Parikrama Knowledge Terminus is organising its fifth Academic Forum on January 6 and 7, hosting students, educators, and professionals to explore career guidance and awareness
RAMANDEEP KAUR| NT
Parikrama Knowledge Terminus was formally established in 2017 by a group of young professionals from academia, industry, media and other fields, to create quality educational resources
“We identified the need to develop focused programmes that would aid the professional growth of youth and generate knowledge through participation. The creation of knowledge cannot be restricted to the formal educational ecosystem. Knowledge creation and development of art needs to be participatory as well as interventionist. Parikrama has provided new expressions for the youth for the past seven years,” says president of Parikrama Knowledge Terminus and assistant professor, Goa University, Yugank Naik.
Considering its serious outlook, Yugank says they were unsure about how Parikrama would be received. “It was the only multi-disciplinary and multi-faceted initiative in Goa that engaged the masses in knowledge creation. However, participants have carried out Parikrama’s promise vigorously. From Pernem to Canacona, Parikrama has generated immense interest in developing art, literature and intellectualism. Our programmes have remained uninterrupted even during COVID-19, which is a testimony to the fact that Parikrama has become a part of youth culture,” says Yugank, adding that its ‘Artiste Collective’ was chosen to perform as the opening act before the Prime Minister at the Opening Ceremony of the 37th National Games held in Goa.
The first Academic Forum by Parikrama was organised in 2018 at PES Shri. Ravi Sitaram Naik College of Arts & Science, Farmagudi. “The advent of globalisation and change in the economy has expanded horizons but also created fierce competition. Academic Forum is an attempt to decode the emerging changes. It attempts to sensitise the students to prepare their career paths and recognise their aptitudes,” he says.
The fifth edition of the Academic Forum will be held on January 6 and 7, 2024, at the Rajiv Gandhi Kala Mandir, Ponda.
The first day will be for higher secondary students and educators, focusing on the theme ‘Careers at Crossroads’. Invitations have been extended to all higher secondaries in Goa to nominate two student delegates and one supervising teacher.
The day will begin with a keynote address by Ashutosh Teli Pednekar, a Goan serving in the Indian Administrative Services posted in Jaipur. A Grade One teacher from PES Shri Ravi Sitaram Naik Higher Secondary, Francisco Cardoz, will lead an ice-breaking session, followed by a panel discussion on ‘Aptitude & Challenges’. The panel includes professor from Goa University Rahul Tripathi, assistant professor of VM Salgaocar College of Law, Miramar, Meghna Kapdi, assistant director of the Directorate of Higher Education Bhakti Naik, director of the Directorate of Higher Education and chief officer of Ponda Municipal Council Shubham Naik. The session will be chaired by principal of Kala Academy Theatre Art College, Rajay Pawar.
The ‘Zerologues’ session will feature five young achievers sharing their journeys. These include gold medalist windsurfer Katya Coelho (sports career), CEO Wakao Foods Sairaj Dhond (entrepreneurship), archivist Balaji Shenoy (careers in archives), brand growth head of Better India Tanvi Raut Dessai (digital journalism), and founder of Asier Sunaya Shirodkar (robotics). “One of the strengths of Parikrama is its collectivism. Young people craft it for young people. So, we feature young achievers who tell their journey and struggle to the students,” says Yugank.
The valedictory address will be delivered by the principal of Ameya Higher Secondary School Shubhash Jan. The programme is organised in collaboration with the Department of Art and Culture, the Office of Commissioner of Labour & Employment, and the Rajiv Gandhi Kala Mandir.
Day 2 of the Academic Forum is targeted at colleges and general institutions and will focus on orientation sessions for the Parikrama 0.6 competitions. The speakers will include Uday Chari (radio jockey), Suraj Pinge (folk researcher), Kaustubh Naik (writer and researcher), Kalanand Bambolkar (artist and teacher), Shubham Khandeparkar (model and artist), Yugank Naik (assistant professor, Goa University), Suvidha Naik (Bharatnatyam exponent), and Rohit Khandekar (actor).
