Tag: Ponda

Travel

GTDC Signs MoU with NFSU to Host Cyber Commando Training at Farmagudi Residency

Tanisha Cardozo

In a progressive step blending national interest with innovative tourism infrastructure usage, the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) to host Cyber Commando Training Programs at the Farmagudi Residency in Ponda, Goa.

The formal signing took place in Panaji, with Prof. Naveen Kumar Chaudhary, Director of NFSU, and Shri Gavin Dias, General Manager (Marketing) Hotels, GTDC, executing the agreement. The ceremony was witnessed by key officials including Shri Deepak Narvekar, Deputy General Manager (Marketing), GTDC, and Shri Sunder Lal Sharma, Deputy Registrar, NFSU. Following the event, the NFSU delegation met with Dr. Ganesh Gaonkar, Chairman of GTDC, at Paryatan Bhavan to discuss the scope and impact of the partnership.

This MoU marks a significant milestone, not only by opening up GTDC’s Farmagudi Residency for a national security initiative but also by reinforcing the state’s “Goa Beyond Beaches” campaign. The initiative emphasizes developing the hinterland and promoting sustainable, diversified tourism experiences beyond Goa’s well-known coastline.

Dr. Ganesh Gaonkar expressed pride in the partnership, stating that this collaboration highlights how GTDC properties can serve national objectives while boosting regional tourism. He noted that the upcoming NFSU campus in his constituency would further strengthen these developments.

Shri Kuldeep Arolkar, Managing Director, GTDC, emphasized the innovative use of GTDC assets, underscoring the organization’s commitment to supporting initiatives of national importance and adapting its tourism offerings to new contexts.

Farmagudi Residency, the training venue, is situated in a peaceful, scenic location in Ponda, approximately 26 km from Panaji and 36 km from Dabolim Airport. The facility offers comfortable accommodations, landscaped gardens, and a tranquil atmosphere ideal for both intensive training and leisure.

This collaboration between GTDC and NFSU exemplifies the potential for public sector partnerships to align with national priorities while enhancing regional development and tourism. It represents a vision of integrated progress where infrastructure, education, and sustainable tourism go hand in hand.

Social

Goa Tourism Launches Homestay & BnB Scheme to Empower Women and Boost Hinterland Tourism

Tanisha Cardozo

Porvorim, 7th August 2025: In a landmark move, Goa Tourism has launched the Homestay and Bed & Breakfast Scheme, aimed at empowering women, revitalising rural tourism, and promoting community-led travel experiences. This new scheme was unveiled by Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, alongside Tourism Minister Rohan A. Khaunte and other key dignitaries at the PAC Hall, Secretariat.

🎯 What the Scheme Offers

This enhanced scheme—originally envisioned as a policy—now provides:

  • ✅ One-time grant of ₹2,00,000 for eligible homestays
  • ✅ Marketing support & listing on Goa Tourism platforms
  • ✅ Training, exposure visits, and capacity building programs
  • ✅ Subsidised participation in domestic trade fairs
  • ✅ Gold/Silver quality classification for homestays
  • ✅ Simplified registration via http://www.goaonline.gov.in

📍 Who Can Apply?

Homestay operators in seven key talukas are eligible:
Sattari, Sanguem, Dharbandora, Bicholim, Canacona, Ponda, and Quepem

🧑‍🎓 Empowering Women, Strengthening Communities

Tourism Minister Rohan A. Khaunte highlighted that many homestays are women-led, and this scheme is designed to boost women entrepreneurship, aligning with the broader “Goa Beyond Beaches” campaign.

“This is a strong vote of confidence in community-based tourism and the women behind it,” said Khaunte.

🌏 A Vision for ‘Goa Beyond Beaches’

By promoting Goa’s interior villages, culture, and natural heritage, the scheme supports the state’s goal to diversify its tourism economy and relieve pressure on the coastal belt. Director of Tourism Kedar Naik emphasized that the scheme reflects a shift toward inclusive and regenerative tourism.

📝 How to Apply

Applicants can register online or offline, with provisions for inspections, reclassification, and compliance monitoring. The scheme is valid for five years, with potential extensions by the Department.

🚀 The Impact

The Homestay & BnB Scheme isn’t just about accommodations—it’s about:

  • Shaping a decentralized tourism model
  • Building economic independence for women
  • Creating authentic travel experiences
  • Preserving Goa’s cultural and natural heritage

🔗 Final Word

This initiative reaffirms Goa’s position as a leader in sustainable, inclusive, and future-ready tourism.

Human Interest

Ponda’s Tejas Kovlekar Joins Indian Army’s Remount Veterinary Corps

allycaralgoa

In an inspiring story of dedication and compassion, Captain Tejas Kovlekar from Ponda, Goa, has been commissioned as a doctor in the Indian Army’s Remount Veterinary Corps (RVC)—a unit that manages the training, welfare, and medical care of animals in the Army. The corps operates under the motto ‘Pashu Seva Asmakam Dharma’ – ‘Service to animals is our duty.’

Tejas completed his military training in May 2025 and was commissioned as a Captain in June. His passion for animals has been lifelong, and according to his father, Nitin Kovlekar, who works at Goa Dairy, Tejas always had a soft spot for animals. His mother, Nikita, is a PWD employee.

