Youth Connect

Following a long arduous journey of recovery after an accident left him paralysed from the chest down, Lloyd Fernandes got back to table tennis, and is today a national top ranker MARIA FERNANDES | NT Life can change in an instant. For Lloyd Fernandes, that moment came in 2016 when a devastating accident left him paralysed from the chest down. What followed was a long journey of recovery, acceptance, and reinvention; one that would eventually lead him back to table tennis, the sport he loves. Eventually, it would take him to the top of the national rankings, establishing him as one of Goa’s most inspiring sporting figures. Reflecting on that difficult period, Fernandes recalls how dramatically everything changed. “For nearly six months, whenever I tried to sit upright, I would pass out. It was an extremely difficult time, both physically and emotionally,” he shares. Slowly, however, he began rebuilding his life. With intensive physiotherapy and support of his wife, the rest of his family and friends, he gradually regained strength and confidence. Instead of dwelling on what he had lost, he began focusing on what he could still achieve. “More than anything,” he says, “my family and friends reminded me […]

Sunaparanta-Goa Centre for the Arts will host ‘The Broomstick Jam’ on February 21 RAMANDEEP KAUR | NT KURIOCITY  Young children and their caregivers can look forward to an afternoon of music, storytelling, and imaginative play at the Sunaparanta-Goa Centre for the Arts, Altinho, on February 21. The centre will host ‘The Broomstick Jam’, an interactive music and movement workshop for children aged 1.5 to 6 years. It will be conducted by Mumbai-based early childhood educator Ria Master, also known as Ria of Sparklesound, in collaboration with Kidiaree. The workshop will be held from 4.30 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. The session, shares Master, is inspired by the popular picture book ‘Room on the Broom’ by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler. “The book is loved by children around the world for its simple rhymes, humour and warm message about friendship and teamwork. During the workshop, the story will not just be read aloud. It will be presented through music, movement and expressive storytelling,” she says. Master has more than 10 years of experience working with children from birth to six years of age. She is an early years educator, Montessori guide, music educator and movement coach. Through her sessions, she […]

Seventeen-year-old self-trained freestyle skater, Janvi Jindal, who hails from Chandigarh, has etched her name in record books through perseverance and determination. Today, she is India’s second highest Guinness record holder in sports MARIA FERNANDES | NT Janvi Jindal from Chandigarh has established herself as one of India’s most remarkable young athletes. A self-trained freestyle skater, she has earned an impressive 11 Guinness World Records, making her India’s top female athlete in terms of Guinness titles and the country’s second-highest Guinness record holder in sports, next only to Sachin Tendulkar. Speaking about her Guinness achievements, she says, “Being mentioned after Sachin sir, someone I’ve looked up to since childhood, feels truly unreal.” Jindal’s Guinness journey began after she turned 16, when her skating categories were officially classified as high-risk. Within just a year of setting her first record, she went on to achieve 10 more. By mid-November 2025, she received official confirmation and certificates for all 11 records, securing her place among an elite group of global achievers. Alongside these milestones, she also holds eight India Book of Records titles, one Asia Record and one Worldwide Record. What truly distinguishes Jindal is the path she took to reach such heights. Without […]

A teenage snake rescuer and a veteran marine conservationist were recently honoured for their work in protecting Goa’s biodiversity RAMANDEEP KAUR  Every creature, on land or beneath the sea, plays a role in nature’s balance. Sahil Gaonkar and Venkatesh Charloo are among those who are working to protect it. They were recognised for their efforts at the 2025 Sanctuary Wildlife Awards held last month at the Tata Theatre, NCPA, Mumbai. Snake rescuer Sahil Bhisso Gaonkar, 19, from Canacona, received the Young Naturalist Award, while veteran diver and marine conservationist Venkatesh (Venkat) Charloo was presented the Green Teacher Award for his contributions to marine conservation and education. The awards were organised and presented by Sanctuary Nature Foundation, one of India’s leading environmental magazines. The teen who befriended snakes Gaonkar grew up in Badsare, a small ward in Gaondongrim village, Canacona, in a farming family. His father, Bhisso, he says, is “connected to nature and dependent on it”. He explains that many fear snakes because they believe all of them are venomous, a notion often taught from childhood. “There was a time I used to kill snakes out of fear and misinformation,” he admits. However, everything changed when his school geography teacher, […]

Celebrating creativity and inclusion, Art Stories brings artists of all abilities to the Serendipity Arts Festival RAMANDEEP KAUR | NT KURIOCITY With works inspired from everyday life to far-off dreams, artists with and without disabilities will be displaying their creations will be on display in Art Stories, an exhibition at this year’s Serendipity Arts Festival (SAF). Curated by independent art curator Samira Sheth and led by art facilitator Lioba Knepple, the exhibition grew out of Sheth’s earlier work with artists with disabilities at the Museum of Goa. “It received a really good response and brought the community together. That’s when I came across Divya Sadan, a Caritas Goa initiative and witnessed their dedication to nurturing art. Curating this exhibition feels very special. I believe including all kinds of minds in art makes creativity richer,” she says. Sheth also cites Scottish artist Nnena Kalu, the first artist with a learning disability to win Britain’s Turner Prize, as an example of inclusive art gaining global recognition. The exhibition has 20 residents from Divya Sadan in Porvorim, 61 children from St Francis Xavier Vocational Centre in Old Goa and 21 participants from Caritas Goa’s ‘Art as a Healing Tool’ workshops in Panaji. A […]

