Kolkata has earned the distinction of being the most vegan-friendly city in India for 2025, according to PETA India. The recognition comes in light of the city’s increasing number of vegan restaurants, cafes, and plant-based food options, alongside community initiatives promoting ethical eating and cruelty-free living.
The award reflects not just the culinary landscape but also the efforts of local residents and businesses to embrace veganism and promote awareness about animal welfare. PETA India highlighted Kolkata’s commitment to creating an inclusive environment for vegans and the growing popularity of plant-based diets among its population. The announcement also aims to inspire other cities across India to adopt more vegan-friendly practices and support sustainable, compassionate food choices.
History was created in Pilar on Republic Day 2026 as Clube Marius Festacar hosted the first-ever Zaddachem Fest (Festival of Trees) at the Milroc Colina complex. Curated by renowned linguist and cultural curator Dr. Gwendolyn de Ornelas, the festival brought together Goans and visitors from across India and beyond for a day rooted in heritage, nature, music, food, and community bonding.
Deeply anchored in Goan values of ekvott (unity) and inclusivity, Zaddachem Fest stood out as a people-centric celebration. With no sponsors or chief guests, the festival ensured that the spotlight remained firmly on collective participation, shared heritage, and community spirit.
The day began with a heritage and nature walk led by Dr. Suresh Kunkalikar, Dean of the Goa College of Agriculture, along with noted horticulturist Miguel Braganza. Participants were introduced to medicinal plants and herbs growing within the complex, highlighting the importance of traditional knowledge and biodiversity. This was followed by a Kadha workshop conducted by Dr. Ornelas, where she demonstrated traditional herbal brewing methods and explained the health benefits of local remedies used for colds and coughs.
Cultural performances added warmth and vibrancy to the festival, with music by the Barreto Brothers, the D’sa family, Russell Barreto, and Linda Diniz Braganza. A highlight of the day was the flagship coconut shell dance led by Dr. Ornelas, which drew enthusiastic participation and applause from the gathering.
Senior journalist Prakash Kamat hosted an engaging Bolcaoancheo Gozalli, joined by coordinator Avelino D’sa and resource persons Sabina De Cunha, Rama Parsekar, and Rosita Heredia. The session encouraged meaningful conversations, storytelling, and intergenerational exchange.
Following a traditional homemade Goan lunch, the programme continued with awareness sessions by the Goa Police on cybercrime, talks by local health officers on healthy eating habits, and a presentation on garbage management involving residents of the Milroc Colina complex.
Speaking about the event, Festacar Marius Fernandes said that Zaddachem Fest was not merely a celebration but a reminder of the unity and shared values that bind Goans together, whether in Goa or abroad. He added that Milroc Colina’s lush gardens and open spaces provided the perfect setting for the festival’s historic first edition.
Serving as a cultural bridge, Zaddachem Fest encouraged participants to reconnect with their roots, language, and traditions while embracing Goa’s rich multicultural identity, leaving behind a strong message of unity, sustainability, and community-driven celebration.
Panaji, January 17, 2026: The inaugural edition of the Goa Forest Diversity Festival 2026 was formally inaugurated today by Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, in the presence of Union Minister Shripad Naik, Forest Minister Vishwajit Rane, Minister for Tourism Rohan Khaunte, Rajya Sabha MP Sadanand Shet Tanavade and Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Kamal Datta.
Dedicated to the forests of Goa and the communities that have lived in harmony with them for generations, the festival brings together culture, tradition and conservation on a single platform. More than a celebration, the initiative seeks to create a dialogue and collective commitment towards understanding and safeguarding Goa’s rich forest biodiversity.
The festival aims to connect people with forests not through statistics alone, but through stories, food, art, performances and lived experiences. One of its most distinctive highlights is the Angon Experience—an immersive traditional space featuring live demonstrations by Chanekars, Khajekars, traditional coconut craftsmen, clay potters, gardening experts, Kokedama artists and other local artisans who reflect sustainable practices passed down through generations.
The Forest Kitchen, described as the soul of the festival, showcases tribal and traditional cuisine prepared by forest communities and Self-Help Groups. These recipes reflect seasonality, ecology and respect for nature, underscoring how sustainability has long been embedded in traditional ways of life.
Another major attraction is the Green Bazaar, curated with stalls offering eco-friendly products and forest-based goods that support local artisans and sustainable livelihoods. The initiative reinforces the message that conservation and economic opportunity can coexist.
Throughout the festival, visitors experience a seamless blend of culture and conservation, with strong green messaging such as Mhaka Naka Plastic. The opening ceremony featured performances by Sonia Shirsat and her orchestra, followed by Morulo Dance, Katti Fugdi, a Jagor Act and a forest-themed light show by Vajra Aigal.
Addressing the gathering, Chairperson Dr. Deviya Rane highlighted that the festival provides a unique platform for tribal communities and Self-Help Groups to showcase forest-inspired cuisine and culture. She emphasised the importance of sensitising youth and citizens to issues such as plastic pollution, wildlife protection and sustainable living, noting that conservation requires active community participation beyond legislation.
Dr. Rane also outlined plans to create a Mini Forest in the heart of the city, envisioned as a living public space where nature, livelihoods and community converge. As part of this initiative, 20 festival stalls will be converted into permanent structures to support Self-Help Groups, local artisans, forest-based producers and eco-entrepreneurs, creating a regular marketplace that promotes sustainable livelihoods and green entrepreneurship.
