Panaji: October 06, 2019 … Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant in the presence of Union Minister of State for AYUSH (Independent Charge), and State Minister for Defence Shri Shripad Naik graced the concluding ceremony of 3 days mega Naturopathy Camp in Goa which was organized to mark the celebration of 150^TH Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

The function was organized by the National Institute of Naturopathy (NIN) (Pune) an autonomous body under the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, in association with Regional Outreach Bureau, Maharashtra and Goa at Kala Academy in the city yesterday. The Theme of the camps was ‘Self Reliance through Self Health Reliance’ a quote of Mahatma Gandhi.

The AYUSH Minister said that the Prime Minister through the Ministry of AYUSH has endeavored to reach Yoga and Naturopathy throughout the world. Shri Naik assured that the AYUSH Ministry will strive to fulfill the mission of Prime Minister’s Healthy India. “The Ministry has also decided to organize 150 naturopathy camps in commemoration of the 150^th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. Mahatma Gandhi was of the opinion that fasting and meditation help to bring equilibrium to the body. If we adopt the practice of Naturopathy we will be able to keep ourselves healthy and can do something good for the society,” he added.

The Chief Minister while speaking on the occasion said that, there are two Medical institutions of Homeopathy and Ayurveda that are functioning in the state. If the Ministry of Ayush initiates steps to start naturopathy center in the state, the State Government will extend all sorts of support, he assured.

Present on the occasion were Secretary for Ministry of AYUSH, Shri Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Joint Secretary Ministry of AYUSH, Shri P.N. Ranjit Kumar, Additional Director General, Press Information Bureau, Smt. Ermelinda Dias, Parvadeshwar Math Sadguru Shri Bhau Maharaj, and Chairman and Managing Director of Goa Shipyard Ltd. Commodore   B.B. Nagpal, NM (Retd.) among others.

NIN also released a book titled ‘Mahatma Gandhi and Prakrutic Chikitsa and Nisargopachar Varta’, at the hands of the chief guest.

 The dignitaries presented awards to the Naturopathies for their outstanding work in this field.

Dr. K Satya Lakshmi, Director, National Institute of Naturopathy, Pune, welcomed the gathering while Dr. Dayanand Rao compered the function.

Panaji, October 5, 2019 …Institute of Psychiatry and Human Behavior will observe Mental Health Week from October 7 to 12, 2019. Inaugural function will be held on October 7, 2019 at 10.30 a.m at Conference Hall, IPHB, Bambolim. Minister for Health Shri Vishwajit Rane will inaugurate the same.

During the weeklong programme various self enrichment programmes will be organized for the indoor and OPD patients, awareness programmes with a focus on the World Mental Health Day -2019 theme ‘Suicide Prevention’ for service users and their caregivers will be held by the nursing staff and the Doctors. The curriculum of the entire week would consist of various other programmes such as lectures, group discussions, talent showcase and community awareness programmes highlighting the importance of the theme for this year.

The staff of Occupational Therapy and members of Rehabilitation Committee along with the service users undergoing Occupational Therapy will display the products prepared by them for the exhibition cum sale. The items made by them include wax candles, crochet towels, bedsheets/table cloths, formal baby dresses, quilts/bedding, door mats, wall hangings, cloth bags and pouches, items from bamboo stems, various wooden artifacts, diwali lamps, stocking and paper flowers, keychain holders etc.

Panaji: October 4, 2019 ….Plastic plays a major role to contaminate garbage, hence the present scorching issues like Sonsodo or Mormugao garbage  arise only due to plastic said Minister for Urban Development, Social Welfare and Provedoria Shri Milind Naik . We need to support the ideas of Prime Minister to make India free of single-use plastic” which is superior and supportive step towards “Swatch Bharat Mission” he added.

Shri Naik was speaking as the chief guest for the function titled  “Sneha Bhaav Sanskar” organized by Institute of Public Assistance (IPA)(Provedoria) at Old Age Home of Provedoria, opposite Hospicio hospital, Margao recently.

Director of Provedoria Shri Vinayak Volvoikar, representative of Helpage India Shri Dattaprasad Pawaskar, Sr. Reporter of Daily Tarun Bharat Shri Suraj Prabhu, Prof.Dr.Arvind Haldankar & Principal Dr.Manoj Kamat from Shree Mallikarjun College of Arts and Commerce, Canacona were  present on the occasion.

The function was organized to commemorate the world elders day which celebrated on October 1st and to mark the occasion the mini execution to support the campaign “to make India free of single-use plastic” by way of making paper bags and cloths bags were planned for which the students from different educational institution have extended their active support to prepare paper bags and cloths bags along with senior citizens of IPA (Provedoria).

