Tag: Youth Innovation

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St. Xavier’s College, Mapusa Hosts X’plorateur 2025: A Regenerative Vision for Goa

Tanisha Cardozo

In a celebration of innovation, sustainability, and student excellence, the Department of BBA (Travel & Tourism) at St. Xavier’s College, Mapusa, hosted its national-level event X’plorateur 2025 on September 26th and 27th. Timed to align with World Tourism Day, the two-day program was guided by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) theme, “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation,” and inspired by the college’s own vision, “A Regenerative Vision for Goa.”

The event served as a platform for students to explore how tourism can not only be sustainable but regenerative — restoring and preserving Goa’s ecological and cultural wealth. The inaugural ceremony was attended by dignitaries from the college along with Chief Guest Mr. Pifran Fernandes, Owner of Tree House Goa. The program featured cultural performances, a magazine launch, and inspiring talks that highlighted the need for tourism models that go beyond conservation and actively improve the communities and environments they touch.

Over the course of two days, student teams from Goa and Karnataka participated in a wide array of activities designed to test creativity, knowledge, and teamwork — all centered around sustainable tourism. The competitions included quizzes, debates, business pitch contests, eco-painting, stress challenges, and a fashion show that celebrated eco-conscious design and storytelling.

The event concluded with a thrilling award ceremony where Team Desert Dynamos from KLE College of Business Administration, Hubli, Karnataka, were crowned Overall Champions. The Runners-up title went to Team Moonlight Mavericks from Srinivassa Sinai Dempo College of Commerce & Economics, Goa. The level of creativity, critical thinking, and passion displayed throughout the event underscored the deep commitment of young minds to shape a more responsible future for tourism in India.

X’plorateur 2025 not only brought academic communities together but also reaffirmed the role of educational institutions in leading the charge toward a tourism industry that regenerates — rather than depletes — the places we cherish most.

EduConnect

Narayan Zantye College & Vedanta Sesa Goa Unite to Empower Youth on International Youth Day 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Bicholim, August 16, 2025 — Marking International Youth Day 2025, Narayan Zantye College of Commerce, Bicholim, in strategic collaboration with Vedanta Sesa Goa, organized a compelling day of dialogue, inspiration, and celebration under the theme: “Local Youth Action for the SDGs & Beyond.”

As part of the ‘YouThePower, YouTheChange’ initiative, the day’s activities included a vibrant panel discussion, interactive student sessions, and the inauguration of new educational facilities aimed at empowering youth through knowledge and innovation.

The event’s highlight was the expert panel discussion on “The Power of Youth in Creating Jobs, Solving Problems, and Shaping the Future.” Moderated by Ms. Sadiya Choudhary, a Third Year B.Com student, the panel brought together esteemed voices from industry and academia:

  • Mr. Santosh Mandrekar – Head, North & Central Cluster, Vedanta IOG
  • Mr. Deepak Nawathe – Senior Training Officer, Sesa Technical School (STS)
  • Mr. Chetan Salelkar – Entrepreneur
  • Prof. Dr. Praveen Sawant – Associate Professor, Narayan Zantye College

The discussion highlighted the importance of skill-building, entrepreneurship, and youth-driven innovation in today’s fast-evolving economy. Panelists emphasized that with the right mindset and resources, young people can be powerful changemakers—creating employment, innovating for the future, and addressing societal challenges with creativity and compassion.

Principal Prof. Dr. Rajendra Khorjuvekar reflected on the significance of the occasion, stating:

“International Youth Day is an opportunity to renew our commitment to empowering youth. This panel has enabled our students to gain valuable insights into how they can maximize their potential and contribute to the greater good.”

In recognition of student excellence, Ms. Siddhi Chopdekar, Mr. Vishwanath S. Illakallmatty, and Ms. Shruti Gaddi were felicitated for their outstanding achievements.

The event concluded with an engaging Q&A session where students posed thought-provoking questions, further enriching the day’s learning experience.

With its focus on leadership, community impact, and the Sustainable Development Goals, the event was not just a celebration—it was a call to action for youth to lead with vision and responsibility.

EduConnect

GIM Students Shine on Global Stage: Reach Oxford University’s ‘Map the System’ Finals

allycaralgoa

Written by Tanisha Cardozo

In an inspiring accomplishment, five students from Goa Institute of Management (GIM) have placed India in the global spotlight by reaching the Global Finals of the prestigious Map the System competition, organized by the University of Oxford. This recognition is not only a celebration of academic excellence but also a reflection of purpose-driven, socially conscious innovation.

The GIM team – Aryan Rajpal, Aditi Naringe, Dhruv Bhagat, Subham Das, and Yash Kabra – stood out among thousands of teams from around the world. They ranked in the top 10% globally, making GIM the only Indian business school to reach the global stage of this highly competitive event.

Their project, focused on improving access to justice in India, tackled one of the country’s most complex and systemic challenges. Using a systems thinking methodology, the team mapped out the legal landscape and proposed transformative reforms. A key component of their solution was the promotion of Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) — a digital-first approach to legal conflict resolution aimed at making justice faster, inclusive, and accessible to all.

The team’s work was mentored by Prof. Dr. Pravat Surya Kar, whose guidance helped them navigate the intricacies of legal systems and social innovation frameworks.

Speaking about the achievement, Dr. Kar said,

“This isn’t just about a competition — it’s about empowering the next generation to reimagine society’s toughest problems. These students are proof that leadership with purpose is the future.”

This success aligns with GIM’s vision to develop socially aware leaders who go beyond conventional business roles to create systemic, sustainable impact. The achievement also highlights the institute’s commitment to nurturing innovation, critical thinking, and societal relevance in its academic pursuits.

As GIM celebrates this international recognition, it also sets a strong example for Indian academia — proving that with the right blend of mentorship, critical inquiry, and passion, students can indeed change the world.