Tag: Personal Growth

Personal Grooming

The Modern World’s Emotional Marathon: Why Mental Fitness Is the New Superpower?

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Hitesh Giriya

We live in a time when burnout is worn like a badge of honor and emotional exhaustion has become routine. Productivity is praised, and pushing through is glorified. But slowly, a new understanding is emerging: what got us here won’t get us through what’s next.

We’re not just working more—we’re emotionally sprinting. The pressure to achieve, the chase for perfection, and the noise of social comparison have turned life into a high-stakes marathon. But most of us are running on fumes.

The truth we’re waking up to? Resilience isn’t about pushing harder. It’s about recovering smarter. It’s about equipping ourselves mentally and emotionally for the long haul—with clarity, compassion, and consistency.

Mental Fitness Is the New Resilience

Your mind is not fixed. Thanks to neuroplasticity, you can reshape how you think, feel, and act—at any age. Emotional strength, like physical fitness, is built through training.

Here’s how to build yours:

1. Name Your Emotions

When you label how you feel—“I’m anxious,” “I’m overwhelmed”—you shift from reactivity to reflection. This calms your emotional brain and activates your rational thinking.

2. Respond, Don’t React

Pause before responding. Emotions are signals, not commands. Create space between trigger and action. This is the foundation of emotional mastery.

3. Set Boundaries

Protect your energy. Learn to say no without guilt. Set limits on social media, work hours, and draining conversations.

4. Rethink Stress

Stress isn’t always bad. Reframing it as a message instead of a threat helps you extract meaning and reduce fear.

5. Accept the Uncontrollable

Not everything is within your power—and that’s okay. Focus your energy on what you can influence: your mindset, your actions, your attitude.

6. Rituals Build Resilience

Morning journaling, evening walks, gratitude practice—small habits anchor us during uncertainty. It’s not about intensity; it’s about consistency.

7. Practice Self-Compassion

Be kind to yourself. Emotional fitness doesn’t mean always feeling great—it means supporting yourself when things aren’t.

8. Keep Perspective

No emotion is permanent. Remember: “This too shall pass.” Holding a broader view helps you weather temporary storms.

Resilience Isn’t Stoicism—It’s Adaptability

Suppressing emotions isn’t strength—it’s avoidance. Real resilience is feeling fully and choosing to move forward anyway. It’s reaching out, taking breaks, and resetting when needed.

The Bottom Line

In this emotionally intense era, your mindset is your most valuable asset. The world may not slow down—but you can strengthen your response to it. Because your mind isn’t the victim of your mood. It’s the commander of your calm.

So next time the emotional storm hits, remember: you have the tools to rebuild, rewire, and rise.

Human Interest

JCI Ponda Hosts Memorable Valedictory Ceremony of Speechcraft 2025

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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.

Events in Goa

Speechcraft 2025 Inaugurated with Grandeur at Seasons Hotel & Spa, Goa

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Margao, Goa | May 23, 2025 — The serene ambiance of the Seasons Hotel & Spa in Fatorda, Margao, became the cradle of transformation as JCI Ponda, under the umbrella of JCI India Zone 11, inaugurated its much-awaited flagship initiative — Speechcraft 2025. This prestigious 3-day residential public speaking and leadership development program officially commenced on the evening of May 23, 2025, amidst an atmosphere of inspiration, enthusiasm, and excellence.

Speechcraft is more than just a training program — it is a journey of personal empowerment, where participants step out of their comfort zones to explore the art of impactful communication, develop their self-confidence, and emerge as responsible and articulate leaders.

With over 50 eager participants in attendance, Speechcraft 2025 began with a resounding message: that communication is the cornerstone of leadership and transformation.

The inaugural session was honored by the presence of Dr. Ketan Bhatikar as the Chief Guest. A well-respected educationist, visionary entrepreneur, and motivational speaker, Dr. Bhatikar addressed the gathering with words that were both empowering and thought-provoking. He emphasized the importance of public speaking as a lifelong skill and urged participants to embrace learning with an open heart and fearless mind.

