Tag: Volunteerism

EduConnect

Civil Defence Enrollment Drive Conducted at Goa Pharmacy College

allycaralgoa

The Goa Home Guards and Civil Defence Organisation conducted an enrollment drive at a pharmacy college today, inviting students to join Civil Defence (CD) initiatives. The drive is part of a national effort to encourage youth participation in disaster preparedness, emergency response, and community safety.

Speaking to students, CD Warden of Panjim Division, Shri John Aguiar, explained the origins and purpose of Civil Defence. He shared that the service began as a civilian volunteer organisation in Great Britain during World War II and was officially named the Civil Defence Service (CD) in 1941. Established in India on October 24, 1941, and later formalised through the Civil Defence Act, 1968, its primary goal is to protect citizens from natural and man-made disasters, covering preparedness, response, and recovery.

Shri Aguiar emphasised that trained Civil Defence volunteers act as first responders, equipped with knowledge to ensure their own survival and help others efficiently during emergencies, potentially saving lives and mitigating disaster impacts.

The drive included registration desks and awareness sessions, with senior wardens Shri Vijay Kumar Surlikar, Shri Rupesh Parvatkar, CDVs Harsha Naik and Smriti Kothare, and Lady Home Guard Dilshad Eklaspurkar briefing students on Civil Defence units’ roles and importance for the community.

Assistant Professor Dr. Sachi Kudchadkar coordinated the programme, and Principal Dr. Gopal Krishna Rao was present to encourage student participation. The event highlighted the significance of civic responsibility and the empowerment of youth to serve as informed, prepared citizens in times of crisis.

EduConnect

Vidya Prabodhini Hosts Successful Cleanliness Drive with Over 500 Participants

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

A successful Cleanliness Drive was conducted today at Vidya Prabodhini, drawing over 500 participants including students, staff, volunteers, and members of the community. The initiative aimed to raise awareness about hygiene, environmental responsibility, and the importance of maintaining clean surroundings, reflecting a shared commitment to public service and social responsibility.

The programme commenced with motivating words from Chief Guest Ma’am Prashanti Talpankar, whose presence inspired attendees to actively contribute to the cause. The organisers expressed heartfelt gratitude to Vidya Prabodhini College for providing the venue, support, and enthusiastic participation of students and faculty, ensuring the smooth execution of the event.

An impactful performance by Mr. Saish Deshpandey and the Drama Group creatively highlighted the message of cleanliness and civic duty, leaving a lasting impression on participants. Special acknowledgment was also extended to Foundation President Mr. Sagar Govekar, whose vision, guidance, and unwavering support were pivotal in making the drive possible.

The organisers thanked all volunteers, participants, and community members for their dedication, teamwork, and enthusiasm, which reflected the true spirit of service and responsibility. The event concluded on a positive note, with the commitment to conduct more such initiatives in the future to foster a cleaner, responsible, and community-driven environment.

EduConnect

Blood & Organ Donation Drive at Mary Immaculate Girls’ High School, Panjim

Tanisha Cardozo

On September 20, 2025, a spirit of compassion and community filled the halls of Mary Immaculate Girls’ High School in Panjim, Goa, as the school hosted a Blood Donation Camp in collaboration with Loving Hearts Goa and the GMC Blood Bank, Bambolim. In a commendable effort to extend the reach of health awareness, the MOHAN Foundation also joined in by setting up an organ donation information desk at the venue. The event ran from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM and was generously supported by Mr. Benson Coutinho, Proprietor of the SAAMAS Group.

The turnout was a powerful reflection of community involvement, with 77 individuals stepping forward to volunteer. After necessary medical screening, 50 were found eligible and successfully donated blood, each contributing to saving lives and making a difference. The event not only promoted blood donation but also used the opportunity to shine a light on the significance of organ and tissue donation, a message that resonated deeply with the attendees.

Mr. Ranjit Rodrigues, a founding member of Loving Hearts Goa, met with Sr. Luisa Botelho, FHIC, Headmistress of Mary Immaculate Girls’ High School, to explore ways to involve parents as donors in future events. The conversation underlined the importance of nurturing a culture of donation, starting within the school community. This initiative was further reinforced by Mr. Gabriel from the MOHAN Foundation, who passionately spoke to attendees about the transformative power of organ donation. Drawing parallels to blood donation, he explained that while donating blood could save three to four lives, organ donation had the potential to save up to eight lives and positively impact over fifty more through tissue transplants.

