Tag: Pramod Sawant

Events in Goa

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant Inaugurates First-Ever Goa Book Festival 2026 in Panaji

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

In a landmark moment for Goa’s cultural calendar, the first-ever Goa Book Festival 2026 was inaugurated on February 4 at the D.B. Bandodkar Ground in Panaji by Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa, Dr Pramod Sawant, marking the beginning of a five-day celebration dedicated to books, ideas, art and dialogue. The inaugural ceremony brought together eminent dignitaries including Prof. Milind Sudhakar Marathe, Chairman of the National Book Trust, India, Dr Kiran Thakur, Chief Patron of the Goa Book Festival and Chairman of Lokmanya Cultural Foundation, Shri Prasad Lolayekar, IAS, Secretary (Education), Government of Goa, Shri Rajesh Pandey, Trustee, NBT and Chief Convenor of the Pune Book Fair, and Shri Yuvraj Malik, Director, National Book Trust, India.

Following the inauguration, the Chief Minister visited the book stalls and explored the festival’s special exhibitions, including “Goa: Stories of Light and Delight,” along with exhibitions commemorating 150 years of Vande Mataram and the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. He also spent time at the Authors’ Corner and the Children’s Pavilion, interacting with participants and appreciating the diverse range of literary, educational and creative activities curated as part of the festival. The ceremony also featured the unveiling of a special video presentation capturing the spirit of the Goa Book Festival and showcasing the cultural and natural beauty of the state.

Expressing his happiness at the launch of the festival, Dr Pramod Sawant lauded the National Book Trust, India for bringing the initiative to Goa and encouraged citizens to support the Goa Book Festival with the same enthusiasm as other popular festivals in the state. He highlighted that the festival goes beyond book sales by offering cultural performances and child-centric activities, and urged NBT to make the festival an annual fixture in Goa’s cultural calendar.

Addressing the gathering, Prof. Milind Sudhakar Marathe reflected on the enduring value of books, quoting author George R. R. Martin to emphasise how reading enriches lives. He noted that books act as silent companions offering guidance and emotional support, and said that if visitors could find answers to why to read, what to read and how to read, the festival would have fulfilled its purpose. He further stressed that the vision of a Viksit Bharat rests on informed and thoughtful citizens, making the cultivation of readers an essential foundation.

Dr Kiran Thakur described the Goa Book Festival as an initiative that would give the state a distinct literary identity, noting the participation of over 200 publishers offering books in English, Hindi, Marathi and Konkani. He spoke of India’s rich intellectual heritage and expressed confidence that the festival would grow into a major hub of literary dialogue, reflecting Goa’s pluralistic and inclusive cultural ethos.

Shri Yuvraj Malik, delivering the vote of thanks, remarked that the Goa Book Festival filled a long-standing gap in the state’s cultural landscape. He encouraged visitors to take home at least one book that could inspire or influence their lives, underscoring the transformative power of reading.

The festival opened with vibrant children’s activities including puppet-based storytelling, cartooning workshops inspired by Mario de Miranda, drawing sessions and poster-making activities. The first day concluded with a graceful Ganesh Vandana, a Kathak performance by Laheja – The School of Performing Arts, and a lively musical performance by the 24K India Band, creating a celebratory close to Day One.

Organised by the National Book Trust, India under the Ministry of Education, in association with the Government of Goa, Samarth Yuva Foundation and Lokmanya Cultural Foundation, the Goa Book Festival 2026 features over 250 book stalls by more than 100 publishers, special exhibitions, cultural performances and interactive sessions for readers of all ages. With free entry, a 10% discount on all books, and daily timings from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM from February 4 to 8, the festival sets the foundation for a lasting cultural tradition that celebrates books as bridges connecting ideas, generations and imaginations.

Politics

Goa Legislators’ Day to Be Celebrated on January 9 at Secretariat

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa Legislators’ Day will be celebrated on January 9 at the Secretariat, marking an important occasion that honours the contribution of legislators in shaping the democratic and legislative framework of the State.

Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant will address the function, highlighting the role of elected representatives in strengthening governance, democratic values, and public service delivery in Goa. The event is expected to bring together legislators, senior government officials, and members of the administration.

