Tag: Social Impact

Events in Goa

National Petalists Day Celebrated in Goa, Marking 10 Years of Inclusive Livelihoods for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities

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Written by Intern Rency Gomes | Team Allycaral 

Goa | Craftizen Foundation celebrated National Petalists Day in Goa at the Museum of Goa, marking 10 years of the Petalists Livelihood Programme — a pioneering initiative that enables adults with intellectual disabilities to engage in meaningful, creative livelihoods.


The event brought together Petalists, partner organisations, caregivers, educators, and government representatives to celebrate a decade of collaboration, creativity, and inclusion. National Petalists Day is envisioned as a two-month celebration that began on December 3, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, and continues with events across Bengaluru, Pune, Lucknow, Hyderabad, and Goa, highlighting the abilities, talents, and contributions of adults with intellectual disabilities.

Launched in 2016, the Petalists Livelihood Programme focuses on creating structured and dignified livelihood opportunities through craft-based work. Across vocational centres, Petalists create handcrafted products using recycled temple flowers and other craft forms, combining therapeutic engagement with skill development and income pathways. Over the past decade, the programme has grown into one of India’s largest collaborative livelihood models in the disability sector, supporting more than 3,000 adults with intellectual disabilities across 100+ partner organisations in 11 states.

In Goa, the programme has created sustained livelihood opportunities through strong partnerships with local organisations, trainers, and caregivers. These collaborations have enabled adults with intellectual disabilities to participate meaningfully in creative work while building confidence, skills, and social inclusion.

The Goa celebration was graced by Varsha Naik, Director, Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Government of Goa, as Chief Guest, along with Taha Haaziq, Secretary, Goa State Commission for Persons with Disabilities. Their presence highlighted the importance of institutional support in strengthening inclusive livelihood ecosystems.

Other dignitaries and special guests included Prakash Kamat, senior journalist and social worker; Avelino de Sa, Founder and President, Disability Rights Association of Goa (DRAG); Mayura Balasubramanian, Founder and CEO, Craftizen Foundation; Vineet Saraiwala, Founder, Atypical Advantage; and Kumaraswamy, Director – Livelihoods, Craftizen Foundation. Leaders from partner organisations, parents, caregivers, trainers, and Petalists were also present.

A key highlight of the event was the active participation of Petalists, caregivers, and partner organisations, who shared their journeys and experiences with the programme. Creative group activities, artisan engagement, and a celebratory cake-cutting marked the milestone, reinforcing the inclusive and participatory spirit of National Petalists Day.

Aligned with International Flower Day on January 19, National Petalists Day is envisioned as a month-long national movement rather than a single-day event. The 2026 campaign began with an online launch on December 3 and continues with celebrations across Hyderabad, Goa, Lucknow, Pune, and Bengaluru.

Speaking at the event, Mayura Balasubramanian expressed gratitude to partner organisations whose continued commitment has enabled the programme to scale and sustain its impact over the past decade.

The Goa celebration concluded with closing remarks by Kumaraswamy and Sagarika Prabhu Gaonkar, Zonal Manager – Goa, Craftizen Foundation, who thanked the Petalists, partners, caregivers, and guests, reaffirming Craftizen’s belief that inclusive livelihoods thrive through collaboration, shared ownership, and community engagement.

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HDFC Bank to Host 17th Annual Nationwide Blood Donation Drive on December 5, 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

HDFC Bank, one of India’s leading private-sector banks, will host the 17th edition of its nationwide Blood Donation Drive under its flagship CSR initiative, Parivartan. The annual effort is scheduled for December 5, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and will take place across more than 1,100 cities in India. The initiative continues to be one of the Bank’s most impactful community welfare programmes, encouraging large-scale participation from employees, customers, corporates, defence personnel, students and members of local communities.

The drive highlights the Bank’s commitment to supporting the country’s ongoing requirement for safe and timely blood donations. Since its inception in 2007, the Annual Blood Donation Drive has grown from only 88 centres and 4,385 units collected to more than 5,533 camps and 3.38 lakh units collected across 1,408 locations in 2024. It also earned a Guinness World Record in 2013 for conducting the largest single-day, multiple-venue blood donation event.

Mr Kaizad Bharucha, Deputy Managing Director at HDFC Bank, expressed gratitude to all volunteers and partners who have contributed to the drive over the years. He emphasised that the simple act of donating blood can create an immediate and meaningful impact on someone’s life. Mr Bhavesh Zaveri, Executive Director at HDFC Bank, noted that the initiative has grown significantly due to the dedication and teamwork demonstrated by employees and partners, reaffirming the Bank’s commitment to strengthening India’s healthcare ecosystem.

