Tag: Rohan Khaunte

Events in Goa

Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte Drove Goa ‘Beyond Beaches’ with RFC India 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa, August 2025
 For decades, Goa was synonymous with sun-kissed beaches and relaxed holidays. But under the visionary leadership of Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte, the state ventured deep into uncharted terrain—both literally and figuratively.

The 11th edition of RFC India 2025 officially kicked off in the hinterlands of Goa, putting the spotlight on the state’s rugged natural terrain and potential as a top-tier destination for adventure and sports tourism.

A Bold Vision: Goa Beyond Beaches

“Known over the World as a Sun, Sand & Sea Destination, Our Goa is going Beyond Beaches with alternative options of Adventure & Sports Tourism,”
— Rohan Khaunte, Tourism Minister of Goa

With that statement, Minister Khaunte signaled a clear intent: Goa’s future lay not just on its shores, but also in its forests, hills, and challenging off-road tracks. Hosting RFC India was not just about motorsports—it was about tourism reinvention.

RFC India 2025: Bigger, Bolder, Better

Organized by Cougar Motorsport, RFC India was the official Indian chapter of the iconic Rainforest Challenge of Malaysia—rated among the world’s top five toughest off-road events. Since its debut in 2014, it had grown into India’s most prestigious motorsport event.

🚜 Key Stats:

  • 77 teams from 11 Indian states
  • First-time participation from Meghalaya
  • Women participants across all 3 categories
  • Host state Goa represented by 9 teams

The competition was expanded with the addition of:

  • 4X4 Extreme (25 teams, 26 stages)
  • 4X4 Modified (22 teams, 20 stages)
  • 4X4 Stock (30 teams, 14 stages)

Why This Mattered for Goa Tourism

Goa’s participation as both host and competitor reinforced Minister Khaunte’s broader tourism strategy—diversification, sustainability, and year-round attraction.

From promoting hinterland trails and treks to welcoming national and international adventure events, Goa crafted a new tourism identity that was:

  • Less seasonal
  • More inclusive
  • Environmentally conscious

Economically decentralized

Inclusivity and Growth

RFC India 2025 was also a model of inclusive sports tourism:

  • Women competed in all categories
  • New regions like Meghalaya entered the circuit
  • First-time 4X4 owners participated thanks to the Stock & Modified formats

The Minister’s Mission

By bringing events like RFC to Goa, Rohan Khaunte tapped into a growing segment of global travelers seeking active, immersive, and experiential journeys. Goa’s unique terrain, combined with its hospitality infrastructure, made it an ideal hub for sports-based tourism.

“You will be tested in mind, body and machine — a true initiation into the global RFC community.”
— Luis J.A. Wee, Founder, Rainforest Challenge

A New Goa Emerged

RFC India 2025 was more than a motorsport event. It was a statement—that Goa was evolving.

From the beach to the backwoods, from cocktails to camo, from leisure to challenge—this was the Goa of tomorrow.

TechPulse

Goa’s Startup Accelerator Program Kicks Off to Create Jobs and Fuel Innovation

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Panaji, July 21, 2025: In a major step to strengthen Goa’s innovation ecosystem, Hon’ble Minister for Information Technology, Electronics & Communications Shri Rohan A. Khaunte officially launched the Goa Startup Accelerator Program—a dynamic, 5-month initiative aimed at propelling Goan startups into their next growth phase.

Spearheaded by the Startup and IT Promotion Cell under DITE&C, the program will support a curated cohort of 30 high-potential startups—including 25 officially registered in Goa and 5 based in the state but not yet formally registered. Applications for the program open July 22, 2025, through this form.

The accelerator is built around a structured ecosystem of:

  • Masterclasses by domain experts
  • One-on-one mentorship clinics
  • Dedicated growth tracks across product, business, and fundraising
  • A finale Demo Day to pitch to investors, corporates, and policymakers

“Goa’s long-term vision is to build a connected, visible and outcome-driven startup ecosystem,” said Shri Rohan A. Khaunte. “This accelerator unifies our innovation network and positions Goa as a national hub for scalable entrepreneurship.”

