Sports

President Droupadi Murmu Honours North East United FC with Durand Cup Victory Award


Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral

In a proud and historic moment for Indian football, the North East United Football Club (NEUFC) was honoured with the President’s Cup by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan in recognition of their victory in the 2025 Durand Cup Tournament.

The prestigious ceremony saw Bollywood actor John Abraham, owner of the football club, receiving the award alongside the team’s captain Redeem Tlang. The occasion was also graced by top-ranking officials including the Vice Chiefs of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, members of the Durand Football Tournament Society, and the Durand Cup Organising Committee.

Held in the heart of India, this award ceremony marked a significant milestone for the team and its management. John Abraham, known for his passion for football and commitment to the sport, expressed heartfelt joy as he accepted the award from the Hon’ble President, symbolising a moment of national recognition for North East Indian football talent and its growing prominence.

The Durand Cup, one of the oldest football tournaments in the world, holds a deep-rooted legacy tied to the Indian Armed Forces, highlighting their historical role in promoting sports and fostering unity. The recognition of NEUFC’s victory is not just a celebration of their achievement but also a tribute to the club’s journey, resilience, and commitment to excellence in Indian football.

As football continues to grow in popularity across the country, this moment will be remembered as a landmark achievement for NEUFC and a proud chapter in India’s sporting history. The honour further reinforces the power of sport in uniting diverse communities and inspiring future generations.

EduConnect

Inter-School Independence Day Quiz Promotes National Unity & Integrity in Goa


Bicholim, Goa, August 18, 2025: As part of the 79th Independence Day celebrations, Vedanta Sesa Goa-Iron Ore hosted the Inter-School Independence Day Quiz 2025 for high school students from Maem, Bicholim, Piligao, Mulgao, and Sirigao.

The competition saw participation from 8 enthusiastic teams, with Shri Shantadurga High School emerging as champions. Ideal High School secured second place, while Radhakrishna Vidyalaya High School finished third.

The prize distribution ceremony was graced by senior leadership from Vedanta IOG, including Dhirajkumar Jagdish (Dy CEO, IOG) and Santosh Mandrekar (Head-North & Central Cluster, IOG).

“We are delighted to witness such spirited participation from young students. Competitions like these not only celebrate our nation’s Independence but also inspire students to learn, explore, and grow with confidence,” said Dhirajkumar Jagdish, Dy CEO, Vedanta IOG.

Echoing the sentiment, Mr. Ganesh Gawde, Principal of Shri Shantadurga High School, expressed pride in his students’ achievement, calling it a reflection of their “hard work, dedication, and keen interest in learning beyond textbooks.”

The event was more than just a quiz—it was a celebration of India’s history, culture, and freedom struggle, while instilling values of teamwork, integrity, and national pride.

Vedanta Sesa Goa reiterated its commitment to nurturing young talent, promoting education, and empowering communities through its various initiatives across Goa and beyond.

National

A Proud Moment for Goa Police: 700 India Reserve Battalion Recruits Graduate from LBPA Assam


Panjim, August 12, 2025 — In a tangible demonstration of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat, 700 recruits of the India Reserve Battalion, Goa Police, have successfully completed their intense training at the prestigious Lasipara Battalion (LBPA) in Assam.

Training Excellence Across States

Goa Police commend the dedication and resilience of the IRB recruits who underwent a demanding training regimen at LBPA Assam—a facility renowned for its advanced methodologies and infrastructure. The training focused on upgrading combat readiness, tactical operations, and internal security preparedness.

Assam’s Generous Support

A heartfelt thank you to Hon’ble Chief Minister of Assam, Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, whose support in granting access to such high-quality training facilities has been a cornerstone of this successful initiative. His leadership enabled meaningful inter-state cooperation, setting a new benchmark for training standards.

Embodying National Unity

This collaboration resonates with the vision of a united and empowered India. By pooling resources and expertise, the two states reaffirm a spirit of national solidarity and mutual respect that elevates internal security readiness and governance.

Events in Goa

GOA RAJ BHAVAN ORGANISES ‘SARVA DHARMA SADASU’ TO CONDEMN PAKISTAN’S UNETHICAL ACTS AGAINST INDIA


May 10, 2025

In a powerful display of national unity and interfaith solidarity, the Goa Raj Bhavan today organized a ‘Sarva Dharma Sadasu’ (All-Religious Gathering) to collectively condemn the unethical and unwarranted actions of Pakistan against India. The event was held at the historic Durbar Hall of Raj Bhavan, Goa.

The gathering saw the participation of prominent religious leaders and representatives from various faiths including Hinduism, Christianity, Islam, and Sikhism. The solemn assembly was convened to express unwavering support for the Indian Armed Forces and the Union Government for their steadfast efforts in defending the nation’s sovereignty and integrity.

The Governor of Goa, Shri P. S. Sreedharan Pillai, and Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant, graced the occasion and addressed the gathering. In his address, the Governor emphasized the importance of unity and the timeless power of truth. “Dharma is truth, and truth will always prevail. Ultimately, evil will fail,” he stated, urging all citizens to stand united for the nation.
Religious leaders who spoke at the event included:
Padma Shri Awardee Adhyatm Shiromani Sadguru Brahmeshanand Acharya Swamiji, Fr. Lawrence, Fr. Noel D’Costa, Shri Gurmej Singh and Maulana Mohd. Irfan Raza.

Each speaker expressed heartfelt prayers and messages of support for the soldiers and the central leadership working tirelessly to safeguard India.


The ‘Sarva Dharma Sadasu’ served as a significant symbol of national unity and spiritual resilience, showcasing that irrespective of religious background, the people of India stand together in the face of external aggression.