To ensure the highest standards of safety and transparency, HDFC Bank collaborates with reputed blood banks, healthcare institutions, NGOs and government authorities. This year’s edition will continue these partnerships, maintaining strong adherence to medical protocols and ethical practices. With community participation at its core, the 17th Annual Blood Donation Drive seeks to inspire individuals across the country to come together and contribute to a life-saving cause.

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Udant Honors Six Goan Icons on International Men’s Day, Celebrates the Spirit of Positive Masculinity

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Udant marked International Men’s Day with an inspiring celebration that brought together distinguished achievers, dignitaries, artists, and well-wishers in an evening dedicated to honoring the evolving narrative of masculinity. The event emphasized that true strength lies not in dominance but in empathy, kindness, and the courage to remain authentic. The program commenced with the traditional Lighting of the Lamp by Chief Guest Mrs. Smita Patil, Chairperson of CII IWN, the Guest of Honor Capt. Rajesh Yadav—recently crowned Mr. India 2025 in the Senior Category—alongside former awardees and the Udant organizing team. Their collective presence gave the evening a solemn yet uplifting beginning. Children from the Udant Centre set an emotional tone for the evening with a heartfelt welcome song, followed by a warm musical interlude by young guitarist Master Mathias, whose performance received enthusiastic applause.

The atmosphere grew more celebratory as Udant felicitated six remarkable Goan icons whose dedication and achievements have significantly shaped Goa’s cultural and social identity. Mr. Vinayak Khedekar was honored for his lifelong work as an eminent writer and folklorist, preserving the essence of Goan tradition through his insightful research and literary brilliance. Mr. Damodar Mauzo, an acclaimed author known for his fearless storytelling, was recognized for his monumental contribution to literature and his ability to portray the soul of Goa with striking authenticity. Mr. Siddhant Mulgaonkar Patil received the award for Inspirational Spirit, a testament to his resilience and commitment to transforming personal struggle into purposeful expression through writing and thought leadership.

Filmmaker and digital creator Mr. Mario Pimenta was celebrated for his innovative storytelling and ability to reach and inspire audiences across borders through social media. Dr. Pravin Gaonkar was recognized for his pivotal role as an Indian Classical Musician and educator, committed to nurturing young talents and preserving rich musical traditions. Acclaimed fashion visionary Mr. Praveen Saldanha, known as Monty Sally, was honored for his creative excellence in transforming narratives into distinctive couture, making a notable mark in the world of fashion.

The evening also witnessed the presence of former awardees, including renowned musician and composer Mr. Roque Lazarus and ace fashion photographer Mr. Prasad Pankar, whose attendance reaffirmed the lasting bond between Udant and the individuals it has honored over the years. Their presence added depth and continuity to the event’s spirit of mentorship and community. As the evening drew to a close, Mrs. Rahila Khan delivered a heartfelt Vote of Thanks, expressing gratitude to the dignitaries, awardees, performers, and guests who contributed to making the occasion truly memorable. The program concluded with a soulful performance by Scully Patricia Fernandes, leaving the audience with a lingering sense of joy, reflection, and appreciation.

Guests ended the evening with refreshments generously sponsored by Taj Cidade de Goa and Taj Vivanta Panjim, along with tea and vadas prepared by the chefs of Ddhyana – the wellness centre. The celebration not only honored outstanding individuals but also reaffirmed Udant’s commitment to fostering positive masculinity and recognizing those who uplift society with creativity, compassion, and courage.

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Malabar Group Celebrates Children’s Day Across 1531 Micro Learning Centres in India

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Malabar Group, one of the world’s leading jewellery retailers, celebrated Children’s Day with heartfelt programmes across its 1531 Micro Learning Centres spread throughout India. More than sixty thousand underprivileged children supported by these centres took part in the celebrations, which began with the distribution of sweets and continued with activities designed to create a joyful, inclusive, and enriching environment for every child. Senior representatives from Malabar Group, community leaders, and dignitaries were present at various centres, making the day memorable for the young participants.

The Micro Learning Centres were established to support children who had been forced into labour or had to discontinue schooling due to difficult social or economic circumstances. Each centre provides a full year of age-appropriate primary education, enabling these children to transition back into the formal school system. Parents, community leaders, police officials, health department personnel, and Malabar Group teams joined the children in activities intended to build confidence, encourage participation, and nurture a love for learning.