Goa’s only college-based archaeological museum at Sant Sohirobanath Ambiye College showcases 67 artefacts RAMANDEEP KAUR  Goa’s rich history is now on display at the newly inaugurated Museum of the Archaeological Studies Center at Sant Sohirobanath Ambiye College, which showcases centuries-old artefacts carved in stone and wood. The museum was inaugurated on October 2 by Tourism Minister and Porvorim MLA, Rohan Khaunte and is the culmination of efforts by Rohit Phalgaonkar, curator and coordinator of the Archaeological Studies Center. The initiative was supported by the state’s Education Secretary, Prasad Lolayekar and the director of the Directorate of Higher Education, Bhushan Sawaikar. The idea for the museum emerged in 2022 as part of the Department of History’s efforts to give students practical exposure to archaeological sources, which are essential for understanding Goa’s past. “In Goa, students studying history have limited exposure to archaeology compared to other states. There are fewer sites, and practical interaction with artefacts has been minimal,” explains Phalgaonkar. To bridge this gap, the department began conducting field explorations across villages in Goa. These visits allowed students to experience archaeology firsthand, engage with local communities and identify historically significant artefacts. “Through these interactions, villagers began sharing old objects, some broken […]

Veteran diplomat and UPSC member Sanjay Verma IFS (Retd.) sheds light on civil service, career paths, and staying relevant in a changing world ADITHI SHARMA | NT KURIOCITY Every August, People’s High School, Panaji, hosts a career talk series for students of Classes 9 to 12. This year’s edition, ‘What Are My Choices?’, featured as per usual, professionals from fields ranging from the arts to public service. From the academic field, UPSC member ambassador Sanjay Verma, IFS (Retd.) was the speaker. A distinguished diplomat, Verma served India for 34 years in various positions across multiple continents. Excerpts from the interview:   What makes a candidate excel in the UPSC written exam and interview? Clarity in communication is key. It comes from clear thinking, which comes from being well-read and analytical. It’s about how you apply the facts available to you. Candidates should approach the syllabus with a broad, real-world perspective, not tunnel vision. Those who connect theory with current events stand out, rather than relying only on outdated textbooks. This applies across subjects like economics, sociology, political science, and science. The UPSC landscape has changed since I appeared for it in 1990. Today more candidates compete, aided by digital resources, […]

At Kamaxi College of Culinary Arts, Verna, culinary students gain hands-on experience by running their own cafe on campus RAMANDEEP KAUR | NT KURIOCITY Putting their classroom learning to practical use, the culinary students at Kamaxi College of Culinary Arts (KCCA), Verna, have been taking turns to run a fully operational cafe on campus. Every few months, a group of budding chefs takes over the cafe, managing everything from menu planning and ingredient sourcing to customer service and finances. The cafe is part of an initiative by Fierce Kitchens, the in-house culinary incubator at KCCA. “After the pandemic, many young chefs expressed interest in starting their own cafes. We wanted to nurture that entrepreneurial energy by giving them a platform to practise their skills while taking ownership of a real food business,” says founder of the Kamaxi Group, Parixit Pai Fondekar. Each cafe cycle features a team of six to 10 students who apply with their own concept. Selected teams are chosen based on the clarity of their vision, leadership potential, and readiness to take full responsibility. The opportunity is typically reserved for final-year students, who are deemed capable of operating independently with minimal supervision. On average, three to four […]

Sancoale’s Angelina Brianna has earned the ‘Princess of Goa’ title at just 12 RAMANDEEP KAUR | NT KURIOCITY What started as a love for runway shows and sketching outfits in her notebook has grown into a creative path for 12-year-old Angelina Brianna. Her passion recently brought her into the spotlight when she was crowned Princess of Goa at the Season 9 of Junior Model International (JMI) pageant. “It was such an honour—and a total surprise!” says the student of Class 8 at Navy Children School, Dabolim. “Everyone was so good, I really didn’t think I’d win.” Brianna won the ‘Princess of Goa’ subtitle under the ‘Prince & Princess’ category. JMI, organised by Arun Ratna Fashion Runway International, includes categories like ‘Mr & Miss Teen Super Globe’ and ‘Prince & Princess’. The event, held in Panaji and organised by Fashion Runway International, included auditions, ramp walk training, and a talent round. “I loved the whole experience—getting to know more about modelling, fashion, and meeting so many new people,” says the youngster who dreams of becoming a fashion designer, model, and singer, and is already working on all three. “I’ve always loved fashion,” she says. “Watching Gigi Hadid on the runway made […]

While early intervention through therapy is critical to help children with developmental delays, the high costs of therapy usually forces parents not to pursue it. But it is possible to change this ANISHKA DE SÁ E AGUIAR Every child grows at their own pace but sometimes, that pace is slower than expected in key areas like speaking, learning, moving, or social interaction. These are known as developmental delays, and they can affect a child’s ability to communicate, process information, interact with others, or perform basic physical tasks. Conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), speech and language disorders, sensory processing issues, and intellectual disabilities all fall under this broad umbrella. They are not a reflection of poor parenting or a child’s potential they are neurological and developmental differences that, with the right support, can be managed, improved, and often overcome. Early intervention through therapy is not just helpful it is critical. It gives children the tools they need to function, connect, and thrive in a world that might otherwise misunderstand them. In my years of working with children, especially those with developmental challenges, I’ve witnessed first-hand the profound impact therapy can have. Speech therapy, Occupational Therapy, ABA […]

In an effort to motivate and empower students and competitive exam aspirants, educationist and author Naguesh S. Sardessai has launched his book, ‘Select Essays’ SAILEE NAIK A seasoned academic with over three decades of teaching experience, Sardessai brings both his scholarly insight and grassroots experience with students into his recent carefully curated collection of 15 thought-provoking essays. Titled ‘Select Essays’, the book was formally released by principal of Dempo College of Commerce and Economics, Manoj Kamat recently. The book is meant to serve as a ready reckoner for students preparing for UPSC, GPSC, and other competitive exams. But its relevance doesn’t end there. “Students participating in elocution, debate competitions, and other academic forums will also benefit greatly,” says Sardessai. Topics in this book range from abstract concepts like ‘Time Management’ and ‘There Is No Shortcut to Success’ to socio-political themes such as ‘Indian Republic @75’, ‘Global Warming’, ‘Digitalisation in India’, and ‘India – A New Space Power’. What sets this book apart from others on the market, explains Sardessai, is its accessibility and contextual relevance, particularly for Goan youth. “Many books can be overwhelming for beginners. I’ve written this to be a starting point—something that builds their confidence and ignites a spark for reading and writing,” he says. The essays are designed to reflect national priorities and youth-centric […]

