From Goa’s coastline to a landlocked city, a children’s art initiative developed by the Goa-based Children’s Art Studio and co-supported by the Museum of Goa is carrying marine education beyond the sea. Phytoplankton World: The Unseen Heroes of Marine Life will be presented in Bengaluru from January 16 to 25 at Freedom Park as part of Makkala Hubba under the larger BLR Hubba cultural festival.
Rooted in Goa’s coastal ecology, the immersive project introduces children to phytoplankton—microscopic marine organisms that form the foundation of ocean life and play a crucial role in regulating the Earth’s climate. Designed for children aged four to twelve, the experience transforms complex marine science into accessible learning through glow-in-the-dark installations, sensory environments and hands-on creative activities, reflecting how Goa’s close relationship with the sea can inspire environmental learning far beyond its shores.
Aligned with the philosophy of Makkala Hubba, a children-focused platform known for its emphasis on climate awareness and sensorial engagement, the project invites young visitors into an underwater-inspired space where curiosity drives learning and exploration unfolds through making and play.
Sharada Kerkar, Director of the Museum of Goa and Co-Founder of the Children’s Art Studio, said the project originated from a personal encounter with bioluminescence. She recalled kayaking at night in Vasco and witnessing the sea glow in shades of green and blue, caused by phytoplankton. The experience, she said, sparked a desire to create glowing environments that others could experience while learning about these unseen marine heroes.
The project evolved through extensive research into various types of phytoplankton and their forms, which were visualised at an enlarged scale through sketches, digital 3D imagery and architectural models. The team experimented with glow-in-the-dark and reusable materials to suit the underwater theme, eventually shaping an immersive environment that guides children through a layered learning journey.
Artist and educator Tincy Paulose from the Children’s Art Studio described the creative process as deeply engaging, noting that working with glowing materials brought out a sense of wonder and play. She said the project went beyond art-making, becoming a space for discovery and learning about the fascinating world of microscopic marine life.
Two guided workshops form a central part of the programme. Glow Beneath the Sea allows children to create glowing sea creatures while learning about the marine food chain and the foundational role of phytoplankton. Glow Microscopic Worlds encourages participants to imagine and design glowing phytoplankton inspired by organisms such as diatoms, dinoflagellates, cyanobacteria and coccolithophores, translating scientific knowledge into creative expression.
The Goa Forest Diversity Festival 2026 will be held from 17th to 19th January at Art Park, Campal, Panaji. The three-day festival is being organised by the Goa Forest Development Corporation Ltd. (GFDC) with the aim of celebrating Goa’s rich forest heritage, biodiversity and indigenous knowledge systems, while fostering a deeper connection between nature and local communities.
Dr. Deviya Rane, while briefing the media, stated that the festival is envisioned as more than just an event. She described it as a celebration of Goa’s forests and the cultural, ecological and social values rooted within them. Against the backdrop of growing environmental challenges, the festival aims to promote conservation awareness in an engaging, inclusive and accessible manner for people of all age groups.
She outlined three key objectives of the Goa Forest Diversity Festival: to educate and sensitise citizens, particularly children and youth, about forest conservation and biodiversity; to celebrate traditional wisdom, culture and sustainable practices rooted in forest ecosystems; and to foster a shared sense of responsibility towards protecting and preserving Goa’s natural heritage.
Over the course of three days, the festival will offer a vibrant mix of education, culture and celebration. One of the major highlights will be the Angon Experience, an immersive traditional space that brings indigenous practices to life through live demonstrations, storytelling and interactive sessions. Dr. Rane described Angon as a signature attraction that will offer visitors rare insights into sustainable forest-based living.
The festival will also feature authentic tribal cuisine, showcasing traditional forest-based food practices and flavours. A Green Bazaar will be set up to display eco-friendly products, forest produce and items that promote sustainable living.
Cultural performances will form a key component of the festival programme, including traditional folk dances such as Morulo, Jagor acts, Fugdi and other regional performances. A special musical performance by Sonia Shirsat is scheduled on Day 1, while band performances will take place on Day 2 and Day 3.
The festival will also spotlight inclusion through performances such as the Goff Dance on Wheels by the Disability Alliance for Inclusive Goa, along with impactful theatre productions like “Mhaka Naka Plastic”, which convey strong messages on conservation and social responsibility.
Dr. Rane emphasised that the Goa Forest Diversity Festival is a one-of-its-kind initiative, thoughtfully curated to bring together conservation, culture, inclusion and community engagement on a single platform. She also revealed that a special surprise element has been planned and will be unveiled during the inaugural ceremony.
