An Advanced TV Anchoring Workshop is set to take place on March 1, 2026, in Panaji, offering aspiring anchors and media professionals an opportunity to refine their on-screen presentation skills. Scheduled from 2 pm to 5 pm, the workshop promises hands-on learning and practical exposure in a professional setup.
The programme will include teleprompter practice, a detailed studio walkthrough and advanced techniques of TV anchoring designed to enhance voice modulation, body language and camera confidence. Participants will also benefit from an interactive session with a guest anchor, who will discuss the pros and cons of working in the television industry, offering real-world insights.
With a registration fee of Rs. 5000 and only five seats available, the workshop aims to provide focused, personalised guidance. Interested participants are encouraged to register at the earliest by calling 7507051512.
The Rotary Club of Panaji Mid-Town will organise the Mathias Panaji Run 2026 on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at the SAG Sports Complex, Campal, Panaji, with the flag-off scheduled at 6.30 am. Now in its second edition, the run aims to bring together fitness enthusiasts, families and the larger community under the vibrant theme “Live Life in Colour,” inspired by the approaching festival of Holi.
The event will feature a 10 km timed run with winners declared across categories, a 5 km fun run and walk open to participants of all age groups with attractive prizes, and a special 1 km walk involving NAB Goa students and Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), reinforcing the message of inclusivity through sport. Cash prizes worth ₹1 lakh will be awarded across categories.
Speaking at the media briefing held in Panaji, Rtn. Gauresh Nayak, President of the Rotary Club of Panaji Mid-Town, emphasised that the Mathias Panaji Run 2026 goes beyond competition. He said that with the theme “Live Life in Colour,” the club wants Goa to celebrate not only colours but also the values of health, unity, inclusivity and joy. He added that the run is about community spirit, ensuring that everyone—irrespective of age or ability—feels valued and included. Nayak further noted that proceeds from the event will support Rotary’s flagship initiatives in education, healthcare, disability support, sanitation and medical aid.
Event Coordinator Ann Sheetal Pai Kane expressed confidence that the run will attract nearly 2,000 participants this year. She explained that organising the event in the heart of Panaji was a conscious decision to encourage greater participation from Ponjékars. She added that the event is designed not only for runners but also for families and friends who wish to come out, cheer and be part of the experience.
Gajanan Karkare, Secretary of the club, urged citizens to participate, stating that the run is an opportunity to focus on good health while also contributing to Rotary’s ongoing social causes that impact lives across Goa. Rtn. Sunil Pai Kane, Project Director of the event, was also present at the briefing.
The Mathias Panaji Run 2026 is title-sponsored by Joe Mathias and Mariola Mathias of the Mathias Group of Companies. The sponsors expressed pride in supporting the initiative, highlighting their commitment to promoting health, wellness and community spirit in Goa, and looking forward to a strong turnout on March 1.
Founded in 1998, the Rotary Club of Panaji Mid-Town functions under Rotary International District 3170 with the motto “Service Above Self.” The club undertakes five flagship initiatives—Saksharta, Sudharta, Sahayata, Swachhata and Sanjeevani—focused on education, healthcare, disability support, sanitation and medical aid. Through the Mathias Panaji Run 2026, the club once again aims to promote a healthy lifestyle while strengthening community bonding through sport.
“Goa is the best place for a young girl to grow up. Here, women are so empowered; I have a sense of confidence because I grew up in Goa,” said Rochelle Pinto, Head of Editorial Content at Vogue India, while addressing the centenary lecture of Clube Tennis de Gaspar Dias titled ‘Women in Leadership: How to Build a Career in Media’ in Panaji.
In conversation with Goan fashion designer Simran Dhond, Pinto reflected on how Goa’s multicultural environment and inclusive ethos shaped both her worldview and professional journey. She emphasised that in Goa, women are not treated as second-class citizens and that the State’s diversity creates a natural sense of equality. “It never occurred to me that I had to ask permission to take up space. Also in Goa, we have multiculturalism. There is a sense of equality and diversity, and we celebrate it. It is a world that almost looks like a fairy tale now. I think we need to all fight to protect that,” she said.
