Tag: #photography

Social

Chief Secretary Dr. V. Candavelou Emphasizes Integrity and Accountability During Vigilance Week 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

“Working with honesty and integrity in government is essential to fulfilling the very purpose of celebrating Vigilance Week,” said Chief Secretary Dr. V. Candavelou, speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural function held at the Secretariat’s Seminar Hall, Porvorim.

The event, organized by the Directorate of Vigilance, marked the beginning of Vigilance Week 2025 under the theme “Vigilance: Our Shared Responsibility.” The observance commemorates the birth anniversary of India’s former Home Minister, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who championed the values of accountability and service.

Dr. Candavelou emphasized that vigilance aims to ensure good, effective, and corruption-free governance. He noted that the celebration of Vigilance Week provides an opportunity to review policies, reassess administrative practices, and rededicate oneself to the ethical norms of serving people honestly.

In his address, Amarsen Rane, Director of the Department of Vigilance, stated that the government exists to serve people, and that public servants must remain vigilant, guided by conscience and the mission of the administration. “Vigilance means keeping a watchful eye on activities of personnel and taking prompt action to promote fair practices and integrity in official transactions,” he said.

Dr. Candavelou administered the oath of vigilance, reaffirming the commitment of all attendees to uphold honesty and transparency in their work. The event also featured a skit presented by artists from the Department of Art and Culture, illustrating the importance of vigilance in everyday governance.

As part of the observance, the Vigilance Department organized several public engagement activities, including skit and poster-making competitions, along with a state-level elocution competition featuring participants from colleges across Goa.

The inaugural ceremony was attended by senior officials including Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Information and Publicity) S. S. Gill, IAS, Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Revenue) Sandip Jaques, IAS, Secretary (Protocol) Sanjiv Gadkar, IAS, Secretary (Co-operation) Yatin Maralkar, IAS, and other departmental heads and staff members.

Vigilance Week serves as a reminder for public servants to introspect, reaffirm ethical conduct, and promote accountability in governance. As Dr. Candavelou highlighted, the celebration is not just symbolic but an opportunity to strengthen the foundations of public trust and uphold the values of integrity that define India’s administrative spirit.

Spotlight

DJ Ashton: From Goa’s Dance Floors to India’s Top Stages

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo

DJ Ashton’s journey into the world of music began as a childhood dream, nurtured by the vibrant cultural rhythms of Goa. Surrounded by music from an early age, Ashton found himself gravitating towards the DJ console, often accompanying his friend, DJ Jose and DJ Omar, to events and shows. It was during those early experiences that he learned the craft, watching closely and absorbing everything he could.

He started spinning at renowned clubs like Tito’s, Mambo’s, Butters, Cohiba, Cavala, and Thalassa—places that would become his second home. His major breakthrough came when he clinched the All-India Foster DJ Mastermix Contest, a win that firmly established him in the fiercely competitive DJ circuit. Over the past two decades, DJ Ashton has performed at Goa’s top venues including Club Leopard Valley, Southern Deck, La Calypso, Folga, and DTR Down The Road, all while sharing the stage with global names like Sick Individuals, DJ Da Fresh, and Eve Carey.

🎧Spinning His Way Across India

Currently, he holds a residency at Cavala, where his We Did Start the Fire Retro Fridays have become a staple of Goa nightlife. He is celebrated for his ability to blend genres effortlessly—retro, hip-hop, moombahton, old-school, Bollywood, Konkani mixes, and EDM—keeping dance floors alive until the early hours. Ashton believes that reading the crowd is an art, and he tailors every set to the emotional and rhythmic flow of the audience.

Beyond Goa, his talent has taken him to cities like Hyderabad and Pune, and to luxury events hosted by brands like WizCraft and MTV at venues such as JW Marriott New Delhi Aerocity. One of his most memorable gigs was a high-voltage New Year’s Eve party at Club Leopard Valley, and another, performing alongside The Doorben Band at a prestigious New Delhi event.

