Tag: Ponda

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JCI Ponda Honours Late Shri Ravi Sitaram Naik with Lifetime Achievement Award at 54th Installation Ceremony

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

JCI Ponda successfully organised its 54th Installation Ceremony on December 14, 2025, at Hotel Shakti Palace, Ponda, marking an important milestone and leadership transition within the organisation. The ceremony was attended by Jaycees, past presidents, junior Jaycee members and invited guests, reflecting the strong sense of unity and purpose that defines the organisation.

The event was graced by Chief Guest Dr. Kautuk Prabhu Bhatikar, Deputy Medical Superintendent of Shri Kamaxidevi Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Shiroda. The Guest of Honour was JFD Shabha Gauns, Zone President 2025, while JFM Adv. Mamta Naik, Zone President Elect 2026, attended as Special Invitee. Their presence added significance to the occasion, highlighting the role of JCI in nurturing leadership and community engagement.

During the ceremony, JC Adv. Chaitali Agarwadekar was sworn in as the 54th President of JCI Ponda, along with her Local Governing Board team. In her address, the newly installed president reaffirmed her commitment to strengthening community service initiatives, leadership development programmes and meaningful engagement among members. The outgoing president, JFM Vadiraj Inamdar, was felicitated and appreciated for his dedicated service and impactful leadership during his tenure.

A defining moment of the evening was the announcement of the Lifetime Achievement Award in honour of Past President Late Shri Ravi Sitaram Naik, recognising his outstanding and enduring contribution to JCI Ponda and society at large. Born and raised in Ponda, Late Shri Ravi Naik went on to become one of Goa’s most respected political leaders, serving the state with distinction for over four decades. He was elected seven times as a Member of the Goa Legislative Assembly from the Ponda and Marcaim constituencies and also served as Member of Parliament from North Goa.

His association with the Jaycee movement remained deep and unwavering. As the 12th President of JCI Ponda in 1984, he played a pivotal role in shaping the organisation’s growth and values. Even after his presidency, he continued to actively support JCI initiatives, participate in events, host visiting dignitaries and offer guidance to younger members. For nearly 41 years, he extended steadfast support to JCI Ponda’s Annual Running Race held on March 12 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Goa’s first Chief Minister, Late Shri Bhausaheb Bandodkar, helping transform it into a flagship community event.

Late Shri Ravi Naik’s encouragement of youth leadership, promotion of fitness and lifelong association with JCI brought immense pride to the Jaycee fraternity. His legacy, remembered with gratitude and respect, continues to inspire members to serve with integrity and commitment.

The ceremony concluded on a positive and reflective note, underscoring the organisation’s shared vision of leadership, service and continuity, while honouring a leader whose contributions will remain etched in the history of JCI Ponda.

Social

JCI Ponda to Felicitate Late Shri Ravi Sitaram Naik with Lifetime Achievement Award

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

JCI Ponda announced that Late Shri Ravi Sitaram Naik, former Chief Minister of Goa, MLA of Ponda, and Past President of JCI Ponda, will be honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award during the organisation’s 54th Installation Ceremony.

The award recognises his exceptional contribution to public life, his long-standing support to JCI Ponda, and his unwavering commitment to community development. The felicitation will be held on 14th December 2025 at Hotel Shakti Palace, Ponda, where Jc Adv. Chaitali Agarwadekar will take the oath as the 54th President of JCI Ponda along with her new team of office bearers for the year 2026.

The Lifetime Achievement Award reflects JCI Ponda’s respect and admiration for Shri Naik’s enduring legacy in public service and community engagement.

EduConnect

Swami Vivekanand Vidyaprasarak Mandal’s College of Commerce Hosts Inter Higher Secondary Elocution Competition on “AI and the Changing World”

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Swami Vivekanand Vidyaprasarak Mandal’s College of Commerce, Bori-Ponda, successfully organized an Inter Higher Secondary Elocution Competition at the Ponda Taluka level on November 13, 2025, held on the college campus with the thought-provoking theme, “AI and the Changing World.” The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from students of various higher secondary schools across Ponda Taluka, who delved into multiple aspects of artificial intelligence and its growing influence on society.

In his inaugural address, Principal Professor Achut P. Pednekar congratulated all participants and emphasized the increasing relevance of AI in education and professional life. He encouraged students to leverage AI as a tool for personal and academic growth while cautioning against over-reliance to preserve human creativity, critical thinking, and independent judgment.