Pinto began her journey in media at the age of 11 as a child radio jockey at All India Radio, Goa. Despite now being a leading voice in fashion media, she shared that she did not grow up in a fashion-conscious environment, something she considers a blessing. Growing up as what she described as an “outsider” in a multicultural society gave her a deep sense of rootedness and curiosity. “There is a deep sense of rootedness because of being an outsider. As I grew up in a multi-cultural environment, there is a sense of curiosity, and I do not have a myopic view,” she said.
Now based in Mumbai with over 15 years of experience across print and digital platforms, Pinto has worked with leading brands such as Tweak India and the Condé Nast group. Throughout the interaction, she repeatedly underlined how being Goan has shaped her approach to storytelling and leadership. She explained that her Goan upbringing allows her to see individuals for who they are and engage with them at a human level, a quality that has helped her navigate the competitive media landscape.
Offering advice to young aspirants, Pinto stressed that talent alone is not enough to survive in the media industry. She spoke about the importance of ethics, resilience, and the ability to accept criticism. “Do whatever it takes to get the job done. You need to learn to do everything, as it gives you a sense of confidence and you know exactly what you are talking about. I am a doer and not a dweller,” she said, encouraging youngsters to build both skill and stamina.
She also addressed the common perception that women compete aggressively for limited opportunities. Dispelling the myth, she stated that women often support and uplift each other, both professionally and personally. During an interaction with the audience, Pinto described journalism as a field that still demands old-school rigour. “Journalists are like vultures; others see a carcass, but we see a full meal there. If you have that mentality, you can find a story anywhere,” she remarked, reinforcing the importance of fieldwork and curiosity in an evolving digital age.
Having also taught at Istituto Marangoni in Italy and St Paul’s Institute of Communication and Education in Mumbai, Pinto shared her perspective on the growing influence of artificial intelligence in media. She observed that fear of new technology is not new, recalling that similar anxieties existed even during the invention of the printing press. “Writers have to evolve their skillset. Maybe they may not be writing anymore as the medium will change. I am not worried but more fired up to hone my craft and new opportunities to express myself,” she said.
Her reflections served not only as a celebration of Goa’s empowering environment but also as a call to protect its inclusive and multicultural fabric. For many in attendance, Pinto’s journey stood as proof that confidence rooted in identity, combined with discipline and adaptability, can shape a successful career on both national and international stages.
The first edition of the Goa Book Festival 2026 concluded on Sunday, 8 February, at the DB Bandodkar Grounds, Panaji, marking a significant milestone in Goa’s cultural and literary landscape. Held from 4 to 8 February under the theme “An Ocean of Books”, the festival attracted an impressive footfall of over 1.25 lakh visitors over five days, reflecting a growing enthusiasm for books, reading, and meaningful dialogue across age groups.
Readers, writers, publishers, educators, students, and families came together for a packed programme that blended literature with cinema, history, spirituality, language, music, and art. One of the highlights of the final day was the session “The Many Lives of Sachin Pilgaonkar”, where the veteran actor-director reflected on language, cinema, and the role reading played in shaping his creative journey. Sharing anecdotes from his early years, he spoke about learning spoken Urdu under the guidance of Meena Kumari, refining Marathi with support from his wife and Ashok Saraf, and memorable moments from films like Sholay and Brahmachari. He concluded the session with a soulful rendition of “Kaun Disha Mein Leke Chala”, leaving the audience visibly moved.
Spiritual leader and author Acharya Prashant, in his session “Understanding the Self in Everyday Life”, addressed the deep dissatisfaction many experience in modern life. He spoke candidly about how people often chase validation and material markers rather than true inner satisfaction, encouraging introspection and honesty as pathways to lasting fulfilment.
The Author’s Corner remained a vibrant space for ideas and dialogue throughout the day. Events included the prize distribution ceremony for the photography competition themed “Goa: Festival & Culture”, a book release by noted Konkani writer Vithal Gavde (Parvadkar), and a panel discussion on the development of the Konkani language featuring eminent speakers from literary and academic circles. Conversations on education, ancient wisdom, and multilingual poetry further enriched the programme.
The Children’s Corner emerged as a major attraction, with nearly 500 students participating in interactive storytelling, folk dance and music performances, creative design sessions, and introductions to digital reading platforms like the Rashtriya e-Pustakalaya. Sessions celebrating Goa’s revived Kaavi Art drew enthusiastic participation from both children and parents, blending learning with hands-on creativity.