Shri Kabir Shirgaonkar, Director of DITE&C, highlighted the platform’s robust engagement features: a real-time dashboard for tracking progress, mentor engagement, and measuring outcomes.

“We’re going beyond one-time incentives—this is about sustained support and measurable impact.”

The program also reflects a strategic shift under the Goa Startup and IT Policy, which aims to foster youth-led innovation and job creation. With Demo Day serving as a spotlight event, participating startups will have a chance to showcase their progress and attract key stakeholders.

Whether you’re a startup founder, mentor, or investor—this marks a defining chapter in Goa’s startup journey.

Applications Open: July 22, 2025
🔗 Apply Now

TechPulse

Applications Open for Free Laptop Scheme for SC/ST Students

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Altinho, July 08, 2025: To support digital learning and academic growth among students from SC/ST communities, the Government of Goa has opened online applications for its free laptop distribution scheme for meritorious Class X students.

Under the leadership of Hon’ble Minister for ITE&C, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, the Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (DITE&C), Government of Goa, is implementing the scheme through the Info Tech Corporation of Goa Ltd. (ITG). It aims to benefit deserving students from the academic year 2024–2025, selecting 10 meritorious students from Scheduled Caste (SC) communities and 10 from Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities, with equal representation of boys and girls (5 each) in every Taluka.

Eligibility Criteria Applicants must:

  • Belong to the SC or ST community.
  • Be born in Goa, or have at least one parent born in Goa.
  • Have passed the Class X examination (Goa Board) in the first attempt.
  • Have scored a minimum of 70% aggregate marks in Class X.
  • Be schooling in the same Taluka where they are considered for merit.
  • Rank among the top 5 male or top 5 female SC/ST students in the Taluka

Documents Required

  • Birth certificate (of student or parent)
  • Class X marksheet (Goa Board)
  • Caste certificate (attested copy)
  • Parent’s consent form (Annexure I)
  • Photo ID of student (Aadhaar card/School ID)
  • Parent’s ID with signature (PAN/Passport/Driving Licence)

The initiative reflects the Department’s continued efforts to bridge the digital divide and enable students from all backgrounds to access technology-driven learning tools.

Students who meet the eligibility criteria can apply online at infotech.goa.gov.in. The deadline for applications is July 31, 2025

Goan Festivals

Chikhal Kalo 2025 concludes with enthusiasm, mud play and a celebration of Goa’s living traditions

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Marcel, 7th July 2025 – The vibrant Chikhal Kalo 2025 Festival culminated today at Sri Devki Krishna Temple, Marcel, with the much-awaited mud play that brought together hundreds of devotees, tourists, youth, and families in a joyous celebration of faith, heritage, and nature. Held on Dwadashi, the concluding day witnessed spirited participation in traditional games, devotional singing, and the symbolic ritual of mud immersion that reimagines Lord Krishna’s playful bond with the Earth.

The Sri Devki Krishna Temple ground came alive with the energy of chendu fali, kushti, and other traditional plays in the mud, as participants celebrated the divine play (leela) of the Lord with laughter and togetherness. The excitement reached its peak during the exhilarating dahi handi, in a spirited and festive atmosphere, cheered on by enthusiastic spectators. The entire experience reinforced the core values of devotion, community bonding, and gratitude for the monsoon season, the central themes that have shaped the festival over generations.

Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, who actively participated in the celebrations, remarked, “This is our lok parampara, and it’s time we take it to the world. During Chikhal Kalo, people come together to celebrate, to play, and to reconnect with the soil. It is important to preserve such traditions and pass them on to future generations. Earlier, Goa was known mainly for its beaches—today, we are proudly promoting ‘Goa Beyond Beaches.’ With government support for festivals like these, we are also creating economic opportunities for our local communities. Over the past three years, Chikhal Kalo has received an overwhelming response. I believe everyone should be part of this celebration and help spread the message of unity.”

