Yuva Kala Mogi, a vibrant cultural group, has brought pride to the region by winning the Overall First Prize at the Adivasi Mohotsav 2026, held at Sanguem. The festival, known for celebrating indigenous traditions and artistic expression, witnessed participation from several talented groups across the state.
The achievement reflects the hard work, dedication, and passion of the members of Yuva Kala Mogi, who represented their culture and traditions with authenticity and pride on a prestigious platform. Their performance stood out for its artistic excellence and cultural depth, earning appreciation from both the audience and the judges.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Mohit Kerkar expressed gratitude for the support received and hoped that this recognition would inspire more young artists to engage with and preserve tribal art forms. The group has appealed to media platforms to highlight this achievement as a way to encourage youth participation and promote the rich heritage of tribal culture.
Fiza Shaikh, daughter of Ex-Vice Chairperson Imtiaz Shaikh and Councillor Fouziya Shaikh from Sanguem, has made her hometown and the entire state of Goa proud with her recent achievement in the United Kingdom. A former student of The Kings School and a graduate of Padre Conceicao College of Engineering (PCCE), Fiza has consistently demonstrated excellence both academically and professionally.
After completing her Bachelor’s degree in engineering, she pursued her passion for management and leadership by enrolling for a Master’s in Project Management at Leeds Beckett University in the UK. Her dedication, perseverance, and commitment to excellence paid off as she graduated with distinction — a testament to her hard work and determination.
Adding yet another feather to her cap, Fiza has now been appointed as an International Officer at Leeds Beckett University. In this new role, she will contribute to fostering global connections and supporting international students, continuing her journey of inspiring leadership and cross-cultural engagement.
Beyond academics, Fiza is also the Managing Director of the SmileKeeper Foundation, an organization focused on social development and community upliftment. Her story is not just one of personal success but also a symbol of what Goan youth can achieve with vision, persistence, and passion.
Her accomplishment stands as a proud moment for Sanguem, celebrating the potential of young Goans making their mark across the world and reminding us that with dedication and hard work, the world truly has no boundaries.
Porvorim, 7th August 2025: In a landmark move, Goa Tourism has launched the Homestay and Bed & Breakfast Scheme, aimed at empowering women, revitalising rural tourism, and promoting community-led travel experiences. This new scheme was unveiled by Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, alongside Tourism Minister Rohan A. Khaunte and other key dignitaries at the PAC Hall, Secretariat.
Homestay operators in seven key talukas are eligible: Sattari, Sanguem, Dharbandora, Bicholim, Canacona, Ponda, and Quepem
🧑🎓 Empowering Women, Strengthening Communities
Tourism Minister Rohan A. Khaunte highlighted that many homestays are women-led, and this scheme is designed to boost women entrepreneurship, aligning with the broader “Goa Beyond Beaches” campaign.
“This is a strong vote of confidence in community-based tourism and the women behind it,” said Khaunte.
🌏 A Vision for ‘Goa Beyond Beaches’
By promoting Goa’s interior villages, culture, and natural heritage, the scheme supports the state’s goal to diversify its tourism economy and relieve pressure on the coastal belt. Director of Tourism Kedar Naik emphasized that the scheme reflects a shift toward inclusive and regenerative tourism.
📝 How to Apply
Applicants can register online or offline, with provisions for inspections, reclassification, and compliance monitoring. The scheme is valid for five years, with potential extensions by the Department.
🚀 The Impact
The Homestay & BnB Scheme isn’t just about accommodations—it’s about:
Shaping a decentralized tourism model
Building economic independence for women
Creating authentic travel experiences
Preserving Goa’s cultural and natural heritage
🔗 Final Word
This initiative reaffirms Goa’s position as a leader in sustainable, inclusive, and future-ready tourism.
Sanguem, Goa | June 20, 2025 — In a proactive move toward enhancing community preparedness and resilience, the Goa State Disaster Management Authority (GSDMA) conducted a Special Drive on Disaster Management at the Netravali Village Panchayat Hall in Sanguem. The awareness and training program was held under the ambit of the flagship #SwayampurnaGoa Programme, which aims to empower Goan villages through holistic development and grassroots governance.
The special drive was designed to sensitize local residents, panchayat members, and frontline workers on best practices in disaster preparedness, risk reduction, and emergency response. With Goa’s vulnerability to natural events such as floods, landslides, and cyclones, the initiative emphasized the importance of community-based disaster management.
Experts from GSDMA explained essential protocols for:
Early warning systems
First response during natural calamities
Evacuation planning
Basic first aid and fire safety
Emergency helpline coordination
Live demonstrations and interactive Q&A sessions ensured that even rural residents could engage actively and absorb critical safety information.
Community Participation Under Swayampurna Goa
The event saw enthusiastic participation from villagers, women’s self-help groups, and youth volunteers, reinforcing the core objective of #SwayampurnaGoa — making each panchayat self-reliant, informed, and resilient. Local authorities, Panchayat leaders, and representatives of the District Disaster Management Cell also lent their support to the drive.
“Disaster preparedness begins at the community level. Through initiatives like these, we aim to create a safety-first mindset and empower every Goan village to act swiftly and effectively during emergencies,” said a senior official from GSDMA.
