Tag: student wellness

EduConnect

Don Bosco College, Panjim Hosts ‘Psyrenity’ – A Celebration of Mental Health Awareness

Tanisha Cardozo

The B.A. Department of Psychology at Don Bosco College, Panjim, organized “Psyrenity – A Celebration of Mental Health Awareness” on October 13, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The festival served as a platform to promote positivity, self-expression, and emotional well-being through an engaging blend of creative stalls, games, and interactive experiences that encouraged reflection on mental health.

The event featured several unique and thought-provoking activities, including “Pop Your Insecurities,” where participants symbolically released their self-doubts; “Compliment Booth,” which spread smiles through kind words; “Knock Out the Negativity,” a fun stress-relief game; and “Express to Destress,” a space for artistic and emotional expression. One of the highlights of the day was the special fundraising canteen titled “Mood Foods,” themed around the link between food and emotions — blending nourishment with awareness.

The festival was organized under the guidance of Director Fr. Kinley D’Cruz, Principal Dr. Cedric Silveira, and Dr. Vijay Viegas, Head of the Department of Psychology, along with Ms. Grebian Alemao (College Counsellor), Ms. Nerissa Zuzarte (Faculty Coordinator), and Assistant Professors Ms. Andrea D’Souza and Ms. Tabitha Nunes. Students from all three years of the B.A. Psychology program worked with great enthusiasm to design and host the stalls, ensuring every visitor left inspired and smiling.

Psyrenity witnessed enthusiastic participation from students and faculty across various departments, creating a campus-wide spirit of positivity and unity. The event served as a gentle reminder that mental health matters — and that small acts of kindness, understanding, and self-care can have a powerful ripple effect.

With its creative and compassionate approach, Psyrenity reflected Don Bosco College’s ongoing commitment to promoting holistic well-being, empathy, and emotional growth within its academic community. The celebration concluded with laughter, reflection, and a renewed awareness that nurturing mental health is a joyful and collective responsibility.

EduConnect

St. Xavier’s College, Department of Psychology Celebrates Mental Health Day 2025: ‘Pathway to Support’

Tanisha Cardozo

On October 9, 2025, the Department of Psychology at St. Xavier’s College came together to host an engaging and impactful Mental Health Day celebration under the thoughtful theme “Pathway to Support: Because Every Mind Matters.” This annual initiative aimed to create awareness, spark meaningful dialogue, and promote emotional well-being among students, aligning with the global Sustainable Development Goal 3 – which advocates for good health and well-being for all, with an emphasis on mental health.

The day began with a warm and encouraging welcome by Dr. Eulalia Fernandes, the event coordinator, who was ably supported by student leaders Bethany Fernandes and Destiny D’Souza. Their meticulous planning and hands-on involvement helped shape the vibrant and inclusive atmosphere of the event. The presence of college dignitaries – Principal Ms. Ursula Barreto, Administrator Fr. Tony Salema, and Vice Principal Prof. Felipe Rodrigues e Melo – highlighted the institution’s strong commitment to fostering a mentally healthy campus.

The event featured a powerful mime performance that visually captured the struggles and hopes associated with mental health. This was followed by an engaging Open Mic session, offering students a platform to share stories, poems, and reflections in a safe and welcoming space. Certificates were also distributed to participants of a previously held poster-making competition, celebrating student creativity and awareness efforts. A keynote address by Fr. Tony Salema added depth to the occasion, as he shared insights on building a supportive and understanding environment for all.

As the day unfolded, interactive and reflective activities lined the college lobby, transforming it into a space of learning, sharing, and joy. The “Ping Pong Trivia” added a fun twist to mental health facts, while “Pop Your Insecurities” invited students to symbolically let go of their worries. The Art Table provided a space for creative self-expression, and the “Take What You Need” corner offered affirmation cards promoting hope, strength, and kindness. Activities like “Inside Out: Sorting Emotions,” the Affirmation Mirror, Mehendi Table, and Sticker Counter further enhanced self-awareness, relaxation, and peer connection.

The celebration concluded on a vibrant note with a high-energy flash mob that brought smiles and unity to the crowd, leaving behind a lasting reminder that mental health is not just personal, but communal.

Mental Health Day 2025 at St. Xavier’s College was not only a celebration, but a call to action — encouraging everyone to care for themselves and each other. The event successfully blended education, empathy, and entertainment, proving that even small moments of connection, creativity, and conversation can pave the way to a stronger, healthier community.

EduConnect

St Mary’s Convent Students Cautioned on Dangers of Added Sugar in Powerful Health Session

allycaralgoa

In a timely initiative to raise nutritional awareness among young minds, the St John Ambulance, Goa State Branch (SJAG) conducted an educational session at St Mary’s Convent High School, Mapusa, focused on the theme: “Reducing or eliminating added sugars from the diet and focusing on nutrient-dense whole foods.”

Addressing students from Standards VIII and IX, Jovito Lopes, Secretary General of SJAG, emphasized the harmful effects of added sugars and the importance of replacing them with natural alternatives found in fruits, vegetables, dairy, and whole foods.