So far, the response to the forum has been very encouraging. There have been registrations from 25 higher secondaries, and around 40 from educational and general institutions.
And this year, says Yugank, they have focused on publications of literature that have been generated all these years.
“We are publishing our magazine on the issue of ‘Climate Change’. We plan to publish a focused research journal and create value for the contributions. Every activity of Parikrama is documented,” he says. Apart from this, Parikrama will also be organising the Zero Fest on January 20 and 21 at Khandola, Marcel.
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Among the eight exceptional music artists handpicked for the B-side Music Production Residency programme, ‘Discokid’, a Goa-based musician will be performing at the Serendipity Arts Festival 2023. The 11-day workshop concluded in Olaulim recently and was organised by the Serendipity Arts Foundation. The eight artists namely Dzerouengmit Lepcha, Fatima Hakeen (Discokid), Lenix Lobo, Hasan Shahrukh, Govi, Ashel Unger, Rushaki Ghosh and Medhaj Dempo, delved deep into the intricacies of music production using Ableton Live, a digital audio workstation during the residency, which formally culminated on October 20. The residency was mentored by industry experts, including Jay Pei, Megha Balani, SHFT and Puneesh Suri. Fatima Hakeen aka ‘Discokid’ is a musician and producer based out of Goa and has been featured in well-known online music shows like Mixmag Goa and Worldwide FM. Over the eleven-day intensive program, the participants explored a myriad of techniques, from working with audio clips and MIDI basics to advanced production methods, honing their skills and collectively broadening their creative horizons. “Each participant brings a unique flavour to the table: from Dzerouengmit Lepcha’s soulful melodies to Discokid’s groovy beats, Lenix Lobo’s experimental sounds and Govi’s fusion of Carnatic vocals with indie and alternative genres. Hasan Shahrukh, with his expertise in […]
Glow of Epiphyllum – Brahma Kamal flowers of Goa
Recently, I came across a news story about a record-breaking bloom of 28 Brahma Kamal flowers in Goa. The spectacular sight of its prolific blossoms in the video took me on a trip down memory lane. We, too, had this beautiful plant in our garden, lovingly tended by my grandmother. Commonly referred to as ‘Bramhakamal’ in Goa and likely across the country, this plant is scientifically known as Epiphyllum Oxypetalum. Belonging to the Cactaceae family, it is an exotic plant native to the rainforests of Central and South America. Interestingly, it has no botanical connection to the true Bramhakamal species, scientifically named Saussurea obvallata, which is found and revered in Uttarakhand and the Himalayan regions. The slight resemblance between Epiphyllum Oxypetalum and the original Bramhakamal may explain the confusion between the two. Also known as the Dutchman’s Pipe Cactus or Queen of the Night, this flower truly lives up to its regal title. In our garden, this plant held a special place in my heart. Its slightly puffed, elongated leaves distinguished it from the other greenery. The celestial blooms appeared rarely, usually between July and September. One of the most unique aspects of this flower is how it unfurls its […]
Festa do Povo: Festival to Showcase Goan Heritage, Food, & Culture
The well-known community festival, Festa do Povo, returns to Panaji again, to promote Goan culture and heritage. The festival is coordinated through community involvement, with assistance from the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) and Imagine Panaji, along the pedestrian walkway lined with mangroves at Patto Plaza near the Spaces building. Residents from various wards in the city, who reside in heritage homes and blocks, participate in the festival’s planning. What food can you expect here? It ranges from Goan-Portuguese to Hindu Saraswat to Muslim dishes, cooked by local home chefs, Panaji restaurants, and even international chefs. The food section of the festival showcases Goa’s rich culinary diversity across various religious communities. Additionally, a special Feni bar and beverage station featuring local drinks will enhance the festive atmosphere. Day one (December 14) will feature traditional Shigmo dances and children’s craft activities curated by Bookworm, a -book store for children. Participants can enjoy a variety of performances, including the Kaustubha Ballet, the beloved Stuti Choir, the traditional dekhni dance, and enchanting melodies by the Sound of Music. On the second day, December 15, there will be brass band performances, percussion displays, and carol singing by students from Nirmala School. This […]