The competition was judged by Ms. Savari Sainekar, Computer Teacher at M.F.S’s Higher Secondary School, and Mrs. Sonia Desai, Librarian of the host college. Both judges praised participants for their confidence, well-researched speeches, and eloquent delivery. Ms. Sainekar highlighted that “AI is not something to be feared but a valuable asset that can help us achieve our best potential,” while Mrs. Desai encouraged students to embrace learning as a lifelong journey.

Following a series of compelling speeches, the winners were announced. Mast. Lysander Dias from Smt. Prabhavati Ankush Shirodkar Higher Secondary School secured the First Prize, while Miss Honey Priya from Swami Vivekanand Vidyaprasarak Mandal’s Higher Secondary School was awarded the Second Prize. Miss Isha Borkar, also from Smt. Prabhavati Ankush Shirodkar Higher Secondary School, won the Third Prize, and Mast. Adil Hassan Momin from Dr. K.B. Hedgewar Higher Secondary School received a Consolation Prize. All participants were recognized with certificates of participation for their efforts and enthusiasm.

The programme concluded with Principal Prof. Pednekar once again congratulating winners and participants, reinforcing the importance of using technology wisely. The event was anchored skillfully by Ms. Florencia Souza, College Counsellor, and concluded with a formal vote of thanks and a group photograph, marking the end of an intellectually stimulating and successful event that ignited critical dialogue about the future of AI.

Goan Personalities

MLA Govind Gaude to Play Lead Role in “Desh Raag” — A Drama on Freedom Fighter Bala Raya Mapari

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In a unique blend of politics and performance, former Minister and current Priol MLA Govind Gaude is set to take centre stage in Parikrama Knowledge Terminus’ drama “Desh Raag.” The play, which celebrates the life and legacy of freedom fighter Bala Raya Mapari, will be performed at Rajiv Gandhi Kala Mandir, Ponda, on October 29 at 7 PM.

“Desh Raag” is a heartfelt theatrical tribute that brings to life the sacrifices and struggles of Bala Raya Mapari, a prominent figure in Goa’s freedom movement. The production aims to connect audiences with the emotional and patriotic journey of one of the state’s unsung heroes.

Govind Gaude’s participation in the drama has drawn significant attention and appreciation from the Goan art and cultural community. Known for his passion for culture and heritage, Gaude’s involvement highlights the importance of leaders actively engaging in preserving and promoting Goa’s artistic traditions.

The event promises to be a moving artistic experience that blends storytelling, music, and performance — offering audiences a glimpse into the spirit of patriotism and the resilience that defined Goa’s journey to freedom.

As the curtains rise at Ponda’s Rajiv Gandhi Kala Mandir, “Desh Raag” stands as a reminder that art continues to play a vital role in keeping history and heroism alive in the hearts of people.

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Stay tuned for more stories on Goa’s art, culture, and heritage at www.allycaral.com.

#faith

Spiritual Leaders Unite for Interfaith Dialogue in Ponda

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On September 12, 2025, the Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (Ponda unit) hosted an interfaith program titled “Spiritual Leaders: Guiding Lights to Humanity”, drawing participants from across Goa for an evening of reflection, dialogue, and spiritual enrichment.

The event began with a Quranic recitation by Mohammad Shah, President of SIO Ponda, and was convened by Simran Shaikh, President of GIO Ponda. In his inaugural remarks, Mr. Akbar Khan, President of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Ponda, emphasized the need for spiritual initiatives to foster peace and harmony in today’s world.

Key Highlights of the Program:

  • 🕊️ Fr. Victor Ferrao, Parish Priest of St. Xavier’s Church, Borim, spoke on the Christian concept of Agape—selfless love—as a transformative force to overcome hatred and division.
  • 🕉️ Arjunpriya Das, ISKCON member from Ponda, stressed that spiritual leaders must embody good character, respect all religions, and promote dialogue as a pathway to understanding.
  • ☪️ Maulana Usman Qasmi, Imam of ICG Islamic Centre, Mapusa, underlined the centrality of service to humanity in Islam, citing prophetic teachings about compassion for family, neighbours, and the needy.

The program concluded with Mr. Asif Hussain, President of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Goa Zone, who highlighted divine guidance through the Prophets, particularly Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), as the key to building lasting peace.

Around 160 participants from diverse faith backgrounds attended the event, which ended with a prayer by Ms. Ruksana.

By bringing together different faith perspectives, the program succeeded in underscoring a universal truth: that spirituality, compassion, and service are guiding lights to humanity.