Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral
The All-Goa Leadership Training Camp, held on 12th and 13th September 2025, proved to be a powerful platform for student growth and development. Organized in memory of the late M.R. Pai, the initiative was jointly arranged by the M.R. Pai Foundation, Mumbai and the Forum of Free Enterprise, Mumbai, with strong guidance from the Dempo Charities Trust.
The camp brought together 54 students from 8 Higher Secondary Schools across Goa, who engaged in an immersive two-day journey of learning and discovery.
The sessions were conducted by eminent faculty members Mr. Vivek Patki and Mr. Gaurav Malhotra, whose activity-based training modules focused on personal growth, leadership skills, and communication effectiveness. Students participated in exercises that tested teamwork, strengthened decision-making, and fostered self-belief.
The event was seamlessly coordinated by Asst. Prof. Pallavi Kalangutkar and Asst. Prof. Vibha Pai Angle, along with student volunteers who ensured smooth execution. Academic support came from Prof. (Dr.) Deepali Churi, whose encouragement guided the camp’s objectives.
Feedback from participants highlighted the positive impact of the sessions, with many noting a boost in confidence, clarity in setting personal and academic goals, and appreciation for hands-on, interactive learning methods.
The camp succeeded not only in imparting practical leadership skills but also in instilling a sense of responsibility and vision among young students. By empowering youth with the tools for growth and resilience, the All-Goa Leadership Training Camp continues to carry forward the legacy of M.R. Pai in building informed, capable leaders for tomorrow.
Vilas Ramnath Satarkar, Headmaster of Dr. K.B. Hedgewar High School in Cujira-Bambolim, Goa, has been conferred the National Teachers’ Award 2025 by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu.
The National Teachers’ Award recognises outstanding educators who demonstrate excellence in classroom teaching, commitment to innovation, and significant contributions to shaping young minds.
Satarkar has spent years in the service of education, not only leading a school but mentoring students, empowering fellow educators, and implementing pedagogical reforms that foster curiosity, character, and academic excellence.
His selection among the nation’s best teachers is a reflection of both personal dedication and the strength of Goa’s academic ecosystem. Under his guidance, Dr. K.B. Hedgewar High School has become known for holistic education that balances academics, values, and creativity.
For the students, staff, and community at large, this recognition is more than a medal—it’s a moment of pride and a reminder of how one educator can make a lifetime of difference.
In a landmark achievement for Goa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, Bodhami, an AI-powered career guidance and skilling platform, has been selected among India’s Top 30 Startups by Startup India – DPIIT, from a pool of over 200,000 startups, and awarded the National Startup Award for Rural Impact in the Access to Open Education category.
This makes Bodhami the first and only Goan startup to receive such a distinction at the national level.
🚀 Humble Roots, Bold Vision
Founded in 2018 in a small garage by Damodar Pai Patnekar, an ex-Wipro digital leader, along with IIT–IIM alumnus Ashutosh Sankar and tech architect Aarthy Vasan, Bodhami set out with a mission: to make career guidance and employability accessible, personalised, and affordable—especially for rural and underserved populations.
Damodar’s personal “trigger point” came after 15 years in corporate leadership roles when he realised that over 70% of working professionals were unhappy, and more than 55% of fresh graduates were unemployable. The problem, he believed, began with a lack of career awareness at the right time—typically classes 10 and 12.
“We asked ourselves: What if students could receive truly personalised guidance early on? What if AI could map their strengths to careers, and then help them upskill accordingly?” says Damodar.
🧠 Technology with a Purpose
Bodhami’s platform uses AI and real-world professional data to generate career paths, skill gap assessments, and learning recommendations tailored to individual users. Unlike generic counselling, Bodhami focuses on contextual, data-backed insights.
From career discovery and scholarships to corporate preparedness and job placement, Bodhami addresses the full spectrum of career building.
