Tag: RohanKhaunte

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.

#TravelwithAllycaral 👒

Goa Sees Strong Growth in Domestic and International Flight Connections in 2024–25

Tanisha Cardozo

Team Allycaral

Goa continues to evolve as one of India’s most well-connected travel destinations, with the 2024–25 season witnessing significant growth in air connectivity. From expanded international charter services to enhanced domestic flight access, the state is solidifying its status as a year-round, global tourism hub.

📈 Major Highlights:

  • Charter Flights Boom:
     Goa welcomed new charter services from countries including Russia, the UK, Kazakhstan, Poland, and Uzbekistan, following strong feedback from global tour operators.
  • Increased International Routes:
     Regular scheduled flights from the Gulf and Iran boosted international arrivals.
  • Improved Domestic Access:
     New connections linked Goa to Solapur, Hyderabad, Jalgaon, Agatti, and Lakshadweep, expanding its reach to tier-2 and seasonal travel markets.
  • Two Airports at Work:
     Both Goa International Airport (Dabolim) and Manohar International Airport (Mopa) played pivotal roles in sustaining traffic throughout the year.

💬 Voices from the Industry:

Hon’ble Tourism Minister Shri Rohan A. Khaunte emphasized,

“This growth in air access is key to our tourism strategy. Better connectivity brings in wider audiences globally and enables us to promote Goa’s rich offerings beyond the conventional.”

Shri Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, added:

“This season has proven that strong connectivity leads to stronger, year-round tourism.”

Ernest Dias, COO of TCI and SITA, shared that efforts are already underway to increase charter flights from Russia and explore new markets like Scandinavia.

Sh. George Varughese, Airport Director of Goa International Airport, confirmed strategic operational upgrades to manage rising footfall, stating:

“Our focus remains on ensuring a hassle-free start to every visitor’s time in Goa.”

🌍 FIT Travellers on the Rise

Free Independent Travellers (FITs) from Portugal, Spain, and the Gulf are increasingly choosing Goa as their destination — attracted by improved connectivity and the state’s evolving mix of experiences.

🧭 Looking Ahead

The state government, along with stakeholders and airport authorities, remains focused on:

  • Deepening airline partnerships
  • Exploring new charter routes
  • Upgrading airport infrastructure
  • Promoting immersive, long-stay tourism

As Goa pushes boundaries with new markets and experiences, connectivity is not just a convenience—it’s a catalyst for the state’s tourism evolution.

#TravelwithAllycaral 👒

Coffee table book on history of Shree Gaudapadacharya Kavale Math Released at hands of Swamiji Shree Shivanand Saraswati

allycaralgoa

Goa, July 12: A coffee table book on the history of Shree Gaudapadacharya Kavale Math was released at the hands of Swami Shrimad Shivanand Saraswati. The book release ceremony took place at Kavle Math Valkeshwar, Mumbai.

Swamiji presented the first copy to Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, Minister for Tourism and IT, Government of Goa.

Khaunte proudly stated that the book documents Goa beyond beaches and showcases around 1300 years of history of Shree Gaudapadacharya Kavale Math since its inception in 740 AD. Books were also presented to Dr. Prafulla Hede and Mrs. Nanda Raut, Deputy Secretary of Culture and Tourism, Maharashtra, and Editor of the book, Dr. Sulabha Kore.

Many dignitaries were present at the book release and presentation, and they all appreciated the Goa Government and Shri Khaunte for their support and initiative to promote Goa’s spiritual tourism. ‘Let us visit various memorable institutions created and nurtured by our ancestors,’ said the devotees present at the ceremony.

The math was founded by Shree Gaudapadacharya, who was the param guru of Adi Shankaracharya

TechPulse

Young Innovators Bring Goa’s Creative Capital Vision to Life at Maker’s Asylum

allycaralgoa

Panaji, July 12, 2025: Goa is emerging as a creative hub where technology meets imagination, grounded in community, collaboration and purpose-driven innovation. This evolving identity aligns with the vision of the Startup and IT Promotion Cell, Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (DITE&C), under the leadership of Hon’ble Minister Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, whose efforts are driving Goa’s transformation into an innovation-led state.

Reflecting this vision at the grassroots, Maker’s Asylum has been welcoming young people from across the world to Goa for its immersive & hands-on learning experiences & programs since 2021. 753 young people, from 15 countries, 150 schools and 50 cities across India have had the taste of the maker culture and immersed themselves in creativity and innovation through their space in Goa. This summer Maker’s Asylum hosted five dynamic immersions of its flagship program, Innovation School, at its campus in Moira. The program has welcomed 77 young makers (aged 13–18), representing 5 countries, 30+ schools and 15 cities across India and beyond. Over the course of the last two months, these students grouped into 24 teams, engaged in design thinking and rapid prototyping to address real-world challenges. From drones for emergency healthcare delivery to AI-powered wearables and assistive tech devices for the differently-abled, the teams built 24 working prototypes, demonstrating both technical skills and interdisciplinary learning.

Participants over the years have received mentorship from the likes of experts such as Ramesh Raskar, Associate Director MIT Media Lab, Jaideep Prabhu – Vice Dean Judge School of Business Cambridge, Niti Parikh – Director Learning Spaces & Makerlabs at Cornell Tech and many other from IIT Bombay, NID Ahmedabad, and leading startups, supported by Maker’s Asylum’s in-house curriculum and technical team.

“When we moved to Goa in 2020, we discovered that beyond its natural beauty, Goa is emerging as a vibrant hub for creativity, hands-on learning, and technological innovation. Known for attracting artists, makers, and changemakers, Goa has become the perfect home for Maker’s Asylum. Through our space in Moira, we’ve welcomed young minds from across India to dive into experiential learning — from carpentry, 3D printing, electronics, and AI, to robotics, drones, and laser cutting. It’s about empowering the next generation to build, create, and innovate in an environment that fuels both imagination and impact.” — Vaibhav Chhabra, Founder, Maker’s Asylum

Maker’s Asylum reflects Goa’s growing identity as a Creative Capital for meaningful tech and hands-on education. Its ethos resonates with the state’s upcoming Centre of Excellence for 3D Printing, which will bring together startups, healthcare professionals, students, government departments, and industries to collaborate and co-create.
By nurturing a maker mindset and providing access to tools like 3D printers, laser cutters, and robotics, programs like this are laying the foundation for a future-ready innovation ecosystem in Goa.

To celebrate the students’ achievements and invite broader community participation, Maker’s Asylum will host two open events at its Moira campus. The first, a Repair Café on July 12 from 6:00 PM onwards, is being held in collaboration with the Repair Café Foundation (Bangalore). It is a hands-on sustainability initiative where attendees can bring broken household items and learn repair skills alongside mentors and student makers. The second, a Final Open House on July 13 from 2:00 to 3:00 PM, will showcase the breakthrough projects developed during the program and offer a firsthand look at what young minds can accomplish when given the right tools and creative freedom. Both events are open to the public.

Applications are also now open for the Spring & Summer 2026 cohorts of Innovation School by Maker’s Asylum.

This initiative reflects the Department’s long-term vision of shaping Goa into India’s Creative Capital and Innovation Hub — a place where experiential learning and technological creativity go hand in hand.