Tag: SDGs

EduConnect

Pre-Summit Event for India AI Impact Summit 2026 Launches Converge 3.0 and Celebrates Lenovo LEAP Culmination

allycaralgoa

The Centralized Training Internship and Placement (TIP) Cell of the Directorate of Higher Education (DHE), Government of Goa, hosted a pre-summit event in the lead-up to the India AI Impact Summit 2026. The gathering celebrated the successful culmination of the Lenovo LEAP initiative and marked the official launch of Converge 3.0, a flagship programme designed to empower youth and foster innovation.

The event brought together distinguished leaders and stakeholders across government, industry, academia, and the innovation ecosystem, highlighting the growing role of Artificial Intelligence (AI), technology, and innovation in driving inclusive, purpose-led development.

Prominent attendees included:

  • Mr. Sivakumar Dakshinamurthy, Head of Services Support, ISG, Lenovo
  • Ms. Pratima Harite, Head Corporate Citizenship, Lenovo Corporate Marketing Group
  • Mr. Bhomik Shah, Founder, CSRBOX / BharatCares
  • Shri Bhushan K. Savaikar, Director, Directorate of Higher Education, Goa
  • Dr. Niyan Marchon, Program Director & Professor, DHE
  • Mr. Umesh Rathod, Innovation Manager, Western Region, AICTE
  • Rev. Fr. Agnelo Gomes, Director

At the launch of Converge 3.0, Mr. Umesh Rathod shared insights on building innovation ecosystems and integrating AI-driven upskilling frameworks within academic institutions to bridge the gap between education and industry needs.

A key highlight of the event was the Young Innovators Challenge, where 30 engineering student teams presented innovative projects—both posters and prototypes—aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This initiative reinforces DHE Goa’s commitment to fostering youth-led solutions and preparing the next generation of technology and innovation leaders.

The event underscored the strength of collaboration between government, academia, and industry, demonstrating how platforms like Converge 3.0 can drive impactful innovation and empower students to contribute meaningfully to Goa’s technological and social development.

Business

Malabar Gold & Diamonds Expands ‘Hunger Free World’ Initiative to Ethiopia, Scaling Its Global Impact

allycaralgoa

Business Desk, Team Allycaral
Mumbai, November 12, 2025: In a remarkable step toward global social responsibility, Malabar Gold & Diamonds, the world’s fifth-largest jewellery retailer, has announced the expansion of its acclaimed Hunger Free World initiative to Ethiopia.

Following its transformative success in India and Zambia, the initiative will now support 10,000 children across five schools in Adama City, Oromia region, by 2026. The project aims to provide daily meals, scholarships, digital literacy, and library development programs, thereby promoting both nutrition and educational equity.

The announcement took place at the Malabar International Hub in the Dubai Gold Souq, where Mr. Abdul Salam K.P, Vice Chairman of Malabar Group, officially handed over the Letter of Intent to H.E. Asmelash Bekele, Consul General of Ethiopia in Dubai.

“Our commitment to the communities we serve goes beyond business. Hunger Free World has transformed countless lives, and its expansion to Ethiopia reinforces our mission of sustainable and inclusive growth,”
said Mr. M.P. Ahammed, Chairman of Malabar Group.

With an investment of USD 864,000 over the next two years, the program will not only ensure daily nutrition for children but also promote local employment by engaging parents, teachers, and local suppliers.

Mr. Shamlal Ahamed, MD of International Operations, highlighted,

“In addition to school feeding programs, our initiatives in Ethiopia will include scholarships, mentorships, digital literacy, and library development. This marks another milestone in our journey to end hunger and foster education equity globally.”

The Hunger Free World initiative, a cornerstone of Malabar’s ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance) commitments, currently provides over 85,000 meals daily across 170 locations worldwide. Its expansion aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — notably Zero Hunger, Quality Education, and Gender Equality.

Founded in 1993, Malabar Gold & Diamonds has become a global symbol of ethical business practices and community service. The group allocates 5% of its net profits to CSR — more than double India’s mandated corporate contribution — supporting causes such as health, housing, women’s empowerment, and the environment.

