Tag: Wellness

Travel

Goa to Sign MoU with Gomantak Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya to Boost Wellness Tourism

Tanisha Cardozo

In a significant development aimed at positioning Goa as a hub for wellness and holistic health tourism, Tourism Minister Shri Rohan A. Khaunte announced that the State will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with B.S.P’s Gomantak Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya & Research Centre (GAM&RC), Shiroda. The MoU is set to serve as an umbrella for future collaborative initiatives in Ayurvedic research, education, and integrative health tourism.

The announcement was made during the 10th Ayurveda Day celebrations, held under the theme “Ayurveda for People and Planet.” The event underscored GAM&RC’s dedication to promoting sustainable healthcare solutions rooted in ancient wisdom, adapted for the modern world.

A landmark moment in the event was the inauguration of Goa’s first Cancer OPD in Ayurveda. This facility opens new avenues for integrative cancer care, where patients can access support that blends traditional Ayurvedic principles with modern medical frameworks. This approach not only addresses physical health but also emphasizes mental and emotional wellbeing, offering a holistic pathway to healing for patients and their families.

Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte, the Chief Guest at the event, praised the institute’s legacy of producing over 1,000 graduates and its ongoing contribution to healthcare and community service. Highlighting the institute’s impact on women’s empowerment and Ayurvedic tourism, he emphasized the need for innovation and integration of technology in the wellness sector. “In a developed India, people are actively seeking holistic alternatives. With awareness rising and choices expanding, wellness has become not just a personal goal but a lifestyle,” he stated.

The ceremony was attended by a host of dignitaries including Shri Subhash Shirodkar, Minister for Water Resources and Corporation, who served as Guest of Honour. Other attendees included Dr. Yogesh Bendale of Ayurved Rasayani, Pune, Dr. Sneha Bhagwat, President of Goa Council of Ayurveda, and Adv. Narendra K. Sawaikar, President of Bharateeya Sanskriti Prabodhini, alongside senior faculty of GAM&RC.

The State’s collaboration with GAM&RC is seen as a forward-thinking step to leverage Goa’s natural, cultural, and educational assets in Ayurveda. By integrating traditional knowledge with tourism infrastructure, the government aims to attract both domestic and international visitors seeking authentic, regenerative experiences.

This partnership reflects Goa’s commitment to nurturing skilled Ayurvedic professionals, boosting local employment, and positioning the state as a national leader in wellness tourism—offering much more than just scenic beaches, but a complete ecosystem for healing, learning, and sustainable living.

Allycaral Kitchen

Celebrate Navratri 2025 with These 5 Delicious & Wholesome Fasting Foods

Tanisha Cardozo

Fasting during Navratri is more than a tradition—it’s a way to detox your body, renew your energy, and celebrate with purpose. But to stay truly active and healthy during the nine auspicious days, it’s important to eat right. Here are five fasting-friendly foods that not only taste great but also provide essential nutrition to keep you going strong.

🥗 1. Beetroot Salad: A Colorful Energy Booster

Beetroot salad is a refreshing, low-calorie fasting meal rich in antioxidants, fiber, and minerals. Add grated cucumber, carrot, or radish for extra crunch. A dash of lemon juice enhances flavor and provides a vitamin C boost. Sprinkle some roasted pumpkin seeds or sprouts to elevate the protein and healthy fat content.

✅ High in fiber
✅ Packed with antioxidants
✅ Supports digestion

🌾 2. Buckwheat Paratha: Hearty and Wholesome

Buckwheat (kuttu) flour is a powerhouse grain that’s allowed during fasting. Use it to make soft, delicious parathas, best served with curd or a simple potato curry. Cooking it in desi ghee adds flavor and boosts nutrition.

✅ Gluten-free grain
✅ Keeps you full longer
✅ Rich in protein and fiber

🥔 3. Curd Potatoes: Classic Comfort

This simple dish combines boiled potatoes with cooling yogurt. The starch from the potatoes provides energy, while yogurt adds protein and beneficial probiotics. Season with fasting rock salt and herbs like coriander for a delightful taste.

✅ Excellent source of energy
✅ Aids digestion
✅ Cooling and satisfying

🍚 4. Sabudana Poha: Light Yet Filling

Sabudana (sago) is a staple during fasting. Sabudana Poha is made with soaked sago pearls, peanuts, ghee, and mild spices. It’s light on the stomach yet high in carbohydrates, making it a perfect breakfast or snack during fasts.

✅ Easily digestible
✅ High in carbs and good fats
✅ Ideal for an energy boost

🥜 5. Sabudana Tikki: Crispy, Nutritious Snacks

Sabudana Tikkis are made from sago, boiled potatoes, and crushed peanuts. These can be shallow-fried or baked, offering a crispy exterior and soft inside. They’re a flavorful and protein-rich fasting snack.

✅ Great for evening hunger pangs
✅ Crunchy and delicious
✅ Rich in protein and carbs

Navratri fasting is not just a religious practice; it’s a mindful way to cleanse and nourish your body. Including foods like curd potatoes, buckwheat paratha, sabudana snacks, and beetroot salad ensures you stay healthy, energetic, and festive throughout the nine days. Balance your meals, hydrate well, and enjoy the spirit of Navratri with wellness and vitality.

Aight Sky

Yoga for Beginners: What You Need to Know Before Your First Class

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Anupama Verma

It’s great that you’re considering yoga. Before your first class, having a few essentials in mind can help you feel confident and get the most out of the experience. Yoga is much more than stretching—it’s a holistic discipline that connects mind, body, and spirit through postures (asanas), breathwork (pranayama), and sometimes meditation.

