Tag: teaching

Social

Empowering Youth: JCI Panaji Hosts ‘Love Beyond Romance’ Session in Mapusa School

Tanisha Cardozo

Purshottam Walawalkar Higher Secondary School in Mapusa witnessed a unique and transformative experience on 5th February 2026, as JCI Panaji conducted a special session under its ‘Empowering Youth’ initiative.

The session, titled “Love Beyond Romance,” was led by JCI National Author and Trainer Karuna Rajan Satardekar. Instead of the usual Valentine-themed conversations around romance, the session offered students a deeper and more meaningful understanding of love as a universal value.

Karuna Satardekar encouraged students to look beyond stereotypes and see love as compassion, respect, and care for the people around them. She explained that love is not limited to relationships but is reflected in how individuals treat society, friends, family, and those who need support.

One of the most touching moments of the session was a video about a 40-year-old individual with autism. The story highlighted the importance of empathy, patience, and inclusion. Students learned that love also means understanding and supporting those with special needs, a message that resonated deeply with the audience.

The session also focused on practical aspects of everyday behaviour. Through interactive discussions, Karuna Satardekar guided students on social etiquette, communication skills, and the importance of good manners. She explained how respectful communication and thoughtful actions can create a more compassionate and harmonious community.

Another key theme was leadership. Students were encouraged to develop leadership qualities rooted in empathy and inclusion. The message was clear: a true leader ensures that no one is left behind and carries every section of society forward with dignity and respect.

The connection between the speaker and the students was evident throughout the session. Faculty members described it as a “one-of-a-kind” experience, noting how strongly the message resonated with the young audience.

The initiative by JCI Panaji once again demonstrated the importance of life-skills education and value-based learning. By introducing such meaningful conversations in schools, the organisation continues to inspire the next generation to lead with empathy, respect, and responsibility.

EduConnect

St. Mary’s Convent High School, Mapusa Celebrates Annual Day 2026 with Grandeur and Purpose

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The Annual Day Programme of St. Mary’s Convent High School, Mapusa was celebrated with great enthusiasm and splendour on 10th January 2026 on the school grounds. The occasion marked a memorable evening, showcasing the talents, achievements and vibrant spirit of the students.

The programme commenced with a graceful prayer dance, setting a serene and auspicious tone for the celebrations. This was followed by a warm welcome address by Sr. Snehala A.C., Headmistress, who extended heartfelt greetings to the dignitaries, parents, teachers and students present. The programme was efficiently compered by Tr. Fizel Fernandes.

The Chief Guest, Mr. Shailesh R. Sinai Zingde, Director of Education, was formally honoured and escorted to his seat by the NCC Cadets. In his inspiring address, he appreciated the students for their disciplined and dedicated performances and commended the school for nurturing talent alongside academic excellence. The occasion was further graced by the Guest of Honour, Fr. Dr. Ramiro Luis, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, St. Xavier’s College, Mapusa.

The highlight of the evening was the thoughtfully chosen theme, “From Slavery to Freedom.” Students captivated the audience through a rich variety of performances including classical dances, skits, songs and musical presentations by the School Brass Band. Each performance reflected creativity, teamwork and confidence, earning loud applause and appreciation from the audience.

A felicitation ceremony was held to honour staff members who completed 25 years of dedicated service to the institution, as well as those retiring during the current academic year, acknowledging their invaluable contribution to the school’s growth and legacy.

The programme concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks proposed by Tr. Sonia Noronha, expressing gratitude to the Chief Guest, management, staff, students and parents for their constant support and cooperation. The celebration ended with the School Song, leaving behind cherished memories and a deep sense of pride among all present.

The Annual Day Programme was a grand success and truly reflected St. Mary’s Convent High School’s commitment to holistic education and value-based learning.

