Sports

Ponda Sports Complex Renamed as Ravi Naik Sports Complex in Presence of CM Pramod Sawant


Chief Minister Pramod Sawant attended the naming ceremony of the Ponda Sports Complex as the Ravi Naik Sports Complex at Ponda, marking a significant occasion for the region’s sporting infrastructure. The event was held in the presence of Sports Minister Ramesh Tawadkar, Commissioner for NRI Affairs Adv. Narendra Sawaikar, Chairman of the Rajiv Gandhi Kala Mandir, Ponda, Ritesh Ravi Naik, Director of Sports and Youth Affairs Dr. Ajay Gaude, and other dignitaries.

The renaming of the sports complex reflects recognition of contributions made toward the development of sports and community engagement in the region. The ceremony brought together government officials, sports administrators, and members of the local community, highlighting the importance of strengthening sports infrastructure in Goa.

The Ravi Naik Sports Complex serves as a key venue for sporting activities and youth engagement in Ponda. With continued investment in infrastructure and policy support from the state government, Goa aims to nurture talent and encourage greater participation in sports at grassroots and competitive levels.

The presence of senior officials at the ceremony underscored the government’s commitment to promoting sports as a vital component of youth development and community building. The renaming ceremony marks another step in enhancing facilities and recognizing individuals who have contributed to the growth of sports in the state.

Events in Goa

7th Adivasi Vidhyarthi Sammelan Organised at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao


Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

Minister for Tribal Welfare, Dr. Ramesh Tawadkar, attended the day-long 7th Adivasi Vidhyarthi Sammelan, organised by the Directorate of Tribal Welfare, at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao.


The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Director of Sports Dr. Ajay Gaude, Director of Tribal Welfare Nilesh Dhiagodkar, Chairman of the Goa State Scheduled Tribes Finance & Development Corporation Ltd. Vasudev Gaunkar, and President of the North Goa Zilla Panchayat Dhaku Madkaikar, along with other officials and representatives.

The Sammelan focused on motivating tribal students, highlighting educational opportunities, and reinforcing the government’s commitment towards the academic, social, and overall development of students from tribal communities.

The programme served as a platform for interaction between students and policymakers, aiming to strengthen awareness about welfare schemes and initiatives designed for the upliftment of Scheduled Tribe students in Goa.

Goan Personalities

Goa’s Directorate of Art and Culture to Premiere ‘Ulgulan’ — A Tribute to Tribal Icon Bhagwan Birsa Munda


Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The Directorate of Art and Culture, Government of Goa, will soon premiere ‘Ulgulan’, a one-hour film dedicated to the extraordinary life and legacy of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, the revered tribal freedom fighter from Jharkhand. The production marks the conclusion of a year-long national celebration commemorating the 150th birth anniversary of Birsa Munda, observed across the country by the Government of India.

At just 18 years old, Birsa Munda founded his own faith, Birsayat, and went on to lead a powerful movement against British rule. Though he lived only 25 years, his leadership and courage inspired countless others to rise in defense of their rights and land. His rallying cry of “Jal, Jangal, aur Zameen” — meaning Water, Forest, and Land — remains an enduring symbol of tribal identity, self-determination, and resistance to oppression.

Directed by Sainath Parab, ‘Ulgulan’ has been produced by the Directorate of Art and Culture, Government of Goa, as a cinematic homage to the indomitable spirit of Birsa Munda. The film also features a guest appearance by Ramesh Tawadkar, Minister for Art and Culture, Goa, whose participation underscores the government’s commitment to preserving and celebrating India’s diverse cultural and historical heritage.

Through evocative storytelling and powerful performances, ‘Ulgulan’ captures the essence of Birsa Munda’s life — his vision of unity, resilience, and justice for his people. The film stands not only as a tribute to a national hero but also as a reminder of the ongoing importance of safeguarding the rights of indigenous communities and honoring their contributions to India’s freedom and identity.

Books & Literature

Art & Culture Minister Ramesh Tawadkar Releases “Perni Zagor” Book by Dr. Pandurang Phaldesai


Art and Culture Minister Shri Ramesh Tawadkar released “Perni Zagor”, a book written by Dr. Pandurang Phaldesai, at a function organized by the Department of Art and Culture in Panaji. The event celebrated Goa’s vibrant cultural traditions and the continuing efforts to preserve its folk heritage through academic and creative works.

On the occasion, Minister Tawadkar felicitated Dr. Pandurang Phaldesai in recognition of his extensive contributions to the study and promotion of Goan culture. Dr. Phaldesai, a well-known cultural scholar and author, has worked for decades to document and promote various forms of Goan folk performance and traditions, with “Perni Zagor” being his latest contribution.

The event was attended by Director of Art and Culture Shri Vivek Naik and Deputy Director Shri Milind Mate, along with cultural enthusiasts and members of the artistic community. The book release underlined the Department’s commitment to nurturing and showcasing Goa’s artistic and cultural identity.

Through works like “Perni Zagor”, Dr. Phaldesai continues to bring attention to Goa’s traditional art forms, helping to ensure that future generations appreciate and preserve the region’s unique cultural heritage.

National

Tribal Minister Invites President Droupadi Murmu to Silver Jubilee Canacona Lokotsav 2025


In a noteworthy cultural development, Shri Ramesh Tawadkar, Tribal Minister of Goa, recently called on the Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi. Accompanied by Shri Rajendra Arlekar, Hon’ble Governor of Kerala, the minister extended a formal invitation to the President to attend the Silver Jubilee Edition of the Canacona Lokotsav.

The 25th Canacona Lokotsav is scheduled to take place from 19th to 21st December 2025 at Adarsh Gram, Amona, in the Canacona taluka of South Goa. Over the years, Canacona Lokotsav has grown into one of Goa’s most prominent platforms to celebrate and showcase traditional Goan arts, crafts, music, folklore, and tribal culture.

The Silver Jubilee edition promises to be a grand celebration, bringing together performers, artisans, and cultural groups from across the state and beyond. The invitation to the President is a symbolic and significant gesture aimed at highlighting the cultural richness of Goa on a national platform. It also reflects the growing recognition of local festivals in preserving and promoting indigenous traditions and community spirit.

If accepted, President Droupadi Murmu’s presence at the Lokotsav would mark a historic moment, as she herself represents a strong connect to tribal heritage and grassroots governance in India. The event is expected to attract dignitaries, tourists, cultural enthusiasts, and citizens in large numbers.

The Tribal Ministry’s outreach reflects Goa’s continued efforts to promote inclusive and culturally rooted tourism while strengthening local identity through events like the Canacona Lokotsav.