Tag: youth talent

EduConnect

St. Xavier’s HSS Mapusa and St. Francis Xavier’s HSSC Siolim Win Big at Rockstar Chef Competition 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

St. Xavier’s Higher Secondary School, Mapusa and St. Francis Xavier’s Higher Secondary School of Arts, Science and Commerce, Siolim emerged as the big winners at the grand finale of the Rockstar Chef Competition 2025, the flagship culinary event hosted by the Kamaxi College of Culinary Arts. The competition, held at the college’s state-of-the-art Verna campus, brought together 25 enthusiastic students from across Goa who showcased their creativity, technical skills, and passion for the culinary arts.

The competition was divided into two main categories—Hot Kitchen and Bakery & Pastry—each further classified into CRM (institutions offering vocational courses) and general categories. After a series of semi-final rounds conducted across various campuses between September and October 2025, the finalists competed in the grand finale for individual honours as well as the prestigious rolling trophies for their institutions.

In the Hot Kitchen CRM category, Valencia Fernandes from St. Xavier’s Higher Secondary School, Mapusa emerged as the winner, while Presh Talawdekar from Purushottam Walawalkar Higher Secondary School of Arts, Science & Commerce, Mapusa secured first place in the Hot Kitchen general category. In the Bakery & Pastry segment, Pakeeza Dalayat from Damodar English Higher Secondary School, Quepem claimed the top spot in the CRM category, and Sejal Palyekar from St. Francis Xavier’s Higher Secondary School of Arts, Science and Commerce, Siolim won the general category. Based on the collective performance of their students, St. Xavier’s Higher Secondary School, Mapusa and St. Francis Xavier’s Higher Secondary School of Arts, Science and Commerce, Siolim were awarded the rolling trophies in the CRM and general categories respectively.

The grand finale was judged by Chef Montague Dias, Executive Sous Chef at Planet Hollywood Goa, and Chef Kunal Arolkar, a renowned culinary expert. Both judges praised the students for their discipline, creativity, and technical finesse, noting the professional standards demonstrated by participants at such an early stage in their culinary journeys. Chef Montague Dias remarked that the competition offered students a valuable glimpse into the realities of the culinary profession and commended the use of one of the best commercially designed culinary facilities for the event.

Speaking on the occasion, Parixit Pai Fondekar, Founder of Kamaxi Group, highlighted the importance of platforms like the Rockstar Chef Competition in shaping future culinary professionals. He noted that the event allows students to bring their ideas to life, build confidence, and recognise culinary arts as a legitimate and inspiring career path beyond conventional professions.

Participants expressed gratitude for the opportunity to compete in a professional environment, sharing that the experience broadened their culinary perspective and strengthened their confidence. Many students said the competition inspired them to seriously consider careers in the food and hospitality industry, reinforcing the role of initiatives like Rockstar Chef Competition in nurturing the next generation of culinary talent in Goa.

Sports

Selection Trials Announced for Table Tennis U-19 Boys Ahead of 69th National School Games

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk

The Directorate of Sports & Youth Affairs (DSYA), Government of Goa, has announced that selection trials for the state’s Under-19 Boys Table Tennis team will be held on November 12, 2025, at the Indoor Stadium, Campal, Panaji. The selected players will go on to represent Goa at the upcoming 69th National School Games.

As per the DSYA notification, all participants must be under 19 years of age, meaning they should be born on or after January 1, 2007. To ensure compliance with eligibility requirements, each player is required to submit an Age Verification Test (AVT) certificate issued by a certified doctor, along with the official eligibility forms during registration.

The Directorate continues its commitment to identifying and nurturing young sports talent across the state through structured trials and training opportunities. These trials provide an essential platform for student athletes to demonstrate their skills, gain exposure, and compete at a national level.

The 69th National School Games serve as a premier sporting event in India, bringing together the best young athletes from different states to compete across multiple disciplines. Goa’s representation in the Table Tennis category is expected to be highly competitive, with the selection process focusing on both skill and discipline.

The DSYA has encouraged schools, coaches, and local sports associations to ensure eligible players are informed and participate in the trials. The Directorate continues to emphasize the role of school-level sports in fostering discipline, teamwork, and a lifelong engagement with physical fitness and excellence.

Participants and schools seeking further information can contact the Directorate of Sports & Youth Affairs, Panaji, for detailed instructions regarding documentation and reporting times.

Music

Teen Musician Shanaya Rebelo Drops Halloween-Themed Single ‘Zombies in the Street’

Tanisha Cardozo

Inspiration can appear in the most unexpected moments — even while watching spooky videos on a quiet evening. For 15-year-old singer-songwriter Shanaya Rebelo, it sparked the creation of her latest pop-rock single, ‘Zombies in the Street’, a Halloween-themed track filled with fun, energy, and youthful creativity.

