Tag: WomenEmpowerment

Social

Goa Tourism Launches Homestay & BnB Scheme to Empower Women and Boost Hinterland Tourism

Tanisha Cardozo

Porvorim, 7th August 2025: In a landmark move, Goa Tourism has launched the Homestay and Bed & Breakfast Scheme, aimed at empowering women, revitalising rural tourism, and promoting community-led travel experiences. This new scheme was unveiled by Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, alongside Tourism Minister Rohan A. Khaunte and other key dignitaries at the PAC Hall, Secretariat.

🎯 What the Scheme Offers

This enhanced scheme—originally envisioned as a policy—now provides:

  • ✅ One-time grant of ₹2,00,000 for eligible homestays
  • ✅ Marketing support & listing on Goa Tourism platforms
  • ✅ Training, exposure visits, and capacity building programs
  • ✅ Subsidised participation in domestic trade fairs
  • ✅ Gold/Silver quality classification for homestays
  • ✅ Simplified registration via http://www.goaonline.gov.in

📍 Who Can Apply?

Homestay operators in seven key talukas are eligible:
Sattari, Sanguem, Dharbandora, Bicholim, Canacona, Ponda, and Quepem

🧑‍🎓 Empowering Women, Strengthening Communities

Tourism Minister Rohan A. Khaunte highlighted that many homestays are women-led, and this scheme is designed to boost women entrepreneurship, aligning with the broader “Goa Beyond Beaches” campaign.

“This is a strong vote of confidence in community-based tourism and the women behind it,” said Khaunte.

🌏 A Vision for ‘Goa Beyond Beaches’

By promoting Goa’s interior villages, culture, and natural heritage, the scheme supports the state’s goal to diversify its tourism economy and relieve pressure on the coastal belt. Director of Tourism Kedar Naik emphasized that the scheme reflects a shift toward inclusive and regenerative tourism.

📝 How to Apply

Applicants can register online or offline, with provisions for inspections, reclassification, and compliance monitoring. The scheme is valid for five years, with potential extensions by the Department.

🚀 The Impact

The Homestay & BnB Scheme isn’t just about accommodations—it’s about:

  • Shaping a decentralized tourism model
  • Building economic independence for women
  • Creating authentic travel experiences
  • Preserving Goa’s cultural and natural heritage

🔗 Final Word

This initiative reaffirms Goa’s position as a leader in sustainable, inclusive, and future-ready tourism.

Entertainment

Ratna Pathak Shah on Embracing Her Grey Hair and Ageing Without Apology

allycaralgoa

In a candid conversation with BBC News Hindi, acclaimed actress Ratna Pathak Shah opened up about a personal decision that challenged beauty norms in the film industry — choosing to stop coloring her hair and embrace her natural greys.

The choice, she revealed, was inspired and encouraged by her husband, Naseeruddin Shah — a veteran actor himself and a firm believer in authenticity.

🗣️ “It Felt Like a Release”

Speaking honestly, Ratna shared that embracing her grey hair wasn’t just about appearance — it was about reclaiming her identity and letting go of societal expectations.

“It felt like a release,” she said. “A relief from pretending to be someone I wasn’t anymore.”

However, the industry wasn’t entirely supportive. She admitted that offers for roles declined, hinting at the persistent ageism women face in Indian cinema.

Rather than viewing age as something to hide, Ratna Pathak Shah stands as a beacon for owning it with pride. Her decision comes at a time when many women in the spotlight feel pressure to maintain a youthful appearance — a trend she gently resists.

“We are more than what we look like. The face ages, but the soul only deepens.”

Ratna credits Naseeruddin Shah with being her biggest supporter. It was his encouragement that gave her the final nudge to stop covering her greys — a sign of deep mutual respect and an evolved understanding of beauty and age.

Ratna’s story is more than personal — it’s political, cultural, and inspiring. At a time when the screen still often dictates beauty by youth, her choice is a quiet revolution.

She may have fewer roles, but she’s gained something far more powerful: freedom, confidence, and clarity.

📖 For more inspiring stories, visit allycaral.com
#RatnaPathakShah #WomenInCinema #GreyHair #RealBeauty #AuthenticVoices #Allycaral

EduConnect

Prof. Uma Kanjilal Appointed as First Woman Vice Chancellor of IGNOU

allycaralgoa

📍New Delhi, July 25, 2025 —History has been made at Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) as Prof. Uma Kanjilal becomes the first woman Vice Chancellor of the institution since its inception in 1985. The appointment was made by the Hon’ble President of India, who serves as the Visitor of the university.

Prof. Kanjilal, a veteran academician and former Pro-Vice Chancellor at IGNOU, brings decades of experience in open and distance learning, digital innovation, and educational technology. She is widely respected for her role in shaping online education policy and content development in India.

Her leadership is expected to further IGNOU’s mission of democratizing education, especially for underserved and remote populations. With over 3 million students enrolled, IGNOU is the world’s largest open university and a critical pillar of India’s educational framework.

📌 Quick Facts:

  • 🔹 First woman VC of IGNOU
  • 🔹 Appointment by President of India
  • 🔹 Over 30 years of academic and administrative experience
  • 🔹 Expert in distance learning and educational content development

This appointment marks a significant shift towards gender-balanced leadership in Indian academia and sets a precedent for future appointments in major institutions.

📖 Stay tuned for updates and interviews on allycaral.com

#AllycaralFeature 👒, Goan Personalities

Remembering Shashikala Kakodkar: Goa’s Trailblazing First Woman Chief Minister

allycaralgoa

January 7th marks the birth anniversary of Shashikala Kakodkar, a pioneering figure in Goan politics who left an indelible mark on the state’s history. As Goa’s first and only woman Chief Minister to date, Kakodkar’s remarkable journey is a testament to her unwavering dedication, perseverance, and vision.

Early Life and Entry into Politics

Born on January 7, 1935, Shashikala Kakodkar grew up in a family deeply rooted in politics. Her father, Dayanand Bandodkar, was the first Chief Minister of Goa, Daman, and Diu. Inspired by her father’s legacy, Kakodkar began her foray into politics at a tender age. At just 11 years old, she participated in Goa’s freedom struggle, demonstrating her courage and commitment to the cause.

Tenure as Chief Minister

Kakodkar’s ascent to the position of Chief Minister in 1973 marked a significant milestone in Goan politics. During her tenure, which spanned from 1973 to 1979, she implemented several landmark policies that transformed the state’s landscape. Some of her notable achievements include:

  • Land Reforms: Kakodkar introduced comprehensive land reforms, aimed at redistributing land to marginalized communities and promoting social justice.
  • Economic Development: She established the Economic Development Corporation of Goa, a move that boosted the state’s economic growth and attracted investments.
  • Cultural Preservation: Kakodkar played a pivotal role in promoting the Konkani language and culture, recognizing its significance in Goa’s identity.

Legacy and Impact

Shashikala Kakodkar’s legacy extends far beyond her tenure as Chief Minister. She paved the way for future generations of women in politics, inspiring them to take on leadership roles. Her commitment to social justice, economic development, and cultural preservation has left a lasting impact on Goa’s society.

As we remember Shashikala Kakodkar on her birth anniversary, we honor her remarkable contributions to Goa’s history. Her trailblazing spirit, unwavering dedication, and vision for a better Goa continue to inspire us today.