Harish Yadav fought against all odds and today works as a Chef De Rang (head waiter) in a Paris hotel MARIA FERNANDES | NT Born and brought up in a chawl in Mumbai, Harish Yadav’s journey to the City of Love has been a long tedious one. The chawls in Mumbai are a quintessential part of the city’s fabric and emerged during Mumbai’s industrial boom. They are a unique form of affordable housing and represent the city’s history, culture and community spirit. In a chawl, a floor comprises rooms in a single row with a common verandah and toilets. “My father and grandfather were both taxi drivers. We all lived in a single 120 square feet room as a joint family which included my grandparents, my parents, my uncle and aunt and my brother and I,” he shares. Besides space confines, Harish also faced other challenges. His father, Rakesh was a forward-thinking individual and had big dreams for his sons. However, living in a joint family meant decisions were taken after consulting everyone. “My father understood the importance of education, especially how studying in an English-medium school would benefit us, but my grandfather was against the idea. He was of […]

Mumbai-based Vanessa Essaki, who hails from Margao, conducted unique storytelling sessions with puppets at recent Goa Book Fair and Children’s Literature Festival at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao. She shares more with NT KURIOCITY SMRITI KOTHARE MARDOLKAR What made you come here with your puppets? The prestigious event was happening in my very own hometown, and I definitely wanted to contribute to the cause. It was fuelled by my desire to spread the pure joy of reading and puppet play through fantastic stories written by my mentor, Geeta Ramanujam from her two recently launched books – ‘How and Why of Tales’ and ‘Tales from the World’. When a story relates to a child, stirs their curiosity, and resonates with their innate emotions, an instant connection to the character is built. They are more likely to grab a copy of the book and joyfully take to reading it. This was also a fantastic platform to introduce children to explore and appreciate our rich Goan folktales. My version of the Goan folktale ‘Attulem and Bhitullem’ ignites a fresh perspective the fun way. It allows space for living in harmony, friendship, empathy, and universal acceptance.   How did you feel to be at this festival? […]

Marinella Proença hopes to instill a love for animals in young readers with her new book, ‘Trails by the Farm’ CHRISTINE MACHADO | NT KURIOCITY (Picture Credit: Hemant Parab) Sometimes, a story is born from a single experience in a writer’s life. Other times, it takes multiple small moments woven together to inspire a narrative. For Marinella Proença, it was the latter. A resident of Calangute, Proença has spent a considerable amount of time near her husband’s farm in recent years. Once home to rescued cattle, chickens, roosters, geese, dogs, and more, the space has now been converted into an animal care shelter. “One day, I told my husband I wanted to visit the farm early in the morning and observe everything that happens there. So, before sunrise, we began going to the farm, listening to the sounds of the animals as they woke up, fed, and started their day,” she shares. And so wanting to instill a love for animals in children, Proença decided to write a book where animals play a central role. “We kept hearing stories about dogs being abandoned and mistreated. I wanted to change that mindset and teach children to respect and care for animals,” […]

In his latest book, ‘The Adventures of R4’, author Datta Damodar Naik tells the story of a group of children and their magical friends who are on an adventure to bring peace between India and Pakistan NT KURIOCITY  Businessman, social activist, and author, Datta Damodar Naik has released his new book, ‘The Adventures of R4’, for children and young adults. The book focuses on four friends – Ranisa, Raina, Ranvir, and Rehaan – along with their pets: Bingo the dog, Chani the squirrel, Leitao the piglet, and Mittu the parrot. In the story, they meet a magician and a witch who teach them magical tricks like invisibility and mind-reading. Using these powers, the children stop terrorism in the Kashmir Valley and bring peace between India and Pakistan. Naik has been writing in Konkani and Marathi, mostly for an adult audience, for many years. However, it was the birth of his grandchildren that motivated him to begin writing stories in English for children and young adults. His first two English books for children are ‘Uncommon Wealth’, a modern reinterpretation of the ‘Panchatantra’, and ‘The Jungle School’, a contemporary retelling of the ‘Hitopadesha’. In ‘The Adventures of R4’ Naik uses simple and […]

‘Building the Base: Preschool Curriculum for Teachers and Parents’ by Celsa Pinto presents a play-based approach to early education, focusing on natural development rather than formal academics RAMANDEEP KAUR  A historian, scholar and former director of education, Celsa Pinto, is the author of several books on Indo-Portuguese history. Her first education book released recently aims to help children learn at their own pace, preparing them for the next step into formal schooling.   Excerpts from the interview: What motivated you to write this book? This book has been in the making for 25 years. The challenges I saw back then still exist today. As a former director of education, I am concerned about our education system. Despite nearly 100% literacy, we’ve overlooked quality. While we focus on basic measures like literacy rates and infrastructure, we fail to prepare students for life. Education should be about more than exams; it should nurture skills, knowledge, and positive attitudes, starting in pre-primary education. My concerns began when I worked as deputy director of the Education Department, Government of Goa in 1994. Pre-primary education was poorly managed, with untrained teachers and outdated methods. I’ve always believed that learning should happen naturally, through play, with […]