🎶Beyond the Decks: DJ, Educator, Dreamer

His professional toolkit includes the Pioneer CDJ2000nxs and DJM 900nx2 mixer—gear he swears by for its stability, quality, and flexibility. He is also working on his production, VDJ, further expanding his creative repertoire beyond live sets.

But his influence doesn’t end behind the console. Ashton co-founded Bass Nuts Music School (formerly BPM DJ Academy) with fellow artist Kay, to mentor the next wave of talent. The academy is a hub of creativity and learning, reflecting Ashton’s belief in giving back to the community that shaped him.

Staying current with global trends while maintaining his unique sound is a delicate balance Ashton has mastered. Influenced by the likes of Skrillex and Tiesto, he continues to explore and innovate within his music, fusing genres to create signature sounds. He adapts his approach whether it’s an energetic club night, a culturally rich Indian wedding, or a polished corporate event—each requiring its own rhythm and vibe.

Looking ahead, Ashton is working on original tracks that mix EDM, hip-hop, Afro-house, melodic techno, and Bollywood influences. His dream? To open his own nightclub someday—a space where music, culture, and community come together under one roof.

For DJ Ashton, music is not just a career—it’s a way of life. And he shows no signs of slowing down.

Fit & Fabulous

The 61 Most Iconic Emmy Awards Red Carpet Looks of the Past 15 Years

Tanisha Cardozo

With the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards just around the corner, hosted by comedian Nate Bargatze, all eyes are turning to the red carpet once again. Over the past 15 years, the Emmys have delivered some of the most unforgettable fashion moments in award show history, with bold, glamorous, and sometimes daring choices that continue to resonate far beyond a single evening.

Back in 2009, Blake Lively, despite not being a nominee, stole the spotlight in a sultry Versace gown featuring a plunging neckline and a dramatic high slit. Around the same time, Heidi Klum evoked Old Hollywood in a striking John Galliano for Christian Dior Couture dress that oozed Rita Hayworth-inspired elegance. Sarah Jessica Parker and Jennifer Aniston both embraced soft, romantic aesthetics in Chanel, perfectly complemented by tousled beachy waves.

Sequins and sparkle have never gone out of fashion at the Emmys. Mischa Barton, Keri Russell, and Kerry Washington all dazzled in full-sequined gowns, while stars like Julianne Moore in Christian Dior Couture and Claire Danes in Lanvin embraced vivid colors with confidence. Allison Williams’ Oscar de la Renta moment and Katie Holmes in minimalist Calvin Klein also proved that bold hues can be incredibly sophisticated.

Kiernan Shipka made a fashion-forward splash in 2013 with an architectural Delpozo dress that felt modern yet youthful. Gwen Stefani’s metallic Atelier Versace gown in 2014 brought edgy detailing to the fore, just as Lady Gaga later redefined elegance in a Brandon Maxwell black gown with an asymmetric neckline that flattered her petite frame and signature drama.

Color took center stage in 2018, particularly in the form of voluminous gowns. Tracee Ellis Ross made a powerful statement in pink Valentino Haute Couture, while Thandiwe Newton opted for a sleek, sculptural look by Brandon Maxwell. In 2021, Elizabeth Olsen wore a minimalist cape dress by The Row—designed by her sisters Mary-Kate and Ashley—while Emma Corrin broke the mold in Miu Miu, complete with a bonnet and dramatic manicure.

In more recent years, standout looks have continued to roll in. Ayo Edebiri’s 2024 Bottega Veneta leather gown was fresh, fearless, and bold, while Saoirse Ronan brought classic glamour in navy Louis Vuitton. Jessica Chastain shimmered in Gucci, Jenna Ortega stunned in Dior Couture, and Zendaya continued her reign as a red carpet queen in custom Valentino and later in Armani Privé.

These 61 red carpet looks from the Emmys aren’t just stylish—they represent the evolving language of fashion, femininity, and individuality on one of the industry’s most watched stages. With fashion playing an increasingly vital role in how stars present themselves, this year’s Emmys are sure to deliver more bold statements, high drama, and unforgettable moments.

