Tag: youth empowerment

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JCI Panaji Hosts “Love Beyond Romance” Session to Empower Students in Mapusa

Tanisha Cardozo

JCI Panaji organized a powerful and engaging session titled “Love Beyond Romance” on February 5 at Purushottom Walawalkar Higher Secondary School in Mapusa, aiming to reshape how young minds understand the concept of love in today’s digital age.

The session was led by JC Dr. Shilpa, a medical expert, who encouraged students to move beyond typical romantic clichés and explore a broader, more meaningful definition of love. Drawing from her medical background, she explained how excessive use of social media and mobile gaming can trigger the release of dopamine, a chemical linked to pleasure and addiction. She warned that this “digital love” can often replace genuine emotional connections, affecting mental well-being and relationships.

Dr. Shilpa urged students to redirect their focus toward healthier forms of love—love for family, friends, society, and the nation. One of the key highlights of the session was her discussion on Artificial Intelligence versus Human Emotions. She emphasized that no matter how advanced technology becomes, human emotions will always remain irreplaceable and must be nurtured and protected.

The session was designed to be highly interactive. Through hands-on activities, students participated in group acts where they creatively demonstrated ways to help a friend overcome mobile addiction and rediscover the joy of real-life friendships. These activities helped students understand emotional management, teamwork, and leadership in a practical and engaging manner.

By the end of the session, both students and teachers expressed their appreciation for the initiative. Many requested more such workshops, recognizing the importance of life skills and emotional awareness in shaping responsible individuals.

Through this initiative, JCI Panaji reinforced the message that love extends far beyond romance—it is about self-respect, communication, empathy, and building a progressive character that contributes positively to society.

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Empowering Youth: JCI Panaji Hosts ‘Love Beyond Romance’ Session in Mapusa School

Tanisha Cardozo

Purshottam Walawalkar Higher Secondary School in Mapusa witnessed a unique and transformative experience on 5th February 2026, as JCI Panaji conducted a special session under its ‘Empowering Youth’ initiative.

The session, titled “Love Beyond Romance,” was led by JCI National Author and Trainer Karuna Rajan Satardekar. Instead of the usual Valentine-themed conversations around romance, the session offered students a deeper and more meaningful understanding of love as a universal value.

Karuna Satardekar encouraged students to look beyond stereotypes and see love as compassion, respect, and care for the people around them. She explained that love is not limited to relationships but is reflected in how individuals treat society, friends, family, and those who need support.

One of the most touching moments of the session was a video about a 40-year-old individual with autism. The story highlighted the importance of empathy, patience, and inclusion. Students learned that love also means understanding and supporting those with special needs, a message that resonated deeply with the audience.

The session also focused on practical aspects of everyday behaviour. Through interactive discussions, Karuna Satardekar guided students on social etiquette, communication skills, and the importance of good manners. She explained how respectful communication and thoughtful actions can create a more compassionate and harmonious community.

Another key theme was leadership. Students were encouraged to develop leadership qualities rooted in empathy and inclusion. The message was clear: a true leader ensures that no one is left behind and carries every section of society forward with dignity and respect.

The connection between the speaker and the students was evident throughout the session. Faculty members described it as a “one-of-a-kind” experience, noting how strongly the message resonated with the young audience.

The initiative by JCI Panaji once again demonstrated the importance of life-skills education and value-based learning. By introducing such meaningful conversations in schools, the organisation continues to inspire the next generation to lead with empathy, respect, and responsibility.

EduConnect

JCI Panaji Hosts ‘Love Beyond Romance’ Session Led by Zone Trainer Nikita Gupta

rencygomes02

Written by Intern Rency Gomes ||Team Allycaral 

On 4 February 2026, JCI Panaji, in collaboration with the Counselling Cell of Purushottom Walawalkar Higher Secondary School, Mapusa, organised a thought-provoking youth engagement session titled “Love Beyond Romance.” The programme was led by Zone Trainer JC Nikita Gupta and aimed at guiding young minds through emotional awareness, self-reflection and essential life skills.


Moving away from stereotypical notions of romance, the session introduced students to a broader and more meaningful understanding of love. Through interactive activities and open dialogue, the speaker highlighted that love extends beyond personal relationships and encompasses respect for one’s country, community, teachers and peers.

The session focused strongly on universal values and unity. Students were encouraged to develop emotional management skills, practice good manners and etiquette, and cultivate integrity in daily life. The emphasis remained on equipping teenagers with life skills that promote empathy, togetherness and personal responsibility.