The programme will also feature J M Vyas, Vice Chancellor of the National Forensic Science University (NFSU), Gujarat, as the guest speaker. His address is expected to focus on contemporary governance challenges, institutional strengthening, and the evolving role of policy and law in ensuring transparency and accountability.

Goa Legislators’ Day serves as a platform to reflect on the responsibilities of lawmakers and to reaffirm the State’s commitment to democratic ideals, effective legislation, and people-centric governance.

The annual observance underscores the importance of collaborative efforts between policymakers and institutions in guiding Goa’s progress and development.

Events in Goa

CM Pramod Sawant Inaugurates 5th Kala Srujanotsav 2025 at Sankhali

allycaralgoa

Sankhali, Goa — Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant inaugurated the 5th edition of Kala Srujanotsav 2025, an annual cultural celebration organised by the Sarkari Karmachari Saunskrutik Manch Goa, at Ravindra Bhavan, Sankhali.

The event aims to spotlight the rich artistic traditions of Goa while offering a vibrant stage for government employees to showcase their multi-disciplinary talents—from performing arts and visual art to music, drama, literature and craftsmanship.

The inaugural ceremony witnessed enthusiastic participation from employees across various departments, along with lively cultural performances that reflected Goa’s diversity and artistic depth.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant highlighted the importance of cultural engagement in strengthening community bonds, promoting creativity, and nurturing the artistic expression of government employees.

He noted that platforms like Kala Srujanotsav not only preserve Goa’s cultural identity but also motivate individuals to explore their creative potential beyond professional roles.

The festival continues to serve as an enriching opportunity to celebrate unity, artistic excellence, and cultural pride—bringing together communities, families, and art lovers from across the state.

Events in Goa

Goa to Host Grand Open-Air Inauguration for IFFI with Carnival & Shigmo Floats

Tanisha Cardozo

The International Film Festival of India (IFFI) will open this year with a grand open-air inaugural ceremony in Panaji, marking a first in the festival’s history. The celebration will feature a spectacular parade of Carnival and Shigmo floats that will move from the Old Secretariat to the Old GMC Complex, setting the tone for a vibrant and cinematic beginning. The red carpet and formal inauguration will take place in front of the Old GMC building, where arrangements are being made to accommodate between 2,000 and 2,500 guests.

A total of 26 film-themed floats will participate in the opening parade, including 12 from Goa, showcasing the state’s artistic and cultural diversity. To recognize creativity and craftsmanship, the best five floats will be awarded. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant confirmed that this is the first time the IFFI inauguration will be held in front of the Old GMC building and clarified that rumors suggesting a venue change due to the FIDE event were unfounded.

With the streets of Panaji set to come alive in color, music, and cinematic flair, this year’s IFFI promises to blend Goa’s festive culture with the magic of world cinema in a truly grand celebration.

Goan Personalities

New Curti-Khandepar Panchayat Ghar to Be Named After Late Former CM Ravi Naik

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The upcoming New Panchayat House Ghar will soon stand as a tribute to one of Goa’s respected leaders, former Chief Minister and Agriculture Minister late Ravi Naik. In recognition of his enduring contributions to the state and his legacy in strengthening agricultural and local governance initiatives, the Panchayat body has unanimously resolved to name the new building in his honour.

Sarpanch Naved Tehsildar shared that the process of land acquisition for the construction of the new Panchayat House Ghar is nearing completion. He expressed gratitude for the cooperation and support extended by Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, who has assured full assistance in ensuring the timely execution of the project.

“The Panchayat body has taken a resolution to name the new Panchayat House after former Chief Minister and Agriculture Minister late Ravi Naik as a mark of respect for his immense contribution to public service and governance,” said Tehsildar. He added that the foundation stone for the project will soon be laid, marking a significant milestone in local infrastructure development.

This decision has been welcomed by residents and local representatives alike, who view it as a fitting tribute to a leader remembered for his dedication to rural progress, governance reforms, and the betterment of Goa’s agrarian community. The new Panchayat House Ghar is expected to serve as a vital centre for local administration and community activities, carrying forward the values of service and commitment that Ravi Naik embodied throughout his political career.