Nutrition plays an equally vital role in the functioning of the centres. By offering milk, fruits, and eggs daily, the MLCs ensure that children receive essential nourishment to help them focus and learn better. The programme relies on trained graduates from local communities who serve as teachers, maintaining a ratio of one teacher for every forty children. This grassroots model has already borne remarkable results, with approximately thirty thousand children successfully returning to mainstream education through the initiative.

Speaking about the significance of the programme, Malabar Group Chairman M. P. Ahammed emphasized that the initiative addresses two of the most crucial needs of children—nutrition and education. He stated that a child learns best when they feel secure and cared for, and that nourishment strengthens their ability to study while education gives them direction. Together, these two elements empower a child to build a future rooted in confidence and dignity. He added that the Micro Learning Centres reflect the Group’s commitment to long-term community upliftment and form a key part of its broader CSR efforts.

The centres operate under Malabar Group’s Hunger Free World initiative, which distributes one lakh five thousand food packets every day across India while also supporting communities in Zambia and Ethiopia. Over the years, the Group has invested more than three hundred and fifty-six crore rupees in various social welfare programmes. These initiatives have touched the lives of more than seventeen lakh beneficiaries, spanning key areas such as women’s empowerment, healthcare access, educational scholarships for girls, and the Grandma Home initiative that provides shelter and care for elderly women.

This Children’s Day celebration across the Micro Learning Centres once again highlighted Malabar Group’s belief that every child deserves access to nourishment, education, and opportunities to grow with dignity. The celebrations not only brought joy to thousands of young faces but also reinforced the Group’s ongoing commitment to building stronger, more inclusive communities through sustained social impact initiatives.

Events in Goa

Social Impact Conclave Goa 2025 Showcases Digital Responsibility, Neighbourhood Bonds & Community Values

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The Social Impact Conclave Goa 2025, hosted by Voice Up and co-hosted by the Rights of Neighbours Campaign, brought together influencers, youth leaders, and community voices to reflect on the evolving role of digital creators in shaping society. The event opened with remarks by Mr. Muzammil, a member of SIO, who expressed that the conclave was designed to create voices capable of influencing society with empathy and responsibility. He reminded participants that true influence lies not in popularity but in impact, compassion, and accountability, qualities that every digital creator must uphold in today’s fast-paced online world.

The keynote address was delivered by veteran journalist Shree Prakash Kamat, who explored the immense power influencers hold in shaping public thought. He emphasised that content must be rooted in constitutional values and civic conscience to contribute meaningfully to society. Warning that purposeless content easily descends into trolling, he urged creators to maintain integrity and consistency in the values they represent, using their platforms thoughtfully and responsibly.

One of the most engaging sessions, “Good Neighbours Build a Society,” was led by Dr. Aisha Fidha of GIO. She reflected on the warmth, trust, and solidarity that once characterised neighbourhood life in India, where communities functioned as extended families. Dr. Fidha explained how urban lifestyles and rising individualism have created what she termed “urban coldness,” leaving people emotionally distant despite physical proximity. She highlighted the physical consequences of weakened community bonds—such as increased stress, disturbed sleep, and reduced emergency safety—as well as psychological effects, including loneliness, anxiety, and social withdrawal. She stressed that neighbourhoods are the first unit of society, and strong neighbourly connections are essential for both social harmony and human well-being.

The programme concluded with a thought-provoking address by Mr. Asif Hussain, Chairman of the Board of Innovative Education. He spoke about the responsibility influencers carry in shaping society’s moral and emotional landscape. In a powerful remark, he said that “mankind should be heroes, but we have reduced ourselves to zeros,” pointing to humanity’s role in conflicts, environmental degradation, and social chaos. Yet he reminded the audience that positive change is always possible, and that even the darkest moments eventually give way to light. Mr. Hussain encouraged influencers to use their platforms for constructive storytelling by creating reels, videos, and short films that inspire transformation. Urging the youth of Goa to rise to the occasion, he emphasised that meaningful change begins with consistent small efforts, saying, “Boond boond se banta hai samandar.”

A total of 24 influencers and change-makers were honoured during the event for their contributions to society through digital media. Among them, Mr. Yunus Shaikh and Mr. Usman Khan Pathan received special recognition for their exceptional work in driving social awareness and promoting impactful causes through their digital skills. Their dedication stood out as an example of how online influence can be used to create real-world change.