Appealing to the media, Dr. Rane sought their continued support in spreading awareness about the festival and encouraging public participation, highlighting the vital role of media in taking the message of conservation beyond the venue and into homes across Goa.
Citizens are invited to visit Art Park, Campal, from 17th to 19th January 2026 and be part of this unique celebration of nature, culture and community.
The deep sea, still full of mysteries, holds not just the secrets of human origins but also clues to our long-term sustenance and preservation. To unlock its hidden potential, India’s Deep Ocean Mission was launched on 7th September 2021 by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) with the aim to develop technologies for exploring and sustainably utilising the deep ocean’s living and non-living wealth. With an overall investment of ₹4,077 crore spread across five years, this mission is not a one-time dive – it will unfold in phases and is designed as a full-throttle national project, driving forward India’s Blue Economy, which includes all marine-based industries – from fishing and shipping to biotechnology and tourism.
Exploring these depths could provide solutions to global challenges like climate change. Recognising this, the United Nations designated the 2021–2030 decade as the ‘Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development’. India’s unique geography, with 7,517 km of coastline, nine coastal states, and 1,382 islands, gives it a strategic advantage. In the Government of India’s Vision for New India 2030, the Blue Economy has been placed among the ten core growth dimensions. The Ministry of Earth Sciences is leading this multi-agency effort to tap into ocean resources and build a ₹100 billion maritime economy, transforming deep-sea potential into sustainable prosperity.
One of the mission’s key elements is the development of technologies for deep-sea mining and a manned submersible. India is building a self-propelled vehicle named MATSYA 6000, which can transport three individuals to depths of 6,000 meters. This advanced submersible will support India’s future ambitions in commercial mineral exploration. Alongside it, an integrated mining system is being developed to extract polymetallic nodules from the deep sea in the Central Indian Ocean. Another component is the development of ocean climate change advisory services. This includes creating models to understand and predict key climate variables, contributing to climate adaptation and promoting coastal tourism.
The mission also focuses on technological innovations for exploration and conservation of deep-sea biodiversity. This includes bio-prospecting deep-sea flora, fauna, and microbes, with a view to promoting sustainable use of biological resources and boosting marine fisheries and allied services. Through the Deep Ocean Survey and Exploration component, India aims to identify multi-metal hydrothermal sulphide sites along the Indian Ocean mid-oceanic ridges. In terms of energy and freshwater, the mission proposes a proof-of-concept Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) powered desalination plant, contributing to offshore renewable energy development.
To support marine biology and innovation, the Advanced Marine Station for Ocean Biology will be established. This centre will focus on translating research into industrial products, fostering ocean-related entrepreneurship and manufacturing, and building talent through on-site incubators.
The Samudrayaan Project was launched under this mission to deliver on the deep-sea exploration goals. MATSYA 6000, the manned submersible, is designed for a 12-hour operational period and 96-hour emergency capability. It features high-density lithium-polymer batteries, underwater acoustic communication, drop-weight escape systems, and safety vests for life support and health monitoring. The vessel is a spherical titanium-alloy structure with a diameter of 2260 mm and wall thickness of 80 mm, capable of withstanding 600 bar pressure and sub-zero temperatures. The titanium sphere was welded using Electron Beam Welding (EBW), a highly specialised process developed by ISRO’s Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre after over 700 trials. The welding was tested with advanced non-destructive techniques such as Time-of-Flight Diffraction (TOFD) and Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT).
MATSYA 6000 is being developed collaboratively by the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), the Ministry of Earth Sciences, and ISRO’s Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre. The vehicle has already undergone rigorous dry integration testing up to 500 meters to validate system functionality. Between January and February 2025, wet trials were held at L&T Shipyard in Chennai to assess flotation, control, safety, navigation, and communication systems. Scientific payloads such as oceanographic sensors were also tested.
The demonstration phase included eight dives—five unmanned and five manned. These trials rigorously tested life support systems and the submersible’s performance under real conditions. On August 5 and 6, 2025, India achieved a major milestone with its first ever 5000-meter deep-sea dive. This was conducted in collaboration with IFREMER, the French marine research institute, using their submersible Nautile. Indian aquanauts Senior Scientist Raju Ramesh and Commander Jatinder Pal Singh (Retd) completed successful seven-hour dives, collecting vital data and hands-on operational experience.
The Indian team gained insights into pre-dive procedures, buoyancy control, manipulator operations, flag placement, sample collection, deployment and retrieval, trajectory tracking, and acoustic communication. The Indo-French collaboration is instrumental in advancing the MATSYA 6000 programme, which has already realised and tested the titanium hull, syntactic foam, variable ballast system, and emergency drop-weight mechanisms. Open ocean testing, shallow water demonstrations, and full system integration are scheduled through 2026 and 2027, with deep-water tests and scientific dives set for 2027–28.
