Tag: Rohan Khaunte

Events in Goa

Goa celebrates the colourful spirit of Divar Island at Bonderam 2025

allycaralgoa

Panaji, August 16, 2025 – The scenic island of Divar came alive today with vibrant colours, traditional music, and community festivities as the Bonderam Festival 2025 unfolded in all its glory. Organised by St. Mathias Sports Club, Malar, in collaboration with the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, the festival drew both locals and visitors, eager to witness one of Goa’s most distinctive monsoon celebrations.

Known for its rich blend of tradition, history, and creativity, Bonderam is marked by colourful floats, traditional parades, and cultural performances. While the main Divar Bonderam is held in the last week of August, Malar uniquely kicks off the celebrations a week earlier, setting the festive mood.

This year’s programme emphasised inclusivity and accessibility, ensuring everyone could participate. Dignitaries including Cumbarjua MLA Shri Rajesh Faldessai, renowned Goan singer Smt. Hema Sardessai, and Parish Priest Fr. Joao Coelho graced the occasion.

The day featured a vibrant line-up — Bonderachem GEDTalks and Bonderancho Uzvaad with engaging talks and folk performances; Bonderachem Jevonn, showcasing traditional Goan food; the symbolic Flag Parade and Heritage Walk (Bonderachi Pássoi); and the grand Bonderachi Parade with floats, flags, and costumes. Festivities ended on a high note with a musical evening featuring live bands and DJs at the Malar Flagpost.

Speaking at the festival, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, said:
“Bonderam is a vivid celebration of Goa’s heritage, blending colours, music, and unity. Through our Goa Beyond Beaches and regenerative tourism initiatives, we aim to preserve and promote these traditions for future generations.”

Shri Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, added:
“The Department of Tourism is committed to creating experiences that go beyond beaches. Festivals like Bonderam highlight Goa’s cultural diversity and strengthen its appeal as a meaningful travel destination.”

The Department of Tourism continues to position Goa’s cultural calendar on domestic and international platforms, ensuring that events like Bonderam remain iconic attractions for travellers seeking authentic experiences.

EduConnect

Despite 90% Placements, Goa’s Graduates Are Choosing Entrepreneurship and Self-Employment

Tanisha Cardozo

While Goa’s engineering and diploma colleges boast an impressive 90%+ placement rate, a more meaningful transformation is happening beneath the surface. A new generation of graduates is stepping beyond the boundaries of traditional employment — choosing entrepreneurship, self-employment, and reskilling as their path forward.

This isn’t about rejecting jobs — it’s about redefining success. With over 500 students placed in on- and off-campus drives, Goa’s talent is clearly industry-ready. But over 300 others are intentionally opting for higher education, entrepreneurial ventures, or skill-building initiatives. This points to a growing mindset shift: one where skills, not just degrees, are viewed as the currency of the future.

This transformation didn’t happen overnight.

At the heart of this change is the Startup and IT Promotion Cell and the Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications, led by Hon’ble Minister Shri Rohan A. Khaunte. Their strategic focus has been to reimagine education not just as a route to employment, but as a platform for lifelong learning and innovation.

Under this vision, Goa is building a holistic skilling ecosystem that evolves in real time with industry trends. Through initiatives like:

  • BridgeAura ’25: a forward-looking industry-academia partnership program
  • Goa AI Mission: introducing AI-driven learning and problem-solving in institutions
  • Startup Yatra Bootcamp and Masterclasses: that give students direct exposure to entrepreneurial tools
  • Hackathons and real-world project challenges

Goa is not just producing graduates — it’s nurturing founders, builders, and future leaders.

Institutions across the state are playing their part. From TORQUE 2025 at Goa College of Engineering (GEC), led by the Mechanical Engineering Students’ Association (MESA), to IDEAS 3.0 at Padre Conceicao College of Engineering (PCCE), students are being given platforms to innovate, present ideas, collaborate in teams, and build solutions to real problems.

These events are more than academic exercises — they are incubators for startup culture and entrepreneurial confidence.

Goa is now emerging as a model for how a state can equip its youth not just for the jobs of today, but to create the opportunities of tomorrow.

This generation of students isn’t just getting hired — they’re getting ready to hire others.