Choosing the right class is key. Most studios offer beginner-friendly options labeled as “Beginner” or “Gentle” yoga. Among the common styles, Hatha and Vinyasa stand out. Hatha yoga involves slower, more static holds that allow you to get familiar with the poses. Vinyasa, on the other hand, is more dynamic, linking movement with breath in a flowing sequence. If you prefer a slower, more mindful pace, Hatha might be your best starting point.

When it comes to clothing, opt for something breathable, stretchy, and comfortable. Think workout clothes that allow for a full range of motion without being too loose. Many studios provide yoga mats, but having your own ensures better hygiene and comfort. A water bottle is a must, and you might find a small towel handy, especially if you’re sweating during the session.

Plan to arrive about 10 to 15 minutes early. This gives you time to settle in, find your space, and speak with the instructor if you have any injuries or concerns. It’s also a good idea to avoid eating a heavy meal two to three hours before class, so your body can move freely.

During class, the most important thing to remember is to listen to your body. Yoga is a personal journey—not a competition. If a pose feels uncomfortable or painful, ease out or ask for a modification. Your instructor is there to help. Always focus on your breath—it’s the anchor that keeps you grounded and present.

After class, take time to hydrate and check in with how your body feels. It’s normal to experience some soreness, especially if you’re engaging muscles in new ways. Many people report a calm, centered feeling after yoga—this is part of its beauty. Stick with it, stay consistent, and over time you’ll start to experience not just the physical benefits, but the mental clarity and emotional grounding that yoga can offer.

Social

Vedanta Sesa Goa Ignites #RunForZeroHunger at VDHM 2025 with 5 Million Poshan Packs Mission

Tanisha Cardozo

Vedanta Sesa Goa has officially launched its #RunForZeroHunger initiative as part of the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon (VDHM) 2025, setting an ambitious target to contribute 5 million ‘Poshan Packs’ to children and nutritious meals to animals. The campaign was kicked off with a vibrant walkathon held at Patto, Panjim, where employees, business partners, and community members gathered in solidarity for the cause.

The event was flagged off by Mr. Navin Jaju, CEO of Vedanta Sesa Goa, who emphasized the power of collective action in addressing hunger while also promoting personal health and well-being. Participants are encouraged to register on the Step Set Go app and contribute through their daily walks and runs, with every kilometer translating into a meaningful donation — a ‘Poshan Pack’ for a child and a meal for an animal.

The initiative, under the aegis of the Anil Agarwal Foundation, represents Vedanta’s deep commitment to social impact. Over past editions of the VDHM, Vedanta Sesa Goa has successfully delivered over 1 million meals. With the 2025 edition, the company seeks to multiply its efforts and impact by encouraging more people to join this unique movement that bridges fitness with philanthropy.

With over 40,000 participants already contributing more than 2 million Poshan Packs, the campaign is rapidly gaining momentum across India. Through its consistent efforts in nutrition, education, women’s empowerment, and animal welfare, Vedanta continues to lead with purpose and action — building not just healthier individuals but stronger communities.

Health

Victor Hospital Expands Healthcare Access with New Consultation Facility at Sarth Polyclinic, Curchorem

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Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral

Victor Hospital, a trusted name in Goa’s private healthcare sector, has taken another step toward making quality healthcare more accessible by inaugurating a new consultation facility at Sarth Polyclinic, located in the Vitthal Bhavan Building, Bansai, Curchorem. The facility was formally opened today at 10:00 am in a ceremony graced by Mr. Nilesh Cabral, Honorable MLA of the Curchorem Constituency, who served as the Chief Guest. Mr. Sanket Arsekar, Joint Secretary to the Chief Minister, attended as the Guest of Honor, alongside special invitees Mr. Prasanna Bhende, Chairperson of Curchorem Cacora Municipal Council (CCMC), and Mr. Vishwas Sawant, Ward Councillor.

This initiative is a collaborative effort between Victor Hospital and Sarth Polyclinic, aimed at improving access to reliable, affordable, and quality healthcare services in South Goa. Residents of Curchorem and neighboring areas will now be able to access daily general doctor consultations and free blood pressure checks. The clinic will be operational from Monday to Saturday between 9:00 am and 6:00 pm, offering flexible timings for working individuals and families.

Importantly, the facility will also host expert consultations from Victor Hospital’s team of specialists covering a wide range of medical fields, including General Medicine, General Surgery, Pediatrics, Orthopedics, Chest Medicine, Urology (Kidney Stones & Prostate Care), Ophthalmology, and Nephrology. Patients under the Deen Dayal Swasthya Seva Yojana (DDSSY) scheme will be eligible for special discounts and benefits, making this facility financially accessible to a larger section of the community.

Ms. Roana Costa, Executive Director of Victor Hospital; Dr. Ajay Gangoli, COO & Medical Superintendent; and Mr. Samir Gaonkar, Proprietor of Sarth Polyclinic, collectively expressed their vision of bringing compassionate, patient-friendly healthcare to the doorstep of every Goan. They reaffirmed Victor Hospital’s mission to extend its trusted services beyond the urban centers and into semi-urban and rural regions of Goa.

With this new consultation unit in Curchorem, Victor Hospital continues its commitment to community health and wellness—ensuring that quality healthcare is not a privilege, but a right for all.