Tag: Travel

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.

Events in Goa

NoMoZo 7.0 Turns Porvorim into a Living Showcase of Sustainable Innovation

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Transforming Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Marg into a vibrant, people-centric public space, the seventh edition of NoMoZo (No-Motor Zone) was held in Porvorim on Sunday, January 11, 2026. The annual initiative once again demonstrated how reduced vehicular movement, community participation and innovation can reimagine urban living in a more sustainable and inclusive way.

Organised under the leadership of Shri Rohan Khaunte, Hon’ble Minister for Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (DITE&C), Tourism, Printing & Stationery and MLA of Porvorim, NoMoZo 7.0 brought together citizens, startups, students and institutions on a common platform. GTDC Chairman and MLA Saligao Shri Kedar J. Naik was also present at the event. Renowned actor Shri Manoj Bajpayee attended as the Chief Guest, adding further prominence to the occasion.

A key highlight of NoMoZo 7.0 was the strong focus on sustainability and responsible innovation. The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, set up an engaging stall that showcased the State’s vision for Regenerative Tourism. Through informative displays, the stall highlighted responsible travel practices aimed at creating positive social, cultural and environmental impacts while encouraging deeper engagement with Goa’s communities, heritage and natural ecosystems.

The Tourism Department’s presence also highlighted major cultural initiatives, including Carnaval and other new tourism offerings, along with a preview of the upcoming Shigmo festival—one of Goa’s most vibrant and deeply rooted cultural celebrations. This integrated approach reflected Goa Tourism’s commitment to sustainability, culture and community participation, positioning the State as a year-round, experience-driven destination.

Adding a cultural dimension to the event, a dedicated heritage zone showcased the work of local artisans, including traditional Goan earthen pots, offering visitors a glimpse into Goa’s living craft traditions and indigenous skills.

Innovation and entrepreneurship were at the heart of NoMoZo 7.0. The Startup & IT Promotion Cell (SITPC) under the Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications (DITE&C) curated a dedicated space for startups and student entrepreneurs to showcase cutting-edge solutions and emerging ideas.

Students participating under the Campus Innovation Scheme presented projects addressing real-world challenges through technology and sustainability. Don Bosco College of Engineering students showcased ‘Synapse-Connect: A Neuro-Muscular Signal Integration Framework’, focused on advanced human–machine interaction, and a sustainability-driven project on processing and testing recyclable materials for 3D printing applications.

From Agnel Institute of Technology and Design, the ‘Innovator’s Squad’ presented a smart jacket designed to assist visually impaired individuals with obstacle detection and navigation, while another team showcased AI Aaji, a voice assistant aimed at providing real-time updates and user support.

Several startups added further depth to the showcase. Sevaco presented a mobile application connecting busy individuals with verified students for everyday tasks. Burraa highlighted its Go-Out app that helps users discover and book curated experiences. Asier Solutions showcased STEM skill-building courses, while DigiWiz demonstrated its work in robotics, drone kits, IoT hardware and home automation.

NoMoZo 7.0 successfully highlighted how innovation, technology and entrepreneurship are driving Goa’s growth. The diverse exhibits and strong community participation reinforced the State’s emergence as a hub for sustainable, technology-driven and socially responsible solutions—demonstrating that when people reclaim public spaces, meaningful change follows.

Events in Goa

Goa Forest Diversity Festival 2026 to Celebrate Nature, Culture and Community at Art Park, Campal

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The Goa Forest Diversity Festival 2026 will be held from 17th to 19th January at Art Park, Campal, Panaji. The three-day festival is being organised by the Goa Forest Development Corporation Ltd. (GFDC) with the aim of celebrating Goa’s rich forest heritage, biodiversity and indigenous knowledge systems, while fostering a deeper connection between nature and local communities.

Dr. Deviya Rane, while briefing the media, stated that the festival is envisioned as more than just an event. She described it as a celebration of Goa’s forests and the cultural, ecological and social values rooted within them. Against the backdrop of growing environmental challenges, the festival aims to promote conservation awareness in an engaging, inclusive and accessible manner for people of all age groups.

She outlined three key objectives of the Goa Forest Diversity Festival: to educate and sensitise citizens, particularly children and youth, about forest conservation and biodiversity; to celebrate traditional wisdom, culture and sustainable practices rooted in forest ecosystems; and to foster a shared sense of responsibility towards protecting and preserving Goa’s natural heritage.

Over the course of three days, the festival will offer a vibrant mix of education, culture and celebration. One of the major highlights will be the Angon Experience, an immersive traditional space that brings indigenous practices to life through live demonstrations, storytelling and interactive sessions. Dr. Rane described Angon as a signature attraction that will offer visitors rare insights into sustainable forest-based living.

The festival will also feature authentic tribal cuisine, showcasing traditional forest-based food practices and flavours. A Green Bazaar will be set up to display eco-friendly products, forest produce and items that promote sustainable living.

Cultural performances will form a key component of the festival programme, including traditional folk dances such as Morulo, Jagor acts, Fugdi and other regional performances. A special musical performance by Sonia Shirsat is scheduled on Day 1, while band performances will take place on Day 2 and Day 3.

