFM Muskan Naik, Secretary & Project Director
The Speechcraft program, long considered a flagship initiative within the JCI ecosystem, once again proved its value in empowering individuals to overcome stage fright, express ideas effectively, and lead with confidence. With each passing year, JCI Ponda continues to nurture the next generation of changemakers through programs like these.
As the curtains fell on Speechcraft 2025, the message was clear — communication is not just a skill, it’s a superpower, and every participant left the hall empowered to use it.