A new laboratory called Geometers in Tonca is giving schoolchildren a chance to explore science hands-on RAMANDEEP KAUR | NT KURIOCITY Curiosity in childhood can spark a lifelong love for learning. In Tonca, Miramar, Geometers is making this happen by providing a hands-on lab where children can explore science through engaging experiments. Founded by two PhD students, Ankit Sinha and Shiva Singh, this space encourages children to move beyond textbooks and gain knowledge through real-world experiences. Sinha specialises in physical sciences, while Singh focuses on biology, allowing children to explore a diverse range of subjects under their mentorship. The lab offers activities that vary from inflating balloons to building drones, microscopes, telescopes, and binoculars. Despite their busy schedules, they dedicate their evenings to this initiative. “Even though we come from different backgrounds, we agreed that the method of conducting science, grounded in practical experience, is consistent across all scientific disciplines,” says Sinha. He explains that he became interested in physics after reading Richard Feynman’s book ‘Surely You’re Joking, Mr. Feynman!’ “In the book, Feynman talks about how he used creative thinking to fix radios as a child. Later, I read his well-known textbook series, The Feynman Lectures on Physics. I […]

An object detection tool developed by Class 12 student Shannon Dias, aims to improve the mobility and safety of the visually impaired by alerting them to nearby obstacles through specially designed shoes and glasses RAMANDEEP KAUR  Shannon Dias has a passion for creating innovative projects using electronics. His journey began in Class 6 when he designed his first project, a water level overflow alarm. By Class 7, he had already taken on his next challenge by building a PIR human sensor automatic bulb. At age 13, during the 2020 lockdown, he created his third invention, a contactless automatic hand sanitiser dispenser. Dias’ fourth invention was a smart dustbin that opened automatically upon detecting trash with a sensor. He showcased this project at a science exhibition in Class 11, where he earned fourth place. Currently in Class 12, pursuing science at St. Xavier’s Higher Secondary School, Mapusa, he developed his fifth gadget—an object detection device mounted on a single right Croc shoe – which he demonstrated at a science project expo organised by Agnel Institute of Technology and Design (AITD), Assagao, and secured second place. Recently, he upgraded this concept by designing goggles and creating an object detection device for both […]

Bagheera Kids, a new fun creative space for children, has just opened its doors CHRISTINE MACHADO | NT KURIOCITY A deep passion for children’s literature and a belief in the power of stories and creative play to shape young minds led Jurate Nair, mother of an eight-year-old, to start Bagheera Kids in Sangolda. The space, which opened on August 25, offers after-school classes, workshops, and events aimed at making learning fun. It also includes a cafe and a library.   Excerpts of an interview with Nair: What made you decide to begin Bagheera Kids? How long has this been in the planning? Bagheera Kids was born out of a deep love for children’s literature and a passion for creating a nurturing space where kids can explore, learn, and grow. The idea started taking shape a few years ago, driven by a desire to offer something unique in Goa—a place that goes beyond just selling books. We wanted to create a hub that blends education, creativity, and community. The planning process took around two years, from conceptualising the idea to finding the right space, gathering resources, and curating our collection of books and toys.   How did you decide on the […]

With International Youth Day approaching on August 12, NT KURIOCITY asks young people about the major challenges they face and their suggestions for tackling these issues   RAMANDEEP KAUR | NT KURIOCITY   From environmental concerns in Goa to struggles with social media and finding a career, we hear from youth about their views and ideas for overcoming these challenges.   Goa’s green crisis “We are the generation that has witnessed the development of Goa since the start of the millennium. Many young people may not remember Goa as it was before, due to the way it has been developed to cater to the needs of the wealthy and politically influential. The constant conversion of farmland and ecologically sensitive areas into development projects to meet the demands of migrants seeking the ‘susegad life’ has pushed the state’s biodiversity to the verge of extinction. I suggest that political leaders be truthful with themselves and promote sustainable development by refraining from endorsing unnecessary projects and by protecting the state’s interests. We need to maintain a delicate balance with nature.”   Gautam Sawant, St. Cruz   Social media blues “A major challenge for young people today is seeking approval on social media. This […]

It was the demise of his seafarer friend at sea three decades ago that prompted professor Sunil Shetye to pen his first novelette, ‘Echoing Sea’, released recently KALYANI JHA | NT KURIOCITY The literary and artistic instinct of Professor Sunil Shetye has found expression in a novelette. Three decades ago, the demise of his close friend left a deep impact on him and it is this story that he has attempted to express in fiction. “The two of us passed out engineering together. My friend was very passionate about going to sea and being on the ship. He would return and tell me stories. On one of his returns, I found him dejected and said he wanted to quit. And in one of his letters he mentioned quitting and coming back, But within a week, I received the news of his death in an accident on the ship,” he reveals, adding that while the story is based on true events, 30% is fiction. While the story was always on his mind it was only in the last five years that he completed writing it. “When I was doing my PhD, I would take breaks from my work and write the […]

Schools and colleges in Goa are buzzing with preparations for French National Day, celebrated on July 14. Also known as Bastille Day, it engages students in exploring the rich culture and language of France RAMANDEEP KAUR | NT KURIOCITY As French National Day draws near, schools and colleges in Goa which offer French are preparing to celebrate with activities that showcase French culture. Given that July 14 falls on a Sunday, some institutions have decided to celebrate either before or after the day. Manovikas School in Margao will hold its festivities on July 15. The school has planned a series of events for a special assembly. There will be a French prayer and a French song to start. Students will then perform a French cultural dance and a fashion parade. There will also be a French quiz to test knowledge about French culture and history. The assembly will end with everyone singing the French National Anthem. After the assembly, students will compete in a 3D pen art competition and a doodling competition. There will also be a display of French cuisine. At Presentation Convent Higher Secondary School in Margao, the celebration will also be observed on July 15. The assembly […]