“Naturally occurring sugars like fructose and lactose provide essential nutrients and fiber, whereas added sugars offer only empty calories,” said Lopes, warning students against processed foods and sugary beverages.

The session covered:

  • Differentiating between natural sugars and added sugars (like high-fructose corn syrup, table sugar, syrups).
  • Understanding how added sugars can lead to serious health conditions like obesity, Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and MASLD (Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease).
  • The recommended sugar limits:
    • Men: max 9 teaspoons/day
    • Women: max 6 teaspoons/day
    • Children under 18: max 5 teaspoons/day
    • Children under 2: ideally no added sugar

Lopes explained how packaged foods often disguise added sugars under different names like maltose, dextrose, molasses, and HFCS, making it harder for consumers—especially children and parents—to identify unhealthy choices.

Students were encouraged to:

  • Avoid sugary drinks and processed snacks
  • Opt for whole foods: fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy, lean proteins, healthy fats
  • Stay hydrated with clean water (preferably not stored in plastic)
  • Practice DIY healthy snacking over ready-made junk foods
  • Maintain balanced meals and a positive attitude towards food

The session also addressed the broader aspects of optimal health, including the roles of sleep, exercise, mental wellness, relationships, gratitude, and emotional balance.

The programme was made engaging and relatable through a PowerPoint presentation, coordinated by Sister Joy AC, Ashwini Morajkar, Royston D’Souza, and organized by Sionora Pinto, under the leadership of Principal Sister Snehala AC.

Key Message:

Food is fuel. It should bring joy, not harm. By reducing added sugar and embracing real, whole foods, today’s students can become tomorrow’s healthy leaders.

Health

St. Thomas Higher Secondary School, Aldona, Celebrates International Yoga Day 2025 with Energy and Enthusiasm

allycaralgoa

Aldona, Goa | June 21, 2025 — In a vibrant celebration of health, mindfulness, and discipline, St. Thomas Higher Secondary School, Aldona observed International Yoga Day 2025 with a meaningful program that brought together over 350 students in a one-hour yoga session on the morning of June 21st, from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., in the school hall.

Guided by the global theme of “Harmony Between Mind and Body,” the school embraced Yoga Day as an opportunity to instill values of wellness and inner balance in the young generation.

🧘 A Session Led with Purpose and Precision

The session was expertly conducted by the school’s Physical Education teacher, Sir R.J. Vijaykumar, supported by a dedicated team of student volunteers. Students followed the Common Yoga Protocol prescribed by the Ministry of AYUSH, performing foundational yoga asanas, breathing exercises, and stretches that promote both mental clarity and physical strength.

The hour-long session provided students not only with physical activity but also moments of reflection, calm, and self-awareness — aligning perfectly with Yoga Day’s core intention.

📚 Students Lead the Way with Interactive Program

Adding depth and context to the celebration, the students of Std. XII Science organized a brief assembly program that included:

  • An interactive PowerPoint presentation highlighting the origins, scientific benefits, and real-life applications of yoga.
  • A thought-provoking skit emphasizing the integration of yoga into daily routines for mental resilience and emotional well-being.

The student-led presentation resonated deeply with peers and teachers alike, driving home the message that yoga is more than exercise — it’s a way of life.

💬 Reflections and Impact

School Principal and staff commended the efforts of the students and the PE department for delivering a well-rounded, impactful event that stayed true to the spirit of International Yoga Day.

“Yoga brings about unity — of mind, body, and soul. Today’s celebration was a beautiful reminder of that, and we are proud of our students for embracing it so wholeheartedly,” said one faculty member.

The program inspired many students to view yoga as a sustainable, lifelong wellness habit, rather than just a one-day event.

🌿 Nurturing Future-Ready Students Through Ancient Wisdom

By weaving yoga into the school culture, St. Thomas Higher Secondary School, Aldona continues its commitment to nurturing holistically healthy, emotionally resilient, and physically active young individuals. Events like these ensure that the next generation carries forward the rich legacy of Indian traditions while building a strong foundation for future challenges.

#AllycaralFeature 👒

Chirag Naik Encourages Students to Make Yoga a Daily Habit

allycaralgoa

MARGAO: International Yoga Day was celebrated at Damodar Vidya Bhuvan, Comba, Margao, on Saturday, with an engaging yoga session for students of Std VI and VII from Popular High School, Margao under the guidance of yoga instructor Shri Gaurav Vyas.

Businessman, social worker and Executive Committee Member of M & N English High School, Chirag Datta Naik, attended as Chief Guest and urged students to incorporate yoga into their daily routine for better physical and mental fitness.

Speaking on the occasion, Congress Leader from Margao Chirag Naik said, “Yoga and Chess both originated in India, and we should be proud of this heritage. Everyone must practice yoga daily. Those who haven’t started should begin today, and those who have must continue without fail.”

He further motivated the students to share their learning: “Learn yoga today and teach it to your siblings, parents, friends and neighbours. Practice daily, even for a few minutes — it will instill discipline, determination and hard work, which are essential for success in life.”

The event, organised by Shree Damodar Vidya Prasarak Mandal, received an enthusiastic response from students, teachers and parents alike, reinforcing the importance of fitness and wellness in young lives.