Tag: PramodSawant

Sports

CM Pramod Sawant Assures Full Support to Newly-Elected Goa Cricket Association Committee

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Written by Intern Queeny George M.H, Team Allycaral

The newly-elected Goa Cricket Association (GCA) managing committee, led by former Ranji Trophy cricketer Mahesh Dessai, received a strong assurance of support from Goa’s Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant.

In a courtesy meeting at his official residence on Monday, Sawant congratulated the new office bearers and said:

“As far as Goan cricket is concerned, I backed the committee earlier and will continue to support the new group.”

The elections saw a 6-0 clean sweep for the panel led by former presidents Chetan Dessai, Vinod Phadke, Vipul Phadke, and Suraj Lotlikar. Mahesh Dessai defeated rival candidate Mahesh Candolkar to take over as president.

Outgoing president Vipul Phadke highlighted the CM’s assurance, stating:

“The state government and all departments will support us.”

Chetan Dessai also added that the meeting with the CM reflected unity within the committee, with Sawant being “very supportive.”

Later in the day, Mahesh Dessai and his team formally assumed charge of GCA affairs at the association’s Porvorim headquarters.

The elections took place amid political and sporting dynamics, as the rival panel ‘Parivartan’, backed by BCCI joint secretary and BJP functionary Rohan Gauns Dessai, was defeated despite enjoying state government support previously.

With this new leadership in place and government backing reaffirmed, cricket in Goa looks set for a phase of renewed energy and growth.

EduConnect

232 Meritorious SC/ST Students in Goa Receive Laptops Under Government’s Free Laptop Scheme

Tanisha Cardozo

On August 25, 2025, the Government of Goa marked another milestone in its commitment to inclusive digital empowerment. Through the Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (DITE&C), a total of 232 meritorious students from Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities were awarded laptops under the Free Laptop Distribution Scheme for the academic years 2023–24 and 2024–25. This includes 121 students from 2023–24 and 111 from 2024–25.

Implemented via the Info Tech Corporation of Goa Ltd. (ITG), this initiative is designed to bridge the digital divide, support higher education, and help young Goans build critical digital skills. Since its inception in 2022, the scheme has already benefited over 450 students, furthering access to tools essential in today’s tech-driven world.

The official laptop distribution ceremony took place at the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) in Panaji. The event was attended by top state dignitaries including Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa Dr. Pramod Sawant, Hon’ble Minister for Information Technology, Electronics & Communications Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, Hon’ble MLA and Chairman of ITG Dr. Chandrakant Shetye, Director of DITE&C Shri Kabir Shirgaonkar, Managing Director of ITG Shri Praveen Volvotkar, Joint Director of DITE&C Dr. Milind Sakhardande, and CEO of the Startup and IT Promotion Cell Shri D.S. Prashant.

In his address, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte underscored the importance of equipping youth with digital tools to drive their academic and professional futures. He emphasized that technology now touches every aspect of life and that access to devices like laptops opens up new pathways in knowledge, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Referencing initiatives such as the IT Knowledge Centres and the Goa AI Mission 2027, he encouraged students to become the next generation of thinkers, leaders, and changemakers for the state and the nation.

Echoing these sentiments, Director of DITE&C Shri Kabir Shirgaonkar praised the determination and academic excellence of the beneficiaries. He stated that the distribution was not just about devices, but about investing in the aspirations and capabilities of Goa’s youth.

With a strong focus on digital equity, the Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications continues to lead forward-thinking initiatives that blend access, infrastructure, and innovation. By supporting students from SC/ST communities with tools for success, the Free Laptop Distribution Scheme reaffirms the Goa Government’s commitment to leaving no one behind in the digital future.

National

Goa Charts a Digital & Sustainable Tourism Future: CM Dr. Pramod Sawant at Roundtable Conclave

Tanisha Cardozo

Panaji, Goa — In a decisive push toward a digitally connected and sustainable future, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant took center stage at the high-level Roundtable Conclave on “Reimagining Goa@2037: Shaping a Sustainable and Digitally Connected Tourism Future.”

Organised by the Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI) in partnership with Chase Advisors, the event gathered influential stakeholders, including Industries and Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho and GCCI President Pratima Dhond, to explore Goa’s long-term development under the Viksit Goa 2037 initiative.

In his keynote address, Dr. Sawant reaffirmed the government’s strong commitment to making Goa a model for smart governance and tourism innovation.

“We aim to make Goa a fully digitally enabled state—not just in the area of transport but across all sectors,” said Dr. Sawant. “Already, more than 240 services have been digitised, with many more in the pipeline to ensure ease of access, transparency, and efficiency for citizens and businesses alike.”

Highlighting the growing synergy between government and industry, the Chief Minister underlined the critical role of public-private partnerships in setting benchmarks for sustainable tourism, digital infrastructure, and citizen engagement.

  • 240+ citizen services already digitised
  • Plans to expand digital access across all sectors
  • Emphasis on sustainability and innovation in tourism
  • Strategic collaboration between government and industry

The conclave served as a collaborative platform for exchanging ideas and laying the groundwork for Goa’s transformation into a digitally advanced, environmentally responsible, and economically vibrant state by 2037.

Entertainment

Goa Gears Up for Two Days of Marathi Cinema Magic

allycaralgoa

Panaji | 13 July 2025 — Goa is all set to celebrate the richness of regional cinema as the 14th Goa Marathi Film Festival (GMFF) returns on August 9 and 10 at INOX and Maquinez Palace, Panaji. With an impressive lineup of more than 15 Marathi films, including award-winning titles, unreleased premieres, and Goan short films, GMFF 2025 promises a unique and immersive cinematic experience.

Star-Studded Inauguration & Guest Lineup

Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar, who is currently producing a Marathi film, is expected to attend as the chief guest. The festival will be inaugurated by Goa Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant at INOX on August 9 at 9:30 AM.

Adding prestige to the occasion, Dr Mohan Agashe, the veteran actor and theatre stalwart, will be conferred the Krutadnyata Puruskar, a lifetime achievement honour celebrating his contribution to cinema and the arts.

Films to Watch Out For

This year’s curated collection includes powerful narratives like:

  • Sthal
  • Ghaath
  • Gharat Ganpati
  • Ata Thambaycha Naay!
  • Paani
  • Kurla Te Vengurla
  • Dharmasya
  • Snowflower
  • Cineman
  • Gulkand
  • April May ’99

Actors such as Sonali Kulkarni, Subodh Bhave, Chhaya Kadam, Prasad Oak, and Sai Tamhankar will attend special audience interaction sessions.

Goa’s own talent will be spotlighted through two short films:

  • Karz by Sharv Shetye
  • Ek Cup Cha by Kishore Arjun

Workshops & Registrations

Ahead of the screenings, a workshop on “AI in Content Creation” by visualdub.ai will be held on August 8, open to content creators and filmmakers seeking to explore the power of artificial intelligence in storytelling.

Festival registrations begin July 20, both online via the Burraa app and physically at:

  • Vinsan Graphics (Panjim, Vasco)
  • Mohak Designers (Ponda)
  • Maya Book Stores (Margao)

A Platform for Culture & Conversation

GMFF continues to grow as one of Goa’s most loved regional film festivals — an initiative that merges cinema, culture, and conversation. The 2025 edition emphasizes community engagement, youth participation, and expanding horizons through meaningful films.

Whether you’re a cinephile, a filmmaker, or simply curious about regional storytelling, GMFF 2025 is where Goa meets Marathi cinema — raw, real, and revolutionary.

🔗 Stay tuned at allycaral.com for the latest updates and interviews from the festival!