“I wanted to make something fun — a song that’s a little eerie but still energetic and light-hearted,” says Shanaya, who has previously released tracks with strong messages of hope and environmental awareness. The idea took shape during a casual jam session with her friends, who later became her bandmates. “It actually started on my birthday,” recalls the Class 10 student at The Phoenix homeschool in Panaji. “We were just jamming for fun, and the harmonies sounded so good that we decided to record it.”

The teen band, aged between 11 and 16, includes Alethea, Kristyn, and Mia on backing vocals, Zach on drums, and Tracii (from Sharada Mandir School) on bass — with Shanaya on lead vocals and guitar. The group rehearsed and recorded the track entirely live at Groovebox Studios, spending hours fine-tuning their sound. “It was a new experience for most of them, but they were amazing,” says Shanaya. “Working with friends made it even more special because everyone brought in their own ideas.”

Kristyn recalls, “At Shanaya’s birthday, she played us a few of her songs. We really liked ‘Zombies in the Street’, tried some harmonies, and it just clicked.” Zach adds, “The band was formed just for this song, and it was so much fun.”

The music video, filmed near Shanaya’s school, captures a playful Halloween atmosphere with friends acting as zombies. “My friends played the zombies, and we had one main character trying to escape them,” she explains. “It was a total group effort — from costumes to filming. Sumaiya and Jaherul handled the camera work brilliantly, and Mysticka did a great job editing it.”

“For me, the best part was singing together at the studio,” shares Mia, while Kristyn laughs, “Wearing that zombie mask during the shoot was the coolest thing!”

A singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Shanaya Rebelo began her musical journey at age eight with ‘Merry Merry Christmas’ on All India Radio, Panaji. Since then, she has released several singles through Jazz Goa and Boskon Studios, including ‘Levitating Space’, ‘Save the Earth’, and ‘I Won’t Give Up’. Known for her mix of pop, funk, and jazz influences, Shanaya writes, composes, and produces her own music, preferring live recordings for their authentic sound.

Her latest release, ‘Zombies in the Street’, is now streaming on Spotify, Apple Music, Bloom Music, and other major platforms, with the official video premiering on her YouTube channel.

“Sharing my music with the world gives me the utmost happiness,” says Shanaya — a sentiment that perfectly sums up her creative spirit and the joy her music brings to those who listen.

National

Goa’s Nirbhay Bhav Group Secures 3rd Place at National Performing Arts Championship 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

In a shining moment for Goa’s vibrant cultural scene, the Nirbhay Bhav Group achieved a remarkable 3rd position at the prestigious National Performing Arts Championship 2025. Held on the 5th of October in the culturally rich city of Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, the event saw participation from top-performing teams across India including Haryana, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Uttarakhand.

Representing Goa, the team stood out with their passionate performance and dedication to the arts. Under the inspiring leadership of Dhiraj Naik, Nirbhay Bhav brought not just talent but discipline, originality, and a deep-rooted connection to cultural heritage to the national platform. The achievement marks a significant milestone for the group and the state, adding yet another feather to Goa’s artistic cap.

The team’s journey doesn’t end here. Buoyed by their success and national recognition, the Nirbhay Bhav Group is now setting its sights on participating in upcoming national and international performing arts championships. Their vision is clear—to carry the spirit and talent of Goan culture beyond borders and onto the global stage.

This victory is not just a celebration of a performance—it’s a testament to the power of dedication, leadership, and the universal language of art that connects us all.

EduConnect

 DPM’s Shree Mallikarjun & Shri. Chetan Manju Desai College Wins Consolation Prize at Ghumat Mahasangam 4.0

Tanisha Cardozo

The rhythms of tradition and the spirit of youth came together as DPM’s Shree Mallikarjun & Shri. Chetan Manju Desai College team proudly clinched the Consolation Prize at the All Goa Ghumat Aarti Competition – Ghumat Mahasangam 4.0.

Organized by Ghumat Mogi in collaboration with Rajdeep Builders, this prestigious event brought together some of Goa’s finest cultural performers in a celebration of one of the state’s most beloved traditional art forms — Ghumat Aarti.

The team’s performance resonated with devotion, discipline, and deep-rooted cultural pride. Competing among top talents from across Goa, they stood out for their dedication and harmonious expression, earning recognition and applause.

This achievement is a testament not only to the musical talent of the students but also to the college’s commitment to preserving and promoting Goan heritage.

🎶 Congratulations to the entire team! Your hard work and passion continue to inspire and uplift Goa’s rich cultural traditions.