Tag: Poetry

Sports

Global Chess League Season 3: Caruana, Giri, Hou, and Praggnanandhaa Headline SG Pipers’ Star-Studded Squad

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo

The Global Chess League is set to return for its highly anticipated third season, and this year brings a historic first—the tournament will be held in India, a country deeply rooted in chess tradition and boasting a rapidly expanding fan base. Scheduled from December 13 to 24, the event will feature the Alpine SG Pipers as one of its most promising teams, with a carefully assembled roster of global chess elites and rising stars.

Retaining their core from last season, the SG Pipers will once again be led by R Praggnanandhaa, who was named Player of the Season in 2024, and Hou Yifan, the current World No.1 among women. These two remain the cornerstone of the team, offering a potent mix of talent, experience, and popularity.

Joining them this year are four high-profile additions. Fabiano Caruana, the American Grandmaster and former World Championship challenger, comes on board as the team’s Icon Player. Anish Giri, a well-established super-GM known for his consistent top-level play, joins the lineup as one of the Superstar Men. From Georgia, Nino Batsiashvili brings both experience and firepower as Superstar Women, having previously won an Olympiad gold medal. And adding youthful energy is Indian prodigy Leon Luke Mendonca, a player known for his fearless and creative style on the board.

The team will be coached by Grandmaster Pravin Thipsay, who expressed full confidence in the squad’s balance and depth. “This is a solid and balanced team,” Thipsay said. “Fabiano brings world-class strength, Anish is extremely reliable, and our retained players—Pragg and Hou—are already fan favorites and strong performers. Nino adds proven international experience, and Leon represents the next generation of Indian chess. I believe we are in for an excellent season.”

The league’s arrival in India also marks a pivotal moment for the sport’s growth in the region. Mahesh Bhupathi, CEO of SG – Media – Entertainment, sees this as more than just competition. “The Global Chess League coming to India for the first time is a landmark moment for the sport and its growing community of fans here,” he said. “We aim to go beyond the game by building teams that not only compete but also inspire. With this incredible lineup, we’re looking to create something special.”

With India at the center of this edition and the SG Pipers boasting one of the most star-studded squads in the tournament, all eyes will be on the action come December.

Books & Literature

Zilu Gaonkar Urges Citizens to Use Govt Schemes and Promote Konkani Language

Tanisha Cardozo

Konkani writer, publisher, and teacher Zilu Gaonkar made a compelling appeal for citizens to adopt Konkani in their day-to-day lives and correspondence while encouraging greater awareness and use of government-supported language schemes. Speaking at a special Seva Pakhwada awareness program held at Government College, Khandola, he emphasized that the Directorate of Official Language provides Konkani language training for government employees and that it is now time for the public to follow suit by promoting and preserving the language through daily use.

The event was organized by the Directorate of Official Language in collaboration with the college and aimed to spread awareness of various language development schemes under the guidance of Goa’s Chief Minister and Minister for Official Language, Dr. Pramod Sawant.

Dr. Seema Salgaonkar, Vice Principal of Government College, welcomed the gathering and noted that preserving our mother tongue is a responsibility that lies with each of us. Meghnath Parab, Director of the Directorate of Official Language, cited the example of Dr. Raghunath Mashelkar, a distinguished figure from Mashel who received his early education in his mother tongue and went on to achieve national prominence.

Deputy Director Anil Sawant provided detailed insights into key schemes run by the department including “Amcho Gãv, Amchi Parampara, Ani Amchem Daiz” (Our Village, Our Traditions, and Our Heritage), the Language Development Scheme, and the Language Awards Scheme.

Senior Translator Seby Fernandes discussed the opportunities available in language-related careers in India and explained the work being done at the Directorate. Junior Translator Sneha Sabnis highlighted efforts in terminology creation and the translation of knowledge-based books into Konkani, making academic and professional content more accessible in the regional language.

Anil Sawant also expressed his thanks to all participants and attendees. The event was anchored by Konkani Professor Kiran Palkar and Hindi Professor Sachi Naik, with a large presence of students, faculty members, and parents — showing that language revival and promotion remain a shared concern across generations.

Events in Goa

Voices in Harmony: An Unforgettable Open Mic Evening at Carpe Diem – Majorda

Tanisha Cardozo

Carpe Diem – Majorda recently became the stage for an evening of heartfelt expression and shared experiences, as an Open Mic Evening unfolded in collaboration with Zeitgeist Goa and TEDx Panaji. Curated and hosted by Diya Padiyar and Loretta Rodrigues, the event revolved around the poignant theme “It’s About Time.”

From the very first act, the atmosphere was electric—filled with anticipation, warmth, and curiosity. The lineup reflected a beautiful mix of voices, perspectives, and forms of expression. Poetry, music, storytelling, and stand-up comedy wove a rich tapestry of emotion and creativity. Some performers were seasoned veterans, while others stood before an audience for the very first time. Each was met with equal respect and encouragement, creating a space where everyone felt heard and valued.

One particularly special moment was a debut stand-up performance that had the room erupting in laughter and applause. The crowd’s response reminded everyone of the unique magic that live, in-person storytelling can offer.

What made the evening even more special was the multilingual nature of the performances. Artists switched between languages with ease—blending cultures, experiences, and identities into their pieces. It wasn’t just the performers who took the spotlight. The audience, too, played an active role—offering questions, sharing their own reflections, and responding with visible emotion and support.

As the night drew to a close, a live band took over the stage, delivering soulful, heartfelt music that wrapped the evening in warmth. People left the venue smiling, inspired, and connected—not just to the performances, but to each other.

The Open Mic at Carpe Diem was more than just an event. It was a celebration of voice, presence, and the power of sharing your truth. Through collaboration and community, it became a moment in time where stories mattered, and every voice found its place.