Tag: Relationships

Special Occasion

Valentine’s Day 2026: More Than Roses, It’s About Real Love

Tanisha Cardozo

Valentine’s Day arrives each year wrapped in red roses, heart-shaped chocolates and candlelit dinner reservations. But beyond the commercial gloss lies something far more meaningful — the human need for connection.

February 14 has evolved over centuries, from a feast day honouring Saint Valentine to a global celebration of romance. Today, it transcends borders, cultures and traditions. In cities, couples queue outside restaurants for the perfect dinner date. In quieter homes, handwritten letters are slipped across tables. In friend groups, “Galentine’s” brunches celebrate sisterhood. And for many, it becomes a day of intentional self-care.

But what truly makes Valentine’s Day special?

It’s the pause. The deliberate choice to express what we often assume is understood. A simple “I appreciate you.” A message you’ve been meaning to send. A bouquet that says what words sometimes cannot.

Interestingly, the meaning of love itself has expanded. Younger generations are redefining the day — focusing not just on romantic partners but on friendships, family bonds and self-worth. Social media feeds fill with proposals and curated surprises, but the most powerful moments are often the quiet ones: cooking together at home, revisiting a shared memory, or forgiving an old misunderstanding.

There’s also a growing emphasis on self-love. In a world that constantly demands productivity and perfection, Valentine’s Day can become a reminder to treat yourself with the same kindness you offer others. That might mean buying your own flowers, taking a solo trip, or simply unplugging for an evening.

And perhaps that’s the most important shift. Love is no longer confined to grand gestures. It lives in effort, presence and intention.

So this year, ask yourself:
Who deserves to hear “I love you” from you?
Have you said it to yourself lately?

Valentine’s Day 2026 is not just about roses. It’s about reflection. It’s about gratitude. It’s about choosing connection in a world that often feels disconnected.

However you celebrate — extravagantly or simply — let it be real. Let it be meaningful. And most importantly, let it be yours.

Entertainment

Bigg Boss 19 Grand Finale: Who Will Lift the Trophy? A Close Look at the Top Contenders

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Entertainment Desk

The grand finale of Bigg Boss 19 is set to take place on December 7, and excitement has reached its peak as the top six contestants prepare for the final showdown. Tanya Mittal, Farrhana Bhatt, Gaurav Khanna, Malti Chahar, Amaal Mallik, and Pranit More have endured fourteen intense weeks of challenges, conflicts, alliances, and emotional highs and lows.

Each of them has contributed uniquely to the season, making the finale week a nail-biting affair. Among the contestants, Gaurav Khanna has emerged as the season’s strategic mastermind. While he initially appeared quiet and observant, his composed nature and sharp gameplay helped him build strong connections, influence decisions without drawing unnecessary attention, and maintain his footing throughout the season.

His Ticket to Finale win solidified his place as a top contender, earning praise not only from Salman Khan but also from Farah Khan, who went so far as to label this season the “Gaurav Khanna show” and predicted his victory. On the other hand, Farrhana Bhatt has dominated the house with her fiery presence since day one. Known for her unapologetic attitude, sharp one-liners, and refusal to bow down to groupism, she became one of the most talked-about contestants of the season. Whether it was her bold personality, her playful chemistry with Baseer Ali, or her close bond with Tanya Mittal, Farrhana kept the audience entertained while building a reputation as one of the strongest and most unpredictable players. Her intuitive grasp of the game, demonstrated by her accurate eviction predictions, set her apart as someone who could read the house better than most.

Pranit More, the comedian who briefly exited due to health concerns only to return stronger, has been a surprise package. His journey took many turns, but his sense of humor, sincerity, and fearless decisions earned him respect inside and outside the house. His shocking move of choosing Ashnoor Kaur over Abhishek Bajaj during nominations, despite their friendship, proved that he prioritizes the game above personal emotions. Surviving multiple nominations and consistently winning the audience’s support, Pranit has shown immense growth and resilience as the weeks progressed.

Tanya Mittal, Malti Chahar, and Amaal Mallik, each in their own way, have added depth to the season and showcased determination, emotional strength, and competitive spirit, making the finale lineup one of the most balanced in recent seasons. As the Salman Khan-hosted reality show approaches its final episode, fans are eagerly speculating about who will claim the crown.

Whether it will be Gaurav’s calm strategy, Farrhana’s fierce dominance, Pranit’s balanced authenticity, or another contestant’s surprise surge, Bigg Boss 19 promises a thrilling and unforgettable finale.

Films

Rab Di Awaaz Screening Inspires Inclusion at Chubby Cheeks Spring Valley High

Tanisha Cardozo

As part of the pre-events for the highly anticipated International Purple Fest, Goa 2025, Chubby Cheeks Spring Valley High School, Porvorim, had the honour of hosting the screening of Rab Di Awaaz, a powerful and emotive film series that beautifully captures the lives and challenges of persons with disabilities.

Organized by the Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Goa, and the Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, the event was held in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India, the United Nations, and the Rotary Club of Bardez Coastal. This inspiring initiative aimed to foster awareness, empathy, and a deeper understanding of the need for inclusion and equal opportunities in all spheres of life.