Also gracing the event was JFD Shaba Gauns, Zone President of JCI India Zone 11, whose presence uplifted the morale of the organizing team and added immense value to the proceedings. Her commitment to youth empowerment and structured learning was echoed in her address to the participants.

The session was chaired by the Program Chairman, JFM Saikrishna Mandrekar, whose tireless dedication and visionary leadership brought Speechcraft 2025 to life. He welcomed the dignitaries, introduced the objectives of the program, and set the tone for a transformative weekend ahead.

True to JCI’s legacy of quality and mentorship, Speechcraft 2025 is powered by a faculty team of seasoned and passionate trainers:

  • JFM Hitesh Giriya – National Trainer
  • JC HGF Anju Dessai – Co-Pilot
  • JCI Senator Dattaram Bicholkar – Co-Pilot

Together, they bring a wealth of experience, infectious energy, and an unwavering commitment to nurturing future leaders.

A special highlight of the inaugural function was the release of the event souvenir, unveiled at the hands of all the dignitaries. This symbolic moment marked the beginning of what promises to be a transformational experience for every participant.

With a meticulously curated curriculum, interactive learning sessions, real-time speaking opportunities, and values of self-discipline and collaboration at its core, Speechcraft 2025 is poised to shape confident orators, thoughtful communicators, and responsible citizens of tomorrow.

“This program is a mission — a mission to instill courage, voice, and character in every participant. We believe that strong communication leads to strong communities.”
— JFM Saikrishna Mandrekar, Chairman, SpeechCraft 2025

“We are proud to support initiatives that create real, measurable impact. Speechcraft is a cornerstone of leadership development in JCI.”
— JFD Shaba Gauns, Zone President 2025

“JCI Ponda is honored to host this program and contribute to the vision of building better leaders through better communication.”
— JC Vadiraj Inamdar, President, JCI Ponda

“Behind every success story is a platform like Speechcraft. We’re proud to be the team behind it.”
— JFM Muskan Naik, Project Director

As the sun set on the first day, the spark of self-belief had already ignited among participants. With every session, interaction, and speech, the next three days promise to shape leaders who speak not just with words — but with vision, empathy, and conviction.

Stay tuned for more updates from the heart of Speechcraft 2025 – where voices rise, and futures are shaped.

Entertainment

Abigail Sena: A Passionate Content Creator and Influencer

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Abigail Sena is a vibrant and talented content creator and influencer who has made a name for herself in the digital world. With a passion for travel, lifestyle, and fashion, Abigail shares her unique perspective and inspires her audience to live their best lives.

A Journey of Self-Discovery and Growth

Abigail’s journey as a content creator began with a desire to share her thoughts, experiences, and passions with like-minded individuals. She started posting regularly on Instagram and Facebook, focusing on authentic content that aligned with her values. Through trial and error, Abigail refined her voice and experimented with different formats, building connections with her followers.

Empowered by Her Experience as Miss India Charming Face Ambassador

Abigail’s experience as Miss India Charming Face Ambassador was a transformative one. The title boosted her confidence, opened doors to personal and professional growth, and taught her valuable skills such as self-presentation, communication, and resilience. The experience encouraged Abigail to empower others, develop a strong network, gain exposure, and build credibility.

Achieving Balance and Prioritizing Self-Love

Abigail prioritizes setting boundaries, being intentional with her time and energy, and staying flexible to maintain a balance between her personal and professional life. She focuses on organization, goal-setting, and delegation to maintain productivity at work. Personally, Abigail prioritizes quality time with loved ones, self-care, and activities that bring her joy. By prioritizing sleep, nutrition, exercise, and mindfulness, Abigail maintains a sense of balance and nurtures both her career and personal life.

Creating Authentic and Inspiring Content

Abigail enjoys creating content around lifestyle, personal growth, travel, and food. She’s passionate about sharing insights on self-care, self-love, and wellness, as well as exploring new places and cultures. Abigail’s goal is to create authentic content that inspires and empowers her audience to live their best lives.