Adding to the festivities was a Photography and Reel Making Competition, encouraging participants to document the vibrant essence of Chikhal Kalo 2025. The entries captured the playfulness, colours, and emotion of the festival, offering new-age storytelling perspectives to timeless traditions.

The past three days have seen a convergence of spirituality, music, culture, and community. From the soulful Abhang and Kirtan recitals on Day 1, to the devotional Bhajan performances on Ashadhi Ekadashi (Day 2), and culminating in today’s spirited mud rituals Chikhal Kalo 2025 stood as a celebration of Goa’s spiritual and cultural depth.

Goa Tourism, under its vision of Regenerative Tourism, reaffirms its commitment to supporting festivals that reflect Goa’s cultural heritage and strengthen community involvement. The participation from all age groups, as well as the growing interest from visitors and digital audiences, highlights the evolving appetite for authentic, local, and inclusive experiences.

As the curtain falls on this year’s celebrations, Chikhal Kalo continues to remind us of the power of tradition to unite, uplift, and inspire. The festival once again proved that true celebration lies not just in rituals, but in shared moments of joy, devotion, and connection with each other and with the land.

Social

Department of ITE&C Distributes Laptops to Tribal Students at Sanguem Empowerment Camp

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Sanguem, July 3, 2025: Supporting the Government of Goa’s inclusive governance drive, the Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (ITE&C) under the leadership of Hon’ble Minister Shri. Rohan A. Khaunte spearheaded digital inclusion efforts at the Awareness & Benefit Saturation Camp held in Sanguem, as part of the nationwide “Dharti Aaba Janbhagidari Abhiyan” — India’s largest tribal empowerment campaign led by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.

As part of the initiative, the Department of ITE&C distributed 22 laptops to meritorious students from Scheduled Tribe (ST) and Scheduled Caste (SC) communities for the academic year 2023–24, empowering them with tools for education and digital learning.

Organised by the Directorate of Tribal Welfare, the camp brought together multiple state departments to deliver welfare schemes, health services, and digital support directly to tribal citizens.

The camp was inaugurated by Hon’ble Union Minister for Tribal Affairs, Shri Jual Oram, and Hon’ble Chief Minister, Dr. Pramod Sawant. The dignitaries marked the occasion by lighting the ceremonial lamp, symbolizing the beginning of the event. The gathering was also graced by several other dignitaries, including Shri Sadanand Shet Tanavade, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha); Shri Subhash Phal Dessai, Ho’ble Minister for Social Welfare; Shri Ramesh Tawadkar, Hon’ble Speaker of the Goa Legislative Assembly; and Shri Ganesh Gaonkar, MLA of Sanvordem Constituency and Chairman of GTDC, among others.

The Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (ITE&C) highlighted how technology is being used to promote inclusive development across tribal regions of Goa. The department showcased its digital initiatives aimed at expanding access, including free laptops for meritorious ST/SC students, ICT training for youth and homemakers under the ITKC Program, and the Goa Online and Gramin Mitra platforms that collectively provide over 200 essential e-services across the state.

Officials also shared updates on the Har Ghar Fibre and BharatNet 3.0 efforts, which are expanding 4G and broadband infrastructure in rural areas, enabling better access to education, employment, and public services.

In addition, the department set up a stall at the camp, where officials engaged in one-on-one interactions with community members, explaining various digital schemes, government e-services, and the long-term benefits of digital literacy.

Beyond digital empowerment, the camp provided free health screenings and on-site welfare support, including, Free routine screenings, breast and TB check-ups, dental assessments, and PMJAY health card registrations were conducted on-site, creating an integrated service delivery model that prioritizes both connectivity and care.

This initiative forms part of the national observance of 150 years of Janjatiya Gaurav, honouring the heritage, resilience, and contributions of India’s tribal communities.

The success of the event reaffirmed Goa’s commitment to tribal welfare, inclusive growth, and digitally enabled governance, paving the way for a more connected and empowered future.