EduConnect

Goa Inter-School Science Fair 2026 Concludes with Call to Nurture Young Knowledge Creators

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The two-day Goa Inter-School Science Fair 2026 – “Taare Zameen Par” concluded on Saturday evening at Samrat Garden, Margao, reinforcing the message that India’s future depends on empowering students to become creators of knowledge rather than mere consumers of technology.

Organised by the Board of Innovative Education (BIE), Goa, in collaboration with A.J. Academy for Research and Development, the fair was held on January 9 and 10 and witnessed enthusiastic participation from over 200 students representing 10 schools. A total of 54 research-based projects were presented across Physical Sciences, Life Sciences and Environmental Sciences, in both individual and group categories. The event attracted more than 500 student visitors, along with researchers, academicians, parents, science activists and members of the public, transforming the venue into a vibrant hub of scientific exchange.

The concluding ceremony was graced by Dr Sunil Kumar Singh, Director (Headquarters), CSIR–National Institute of Oceanography, Goa, as the Chief Guest. Addressing the gathering, Dr Singh emphasised that while India imports a large amount of technology, the country has immense potential to generate its own solutions. He urged students to move beyond the narrow pursuit of monetary success and focus instead on knowledge creation. Praising the quality of projects on display, he said the research showcased at the fair offered strong hope for the future of Indian science.

Earlier, Muhammad Abdullah Javed, Director of A.J. Academy for Research and Development, highlighted how the science fair had instilled confidence in students, enabling them to present ideas clearly and respond thoughtfully to questions. He stressed the importance of collaboration between parents, institutions and students in nurturing innovation and guiding young talent towards meaningful futures.

The welcome address was delivered by Mrs Meenaz Bhanu, Secretary of the Board of Innovative Education. Dr Waliur Rahman was felicitated for receiving the prestigious Shanti Swaroop Bhatnagar Award, India’s highest science honour, conferred by the President of India for outstanding contributions to scientific research. In his presidential address, Asif Hussain, Chairman of the Board of Innovative Education, reminded the audience that scientific inventions must be used for societal development and problem-solving rather than destruction.

Projects were evaluated by an expert panel of judges from diverse scientific backgrounds. Several awards were presented across categories and age groups, recognising originality, research depth and practical relevance. From local composting methods and natural water purifiers to studies on microplastics, soil erosion, renewable energy and environmental sustainability, the projects reflected strong scientific inquiry and social awareness.

The fair concluded with the distribution of mementos to participating schools, felicitation of judges and guests, presentation of awards, and the National Anthem. The Goa Inter-School Science Fair 2026 stood out for its emphasis on independent research, collaboration and innovation, laying a strong foundation for future scientists, researchers and problem-solvers in the state.

TechPulse

upGrad School of Technology Partners with SSAHE to Drive Industry-Linked Innovation on Campus

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Sri Siddhartha Academy of Higher Education (SSAHE), Karnataka’s Deemed-to-be-University, has announced a strategic collaboration with upGrad School of Technology to embed an industry-aligned School of Technology within the university’s existing engineering programmes. The initiative aims to strengthen academic delivery by integrating application-first learning, research exposure and industry relevance from the very start of a student’s academic journey.

Under the collaboration, upGrad School of Technology, led by CEO Vishwa Mohan and Chief Revenue and Outcome Officer Mehul Khandhedia, will provide academic and curriculum advisory support while enabling deeper industry integration across SSAHE’s engineering framework. The approach includes research exposure, build sprints and continuous specialisations supported by AI-first learning technologies that deliver personalised learning pathways, real-time skill tracking and enhanced academic support.

Building on its experience in job-focused technology education, upGrad School of Technology will strengthen SSAHE’s engineering curriculum with practitioner-led modules in emerging fields such as Quantum Computing, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Robotics and Full Stack Engineering. Students will gain hands-on experience through extensive coding practice, project-based learning and structured industry-linked opportunities designed to foster product thinking and early exposure to real-world tech roles.