To enhance understanding, informative flyers addressing frequently asked questions about organ donation were distributed to all attendees. These resources helped demystify the process and encouraged participants to consider signing up as donors, either during the event or in the future.

As the camp drew to a close, heartfelt thanks were extended by Mr. Mark D’Souza, President of Loving Hearts Goa, along with Mr. Ranjit Rodrigues and Ms. Sanyukta Gawade, Treasurer. They acknowledged the camp’s sponsor, Mr. Benson Coutinho, as well as the pivotal contributions of Tr. Charlotte Pereira, the camp coordinator, and Sr. Luisa Botelho, for their unwavering support and organisational efforts.

Mr. Gabriel, representing the MOHAN Foundation, also expressed his gratitude to Loving Hearts Goa and Mary Immaculate Girls’ High School for their continued support in spreading awareness about organ donation. Their commitment to integrating education with humanitarian outreach played a crucial role in making this camp not just a medical initiative, but a movement for change within the Panjim community.

This collaborative effort served as a shining example of what can be achieved when schools, non-profits, healthcare institutions, and the wider community come together for a common cause. It was more than an event—it was a message of hope, life, and generosity.

Social

IRCS Goa Applauded by Governor for Compassionate Service

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral

Governor Shri Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju lauded the Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS) for its continued commitment to humanitarian service. Calling the organization a beacon of compassion, neutrality, and voluntary action, the Governor highlighted its vital role in bringing hope and healing to communities in crisis.

Speaking at the Annual General Meeting of the IRCS held at Raj Bhavan, Dona Paula, the Governor—who also serves as the President of the Goa State Branch of the IRCS—commended the Goa branch for upholding the legacy of the Red Cross movement. He noted the branch’s impactful work in areas such as disaster preparedness and relief operations, healthcare initiatives, and youth engagement programs.

“Your work has strengthened bonds of solidarity within society and is a testimony to the selfless service of volunteers, staff and well-wishers. I deeply appreciate the Goa branch for its outstanding contribution to the people of Goa,” said Governor Raju while addressing the gathering of IRCS members, volunteers, students, and office bearers.

The event also included the discussion of issues related to the functioning of IRCS branches in the state. Awards were presented to various branches for their exceptional contributions, and the IRCS Goa Administrative Report for 2024-25 was reviewed.

The Annual Report for the year 2024-25 was officially released during the event. Earlier in the program, Chairperson of IRCS Goa, Shri Gaurish Dhond, warmly welcomed the attendees and emphasized the organization’s mission to serve with compassion and dedication.

International

Robbinsville Akshardham: The Largest Hindu Temple Outside India Opens in New Jersey

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo

Robbinsville, New Jersey | 2023 – The BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in Robbinsville has officially become the largest Hindu temple outside India, marking a monumental achievement in architectural splendor, spiritual dedication, and community effort.

Spread across a vast 183-acre campus, the temple was constructed over 15 years with the help of over 12,500 global volunteers and an extraordinary 4.7 million hours of selfless service. The structure is built using hand-carved Italian marble and Bulgarian limestone, integrating more than 10,000 intricately sculpted statues, arches, columns, and motifs — each reflecting ancient Hindu scriptures and traditions.

The project was inspired by the visionary leadership of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, and brought to life under the guidance of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj. It reflects the ideals of unity, peace, service, and spiritual enlightenment.

More than just a religious structure, the Robbinsville Akshardham serves as a living bridge between Indian heritage and American values — welcoming people of all faiths, ages, and backgrounds to explore India’s spiritual richness.

The temple also embodies the global mission of BAPS (Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha), which operates over 100 centers in North America and 3,500+ worldwide. The organization continues to spread Indian culture through spiritual teachings, humanitarian services, and youth engagement.

Whether visited for worship, architectural admiration, or cultural curiosity, the Robbinsville Akshardham stands as a beacon of timeless devotion and modern inclusivity, showcasing the enduring strength of community, craftsmanship, and faith.