Bengaluru-based Edtech start-up Ambitio, India’s first AI admissions platform was founded to help applicants secure admissions in top global universities. Co-founders Dirghayu Kaushik and Vikrant Shivalik share more MARIA FERNANDES |NT  Both of you are IIT BHU graduates. Dirghayu you worked with US-based start-up, TruckBook while Vikrant you were with Flipkart Grocery. What led you to leave these positions and start Ambitio? After graduating from IIT BHU, we were thinking of pursuing an MS abroad. During the process, we realised that the entire process was very cumbersome and overwhelming. It was difficult to find the right set of courses and craft applications that stood out. All the information was scattered across the web. In addition, insights were confined to a handful of education counsellors. We thought of bringing the entire admissions process into one place and Ambitio was born in 2022.   What are the services Ambitio offers? We make it 10 times easier for students to apply and get into top universities across the world. We help them right from profile building, and figuring out the right courses to writing stellar essays. All this can be done by the students themselves on our platform. Our platform is built from […]

Raveena Deshpande from Goa has been accepted into eight prestigious Master’s Degree in Architecture (M.Arch) programs in the United States. NT KURIOCITY gets more details RAMANDEEP KAUR | NT KURIOCITY Every Sunday, Raveena Deshpande’s father, an engineer passionate about architecture, would take her to visit construction sites, where she gained insight into how ideas on paper became real structures. Interactions with Charles Correa, who collaborated with her father on Goa’s Regional Plan 2021, also left a deep impact on her. Inspired by Correa’s wisdom and her own fascination with architecture, Deshpande knew by the time she was in Class 10 that architecture was her true calling. She has now brought immense pride to Goa as she has been accepted into the Master’s Degree in Architecture (M.Arch) programs at eight prestigious universities in the United States, including the highly sought-after Ivy League institutions, Columbia University and the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn). She also received scholarships from numerous prestigious universities like Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), the University of Southern California (USC), the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and Georgia Tech Atlanta. She’s also been awarded a scholarship from the University of Michigan Ann Arbor, the alma mater of the legendary architect Charles Correa. […]

A group of students from V. M. Salgaocar Institute of International Hospitality Education (VMSIIHE) recently visited Switzerland and its neighbouring regions as part of their annual study tour NT KURIOCITY On April 14 this year, 12 students from the V. M. Salgaocar Institute of International Hospitality Education (VMSIIHE), accompanied by the institute’s director and principal, professor Irfan Mirza, and chef Sebastian Breitinger, embarked on their annual study tour to Switzerland and its neighbouring regions.   The group’s tour began in Zurich where they explored its cultural delights amidst the backdrop of the annual Zurich Spring Festival which included music, boat races, fireworks, and parades. The day was filled with admiration for the city’s stunning architecture, churches, and monuments. The group then ventured to Alsace, France, known for its picturesque vineyards. They explored the majestic Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg, a medieval castle. They visited local wineries where they sampled a variety of wines, including the renowned Crémant D’Alsace, while also savouring local delicacies such as tarte flambé. The group then explored Basel and ventured to the Feldschlosschen Beer Brewery in Rheinfelden. They also visited Montreux and met an institute alumnus. The group’s cultural exploration continued with visits to Maison Cailler Chocolate factory […]

Adversity pushed her to seek work at a two-wheeler repair garage in Socorro. But today, woman mechanic Shabeena Shaikh is a testament to the power of determination and resilience Maria Fernandes | NT Picture Credit: Hemant Parab When we go to get our bike repaired or serviced, we automatically assume the mechanic will be a man. It is not often; in fact one can safely say it is rare to see a woman mechanic. But breaking these stereotypes is 37-year-old Shabeena Shaikh who works at a two-wheeler repair garage in Socorro. “Initially, I was met with a lot of surprise, stares, doubt and prejudice. But now the people around as well as regular customers are very comfortable and do not find it out of the ordinary,” says Shaikh. A career as a mechanic was not something Shaikh had planned. In fact, she never thought she would work outside the home. But destiny had other plans. Due to paucity of funds and her father’s prolonged illness and eventual death, she could not pursue her education after class 10. While still a teenager, she was married off as her mother could not provide for her two children. However, tragedy struck again with […]

Two Goan students have emerged as winners of the Codeavour 5.0 AI Robo City Challenge (Track 2) in Dubai. NT KURIOCITY gets details RAMANDEEP KAUR|NT KURIOCITY Vedang Anay Kamat from Saraswat Vidyalaya and Usha Kumawat from The Progress High School, Panaji, recently excelled in the Codeavour 5.0 AI Robo City Challenge, competing against participants from over 60 countries. While Vedang won in the junior category, Usha claimed victory in the senior category. Both teams received a trophy and a medal. Usha also won a trip to Mexico to attend the Innovation conference along with her mentor, Maya Kamat. The duo is not part of any robotics team. Their journey to this accomplishment began at the Codeavour 5.0 Goa regional held at Saraswat Vidyalaya in March. Following this, Vedang secured the second rank in the junior category, and Usha the third rank in the senior category at the national event held at Alpine Convent School, Gurugram in April. Consequently, both became eligible to compete internationally, going on to win in their respective categories.   From local learner to global champion A Class 4 Marathi medium student, Vedang’s interest in machines was sparked by observing his father’s programming work with Raspberry Pi […]

Saroj Prajapati from Shadora village in Ashok Nagar, Madhya Pradesh, has never attended school. Yet, today, she is the founder and proprietor of Mom’s Magic Pickle India. She also supports village farmers and provides employment to local women Maria Fernandes | NT Born in Berkhedi village, Madhya Pradesh, Saroj Prajapati’s parents were farmers and she was one among nine daughters. Growing up with no opportunity for education, she eagerly assisted her mother in the intricate art of pickle-making, imbibing the traditional techniques and family recipes passed down through generations. “Under the guidance of my mother, I made my first pickle when I was 14 and it turned out quite well,” she recalls. Through years of hands-on experience and dedication, she honed her skills in the craft of pickle-making. Her intimate knowledge of spices, flavours, and preserving methods evolved over time, resulting in the creation of exquisite pickles, particularly her renowned mango pickle, which had garnered praise and demand from relatives and friends year after year. The idea for Mom’s Magic Pickle India was sparked at a fortuitous moment while watching an episode of Shark Tank India. The particular pitch that captured 43-year-old Prajapati’s attention was that of a homemade pickle […]