Staying Current with Industry Trends

Abigail stays updated with influencer marketing trends by following industry blogs, podcasts, and websites, attending webinars and conferences, and engaging with her audience. She also experiments with new content formats, platforms, and tools to remain flexible and responsive to changes in the industry.

Collaborating with Brands and Promoting Positive Body Image

Abigail enjoys working with brands on User-Generated Content (UGC) campaigns, creating authentic and relatable content that resonates with her audience. She prioritizes transparency, creative freedom, and audience engagement when collaborating with brands. Abigail also aims to promote positive body image and self-acceptance on her platform, sharing authentic content, celebrating diverse body types, and creating self-love content.

Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Self-Love

Abigail has faced struggles with self-doubt and burnout as a content creator. She overcame these challenges by practicing self-compassion, setting boundaries, and incorporating self-care. Abigail believes self-love is essential and encourages others to prioritize their well-being, starting with small practices like gratitude journaling and taking breaks.

Exploring the World and Finding Inspiration

Travel has been a source of inspiration and growth for Abigail. Her favorite destinations include India, Paris, Positano, and Edinburgh, each offering a unique blend of culture, beauty, and personal memories that continue to inspire and rejuvenate her.

Events in Goa

10th International Conference on Life Skills Education to be held in Goa

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Panaji, Goa – February 2025: The Indian Association of Life Skills Education (IALSE), in collaboration with the Nirmala Institute of Education, is set to host the 10th International Conference on Life Skills Education (ICLSE 2025) from February 27 to March 1, 2025, in Panaji, Goa. This prestigious event will bring together educators, policymakers, researchers, and practitioners from across the globe to explore the theme, ‘Life Skills Integrated Learning and Living: Pathways for a Sustainable Future.’

At the press conference held on 25th Feb 2025, Dr. M. N. Musthafa, President of IALSE proudly stated, “It is with immense pleasure and delight that we announce that the Government of Goa received this concept with cent percent dedication. Today, the propagation of life skills within society is reflected in the NEP as well as the various policies and guidelines of the University Grants Commission (UGC) under the term ‘Jeevan Kaushal’. We hope that this conference will be a turning point in the educational landscape of the country where more than 100 experts will be sharing their expertise. Education must not move to a materialistic view. The value system of human kind has degraded and deteriorated and that has led to all kinds of problems like depression, disappointment, suicide, communalism, corruption, nepotism etc… Life skills education is a retake on what was there in the true educational process, including the nurturing from the family.”

The convenor of the conference, Dr. Delia Antao said, “It is a privilege for NIE to organise this international conference in association with IALSE, Chennai. This conference will give good exposure to teacher-trainees as well as to school students in Goa. During the conference, we will be having parallel sessions in schools.”

The conference will feature a series of symposiums, panel discussions, plenary sessions, thematic paper presentations, and interactive workshops covering critical topics such as:

• Life skills for personal growth and global competence

• Community empowerment and economic sustainability

• Education policies and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• Life skills in adolescent reproductive and sexual health education

• Addressing gender bias and inclusivity

• The role of artificial intelligence in digital well-being

Esteemed speakers from India and abroad, including academicians, government officials, social entrepreneurs, and NGO representatives, will share insights on how life skills education can shape future-ready individuals and communities. The event will also provide a platform for networking and collaboration among experts and stakeholders working in this field.

In addition to academic discussions, the conference will feature student-led sessions, cultural programs, and a dedicated NGO Conclave showcasing innovations in life skills education. The event will culminate with a Think Tank session focused on the implementation of life skills education under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 framework.

Dr. Russell D’Souza, Principal of Nirmala Institute of Education confidently claimed, “At Nirmala Institute of Education, we’ve always kept the core value of how can we contribute to society?” There are a lot of societal forces that influence the self-concept but how do we tide over all these difficulties? How do we problem solve, nurture certain abilities?”

Participants can register for the conference through the official IALSE website (www.ialse.net) before February 24, 2025. Late and spot registrations will also be available.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Ms. Pratiksha Shirodkar

Assistant Professor, Nirmala Institute of Education, Panaji, Goa

📞 +91-9284557229

📧 ialse.iclse2025@gmail.com