Through initiatives like Hunger Free World, Malabar demonstrates how Indian entrepreneurship can drive global change — building bridges between business success and social transformation. 🌍💛

Social

JCI Panaji Launches “One LO Sustainable Project” with CCP and Goa Forest Department

Tanisha Cardozo

JCI Panaji has made a significant contribution to environmental conservation and sustainability by launching the “One LO Sustainable Project” in collaboration with the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) and the Goa Forest Department . This community-driven initiative focused on planting several medicinal saplings across strategic locations in Panaji, with the goal of enhancing biodiversity, promoting ecological balance, and reviving traditional healing practices through the cultivation of native medicinal plants.

The project was formally inaugurated in Panaji in the presence of several dignitaries, including Mayor Rohit Monserrate, who graced the event as Chief Guest. Applauding the efforts of JCI Panaji, the Mayor highlighted how such grassroots projects are essential for the sustainable growth of the city and encouraged other youth-led organizations to join the movement for a greener Panaji.

Also attending the launch were Deu Tukaram Khavnekar (Forest Guard), Amit Rajaram Kalangutkar (Forest Guard), Gautam Kharangate (CEO, Rashtra TV), and JCI Panaji President Sandeep Kerkar, alongside a passionate group of JCI Panaji members who were instrumental in bringing the project to life.

Speaking at the event, Sandeep Kerkar emphasized the dual benefits of planting medicinal species – supporting both the environment and preserving indigenous knowledge systems related to natural healing. “Through this initiative, we aim to inspire citizens to create green spaces in their homes and neighborhoods,” he said.

The ceremony concluded with a pledge by JCI Panaji to nurture the saplings and expand the project in the coming months. The initiative aligns with the global JCI mission and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

This is a proud moment for Panaji, as civic bodies and citizen groups come together to protect and nurture the natural environment for future generations.

EduConnect

Narayan Zantye College & Vedanta Sesa Goa Unite to Empower Youth on International Youth Day 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Bicholim, August 16, 2025 — Marking International Youth Day 2025, Narayan Zantye College of Commerce, Bicholim, in strategic collaboration with Vedanta Sesa Goa, organized a compelling day of dialogue, inspiration, and celebration under the theme: “Local Youth Action for the SDGs & Beyond.”

As part of the ‘YouThePower, YouTheChange’ initiative, the day’s activities included a vibrant panel discussion, interactive student sessions, and the inauguration of new educational facilities aimed at empowering youth through knowledge and innovation.

The event’s highlight was the expert panel discussion on “The Power of Youth in Creating Jobs, Solving Problems, and Shaping the Future.” Moderated by Ms. Sadiya Choudhary, a Third Year B.Com student, the panel brought together esteemed voices from industry and academia:

  • Mr. Santosh Mandrekar – Head, North & Central Cluster, Vedanta IOG
  • Mr. Deepak Nawathe – Senior Training Officer, Sesa Technical School (STS)
  • Mr. Chetan Salelkar – Entrepreneur
  • Prof. Dr. Praveen Sawant – Associate Professor, Narayan Zantye College

The discussion highlighted the importance of skill-building, entrepreneurship, and youth-driven innovation in today’s fast-evolving economy. Panelists emphasized that with the right mindset and resources, young people can be powerful changemakers—creating employment, innovating for the future, and addressing societal challenges with creativity and compassion.

Principal Prof. Dr. Rajendra Khorjuvekar reflected on the significance of the occasion, stating:

“International Youth Day is an opportunity to renew our commitment to empowering youth. This panel has enabled our students to gain valuable insights into how they can maximize their potential and contribute to the greater good.”

In recognition of student excellence, Ms. Siddhi Chopdekar, Mr. Vishwanath S. Illakallmatty, and Ms. Shruti Gaddi were felicitated for their outstanding achievements.

The event concluded with an engaging Q&A session where students posed thought-provoking questions, further enriching the day’s learning experience.

With its focus on leadership, community impact, and the Sustainable Development Goals, the event was not just a celebration—it was a call to action for youth to lead with vision and responsibility.