Tag: St. Xavier’s College Mapusa

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St. Xavier’s College Chemistry Students Visit NCPOR for Hands-on Scientific Learning

Tanisha Cardozo

The Department of Chemistry at St. Xavier’s College, Mapusa, organized a field visit for its TYBSc students to the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), Vasco-da-Gama, Goa, on 16th October 2025. The visit offered students a first-hand experience of India’s leading research institution dedicated to polar and ocean studies.

Students were warmly welcomed by NCPOR scientists, who introduced them to the institution’s primary mandates, including the Indian Antarctic and Arctic Programs and Southern Ocean studies. The interaction sessions provided students valuable insights into how India contributes to global research on climate change, oceanography, and polar ecosystems.

During the guided tour, students explored several advanced laboratories such as the SEM-EDS Lab, Polar Biology Lab, Geology Lab, and Cryobiology Lab, where they learned about the cutting-edge instruments used in environmental and oceanic research. Faculty members accompanying the students highlighted the educational importance of linking theoretical chemistry concepts with real-world applications in polar science.

Fascinated by the experience, many students expressed interest in pursuing summer and winter research projects at NCPOR. The visit not only deepened their understanding of applied chemistry but also inspired them to consider careers in research and environmental science.

The field trip was coordinated by Mr. Mahesh Nair, faculty member of the Department of Chemistry, under the mentorship of Ms. Kathleen Pinto, Head of Department. The initiative reflects St. Xavier’s College’s ongoing commitment to experiential learning and academic exposure beyond the classroom.

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St. Xavier’s College, Mapusa Hosts X’plorateur 2025: A Regenerative Vision for Goa

Tanisha Cardozo

In a celebration of innovation, sustainability, and student excellence, the Department of BBA (Travel & Tourism) at St. Xavier’s College, Mapusa, hosted its national-level event X’plorateur 2025 on September 26th and 27th. Timed to align with World Tourism Day, the two-day program was guided by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) theme, “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation,” and inspired by the college’s own vision, “A Regenerative Vision for Goa.”

The event served as a platform for students to explore how tourism can not only be sustainable but regenerative — restoring and preserving Goa’s ecological and cultural wealth. The inaugural ceremony was attended by dignitaries from the college along with Chief Guest Mr. Pifran Fernandes, Owner of Tree House Goa. The program featured cultural performances, a magazine launch, and inspiring talks that highlighted the need for tourism models that go beyond conservation and actively improve the communities and environments they touch.

Over the course of two days, student teams from Goa and Karnataka participated in a wide array of activities designed to test creativity, knowledge, and teamwork — all centered around sustainable tourism. The competitions included quizzes, debates, business pitch contests, eco-painting, stress challenges, and a fashion show that celebrated eco-conscious design and storytelling.

The event concluded with a thrilling award ceremony where Team Desert Dynamos from KLE College of Business Administration, Hubli, Karnataka, were crowned Overall Champions. The Runners-up title went to Team Moonlight Mavericks from Srinivassa Sinai Dempo College of Commerce & Economics, Goa. The level of creativity, critical thinking, and passion displayed throughout the event underscored the deep commitment of young minds to shape a more responsible future for tourism in India.

X’plorateur 2025 not only brought academic communities together but also reaffirmed the role of educational institutions in leading the charge toward a tourism industry that regenerates — rather than depletes — the places we cherish most.

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Yousuf Shaikh Crowned Best Player as St. Xavier’s Wins Badminton Title at Goa University Badminton Championship

Tanisha Cardozo

Mapusa, Goa – The court was electric, the stakes high, and the performance? Simply unforgettable. Yousuf Shaikh, representing St. Xavier’s College, Mapusa, was officially crowned the Best Player of the Tournament at the Goa University Intercollegiate Badminton Championship 2025–2026, held at the prestigious SAG Indoor Stadium, Campal.

St. Xavier’s College dominated the men’s competition, culminating in a 3-0 clean sweep in the finals against Don Bosco College of Engineering, Fatorda.

In the first singles, Ashmeet Parsekar set the tone with a commanding 21-11, 21-6 win. Then came Yousuf Shaikh, who took center stage and delivered a tactical masterclass, defeating Sohan Kavlekar 21-14, 21-8. He returned to the court alongside Ashmeet for the doubles, sealing the victory 21-7, 21-7.

“Yousuf’s dominance on the court, his composure under pressure, and sharp shot selection were simply world-class,” said the team coach.

St. Xavier’s had earlier defeated Padre Conceicao College of Engineering in the semi-finals 3-1, while Don Bosco College Engineering had scraped past Don Bosco College, Panjim in a tight 3-2 battle. Both PCCE and Don Bosco, Panjim were awarded joint third place.

Meanwhile, in the women’s category, S.S. Dempo College of Commerce and Economics, Cujira lifted the title, defeating PG Goa University 2-0. Riya Haldankar, who remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, was named Best Player (Women).

But the tournament spotlight, without question, belonged to Yousuf Shaikh. His energy, skill, and leadership turned him into the standout athlete of the championship and a name to remember in Goa’s college sports circuit.

🎉 Congratulations, Yousuf! Your Xavier family is proud.

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St. Xavier’s College, Mapusa NSS unit Commemorates Plantation Drive – “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0”

allycaralgoa

The NSS Unit of St. Xavier’s College – Mapusa, organized a plantation drive beginning on on 30th June 2025 until 7th July 2025 commemorating the initiative “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0”, which encouraged NSS volunteers to plant a sapling in honour of their mothers.

The event began with a brief introduction by the NSS Chief Programme Officer, Dr. Rheane Da Silva who highlighted the significance of the campaign and its message of environmental responsibility and gratitude toward motherhood. The plantation drive was formally inaugurated by the dignitaries of the college. The first sapling was planted by the Administrator, Rev. Fr. Tony Salema, followed by Acting Principal, Ms. Ursula Barreto. The Vice Principal, Prof. Filipe Rodrigues e Melo, carried out the third plantation. Guest of Honour, Mr. Vincy Quatros, a renowned Konkani writer planted a sapling, expressing his support for the cause. Dr.Raina of GVM’s Ponda enthusiastically participated in the plantation drive.

The Programme Officers, Dr. Rheane Da Silva, Mr. Sujay Rane and Mr. Rahul Naik along with the college gardeners Mr. Satish and Mr. Dessai alongside 35 NSS volunteers planted the saplings with active enthusiasm. In total, 70 saplings were planted during the drive. The sapling varieties included Badam (Almond), Gulmohar, Mango, Jackfruit, Cashew, Awla, Techoma and other native species suitable for the terrain.

The plantation was carried out in specific areas of the campus, including the periphery of the college sports ground and along the pathways to encourage shade in the future. These locations were selected to ensure the long-term visibility and the long term impact of trees to maintain a cooler temperature on campus.

To ensure proper maintenance, each sapling has been assigned to a dedicated pair of NSS volunteers who will take care of the plants throughout the year. The plantation drive concluded successfully, marking a meaningful contribution to both environmental preservation and the emotional spirit behind the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0” initiative.