Porvorim-based Evanthika Pereira from Goa College of Architecture, Panaji recently became the first female Goan to be elected as the president of the National Association of Students of Architecture (NASA), India. NT KURIOCITY gets details RAMANDEEP KAUR | NT KURIOCITY Did you always aspire to be an architect? What drew you to this field? One thing that has always caught my attention about the Goan landscape is its unique architecture, which captures the core of the Goan spirit and heritage. This fascination led me to pursue architecture, primarily driven by my interest in restoring and repurposing old structures. My current aspiration is to revitalise the dilapidated buildings across Goa, particularly the old houses, by restoring them and providing them with a new purpose. I imagine changing these structures into commercial spaces while preserving the essence of Goan ethnicity.   How does it feel to be the first Goan female president of NASA India? Given its esteemed history and importance in the architecture student community, I am deeply honoured to have received this position. The student community that NASA India encompasses more than 66,000 students, and to be one of those chosen to lead the association is certainly something I am […]

Jay Patel from Surat recently showcased his work at the 17th Venice Architecture Biennale in Italy. While he has many architectural accomplishments to his name already, the road to success has not always been smooth. MARIA FERNANDES | NT After completing his bachelor’s degree in architecture from Nirma University, Ahmedabad, Jay Patel, did his masters in architecture from the New York Institute of Technology, New York, in 2019. Since then, he has been dedicatedly making strides in the architecture field. He was invited as a presenter at the XVI International Conference on Urban Development and Planning in New York. His paper on the ‘International Impact on Urban Development’ was selected and published online. In addition, his design work has also been featured on major architecture platforms like Archinect and Architizer. Besides this, he has mentored over 100 students in the U.S.A. and Canada, while also contributing as a guest lecturer and design judge at institutions like the New York Institute of Technology, Kennesaw State University, Urban Assembly School, and Amity University. Patel has contributed to designing more than 60,000 square feet of architectural building design and more than 400 acres of urban/master planning design in the United States, with a […]

Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Limited (IPSCDL) is transforming education in Panaji through its Smart Classrooms Project that is part of the Smart City Mission. NT KURIOCITY gets the details NT KURIOCITY  In a bid to create a conducive and technologically-enriched learning environment, Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Limited (IPSCDL) has initiated the Smart Classrooms Project under the Smart City Mission. This project aims to revolutionise education by introducing advanced educational technology in government schools, encouraging smart learning and cultivating smart students. IPSCDL has undertaken this project to establish 12 smart classrooms in two government schools – the Government Primary School Panaji Central and Dr. T.B. Cunha Government Higher Secondary School in Panaji. This initiative, conducted in partnership with the Directorate of Education, Goa State Council Educational Research and Training, and Goa Samagra Shiksha, was completed on June 15, 2023, with an estimated budget allocation of Rs 1 crore. At Government Primary School Panaji Central, which caters to students from Classes 1 to 4, the initiative has transformed five classrooms. The school now boasts 60 tablets with dedicated trolleys, five interactive smart TVs, 25 benches, child-friendly furniture, and essential infrastructure enhancements, including painting, lighting, electrical work, false ceilings, and cupboards. […]

Marcelle Feigol Guil, the Guimarães Rosa Visiting Lecturer at Goa University is passionate about promoting Brazilian Portuguese language and literature in Goa. She has been instrumental in the founding of Brazilian Literature Book Club which will have its first meet-up on February 3 at The Dogears Bookshop, Margao KALYANI JHA | NT KURIOCITY Tell us more about The Guimarães Rosa Lectureship Programme The Guimarães Rosa Lectureship Programme is an initiative run by the Brazilian Ministry of External Affairs in partnership with the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education in Brazil, granting scholarships to professionals specialised in the fields of languages and literature to promote and disseminate the Portuguese language as well as Brazilian literature and culture in higher education institutions overseas. The programme has a 70-year history and we are currently more than 40 Brazilian lecturers in more than 30 different countries around the world. We meet every year at a symposium named ‘Conecta Leitores’, which is held in a different country each time so that we can discuss and present what we have been doing to meet the goals of the programme, as well as the challenges faced in order to focus on the constant improvement of the […]

Aviation Business & Career Leadership (ABCL) Institute in collaboration with Dempo College has introduced varied aviation courses to create job opportunities in the booming aviation sector for young Goans In a joint venture between Aviation Business & Career (ABCL) Leadership Institute, and Dempo College of Commerce & Economics, Cujira, an agreement has been established to offer various airline courses, including airline commercial management, flight operations management, airline flight attendants, commercial pilots, aviation law, aviation medicine, airline sales and marketing, etc. The collaboration aims to fulfil the vision of Goa as an educational hub. The MoU was signed on July 21, 2023, in the presence of chairman of Dempo Group of Companies Shrinivas V. Dempo and principal and professor Manoj Kamat. The first batch of 12 students completed the airline commercial management course on January 6, 2024, receiving certificates of merit. The second batch for flight operations management has commenced wherein two girl students (ST and OBC respectively) are being trained for the pilots’ course, and the third batch for airline flight attendants has also begun. “With airline floodgates opened after Air India’s decision to induct 470 Boeing and Airbus airplanes, and IndiGo purchasing around 500 airplanes, it’s no head-scratcher that […]

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 […]

