Tag: Valpoi

Social

Organ Donation Awareness Talk Held for Lokmat Saki Members at Amshekar Hospital, Valpoi

allycaralgoa

An organ donation awareness talk was organised for members of Lokmat Saki at Amshekar Hospital in Valpoi, Sattari, Goa, on December 19, 2025. The session was conducted by Gabriel Pereira, an organ donation ambassador associated with the MOHAN Foundation, following an invitation extended by Ms Geeta Daawan.

Gabriel Pereira shared that the initiative was planned after his interaction with Ms Daawan during the Valpoi Marathon earlier in the month. She informed him that Dr Ashok Amshekar, founder of the Valpoi Marathon and proprietor of Amshekar Hospital, commemorates his birthday every year by organising social initiatives such as blood donation camps and had also welcomed an organ donation awareness programme at the hospital.

Before the talk, a short film on organ donation produced by ROTTO–SOTTO, Mumbai, was screened to help participants better understand the process and significance of organ donation.

A highlight of the programme was the testimony of Mr Umesh Dhavalikar, a liver transplant recipient, who shared his emotional journey and the gift of life he received from his sister. He spoke about representing Goa and India in national and international transplant games, inspiring the audience with his resilience and gratitude.

During the interactive session, Gabriel explained the current status of organ transplantation in Goa, stating that kidney and corneal transplants are presently carried out in the state. He noted that eight brain-dead declarations have enabled 16 kidney transplants locally, while other organs such as hearts, lungs, and livers are allocated through the Regional Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (ROTTO). He further explained the role of the State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (SOTTO) in managing organ allocation within states.

Approximately 30 informational flyers addressing frequently asked questions about organ donation were distributed during the event, resulting in seven attendees pledging to become organ donors.

At the conclusion of the programme, Gabriel Pereira expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Ms Geeta Daawan, Dr Ashok Amshekar, and Mr Umesh Dhavalikar for their support and commitment towards spreading awareness about organ donation and saving lives.

Events in Goa

Prerana Foundation & Progressive Front Celebrate Friendship Day with Trek to Mhadei Waterfalls

Tanisha Cardozo

Valpoi, Goa – August 3, 2025: In a heartfelt and energizing celebration of Friendship Day, the Prerana Foundation and Progressive Front of Goa brought together nature lovers, youth, and senior citizens for a memorable trek to Shivling Waterfall in the ecologically rich Mhadei region of Valpoi.

Starting from Pal Village, the trek was led by local expert Shri Vithat Shelke of Keri, Sattari. With his guidance, the group explored not only the forest trail but also the rich biodiversity and the ecological challenges faced by the Mhadei sanctuary.

The event drew 53 participants from across Goa—from Canacona in the south to Mapusa in the north—ranging in age from 10 to 66 years. This diversity made the event a truly inclusive intergenerational experience, with stories, songs, and shared laughter along the trail.

At the heart of the journey lay the Shivling Waterfall, a serene and powerful cascade nestled deep within the forest. Here, participants cooled off, clicked group photos, shared meals, and reflected on the beauty and fragility of Goa’s natural landscapes.

More than just a trek, the initiative was a celebration of connection—with friends, with nature, and with the values of sustainability. It emphasized the importance of outdoor engagement and environmental consciousness in today’s fast-paced digital world.

By organizing this event on Friendship Day, the Prerana Foundation and Progressive Front of Goa successfully reminded all that friendship is not just with people—it can also be with the planet.

Goan Festivals

Muddasachem Fest Celebrates Community, Culture and Workers’ Spirit in Valpoi

allycaralgoa

Valpoi, Goa – 1 May 2025 –On the occasion of International Workers’ Day, the serene Laudato Si’ Farm in Valpoi, Sattari, Goa, came alive with the vibrant energy of Muddasachem Fest – a celebration of local culture, community bonds, and the enduring contributions of workers.

The event, held from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, was hosted by Fr. Santana Gama, Fr. Felix Lobo and the people of Valpoi, with curation by noted festakar Marius Fernandes, known for his community-driven approach to cultural celebrations.

The fest was declared open after the traditional lighting of the lamp by dignitaries Harold Andrade, Ms. Khan, Carmelito Andrade, Fr. Santana Gama, Fr. Felix lobo, Mr and Mrs Philip Dionisio and Festakar Marius Fernandes This was followed by a felicitation ceremony where Festakar Marius presented a shawl to Fr. Santana Gama and Festakar Marius was honoured by the host with a shawl.

Muddasachem Fest began with the Festakarachi Pasoi – a heritage walk around the lush venue, offering participants a moment of reflection and connection with nature. This was followed by Kottieacho Nach choreographed by Dr. Gwendolyn de Ornelas, setting the tone for an afternoon rich in local flavor.

A hands-on cashew bhakri workshop brought culinary heritage to the fore, a forgotten dish of Goa, conducted by Dr. Gwendolyn de Ornelas with resident Lucreda Dionisio and a Khotkhotem workshop by Philip Dionisio, these brought back memories and nostalgia to the elders.

The students from Our Lady of Lourdes School, Valpoi, delivered captivating dance performances like the fugdi dance, Ghavti mitt dance that energized the gathering. School students also performed a dance on dekhni.

Designer Harold Andrade showcased his Kunbi collections through a fashion show with models Dr. Gwendolyn de Ornelas, Dominic D’souza and Marlene Henriques. A great initiative by the young designer Harold to bring back the kunbi attire in our lives.

Bolcãocheo Gozalli between Professor Carmelito Andrade and hosts Fr. Santana Gama and Fr. Felix Lobo discussing on how they a fest in the village can bring communities together.

The highlight of the festival was cutting of the Birthday cake for our beloved Ghumot by ex-principal of The Goa College of Arts, Mr Willy Goes and encouraging people to buy ghumots and save the potter while Festakar stressed on his famous slogan “Taking the Ghumot to the world”.

The villagers had live roasting of cashew nuts, saltfish, Philip Dionisio had a demo on the correct method of cutting the jackfruit, preparing the semi raw jackfruit traditional way on the chul.

The event closed with Balcaoacheo Gozalli – a thought-provoking conversation between Dr. Ornelas and local resident Francis Soares, highlighting stories of community and resilience.

More than just a festival, Muddasachem Fest was a reminder of the power of people coming together – to share, celebrate and strengthen the threads that binds them.