The impact of the session was clearly visible, with students actively participating and responding positively to the discussions. Faculty members expressed their appreciation to JCI Panaji, noting that the session presented a much-needed perspective on emotional development for today’s youth. Encouraged by the response, the school has requested more such initiatives to support holistic character-building among students.

The programme reinforced the idea that nurturing a deeper, value-based understanding of love prepares young individuals to lead lives rooted in empathy, respect and universal harmony.

The initiative was supported by the leadership of JCI Panaji, including JFM Srushti Nagvekar (President), JC Sudesh Salgaonkar (Secretary), JC Runal Kerkar (Project Director) and JC Bhuushan Joshi (Vice President – Training).

EduConnect

JCI Panaji Conducts “Love Beyond Romance” Session to Empower Youth in Mapusa

rencygomes02

Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

JCI Panaji, in collaboration with the Counselling Cell of Purushottom Walawalkar Higher Secondary School, Mapusa, organised a powerful and thought-provoking session titled “Love Beyond Romance” on 4 February 2026. The programme was led by Zone Trainer JC Nikita Gupta and was specially designed to guide young minds through emotional awareness, values and life skills.


Moving beyond stereotypical notions of romance, the session encouraged students to explore the deeper meaning of love as an expansive emotion rooted in empathy, responsibility and unity. Through interactive activities and open discussions, students were introduced to the idea that love extends to one’s country, community, teachers and peers, shaping a balanced and compassionate outlook on life.

The core focus of the session was on universal values and unity, with emphasis on emotional management, manners and etiquette. The training aimed to equip students with essential life skills that help bridge personal gaps, promote integrity and foster a sense of togetherness rather than isolation.

The response from both students and faculty was overwhelmingly positive. Students actively participated and resonated deeply with the fresh perspective on emotions and relationships. Faculty members expressed appreciation to JCI Panaji, noting that the session offered a meaningful and timely message for today’s youth. Encouraged by its impact, the school has requested more such initiatives to support holistic character development among students.

The programme reaffirmed the importance of nurturing empathy, respect and emotional intelligence among young individuals, preparing them to lead lives guided by understanding and universal respect.

The initiative was led by JFM Srushti Nagvekar (President), JC Sudesh Salgaonkar (Secretary), JC Runal Kerkar (Project Director) and JC Bhuushan Joshi (Vice President – Training).

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Vedanta Sesa Goa Promotes Community Well-being at Mayem Marathon 2026

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Intern Swara Bodke || Team Allycaral

Vedanta Sesa Goa, a leading iron ore producer with a legacy of more than seven decades in Goa, partnered with the Shri Mahamaya High-School Ex-Students Association for the Mayem Marathon 2026, held in Bicholim. The marathon has grown into one of the region’s most anticipated community sporting events and witnessed an overwhelming response this year, with over 1,500 participants from across the state.

The event featured multiple race categories, including 21 km, 10 km, 5 km and 3 km runs, along with dedicated races for school students across various age groups. The wide range of categories highlighted the inclusive nature of the marathon and encouraged participation from both seasoned runners and first-time participants.

Several dignitaries were present on the occasion, including Shri Premendra Shet, Hon’ble MLA for Mayem Constituency, and Guest of Honour Shri Deepak Narvekar, Deputy General Manager, Goa Tourism Development Corporation. Mr. Dhirajkumar Jagdish, Deputy CEO, Vedanta Iron Ore Goa, along with prominent community leaders, also attended the event. Vedanta Sesa Goa has been associated with all three editions of the Mayem Marathon under its ‘YouTheChange, YouThePower’ initiative.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Premendra Shet said the Mayem Marathon 2026 reflected the strong spirit of fitness, inclusivity and togetherness within the community. He appreciated Vedanta Sesa Goa for partnering with the marathon for the third consecutive year and acknowledged the company’s wider CSR contributions in the region, including the restoration of the historic Maem Bandhara and the establishment of computer centres and modern laboratories aimed at empowering youth.

Mr. Dhirajkumar Jagdish said Vedanta remains committed to fostering a healthier and more sustainable future for the communities it serves. He added that the Mayem Marathon stands as a powerful example of collective action, bringing people from diverse backgrounds together on a common platform, and expressed gratitude to the organisers, dignitaries and the Bicholim community for making the event a success.

Vedanta Sesa Goa continues to promote community well-being through partnerships in initiatives such as the Republic Run and the Mayem Marathon. Through its flagship CSR programme, the Sesa Football Academy, the company also conducts football camps and tournaments including the Vedanta Women’s League, Vedanta Youth Cup and Vedanta Football Championship. These initiatives reflect Vedanta Sesa Goa’s ongoing efforts to foster a culture of health, fitness and holistic development across Goa.