Films

“I Am Nothing” Documentary on Vamona Navelcar Premieres to Acclaim in Lisbon

Tanisha Cardozo

I Am Nothing (2025), a deeply moving documentary chronicling the life of acclaimed Goan artist Vamona Navelcar, premiered to a captivated audience on September 5th at the prestigious Museu Do Oriente in Lisbon, Portugal. Directed by Ronak Kamat, with an original score by Ashley Fernandes and produced by Gurudas Kamat under 99 Petals MediaWorld, the hour-long film delivered an emotionally rich and visually arresting portrayal of an artist who defied borders and time.

With over 50 attendees filling the auditorium, the film was received with resounding success, sparking heartfelt responses, particularly from those who knew Navelcar during his transformative years in Mozambique and Portugal. The intimate setting of the museum, coupled with the personal and reflective nature of the film, created an atmosphere of reverence and nostalgia.

The documentary masterfully weaves together archival footage, personal letters, interviews, and artwork to paint a full picture of Navelcar—not just as an artist, but as a philosopher, teacher, and spiritual seeker. His journey from Goa to Mozambique, and eventually to Portugal, mirrors the complex intersections of art, exile, and identity, all of which are explored in the film with empathy and visual grace.

The Lisbon screening marks a significant milestone for the project, offering a meaningful return to a city that was once Navelcar’s creative and emotional home. The event drew not only art lovers and film enthusiasts but also members of the Goan and Lusophone communities, many of whom found the experience deeply personal.

I Am Nothing stands as a cinematic tribute to an artist who remained committed to his values and vision, often at great personal cost. The film’s title, taken from one of Navelcar’s own philosophical reflections, echoes throughout the narrative, offering viewers not just a biography, but a meditation on humility, resilience, and artistic truth.

With the Lisbon premiere complete, I Am Nothing is expected to continue its festival journey and wider public release, bringing Vamona Navelcar’s story to new audiences across the globe.

Films

Jonas Brothers Star in New Disney+ Holiday Comedy ‘A Very Jonas Christmas Movie’ Premiering Nov. 14

Tanisha Cardozo

The Jonas Brothers are trading concert stages for snow-covered chaos in their new holiday adventure, A Very Jonas Christmas Movie, coming to Disney+ on November 14.

In their first-ever holiday feature film, Joe, Kevin, and Nick Jonas star as themselves in a heartwarming — and hilariously unpredictable — story about doing whatever it takes to get home for the holidays. After a sold-out show in London, the brothers are determined to make it back to New York in time to spend Christmas with their families. But with a string of escalating misadventures standing in their way, the trip turns into a comical race against time involving stolen rides, snowy detours, and even a tense encounter with a pack of wolves.

Directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Jessica Yu (Breathing Lessons), the film promises both laughs and feel-good moments for viewers of all ages. Joining the JoBros is an impressive ensemble cast including Billie Lourd (The Last Showgirl), Laverne Cox (Doubt), KJ Apa (I Still Believe), Chloe Bennett, Randall Park (Shortcomings), Jesse Tyler Ferguson (Cocaine Bear), Andrea Martin (Only Murders in the Building), and legendary saxophonist Kenny G. Music producer and songwriter Justin Tranter also makes a special appearance as himself.

In the teaser trailer released on September 5, fans get a glimpse of the hijinks to come — from frantic dashes through London to snowy standoffs and sibling squabbles. With Kevin missing his kids, Nick FaceTiming wife Priyanka Chopra, and Joe keeping the energy chaotic as ever, it’s a nostalgic, comedic, and festive treat that promises to deliver all the holiday spirit.

A Very Jonas Christmas Movie marks a new chapter for the trio as they continue their 20th anniversary Jonas20: Greetings From Your Hometown tour, which is currently underway with the next stop at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California on September 6.

Whether you’re a long-time fan or just in the mood for some holiday cheer, this festive comedy is sure to be a must-watch this season.