After his 12th-grade education at GVM College, Ponda, Tejas surprised his family by choosing veterinary studies over traditional career routes. He cracked a competitive entrance at Kankavli, where only six out of 135 students were selected. He pursued veterinary medicine at a reputed college under Nagpur University in Mumbai.

Though his first attempt at the highly selective Army veterinary exam was unsuccessful, Tejas reapplied, cleared the rigorous five-day selection process, and successfully completed his training. The exam is known for its difficulty, with only a handful of candidates making it through nationally.

Tejas now joins the ranks of just four Goans who have served in the Army’s Veterinary Corps—a rare honour. He follows in the footsteps of Col Richmark Fernandes from Nuvem, who previously served as a UN peacekeeper in South Sudan.

His journey is a testament to determination, discipline, and the power of turning passion into purpose. Goa salutes its new Captain.

Health

Healthway Hospitals extends healthcare services to Ponda with ‘Healthway Nursing Home’

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~ The recent commissioning of the multispeciality Healthway Nursing Home at Ponda will help to extend its facilities to residents of Ponda and surrounding regions.

Panaji, June 2025 – Healthway Nursing Home, Ponda, a unit of Healthway Hospitals, was recently commissioned with full-time services, including emergency services, pharmacy, diagnostics (both laboratory and imaging) as well as ambulance services, which will all be available 24×7 to residents of Ponda and nearby areas.

With the aim of continuing the legacy of the hospital formerly known as Dr Jayant Kamat Nursing Home, this new unit of Healthway Hospitals has been commissioned with renewed commitment and enhanced facilities as a multispeciality centre. The Healthway Nursing Home, Ponda, will also continue to offer state-of-the-art IVF treatment services, as before.

“Healthway Hospitals is a tertiary care superspeciality teaching hospital located at Old Goa. It already has a multispeciality unit in the capital city of Panaji and an Assistance & Information centre at Calangute. The recent addition of the multispeciality Healthway Nursing Home at Ponda will help to extend its healthcare facilities to the people of Ponda and surrounding regions,” said Dr Virendra Gaonkar, chairman of Healthway Hospitals Goa.

“Healthway Hospitals is always committed to providing comprehensive healthcare for all patients. Being NABH (National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers) accredited, Healthway Hospitals is a Kidney & Corneal Transplant Centre and the first Superspeciality Tertiary Care Teaching Institute in the private sector in the State of Goa conducting post graduate DNB (Diplomate of National Board) courses for students besides the Advanced Trauma Life Support course recognised by the American College of Surgeons,” he also said.

Events in Goa

Shigmotsav 2025 in Ponda, sets the stage for a cultural extravaganza

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Ponda, March 2025 – The much-anticipated statewide Shigmotsav celebration commenced with grandeur and enthusiasm from Ponda on March 15. The spectacular Shigmotsav parade organised by the Ponda Taluka Antruz Shigmotsav Samiti in association with the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, featured traditional Romtamel performances, folk dances, fancy dress and elaborate floats, set off from Tisk-Ponda, attracting large crowd eager to witness Goa’s rich cultural heritage.

The event saw the presence of esteemed dignitaries, including Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant; Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte; Hon’ble Minister of Agriculture and MLA, Ponda Shri Ravi Naik; Hon’ble Member of Rajya Sabha. Shri Sadanand Shet Tanavade; President, BJP Goa Pradesh, Shri. Damu Naik; Director Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik, and others graced the occasion and extended their best wishes to the participating artists and performers.

While addressing the gathering Hon’ble CM Dr. Pramod Sawant said, “Shigmo and Carnaval play a vital role in enhancing the state’s happiness index, celebrating Goa’s rich traditions and cultural heritage. Shigmo, in particular, has provided a grand platform for local artists to showcase their talent and traditional art forms. With festivals like Shigmo offering a unique experience, more tourists are now visiting the state to be part of these vibrant celebrations.

He further highlighted that Ponda, temple town of the state, is home to some of Goa’s most revered temples. He called for collective efforts to enhance its beauty and preserve its cultural significance.

Emphasizing the importance of sustainable tourism, he stated that it is a shared responsibility that promotes responsible travel, reduces environmental impact, and encourages active community participation. He also commended the Tourism Minister for his dedication to promoting Goa’s cultural tourism on the global stage.

Speaking at the event, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte stated, “Shigmotsav is a celebration of the Goan spirit—our traditions, our art, and the deep-rooted stories that have been passed down through generations. Through regenerative tourism, we are showcasing local traditions and village-level events to draw tourists to Goa’s hinterlands. The tourism event calendar is regularly updated, with festivals like Shigmo receiving special focus.”

A massive crowd gathered in Ponda to witness and experience the extravaganza of the event, immersing themselves in the vibrant celebrations and cultural splendor.

The Shigmotsav parades will continue across Goa in the coming days, bringing vibrant celebrations to different towns. After Ponda, the festivities will take over in Quepem on March 17, and Curchorem on March 18. On March 19, the celebrations will reach Shiroda, continuing to Calangute and Bicholim on March 20, Vasco on March 21, and Panaji on March 22. The streets of Mapusa and Sanguem will come alive on March 23, while Cuncolim will host a grand parade on March 24. The vibrant processions will then move to Pernem and Canacona on March 25, Dharbandora on March 26, Valpoi on March 27, and Sanquelim on March 28, before concluding in Mandrem on March 29.

Goa Tourism invites visitors and locals to immerse themselves in the festivities and witness the grandeur of one of Goa’s most significant cultural celebrations.