The festival will also spotlight inclusion through performances such as the Goff Dance on Wheels by the Disability Alliance for Inclusive Goa, along with impactful theatre productions like “Mhaka Naka Plastic”, which convey strong messages on conservation and social responsibility.

Dr. Rane emphasised that the Goa Forest Diversity Festival is a one-of-its-kind initiative, thoughtfully curated to bring together conservation, culture, inclusion and community engagement on a single platform. She also revealed that a special surprise element has been planned and will be unveiled during the inaugural ceremony.

Appealing to the media, Dr. Rane sought their continued support in spreading awareness about the festival and encouraging public participation, highlighting the vital role of media in taking the message of conservation beyond the venue and into homes across Goa.

Citizens are invited to visit Art Park, Campal, from 17th to 19th January 2026 and be part of this unique celebration of nature, culture and community.

Fit & Fabulous

Blenders Pride Fashion Tour 2025 Redefines the Future of Fashion Across India

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Blenders Pride Fashion Tour 2025 concluded its latest edition with a series of spectacular showcases across Gurugram, Jaipur, and Kolkata, setting a new benchmark for immersive fashion experiences in India. Guided by its philosophy of creating ‘The One and Only’ stage, the tour presented three distinct narratives that reimagined how fashion is experienced, celebrated, and shaped for the future.

Each city brought a unique vision to life. In Gurugram, fashion was propelled into the future with ‘The Futureverse of Fashion’, curated by designers Falguni and Shane Peacock. The showcase merged haute couture with humanoid robots, holographic technology, and motion-sensing projections, creating a real-time dialogue between fashion and technology. Actors Shahid Kapoor and Tamannaah Bhatia added star power to the futuristic spectacle.

Jaipur took fashion onto the fast lane with ‘High Octane Couture’, where designers Namrata Joshipura and Abhishek Patni drew inspiration from motorsport aesthetics. The show featured chrome-wrapped supercars, a dynamic three-lap runway experience, and appearances by Miss Universe Harnaaz Sandhu and rapper Raftaar, delivering a high-energy fusion of speed, performance, and style.

The tour culminated in Kolkata with ‘Future Is Crafted’, a bold narrative by AK | OK Anamika Khanna that challenged traditional ideas of craft. Set against the iconic Howrah Bridge, the showcase deconstructed heritage techniques through futuristic tailoring. With Ishaan Khatter as showstopper, the Hooghly River was transformed into a floating theatre, offering a powerful reinterpretation of craft in a contemporary context.

Reflecting on the tour, Debasree Dasgupta, CMO, Pernod Ricard India, said that Blenders Pride Fashion Tour, powered by FDCI, continues to be Indian fashion’s most iconic platform. She noted that the ‘Making Fashion Move’ vision reinforces the brand’s role in shaping the future of fashion through innovation, collaboration, and immersive experiences.

Sunil Sethi, Chairman of FDCI, highlighted the collaboration as a coming together of two fashion powerhouses committed to celebrating creativity, culture, and the evolving design landscape in India.

With an audience of over 2,100 attendees across three cities — including designers, celebrities, influencers, fashion leaders, and media — Blenders Pride Fashion Tour 2025 reinforced its stature as a cultural destination that drives fashion forward. As the tour concludes, it leaves behind more than spectacular showcases; it establishes a bold perspective that fashion doesn’t wait to be led — it moves ahead with Blenders Pride Fashion Tour.

Events in Goa

Manoj Bajpayee to Join NoMoZo 7.0 as Porvorim Gears Up for Its People-Centric Street Festival

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Porvorim Rising is set to bring the community together once again with the seventh edition of NoMoZo, scheduled for January 11, 2026. Designed as a people-centric street festival, NoMoZo 7.0 celebrates shared public spaces by blending fitness, culture, creativity, and community engagement. Adding to the excitement this year, renowned actor Manoj Bajpayee will be joining residents at the festival.

NoMoZo encourages citizens of all ages to step out of their homes, connect with their neighbourhoods, and engage with public spaces in meaningful and inclusive ways. Families, youth, artists, innovators, and local community groups are expected to participate in a day-long programme that focuses on movement, learning, creativity, and cultural expression.

Speaking ahead of the event, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, Minister for Tourism, IT, E&C, and Printing & Stationery, Government of Goa, reflected on the origins of the initiative. He shared that NoMoZo was inspired by childhood memories of streets as places to play, meet friends, and build neighbourhood connections. According to him, the festival recreates that sense of togetherness by encouraging people of all ages to interact, engage, and rediscover the joy of community life through people-first public spaces.

Expressing his excitement about participating, Manoj Bajpayee said that what draws him to NoMoZo is the simplicity with which it brings people together, adding that he is looking forward to being part of the celebration.

NoMoZo 7.0 will feature a wide range of interactive zones, including Kids, Art, Heritage, Astronomy, Fitness, Martial Arts, Boxing, Health, Youth, IT & Science, Performance & Dance, Influencer, and Karaoke zones. Free stalls will also be provided to local vendors and artisans, reinforcing the festival’s emphasis on inclusivity and community participation.

With growing public involvement year after year, NoMoZo continues to strengthen Porvorim’s community spirit by transforming everyday streets into vibrant spaces of connection, creativity, and collective celebration.