The festival also witnessed the launch of the coffee table book “Forest Recipes of Goa, Stories of Tribal Food”, a photo-essay by Ms. Assavri Kulkarni, published by the Goa Forest Development Corporation. Another highlight was the release of the wildlife documentary “Falling off the Radar, Waterfalls of Goa”, directed by wildlife photographer and filmmaker Mr. Giri Cavale and produced by the StoryLark team.
The Goa Forest Diversity Festival 2026 stands as a celebration of Goa’s natural heritage while reinforcing the shared responsibility of conserving forests for future generations.
Pilgao, Goa | June 5, 2025 – In a meaningful celebration of World Environment Day, JCI Pilgao Elite, in collaboration with the Goa State Biodiversity Board, organized a series of impactful activities aimed at spreading environmental awareness and engaging the local youth in climate action.
This year’s theme, “Ending Plastic Pollution Globally”, inspired a full-day program that combined hands-on activities, creative expression, and public speaking to emphasize the importance of sustainability and plastic-free living.
The event began with a tree plantation ceremony at the historic Mahadev Temple in Pilgao. Members of JCI Pilgao Elite, along with community participants, came together to plant saplings and promote greener surroundings. The initiative reflects the organization’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and community involvement.
Elocution Competition: Young Voices Speak Out
Following the plantation drive, an elocution competition was held for students from 5th to 7th standard, centered around the theme “Ending Plastic Globally.” A total of 15 students showcased their oratory skills, raising their voices on the pressing issue of plastic pollution and suggesting creative solutions for a plastic-free future.
The competition was judged by JC Shruti Parab Desai of JCI Bicholim, who also took the opportunity to encourage and motivate the students to become active agents of change. The competition served as a platform for young minds to express their concerns, hopes, and visions for a cleaner planet.
Bag Painting Competition: Creativity Meets Sustainability
To further engage students and reinforce the message, a cloth bag painting competition was organized for students from 8th to 10th standard. Also based on the year’s theme, this activity saw another 15 students unleash their artistic talents in designing eco-friendly messages on reusable cloth bags.
The competition was judged by Mudrika Chari and Saisha Fulari, who applauded the efforts and creativity of the participants. In solidarity with the students, JCI Pilgao Elite members themselves joined in, painting cloth bags to show their support for the cause.
Program Highlights & Organizers
The event was smoothly compered by JC Saujanya Parab Gaonkar, ensuring a seamless flow of activities. The overall program was directed and led by Project Director JC Jyotsna Parab Gaonkar, whose coordination brought together the various elements of the day’s celebration.
A formal vote of thanks was delivered by Secretary JC Swati Shirodkar, who appreciated the efforts of all participants, judges, volunteers, and guests.
Also present and actively involved were JCI members: JC Shanaya Narvekar, JC Siya Parab Gaonkar, JC Diya Parab Gaonkar, JC Ritu Kavlekar, JC Ankita Walavalkar, and JC Pooja Narvekar, all of whom played vital roles in the success of the event.
Leadership Acknowledgment
The program was held under the leadership of:
JC Jayesh Valavalkar, President
JC Swati Naik Shirodkar, Secretary
JC Jyotsna Parab Gaonkar, Project Director
Their dedication and collaborative spirit were evident in the event’s success, making this World Environment Day not just a celebration, but a call to action.
A Small Step, A Big Message
The event concluded with smiling faces, painted bags, planted trees, and most importantly—an inspired community of young students who now understand the power of their voice and actions in protecting the planet.
JCI Pilgao Elite continues to uphold its mission of building better communities through civic engagement, education, and sustainability-focused initiatives.
In a world where sustainability has become a pressing concern, Idika Goa is leading the charge in India. Founded on the principles of reusability and eco-friendliness by Samiksha in June 2024, Idika Goa is revolutionizing the way we live, work, and interact with our environment.
The name “Idika” is derived from the ancient Indian word “Indika,” which refers to the earth or perception, and is also another name for the Hindu goddess Parvati. This connection to nature and the divine is at the heart of Idika Goa’s mission.
Idika Goa’s vision is to weave the wisdom of the past into the fabric of a sustainable tomorrow. The brand aims to inspire people to make conscious choices that benefit both themselves and the environment. From organic incense to reusable gift packaging, Idika Goa is committed to providing high-quality, eco-friendly products that empower individuals to live more sustainably.
Idika Goa’s product line is designed to promote sustainability and reusability. The brand’s organic incense, made from natural ingredients like jaggery, honey, and essential oils, burns for over an hour and is free from harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances. The incense ash can even be reused as a natural plant booster.
Idika Goa is also utilizing cowdung in its products, including dhoop sticks and body scrubs. Cowdung, when combined with specific herbs, acts as a natural insect repellent, eliminating the need for harmful chemical-based repellents. The use of cowdung in Idika Goa’s products promotes sustainability by utilizing a readily available natural resource.
Idika Goa offers fully customized, reusable, and sustainable gifting options. The brand works closely with clients to understand their needs and creates personalized gifts that people will actually use. Idika Goa’s gift packaging is made from reusable materials, reducing waste and promoting sustainability.
Idika Goa is committed to contributing to a more sustainable future in Goa and beyond. The brand believes that by offering high-quality, eco-friendly products, it can empower people to make conscious choices that benefit the environment. Idika Goa is also passionate about giving back to the community, with plans to partner with local animal rescue organizations and support their efforts in caring for rescued animals.
Idika Goa’s story is one of passion, commitment, and innovation. The brand’s dedication to sustainability and reusability is inspiring a new generation of conscious consumers. As we move forward, it is clear that Idika Goa will play a significant role in shaping a more sustainable future for all.