Professor Seema Salgaonkar recently released a book, ‘Goa @ 60: Transition of Goa Post Liberation’ that gives insights about Goa post-liberation Danuska Da Gama| NT In the last sixty years after liberation, Goa has undergone significant change. In an attempt to document this transformation and analyse the politics, economics, social aspects, and technological advancements, the author and history professor Seema Salgaonkar speaks to us about her book, ‘Goa @ 60: Transition of Goa Post Liberation’, which took a year to complete. Excerpts from an interview: Q. What prompted you to write this book? The state of Goa, like any other state, has been undergoing a period of transition. The first major transition occurred when Goa was liberated from Portuguese rule in 1961, becoming a Union Territory of India. Democracy was introduced, granting people universal franchise, followed by various socio-economic reforms. The subsequent years witnessed numerous events and changes across different facets in the state. Now having completed over 60 years of liberation, I believe it is the right time to introspect on the state’s journey to date. I felt the need to scrutinise the state’s transition, critique the processes and the resulting transformations, aiming to generate concrete suggestions for shaping […]

As part of the ongoing celebration of its 60 years, The Navhind Times in partnership with Deccan Fine Chemicals celebrated Childrens’ Day on November 14 with an art competition for students from grades 5 to 12. Students from all corners of the state participated enthusiastically in the event which was held at Dempo House, Panaji. MARIA FERNANDES | NT There was a buzz and flurry of activity as students arrived at the venue and registered themselves in the three different categories. Each category was given a distinct topic to ensure creativity and expression at different levels. The categories and topics were as follows: Grades 5 to 7 – Every child is a leader Grades 8 to 10 – Inclusion for every child Grades 11 to 12 – Digital generation, our generation The competition began at 10 a.m. and participants were given an hour and half to express themselves through their interpretation of the given topic. From pencils to water/oil colours, crayons, charcoal, etcetera, there was a variety of materials used. Participants worked with single-minded focus to create innovative, colourful and meaningful art work. Their creativity and artistic streak were clearly evident in the final outcome. The judge for the competition […]

Teacher-turned-author Viraj Govind Mahatme talks about his latest children’s book ‘Sohni Tames the Dark Devil’, as well as his journey as an author RAMANDEEP KAUR | NT KURIOCITY From his very first book to his most recent release, ‘Sohni Tames the Dark Devil’, Viraj Govind Mahatme has created a collection of stories that appeal to readers of all ages. However, Mahatme’s path to becoming an author was unconventional. After completing his education in engineering and management, he spent eight years working in the industry before finding his true calling in teaching. His passion for writing emerged in 2019 after participating in a short story writing competition by Fundação Oriente, where his story was selected for their anthology. This validation ignited his confidence as a writer, despite coming from a non-literary background. It was during the COVID-19 pandemic that he got the idea for his first book, ‘Adventure of the Shadows,’ inspired by illustrations of animals in a book. “I took online storytelling courses before writing the story and sought feedback from others to revise it. I received support from my Bengaluru-based editor Shivani Adib. Our interactions played a crucial role in my growth as a writer. I would like to […]

At the age of 22, Kanika Tekriwal founded her startup, JetSetGo, with an aim to reform the private jet industry. In conversation with us, she recounts the journey of her now multi-million dollar aviation company MARIA FERNANDES | NT Kanika Tekriwal’s entrepreneurial journey began at 17, involving business development at Aerospace Resources during her college years, where she identified the potential of India’s charter market. She then equipped herself with a MBA from Coventry University in London. Today, her 11-year-old aviation company, JetSetGo, manages, flies, and operates chartered planes and helicopters for owners. And Tekriwa has earned distinctions such as being among BBC’s 100 most inspirational women and Forbes Asia’s top 30 entrepreneurs under 30 Excerpts from the interview: While private flying is considered a premium luxury, enjoyed by only a few, JetSetGo has changed the game. How did your company come about? I wanted to make private flying more accessible, economical, efficient, and transparent. The idea for JetSetGo came up in a conversation with a colleague in the U.K. I narrated an idea that I had about setting up a thriving aviation company. However, he did not take it seriously and he laughed out loud. Being Indian and adamant, […]

Designing a good professional resume highlighting your qualifications, experience, and skills is a vital step in securing your dream job. A resume is equivalent to a print ad where you are the product being advertised. Here are the important steps and components that go into designing a high-quality professional resume which will give you an edge in the job market: 1. Understand the job profile and the company/industry in which you are applying: This is very important since you can’t have the same resume sent to different companies without tweaking the contents of your resume to suit the particular job requirement in the company you are applying in. By tweaking, I mean highlighting certain experiences and projects you have worked on which are more suitable to the job and the industry you are applying in.   2. Handwritten vs printed: A handwritten resume in today’s day and age is a strict no. While this advice would seem very trivial for a lot of readers, in my experience dealing with young professionals, I have seen a number of handwritten resumes which just don’t cut the ice.   3. Document format: In terms of font style, it is always safer to opt […]

With Teachers’ Day around the corner, a few youngsters tell NT KURIOCITY which teacher or teachers have had a significant impact on their personal growth and why RAMANDEEP KAUR | NT KURIOCITY As another Teachers Day (September 5) draws close, it is a perfect time to reflect on cherished memories and impactful instances that underscore the profound influence teachers have on their students. From life lessons in the classroom and heart-warming interactions beyond textbooks, NT KURIOCITY highlights the enduring teacher-student relationships that leave an indelible mark.   “During my college days at Don Bosco College, Panaji, I gained more exposure to extra-curricular activities because the teachers were so supportive and always pushed us to do something new! One such professor was Ma’am Avril Antao. Not only did she teach us from books and syllabus but she taught us life lessons which I will remember for the rest of my life. She believed in me when I couldn’t believe in myself. One such incident was a college event that led me to take responsibility, be accountable, and learn from my mistakes.” – Lilly Dias, sales and marketing, Panaji   “The turning point in my life was when I participated in a patriotic […]

