Panaji, July 30: Recognising its sustained contributions to Goa’s IT ecosystem, Goa-based technology firm Kilowott was awarded at the GTA AGM & Awards Nite 2025, hosted by the Goa Technology Association.
The ceremony, held at a prestigious venue near Panaji, saw Caleb Fernandez, co-founder of Kilowott, receiving the award from Rajesh Revankar, Vice Chairman of ESC (Electronics and Computer Software Export Promotion Council), India.
The recognition highlighted Kilowott’s leadership in innovation, its consistent impact on the state’s tech infrastructure, and its commitment to building talent pipelines through partnerships with Goa’s top engineering institutions.
“We began our IT journey in Goa with a clear vision to tap into local potential and create meaningful employment opportunities. Over the years, that belief has only grown stronger,” said Fernandez.
The event was graced by key dignitaries including Hon’ble Minister for Information Technology Rohan A. Khaunte, STPI Director Ajay P. Shrivastava, MAIT Advisory Council Chairman Nitin Kunkolienker, and Goa’s IT Director Kabir Shirgaonkar.
From its headquarters in Porvorim, Kilowott has expanded its footprint to Margao in July 2025 to support its rapidly growing operations. It continues to recruit Goan engineers and tech professionals, reinforcing its commitment to the state’s digital ambitions.
With over 2,000 global projects delivered across Asia, Europe, and North America, Kilowott’s impact transcends borders, but its roots remain grounded in Goa.
Porvorim’s development journey took a meaningful leap with the inauguration of a vibrant new community space, comprising a modern Futsal Ground and a Recreational Hall for Senior Citizens.
The inauguration was led by Hon’ble Minister Rohan A. Khaunte, along with ZP Kavita G Naik, Sarpanch Swapnil Chodankar, and Panch members of Penha De Franca, in the presence of proud and excited residents of the locality.
This initiative is part of the ongoing “Fit Porvorim” movement — aimed at building infrastructure that promotes health, social well-being, and community engagement.
The Futsal Ground will serve as a hub for local youth, fostering active lifestyles, sportsmanship, and positive community interaction. On the other hand, the Recreational Hall for Senior Citizens is designed to promote mental and physical wellness, offering a space for leisure, community programs, and activities tailored for senior needs.
“Creating inclusive spaces for all age groups strengthens our community’s roots. Porvorim is leading by example, and today’s launch is a testament to that,” said Minister Rohan Khaunte during the event.
Children took to the Futsal field with enthusiasm, while senior citizens explored a thoughtfully designed hall featuring amenities for wellness, reading, and group activities.
As Porvorim continues to evolve, initiatives like these ensure no one is left behind — whether it’s the energy of youth or the wisdom of age, every resident now has a place to belong, connect, and thrive.
“Give Blood, Give Hope – Together We Save Lives” theme inspires awareness and gratitude
Porvorim, Goa | June 14, 2025 — Reinforcing the life-saving impact of voluntary blood donation, Goa observed World Blood Donor Day 2025 with a state-level function held at Porvorim, organised jointly by the Goa State Blood Transfusion Council (GSBTC) and the Goa State AIDS Control Society (GSACS).
Held under the global theme “Give Blood, Give Hope – Together We Save Lives”, the event brought together health officials, educators, volunteers, and donors to celebrate the spirit of giving and highlight the importance of safe and timely blood donation in saving lives.
The event was graced by a distinguished panel of guests and stakeholders from the health and education sectors, including:
Dr. Vandana Dhume, Project Director, GSACS
Shri Gaurish Dhond, Chairman, Indian Red Cross Society – Goa Chapter
Smt. Meghana Shetgaonkar, Director, SCERT
Dr. Uday Gaonkar, Principal, DEd College
Representatives from blood banks, NGOs, educational institutions, and donor groups
In her address, Dr. Vandana Dhume applauded Goa’s voluntary blood donors, especially the youth, for their life-saving contributions, and emphasized the need for continued awareness and participation.
“Every drop of donated blood carries the power to save a life. Let us build a culture where donation becomes second nature,” she said.
Shri Gaurish Dhond highlighted the long-standing role of the Red Cross in mobilizing donors and urged institutions to integrate blood donation drives into their yearly social responsibility activities.
🎖️ Donors Honoured, Youth Inspired
The program also featured:
Recognition of frequent and voluntary donors
Presentations on safe blood transfusion practices
Short films and testimonials from recipients and donors
A pledge ceremony encouraging first-time participants to become regular donors
Student representatives and educators from teacher training institutes participated actively, taking away both knowledge and inspiration to foster donation drives in their campuses.
“Today’s youth are tomorrow’s hope. If we cultivate giving early, we build a stronger, healthier society,” noted Dr. Uday Gaonkar.
🧬 The Message: Blood Donation is a Shared Responsibility
World Blood Donor Day serves as a global reminder that safe blood saves lives — during surgeries, childbirth, trauma, cancer treatment, and chronic conditions like thalassemia and hemophilia. Goa has consistently shown strong voluntary donor participation, but officials stressed the importance of ensuring year-round availability through regular drives.
The event also spotlighted how blood donation contributes to HIV/AIDS prevention, as each donation undergoes rigorous testing under GSACS protocols, thus ensuring both safe transfusion and early detection of infections.
🩷 Why It Matters:
One unit of blood can save up to 3 lives
Voluntary, non-remunerated donations are the safest and most sustainable
Regular donors help maintain stable blood supplies for emergencies
Porvorim, 17th April 2025 – In a significant step towards enhancing community sports infrastructure and promoting a healthy lifestyle among residents, Khelangan, a comprehensive multi-utility sports and recreation facility, was inaugurated on 16th April 2025 in Porvorim by Hon’ble Minister for IT & Tourism and MLA of Porvorim, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte.