India has also made progress in autonomous underwater vehicle development. In December 2022, the Ocean Mineral Explorer (OMe 6000), an autonomous vehicle, explored depths of 5,271 meters in the Central Indian Ocean Basin. Deployed using the research vessel Sagar Nidhi, it surveyed polymetallic manganese nodule-rich zones, helping to map seabed biodiversity and mineral distribution.
India’s Deep Ocean Mission, through these achievements, is expanding indigenous capability in ocean science and engineering. By entering the elite club of deep-sea exploration nations, India is setting the stage for long-term strategic, scientific, and environmental leadership in marine research and resource development.
Tucked away in the eastern corner of Asia, Japan is a fascinating country that seamlessly blends traditional and modern culture. From its rich history and vibrant cities to its breathtaking landscapes and delectable cuisine, Japan is a destination that has something for everyone.
Japan’s history dates back to the Paleolithic era, with the earliest known inhabitants arriving around 30,000 BCE. Over the centuries, Japan has evolved through various periods, including the Samurai era, the Meiji Restoration, and the post-war economic miracle. Today, Japan is a thriving democracy and a major player on the world stage.
Japan’s cities are a testament to its unique blend of tradition and modernity. From the neon-lit skyscrapers of Tokyo to the historic temples of Kyoto, each city has its own distinct character.
Tokyo: Japan’s capital city is a bustling metropolis with a population of over 13 million. Visit the famous Tsukiji Fish Market, take a stroll through the beautiful Imperial Palace East Garden, or explore the trendy Harajuku district.
Kyoto: This historic city is home to countless temples, shrines, and gardens. Visit the iconic Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion), stroll through the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, or explore the traditional Gion district.
Osaka: Known as the “nation’s kitchen,” Osaka is a food lover’s paradise. Visit the famous Dotonbori neighborhood, try some delicious street food, or explore the historic Osaka Castle.
Japan’s natural beauty is just as impressive as its cities. From the snow-capped mountains of the Japanese Alps to the stunning coastlines of Okinawa, there’s no shortage of breathtaking landscapes to explore.
Mount Fuji: Japan’s iconic mountain is a must-visit for any traveler. Take a day trip to the Fuji Five Lakes region, hike to the summit, or simply admire its beauty from afar.
Nikko National Park: Located just a few hours north of Tokyo, Nikko is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its ornate temples and shrines. Explore the Toshogu Shrine, dedicated to the deified spirit of Tokugawa Ieyasu, or hike through the beautiful mountains and lakes.
Okinawa: Located in southern Japan, Okinawa is a tropical paradise famous for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and unique Ryukyu culture. Visit the famous Shuri Castle, explore the beautiful Kerama Islands, or simply relax on the beach. Delicious Cuisine
Japanese cuisine is world-renowned for its fresh ingredients, simple preparation methods, and unique flavors. From sushi and ramen to tempura and yakitori, there’s a wide variety of delicious dishes to try.
Sushi: Japan’s national dish is a must-try for any traveler. Visit the famous Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo, try some delicious sushi at a local restaurant, or take a sushi-making class.
Ramen: This popular noodle soup is a staple of Japanese cuisine. Visit the famous Ichiran Ramen in Fukuoka, try some delicious tonkotsu ramen in Kyushu, or explore the various regional ramen styles.
Tempura: This popular Japanese dish consists of lightly battered and deep-fried seafood and vegetables. Visit the famous Tempura Kondo in Tokyo, try some delicious tempura at a local restaurant, or take a tempura-making class. Unique Culture
Japan’s unique culture is a fascinating blend of traditional and modern elements. From its vibrant festivals and celebrations to its ancient temples and shrines, there’s always something new to discover.
Cherry Blossom Festival: Japan’s famous cherry blossom festival (Hanami) is a must-experience for any traveler. Visit the famous Ueno Park in Tokyo, attend a traditional Hanami party, or simply admire the beautiful blossoms.
Traditional Tea Ceremony: Japan’s traditional tea ceremony (Chanoyu, Sado or Ocha) is a unique and fascinating experience. Visit the famous Urasenke Foundation in Kyoto, attend a traditional tea ceremony, or take a tea-making class.
Sumo Wrestling: Japan’s ancient sport of sumo wrestling is a thrilling and unique experience. Visit the famous Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo, attend a live sumo tournament, or take a sumo-wrestling class.