Evenings at the festival resonated with music and performance, culminating on the final day with an enthralling set by Kerala-based indie band Shanka Tribe, whose fusion of tribal rhythms and contemporary sounds created an immersive experience for audiences.
Across five days, the festival hosted conversations with prominent journalists, historians, filmmakers, legal experts, philosophers, authors, actors, and even an astronaut, ensuring wide-ranging engagement across disciplines. The book fair, featuring over 250 stalls from more than 100 publishers, remained abuzz throughout, with visitors exploring books in English, Konkani, Marathi, and several other Indian languages.
With strong participation, vibrant discussions, and a warm response from readers of all ages, the Goa Book Festival 2026 has laid the foundation for a lasting literary tradition in the state—one where books, ideas, and communities continue to meet and grow together.
Day 4 at the Goa Book Festival 2026 offered a rich and reflective journey through literature, philosophy, technology, law, history and creative engagement, bringing together some of the country’s most insightful voices. The DB Bandodkar Grounds buzzed with activity as families browsed bookstalls, tourists explored the festival out of curiosity, schoolchildren engaged enthusiastically with learning spaces, and college students participated in intellectually stimulating sessions.
At the Author’s Corner, the session “Stories of the Soul: Life, Death, and What Endures” featured author Medha Khasgiwale in conversation with Sanjay Chakrane. The discussion examined humanity’s fear of death and the misconception of identifying the self solely with the physical body. Drawing from philosophical and spiritual traditions, Khasgiwale spoke about the physical, subtle and conscious dimensions of human existence, presenting death as a transition rather than an end.
This was followed by “Moving Towards Digital Library”, led by Dr Sushant Tandel, Curator, Goa Central Library. Addressing librarians, he discussed evolving reading habits and the urgent need for libraries to adapt in the digital age. While acknowledging the vast availability of online information, he emphasised the role of librarians in verification, curation and authenticity. The session outlined digital library infrastructure and highlighted benefits such as wider access and round-the-clock availability.
The session “Translation & Accessibility: Making Literature Inclusive” explored how translation and emerging technologies, including AI, can expand literary access. In conversation with Purnanand Chari, Gopinath Vishnu Gawas stressed the importance of ethical and thoughtful use of technology to preserve originality and cultural nuance while bridging linguistic divides.
A Publishers’ Meet, organised by the National Book Trust (NBT) under the Ministry of Education, brought together 35–40 publishers from across India. Held in the presence of Shri Kiran Thakur, Chief Patron, Goa Book Festival; Shri N Sampath, Assistant Director (Exhibitions); and Shri Ashok Dhankar, Project Officer, the meet focused on ISBN facilitation, publisher support systems, visibility, and professional capacity building. Publishers offered suggestions to streamline processes and strengthen the national publishing ecosystem.
In “A Discussion on After Me, Chaos: Astrology in the Mughal Empire”, journalist M J Akbar, in conversation with Vedanta Agarwal, examined astrology’s role in Mughal administration. Drawing from historical sources, he explained how astrology influenced governance, military campaigns, succession and daily imperial life, positioning it as an institutional and rational decision-making tool rather than superstition.
Lawyer and author Sumant Batra discussed his book “The Life and Legacy of Arun Jaitley” with Vedanta Agrawal. The conversation highlighted Jaitley’s ability to build political consensus, his formative experiences during Partition, and his career as a lawyer and policymaker, offering insights into the values that shaped his leadership and public life.
At the Children’s Corner, creativity and learning continued to flourish as over 2,500 students participated in interactive sessions. Activities included “Let’s Design a Mascot” by Team NCCL, “Tell a Tale” by storyteller Akanksha Datta, and a Cartoon Making Workshop by cartoonist Ajit Narayan, introducing young minds to storytelling, problem-solving and visual expression.
The day concluded with ‘Shivpratap’, a powerful musical-theatrical production that poetically traced the life and vision of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Narrated through symbolic voices of nature, the performance brought history alive, capturing the journey from birth and mentorship under Rajamata Jijabai to the founding of Swarajya.