The event saw the esteemed presence of Shri Kuldeep Arolkar, Managing Director, GTDC, senior officials from the Department of Tourism, Zilla Panchayat Member Kavita Gupesh Naik, Sarpanch Swapnil Chodankar, Sarpanch Sonia Sanjay Pednekar, and Panch members from Socorro, Penha de Franca, and Salvador Do Mundo, along with a large gathering of enthusiastic residents.
Speaking at the occasion, Hon’ble Tourism Minister Rohan A. Khaunte expressed his vision for creating a robust ecosystem that nurtures physical wellness, community bonding, and youth development through such grassroots-level initiatives. “Earlier, our children had to travel to Panjim or Mapusa for training and to access facilities. Today, right here in Porvorim, everything is available in one place—training grounds, a futsal ground, a laughter club, coaching facilities, and much more. These amenities are now fully accessible to the people of Porvorim. With the help and guidance of the Goa Cricket Association (GCA), especially Shri Suraj Lotlikar and the officials of the GCA, we are also bringing structured training programs for our youth. This will empower them with skills, opportunities, and a pathway to a brighter future. Futsal, which has become extremely popular among the youth, now has a dedicated ground right here. Alongside this, we have a badminton court and several other facilities to promote a healthy and active lifestyle.”
What was once available only in selected cities is now here for the people of Porvorim. The overwhelming turnout and enthusiasm of the public reflect the love for sports and community activities.
The commitment to ensuring that the best resources are made available with this inauguration proves that Porvorim is not just progressing—it is setting an example. Khelangan offers a variety of facilities including: A cricket training centre in collaboration with the Goa Cricket Association (GCA), A futsal court catering to the growing interest in the sport, A badminton court, A dedicated senior citizen sit-out area, Community activity zones such as a laughter club and coaching spaces
The project represents the shared commitment of local leadership and government bodies to bring world-class amenities closer to the people. It exemplifies the efforts of the Department of Tourism in supporting initiatives that go beyond tourism, actively contributing to the social and physical wellbeing of local communities.
Khelangan is envisioned as a dynamic hub where generations can come together, engage in physical activity, learn new skills, and strengthen the spirit of community living—making Porvorim a beacon of progress and inclusivity.
Known first information about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in written format began in Goa. It was by a Portuguese traveller Cosme De Guarda. He was eager to know about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as most of the Gomantak citizens were praising and inspired by him. He travelled to Kolhapur and various forts and described his courage , humanity and skills of being an ideal king . His description of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s forts with its uniqueness in architecture and a monumental structure with a vision has been captured for global citizens to understand and experience it.
Written, produced, and directed by the visionary Mahendra Mahadik, this majestic production has enthralled the country with houseful performances on a mega revolving stage.
Shiv Shahi is no ordinary play—it is a breathtaking reenactment of an era where valour, strategy, and sacrifice sculpted the destiny of a nation. The grand production boasts a cast of 150 and more artists, making history come alive with dazzling performances and awe-inspiring sequences. Spectators are transported to the 17th century as they witness real-life horses, bullock carts, a golden plough, and an 18-foot ship named Konkani navigating the stage in a masterstroke of immersive storytelling.
The massive five-floor set, crowned with a revolving tower and a 12-foot idol of Goddess Bhavani, amplifies the grandeur of the play. Every moment, every scene, is crafted to ignite the spirit of the audience, leaving them mesmerized and brimming with pride.
Scene that leaves the audience on the edge of their seats is the iconic confrontation between Shivaji Maharaj and the towering 7.5-foot Afzal Khan. Under the guise of diplomacy, Afzal Khan lured Shivaji into a false sense of security, intending to assassinate him. But Shivaji, ever the master strategist, was prepared.
Clad in a concealed metal armor, he thwarted Afzal Khan’s treacherous stab and struck back with unmatched swiftness. With the fabled waghnakh (tiger claws), he tore through the tyrant’s chest, securing a monumental victory that cemented his legacy as an undefeated warrior. The sheer intensity of this scene leaves spectators awestruck, celebrating Shivaji Maharaj’s brilliance in warfare.
Bringing Shiv Shahi to Porvorim, Goa, is no coincidence—it is a powerful reminder of Goa’s place in Shivaji Maharaj’s journey. The Maratha ruler had a deep connection with Goa, engaging in conquests that resisted Adil Shahs oppression and safeguarded culture. His commitment to protecting his people, his military prowess, and his undying devotion to Swaraj resonate deeply in this land.
Shiv Shahi is not just a play—it is a movement, a revival of the indomitable Maratha spirit. It reminds us that Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy is eternal, his ideals unshakable, and his courage a beacon for generations to come. As the curtains rise in Goa, the audience will not just witness history—they will feel its pulse, its roar, its unyielding call to honour the Maratha legacy.
Its not only a show but a movement and all the Goans who are always been a part of national movements irrespective of caste,creed,gender and religion can witness this MEGA MEGA PLAY . I appeal all Goans to be a part of this movement.
Alka Kubal playing role of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharajs mother is curious to be in Goa .
Mahendra Mahadik Writter , Director and Producer is very excited as this show is tailormade for Goa with Chhatarapati Shivaji Maharaj and its Goa connection.
Shantanu Moghe playing the lead role of Maharaj says I am speechless and when I read the script with Goa connect I was thrilled.