The initiative is being driven under the leadership of SSAHE Chancellor and Karnataka Home Minister Dr G. Parameshwara, who described the collaboration as a transformative step for the institution. He said the partnership would bring global education standards and innovation-driven learning to SSAHE campuses, preparing students to lead India’s next wave of technological advancement. Advisor to the Chancellor, Dr Vivek Veeraiah, added that the collaboration would seamlessly integrate industry-driven, application-first learning to ensure graduates are future-ready technologists.

In later phases, students will gain access to prototyping labs, seed-support channels and masterclasses by global founders and CTOs, enabling them to ideate, build and validate ventures within the university’s innovation ecosystem. The initiative promises three key outcomes: opportunities to work with leading global technology companies, structured entrepreneurial pathways with access to funding support, and a comprehensive ecosystem for deep-tech research in India and abroad.

Speaking on the collaboration, Vishwa Mohan and Mehul Khandhedia highlighted the importance of complementing strong academic foundations with real-time, application-focused learning to ensure students graduate as industry-ready contributors. upGrad Founder Ronnie Screwvala added that as India transitions from cost competitiveness to capability leadership, partnerships like this will play a crucial role in shaping the next generation of innovators and job creators.

In its first phase, upGrad School of Technology will focus on university partnerships across South India, with plans to scale the model nationally. The collaboration will be formally inaugurated in Bengaluru on 20 December, bringing together academic and industry leaders to discuss how India’s engineering youth can contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat.

Entertainment

Bigg Boss 19 Grand Finale: Who Will Lift the Trophy? A Close Look at the Top Contenders

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Entertainment Desk

The grand finale of Bigg Boss 19 is set to take place on December 7, and excitement has reached its peak as the top six contestants prepare for the final showdown. Tanya Mittal, Farrhana Bhatt, Gaurav Khanna, Malti Chahar, Amaal Mallik, and Pranit More have endured fourteen intense weeks of challenges, conflicts, alliances, and emotional highs and lows.

Each of them has contributed uniquely to the season, making the finale week a nail-biting affair. Among the contestants, Gaurav Khanna has emerged as the season’s strategic mastermind. While he initially appeared quiet and observant, his composed nature and sharp gameplay helped him build strong connections, influence decisions without drawing unnecessary attention, and maintain his footing throughout the season.

His Ticket to Finale win solidified his place as a top contender, earning praise not only from Salman Khan but also from Farah Khan, who went so far as to label this season the “Gaurav Khanna show” and predicted his victory. On the other hand, Farrhana Bhatt has dominated the house with her fiery presence since day one. Known for her unapologetic attitude, sharp one-liners, and refusal to bow down to groupism, she became one of the most talked-about contestants of the season. Whether it was her bold personality, her playful chemistry with Baseer Ali, or her close bond with Tanya Mittal, Farrhana kept the audience entertained while building a reputation as one of the strongest and most unpredictable players. Her intuitive grasp of the game, demonstrated by her accurate eviction predictions, set her apart as someone who could read the house better than most.

Pranit More, the comedian who briefly exited due to health concerns only to return stronger, has been a surprise package. His journey took many turns, but his sense of humor, sincerity, and fearless decisions earned him respect inside and outside the house. His shocking move of choosing Ashnoor Kaur over Abhishek Bajaj during nominations, despite their friendship, proved that he prioritizes the game above personal emotions. Surviving multiple nominations and consistently winning the audience’s support, Pranit has shown immense growth and resilience as the weeks progressed.

Tanya Mittal, Malti Chahar, and Amaal Mallik, each in their own way, have added depth to the season and showcased determination, emotional strength, and competitive spirit, making the finale lineup one of the most balanced in recent seasons. As the Salman Khan-hosted reality show approaches its final episode, fans are eagerly speculating about who will claim the crown.

Whether it will be Gaurav’s calm strategy, Farrhana’s fierce dominance, Pranit’s balanced authenticity, or another contestant’s surprise surge, Bigg Boss 19 promises a thrilling and unforgettable finale.