The program featured esteemed guests including Mr. Ojaswwee Sharma, National Award–Winning Film Director; Mr. Bhasker Pandey, Film Editor; Mr. Shridhar Gupta, Editor; and Dr. Rimpi Arora, Advisor on Policy and Inclusion. Mr. Sharma addressed the students and faculty, offering a compelling talk on the creative process behind Rab Di Awaaz and the importance of inclusive storytelling in reshaping societal perspectives.

What made the screening unique was its delivery format—telecasted in every classroom using Smart TV panels, a pioneering step that sets Chubby Cheeks Spring Valley High apart as the first school in Goa to integrate Smart Class facilities in all classrooms. This technology-enabled approach ensured that every student, from primary to high school, could engage with the film in an immersive and accessible manner.

The event left a lasting impression on students, instilling a sense of empathy and awareness about the challenges and strengths of persons with disabilities. It was not just a film screening, but a step toward building a more inclusive, informed, and compassionate generation.

Through initiatives like these, Chubby Cheeks Spring Valley High School continues to be a beacon of progressive, values-driven education that goes beyond academics to shape socially responsible individuals.

Social

GCCI Women’s Wing and DRDA South Host ‘Swasth Mahila, Saksham Mahila’ Program Focused on Mental Wellness

Tanisha Cardozo

In a significant stride toward holistic women’s empowerment, the GCCI Women’s Wing, in association with DRDA South, organized a powerful program titled “Swasth Mahila, Saksham Mahila – Mental Health and Well-being for Women” on September 26, 2025, at the Mathany Saldanha Complex in Margao. The initiative brought together over 130 women from across South Goa to focus on a crucial but often overlooked aspect of empowerment: mental health.

The program commenced with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, symbolizing the beginning of an enlightening evening. Chairperson of the GCCI Women’s Wing, Mrs. Sandra Fernandes, welcomed the participants with a compelling message on the importance of emotional and mental wellness in a woman’s journey. She aptly stated, “When women are mentally strong and emotionally balanced, they can truly flourish in every role they play.”

Mrs. Deepali Naik, Project Director of DRDA, addressed the gathering and praised the Women’s Wing for continuously leading meaningful initiatives that cater to the real needs of women in the community. She emphasized how collaborative efforts like this can leave a lasting impact.

The heart of the program was a keynote session by well-known psychologist Ms. Neha Khaunte, who took the audience through a practical and reflective journey on stress management, emotional balance, and mindfulness. Using relatable examples and interactive exercises, Ms. Khaunte encouraged participants to acknowledge their mental health challenges while equipping them with everyday strategies to manage them. Her session was a refreshing blend of awareness, empowerment, and connection.

The event was compered with grace and clarity by Mrs. Gouri Joshi, a member of the GCCI Women’s Wing, who ensured a smooth and welcoming flow throughout the program. Mementos were distributed to the speakers and contributors, acknowledging their role in making the event a success.

The program concluded with a heartfelt Vote of Thanks delivered by Mrs. Poonam Ajgaonkar, Co-Chairperson of the GCCI Women’s Wing. She expressed deep gratitude to all the dignitaries, the enthusiastic participants, and especially to the resource person for facilitating such a vital conversation. Special recognition was also given to Ms. Melane Rodrigues, Assistant Director at GCCI, for her behind-the-scenes coordination that ensured the event’s seamless execution.

“Swasth Mahila, Saksham Mahila” was not just an event—it was a movement in itself, a reminder that true empowerment stems from nurturing not just skills and careers, but also the emotional and mental well-being of women. By offering this safe, inclusive, and engaging platform, GCCI and DRDA South reinforced their shared commitment to building stronger, healthier communities—one empowered woman at a time.

Social

Workshop on Handling Rejection and Failure Held for Kids Under ‘Chirag Datta Naik’ Initiative

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Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral

The Chirag Datta Naik Initiative saw yet another successful workshop on “Handling Rejection and Failure” conducted by Anisha’s Nurture Nest this past Sunday at Samarth Krupa Hall, opposite ESI Hospital, Margao. The session, intended for children aged 7 to 15, was led by Anisha Kapdi and marks the third in this series.

Congress leader Chirag Naik, present at the workshop, applauded the parents who made the effort to bring their children. He said, “There are three types of parents: those who have experienced such things in childhood and now encourage their kids; those who never got the opportunity and want their children to go ahead and do it – I appreciate such parents; and those who had the experience but are unable to bring their kids due to reasons like work, lifestyle, social media, gadgets, etc.” His words underscored the importance of parental involvement in building emotional resilience.

During the workshop, Anisha Kapdi taught key coping skills: accepting rejection, expressing one’s feelings openly, analysing the reasons behind a rejection to improve upon them, and maintaining self‑confidence. She emphasized that rejection is a normal part of life. Parents were encouraged not to treat failures—such as low examination scores—as shameful events. If children feel embarrassed or punished for failure, they may stop seeking support or sharing their struggles.

Anisha also urged parents to normalize their own stories of rejection, helping children feel safe and understood. She cautioned against comparing children with others, highlighting that each child is unique. Instead of pushing them into a rat race, parents should recognize their children’s individual capacities (their potential) and capabilities (their interests and passions). Whether a child is drawn to science, arts, culinary fields, or anything else, supportive recognition matters. Above all, she stressed that children must feel loved so they are always willing to come back to their parents when things go wrong.