Minister for Tribal Welfare, Dr. Ramesh Tawadkar, attended the day-long 7th Adivasi Vidhyarthi Sammelan, organised by the Directorate of Tribal Welfare, at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Director of Sports Dr. Ajay Gaude, Director of Tribal Welfare Nilesh Dhiagodkar, Chairman of the Goa State Scheduled Tribes Finance & Development Corporation Ltd. Vasudev Gaunkar, and President of the North Goa Zilla Panchayat Dhaku Madkaikar, along with other officials and representatives.
The Sammelan focused on motivating tribal students, highlighting educational opportunities, and reinforcing the government’s commitment towards the academic, social, and overall development of students from tribal communities.
The programme served as a platform for interaction between students and policymakers, aiming to strengthen awareness about welfare schemes and initiatives designed for the upliftment of Scheduled Tribe students in Goa.
Sant Sohirobanath Ambiye Government College of Arts and Commerce, located in Virnora, Pernem–Goa, organized a meaningful Anti-Ragging Awareness Program aimed at fostering a safe, inclusive, and respectful campus culture. The session served as a powerful platform to engage students in understanding their role in eliminating ragging and promoting student welfare.
The keynote address was delivered by Asst. Prof. Varsha Redkar from V. M. Salgaocar College of Law, Miramar, who brought a legal perspective to the issue. She emphasized the seriousness of ragging under the law and the long-lasting impact it can have on victims. Her message to the students was not just about awareness, but about responsibility. “Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented. If you witness ragging, speak up. Your voice can be the shield someone desperately needs,” she stated passionately, urging students to be vigilant allies rather than passive observers.
The program was effectively coordinated by Ms. Salima Haldankar and Ms. Manju Shetye, whose efforts ensured a smooth and engaging event. The initiative was well-received by students and staff alike, further demonstrating the institution’s unwavering commitment to maintaining a ragging-free environment and cultivating values of respect, empathy, and unity among students.
In a strong gesture of support toward grassroots education, Cumbarjua MLA Rajesh Faldessai led the distribution of school materials to students from government primary schools across Corlim, Old Goa, Cumbarjua, Carambolim, Adkon, Bhoma, and Marcela. This initiative was carried out under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program of Deccan Fine Chemicals.
The event was marked by the presence of key stakeholders from both the company and the community, including CSR Head Gaurav Kudchadkar, Site Head Kiran Dessai, Human Resources Lead Yogesh Arora, and Assistant Director of Education (A.D.E.I) Neeta Faldessai. Together, they helped ensure that the distribution went smoothly, reaching children across these regions who benefit immensely from such educational support.
This CSR activity highlights the critical role that public-private partnerships can play in uplifting the educational infrastructure in semi-urban and rural areas. By equipping students with the basic materials they need to participate in learning, this initiative sends a powerful message about inclusivity, opportunity, and the long-term benefits of investment in education.
For the young students who received the school kits, the gesture goes beyond notebooks and pencils — it represents recognition, encouragement, and hope. It is a reminder that education is a shared responsibility, and that collaboration between elected representatives and corporate citizens can pave the way for lasting community transformation.
A Step Forward in Strengthening Educational Infrastructure and Student Welfare in South Goa
Majorda, Goa | June 21, 2025 — In a significant move to enhance student transportation and safety, Member of Parliament Shri Viriato Fernandes inaugurated a new school bus for St. Anthony High School, Majorda. The vehicle has been sanctioned under the MPLAD (Members of Parliament Local Area Development) scheme, reflecting the MP’s continued commitment to grassroots educational development and youth welfare in South Goa.
The inauguration ceremony was marked by enthusiastic participation from school students, teachers, and members of the local community.
Held within the school campus, the event was graced by a number of distinguished guests, including:
Shri Ramesh Gaonkar, Additional Collector (II)
Fr. Isidore Dias, School Manager
Smt. Laura Braganza, Headmistress
Majorda-Utorda-Calata Panchayat Sarpanch & Panch members
Shri Savio D’Silva, South Goa District Congress President
Shri Everson Vales, Goa Congress General Secretary
Shri Morrison Rodrigues, Nuvem Block Congress President
The ceremony was also attended by teachers, PTA members, schoolchildren, and numerous local residents who gathered to celebrate this key infrastructural addition.
🗣️ A Message from the MP
While addressing the students and attendees, MP Viriato Fernandes highlighted the critical role that reliable infrastructure plays in ensuring equal access to education.
“A school bus is more than just a vehicle — it’s a bridge between students and their dreams. Through the MPLAD scheme, we aim to support our schools with the tools they need to empower every child with safe and accessible education,” he stated.
🤝 Interactive Session with Students
Following the formal inauguration, MP Fernandes took time to engage in an interactive session with the students, discussing their interests, academic goals, and challenges they face. His down-to-earth and encouraging interaction left a lasting impression on the young minds present, reinforcing the idea that their voices matter in shaping the future of Goa.
Students shared questions and ideas ranging from their aspirations in science and arts to how public policies can improve educational outcomes. The session created a vibrant exchange of ideas and inspiration.
🚍 Strengthening School Infrastructure
The new school bus is expected to serve students from Majorda, Utorda, Calata, and nearby areas, reducing absenteeism caused by transport issues and offering a safer commute. This addition is aligned with MP Fernandes’ larger vision of inclusive development and education-first governance.