🌎 National & Global Impact
With its HQ in Goa and operations in over 350 Indian cities and 9 countries, Bodhami has:
Empowered 100,000+ students and professionals
Conducted 300–400 sessions yearly across India
Trained 700+ teachers on career counselling using its AI tool
Conducted state-wide career programs across 250+ schools in Goa
Delivered over 3,000 scholarships to underprivileged youth
It also partnered with Goa State Innovation Council (GSInC) to launch Innovation Test, a first-of-its-kind initiative in the state.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Bodhami’s recognitions include:
National Startup Award – Rural Impact (Open Education)
SKOCH Award for rural development
Tally MSME Champions of Change
IT Educator Award – Govt. of Goa
Selected for India–Sweden Innovation Day, VivaTech Paris, SCO Startup Showcase, and INFINITY – Indo-French startup exchange
Recognised by Asia Pacific Career Development Association (APCDA) and IAAP
🧑🤝🧑 Powered by People
Bodhami is built by a lean core team of 10 professionals working remotely, and supported by:
5,000+ certified counsellors
200+ franchise partners
100+ global affiliates
Together, this ecosystem ensures that career guidance reaches even the remotest students in India.
🌱 A Message for Future Entrepreneurs
“If someone from a remote Goan village can build a national award-winning platform, then anyone with commitment and passion can do it,” Damodar shares. “Entrepreneurship teaches what textbooks can’t—resilience, empathy, and purpose.”
Bodhami’s journey is more than a startup story—it’s a movement for a better future, where every student has the guidance and tools to build a career they love.
📍 Headquartered in Goa 🏆 India’s Top 30 Startups – Startup India 🌍 Reach: 350+ cities | 9 countries 🎯 Mission: Empower 10 million lives in 5 years
PM SHRI Government High School, Morpirla, celebrated National Skill Day with great enthusiasm and a strong focus on encouraging practical learning and creativity. The event brought students, teachers, and guests together to highlight the importance of skills in modern education.
The celebration was graced by the presence of Sir Tilroy Fernandes, former Principal of Cuncolim United Higher Secondary School. In his address, he inspired students to explore their individual strengths and apply their skills in meaningful ways, both in academics and life.
Under the Apparel Made-Ups and Home Furnishing sector, students proudly presented vibrant displays of stitching, garment-making, fabric designs, and colourful charts, showcasing both skill and dedication.
In the Tourism and Hospitality segment, mocktail presentations and detailed cutlery displays drew much appreciation. Students demonstrated their understanding of basic hospitality practices and the importance of presentation.
Adding a creative twist, a fireless cooking competition challenged students to prepare delicious dishes without flame. The activity encouraged innovation, food safety awareness, and teamwork.
Each of these events enabled students to bridge theory with practice, fostering a deeper understanding of vocational skills and their real-life applications.
The celebration not only ignited curiosity and creativity but also empowered students to see value in alternative learning models. PM SHRI GHS Morpirla’s National Skill Day was a glowing success—a testament to the school’s commitment to holistic education and student empowerment.
The JCI Farmagudi team recently conducted a 6-hour Effective Public Speaking Session for students of Government High School Juna Bazar Ponda, specifically targeting those pursuing Retail and Hospitality courses under Goa Samagra Shiksha’s National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF) initiative..
This engaging session aimed to enhance the communication skills of students, recognizing that effective public speaking is an essential art. By fostering confidence and articulation, JCI Farmagudi is contributing to the holistic development of young minds.
The session was expertly led by Faculty JC Sharmila Valavalkar, Zone Trainer and Zone Secretary of JCI Zone 11, alongside Co-faculty JC Siddesh Mesta, Zone Trainer. Their guidance and mentorship played a pivotal role in making the program a resounding success.
The students’ active participation and enthusiasm were truly commendable, showcasing their eagerness to learn and grow. This initiative under Goa Samagra Shiksha’s NSQF program highlights the government’s commitment to providing skill development opportunities for students.
The success of this program demonstrates the power of collaboration between organizations like JCI Farmagudi and government initiatives. By working together, we can create meaningful impact and empower the next generation of leaders.
Kudos to JCI Farmagudi and the Goa Government for spearheading such innovative initiatives! We look forward to seeing the positive outcomes and growth of these talented students.