Schools and teachers need to recognise the most suitable learning style for each student ABHISHEK KARMALI Our education system has always emphasised on Intelligence Quotient (IQ), more so, on the ability of students to memorise concepts and reproduce the same in their examinations. The pedagogy and teaching style have long focused on lecture methodology. Students with higher IQ are more likely to have a higher grasping power and higher level of adaptability which automatically puts them at a huge advantage over a student with a lower IQ. This is where understanding the most effective learning styles of different students comes into play. The one-glove-fits -all type of approach in schools needs to go.   Intelligence Quotient (IQ) IQ is mostly measured through standardised tests. It is a numerical representation of an individual’s cognitive abilities which include, mental capabilities like reasoning, problem-solving, abstract thinking, language, attention, and memory. IQ tests were developed in the early part of the 20th century and were sold as the great invention which can assess an individual’s intelligence. In spite of the criticism faced by some quarters for using one standard method for accessing intelligence for everyone, IQ continues to be the most widely used and […]

US-based student Daffny Cardoso along with her high school’s robotics team, the Steel Hawks, designed a two-week curriculum, under Project India 2.0, aimed at teaching mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and programming to the students of the Regina Martyrum High School, Assolna RAMANDEEP KAUR | NT Daffny Cardoso has always been interested in building robots be it for school projects or when constructing Lego kits. Recently, she worked on Project India 2.0 at the Regina Martyrum High School in Assolna, wherein she taught mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and computer science to 12 students from Class 6 to 8, ultimately guiding them to build a drivetrain robot. “I was truly amazed by the skills showcased by the students and proud of their end result of building a working drivetrain robot. The robot performed the functions of moving forward, backwards, and turning,” she says. Born and raised in New York, USA, Cardoso’s parents hail from Goa; her dad is from Assolna and her mom is from Velim. A student of Townsend Harris High School, New York, her robotics team, the Steel Hawks, builds robots that compete for First Robotics Competitions, a competition where the robots are put up against each other to complete […]

‘Kaleidoscope of Life’, a daycare and activity centre initiated in 2016 in Panaji has been filling a gap in the childcare system. RAMANDEEP KAUR | NT In today’s world of gadgets, ‘Kaleidoscope of Life’ tries to build a no-gadget zone for kids and help them to achieve three forms of intelligence like the Intelligence Quotient – IQ, the Emotional Quotient – EQ and the Social Quotient – SQ. The initiative was started in 2016 by Nayantara Ray, a Bengali who made Goa her home in 2009 after her husband had to move for work. Having lived in Delhi for a long time, she says that daycare or childcare facilities were easily found and were also commonly chosen by young working couples. However, when she moved to Goa in 2016 and wanted to start working, she noticed a lack of such facilities. “This highlighted a gap in childcare options for working women in Goa. Despite being independent and working, Goan women often relied on traditional methods of childcare, such as leaving their kids with grandparents or relatives. To address this gap and provide a formal daycare facility, I decided to open ‘Kaleidoscope of Life’, she adds. The name reflects their goal […]

A wrong choice of college can not only put a major financial strain on the parents but can also hamper the career progression of the student ABHISHEK S. KARMALI Having worked at the higher education level for over two decades, I have observed that a vast majority of students have little idea on how to choose the right college to pursue a degree of their interest. Educational institutes today charge lakhs of rupees as fees and a wrong choice of college can not only put major financial strain on the parents but can also hamper the career progression of the student. If you leave out the top-notch premier institutions like the IITs, IIMs, NITs, AIIMS, etc. where a select few smart students get admissions, the vast majority of students complete their education in relatively lesser-known institutions. Hence, there is a need to do thorough research on the institutions before committing your money and future to it. Here is a ready-to-use checklist for choosing the right college/university for admission: 1. Understand yourself and define your career goals: Based on the career you seek to pursue, chart out the educational roadmap which will help you get there. It’s also important to understand […]

A group of students from Goa are all set to represent India at the First Global Challenge 2023, an international robotics competition that will be held in October in Singapore By: KALYANI JHA A young robotics team from Goa, Team LegoGoa is all set to represent India at the First Global Challenge (FGC) to be held from October 7 to 10 in Singapore. The five-member team which includes Sai Pranav Gandhi, Apurva Katkar, Atharv Sakhalkar, Venkatesh Dempo, and Viraj Marathe are mentored and groomed by LegoGoa, a six-year-old community club pursuing robotics and inspiring tech-savvy kids to aim higher. First Global Challenge is an international robotics competition held in Olympic style, featuring participation from the world over. The contest, which sees participation from over 180 countries every year, intends to bring sports and science and technology together to inspire youth to pursue STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) fields and develop relevant skills required in solving current pressing problems of the planet with an edge of science and technology. STEM Education Trust, the official partner of First Global for selecting Team India floated the application for teams interested in participation at the global event some months ago and received around […]

There is a huge demand for Artificial Intelligence (AI) experts in the industry owing to growing desire by people for automation in every sphere of life Abhishek S. Karmali What comes to our mind when we think about Artificial Intelligence? The most obvious examples are of Siri, the virtual voice assistant on Apple devices, and Alexa which is the virtual voice assistant that drives Amazon devices. In more recent times, Chat-GPT is the most recognisable AI system that has revolutionised the way we use AI in our day-to-day lives. Chat-GPT is an open-source language model which generates human-like text responses to any questions posed to it. The growth of AI, the recreation of human intelligence in machines programmed to think and learn like humans, has been significant in the last decade. There is a growing demand for AI technologies across different sectors. The two major factors driving this growth are the advancements in AI-related technology and willingness of the industry to adopt AI because of the ever-increasing demand by consumers for automation in every sphere of their lives. This growth of AI has also led to a huge demand for AI experts in the industry. Roles and responsibilities for AI […]