TechPulse

Goa to Launch Drone Design and Aero Centre at Quitol as Part of Innovation Sandbox

Tanisha Cardozo

Porvorim, August 11, 2025 — Goa is preparing to soar into a new era of technological innovation with the announcement of a Drone Design and Aero Centre at Quitol, a unique facility where drones can be designed, tested, and launched in a regulated sandbox environment. This initiative is a key component of the state’s progressive Drone Policy 2022, announced by Minister for Information Technology, Electronics & Communications, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte.

🔹 A Unique Aero Hub for Drone Innovation

Set to be part of the proposed Tourism Aero Hub, the new centre will make Goa a national beacon for drone design, development, and deployment. “The Centre will be uniquely positioned in India and support next-generation innovation in drone technology,” said Minister Khaunte during the announcement.

🔹 Deep Local Roots and Global Vision

Goa’s drone policy, launched in December 2022, aims to create a full-fledged ecosystem supporting design, manufacturing, testing, and training. A shining example of local talent driving global innovation is Deepak Pathania, who is currently designing the world’s first amphibian drone — right here in Goa.

🔹 Certified Training & Women Empowerment

The Goa IT Department has initiated the empanelment of DGCA-approved agencies to offer certified drone pilot and technician training, opening career pathways for Goan youth.

Additionally, aligned with the national Drone Didi scheme, Goa plans to equip women-led Self Help Groups (SHGs) with drone technology and entrepreneurial skills. These groups will be empowered to offer services across agriculture, mining, healthcare, and tourism.

🔹 Citizen-Centric Applications and ‘Make in India’

The drone policy is not just about tech—it’s about impact. The government encourages the use of drones for services that touch everyday lives:

  • Precision agriculture
  • Land mapping in mining and forestry
  • Medical delivery in remote areas
  • Tourism videography and promotion

All these initiatives contribute to the ‘Make in India’ agenda, focusing on self-reliance and indigenous technology development.

🛠️ What’s Next?

Goa’s Drone Design and Aero Centre is poised to become a national innovation sandbox, supporting startups, researchers, government services, and entrepreneurs with infrastructure and training.With its rich talent pool, cutting-edge policy, and government support, Goa is cementing its place as a rising star in India’s drone ecosystem.

#TravelwithAllycaral 👒

Goa Wins ‘Best Destination for Resort Weddings’ at Wed In India 2025 Awards

Tanisha Cardozo

Panaji, August 5, 2025: Goa, India’s premier coastal paradise, has been crowned the ‘Best Destination for Resort Weddings’ at the Wed In India 2025 Awards, held at the Taj Palace in New Delhi. The accolade celebrates Goa’s growing stature as a leading wedding destination, offering a mix of luxury, culture, and natural charm that continues to attract couples from across the globe.

The award was formally received by Shri Sanjeev Ahuja, IAS, Secretary (Tourism), Government of Goa, in the presence of top wedding and tourism industry leaders from across the country.

Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, expressed pride in the recognition, stating:

“Our unique blend of luxury, culture, and natural beauty continues to inspire couples to choose Goa for their special celebrations. We remain committed to strengthening the infrastructure and services that support the wedding industry, while ensuring that every event hosted here contributes positively to the local economy and community.”

Adding to this, Shri Sanjeev Ahuja, IAS, commented:

“Goa is an ideal location for resort weddings, with its beautiful heritage sites, luxury resorts, and rich cultural experiences. This award encourages us to keep improving and ensure that destination weddings add real value to Goa’s economy and create more jobs for our people.”

Shri Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, emphasised Goa’s growing appeal for both domestic and international wedding planners:

“This recognition highlights the growing appeal of Goa for destination weddings. Our aim is to ensure that every celebration held here reflects the beauty, culture, and warmth that Goa is known for. We are continuously working with our partners to offer couples and their guests a well-organised and unforgettable experience.”

From sun-kissed beaches and Portuguese-era churches to state-of-the-art resorts and boutique properties, Goa’s offerings make it the ideal setting for dream weddings. The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, has been instrumental in curating experiences and improving services that enhance Goa’s profile as a top-tier destination wedding hotspot.

The state looks forward to further strengthening its position through innovation, improved infrastructure, and inclusive tourism practices, making every celebration not just memorable for the couple, but beneficial for the local community and economy.

Events in Goa

Kilowott Honoured at GTA Awards 2025 for Pioneering Role in Goa’s Digital Transformation

Tanisha Cardozo

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.