Speaking further Shri Naik said that the responsibility of citizens to eschew from the single-use of plastic. One should take lesson from the new generation school children who themselves are very intelligent and also educating their parents on discarding the plastic properly he added.

Only doing awareness on elimination of single-use plastic will not solve problem unless every citizen understand their responsibility towards nation and implement it to make India free of single-use plastic. When we go out of Country we follow strict rules and regulation of that country on use and throw of plastic, similarly we need to follow the rules & regulation in our country to make it more beautiful Shri Naik said.

Taking this opportunity Shri Naik appealed to college students who were present on the occasion to support in taking the mission of “Swatch Bharat” forward by creating extra awareness on “no single-use plastic” and to support for making our village, taluka, State and the country more beautiful.

Earlier the function commenced with lighting of traditional lamp followed by inauguration of two sewing machines which will be used for preparation of paper & cloths bag. Shri Suraj Prabhu, Shri Dattaprasad Pawaskar , Dr.Manoj Kamat & Dr. Arvind Haldankar also spoke on the occasion.

Shri Volvoikar welcomed the guest and proposed the vote of thanks

Panaji, October 03, 2019 …Government of Goa through the Department of Information and Publicity has instituted awards namely, “The Goa State Journalist Awards” which will be conferred in seven categories for news items and articles published during the previous calendar year. The award carries a cash prize of Rs. 10,000/- each category besides a certificate and a memento.

The awards will be presented at the National Press Day function to be held on November 16, 2019.

Names of Journalists recommended by the Editors of concerned Dailies, Electronic Media working with will be scrutinized category wise by the Committee of Judges to select the awardees for the Goa State Journalist Awards Scheme.

 The category of the awards which will be conferred for the Goa State Journalist Awards Scheme are, Best Editor Award on National Integration and Communal Harmony; Rural Reporting;   Reporting in Public Health and Hygiene; Reporting with special reference to Women and Children/Social issue; Sports Reporting; Reporting on Art and Culture and    Photo Journalism (Best Photograph of the year)

The Journalists are requested to forward their proposals to the Department of Information and Publicity through their respective offices latest by October 20, 2019.

Panaji, October 2, 2019 …Army Recruitment Rally will be held for eligible candidates of districts of Kolhapur, Solapur, Satara, Sangli, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts of Maharashtra and  Goa State from 17 Nov 2019 to 27 Nov 2019 at Shivaji Sports Stadium, Ratnagiri (Maharashtra).

The posts are for Soldier (General Duty) (All Arms): Post No.1 Soldier Technical:  Class 10th/Matric pass with 45% marks in aggregate and 33% in each subject. For Boards following grading system Minimum of D Grade (33-40) in individual subjects or grade which contains 33% and overall aggregate of C2 grade.  Age born between 01 October 1998 to 01 April 2002. Post No.2 Soldier Technical NA (AMC)/ NA VET: Class 10+2/Intermediate Exam pass in Science with Physics, Chemistry, Maths & English with Minimum 50% marks in aggregate and 40% marks in each subject.

Age  born between 01 October 1996 to 01 April 2002. Post No.3 Soldier Clerk/ Store Keeper Technical (All Arms): Class 10+2/Intermediate Exam pass in Science with Physics, Chemistry, Biology and English with Minimum 50% marks in aggregate and minimum 40% in each subject. Age born between 01 October 1996 to 01 April 2002.

Post No.4 Soldier Tradesman (All Arms) 10th Pass: Class 10+2/Intermediate Exam pass in any stream (Arts, Commerce, Science) with 60% marks in aggregate and minimum 50% in each subject. Securing 50% in English and Maths/Accounts/Book Keeping in Class 12th is mandatory. Age born between 01 October 1996 to 01 April 2002. Post No.5 Soldier Tradesman (All Arms) 10th Pass: (i) Class 10th Simple Pass. (ii No stipulation in aggregate percentage but should have scored minimum 33% in each subject. Age born between 01 October 1996 to 01 April 2002.Post No.

6 Soldier Tradesman (All Arms) 8th Pass: (i) Class 8th Simple Pass (for Syce, House Keeper & Mess Keeper). (ii) No stipulation in aggregate percentage but should have scored minimum 33% in each subject. Age born between 01 October 1996 to 01 April 2002.Post No.7 Soldier Pharma(AMC): Class 10+2 or equivalent exam passed in Science with Physics, Chemistry, Biology and English. Qualified in D Pharma with minimum 55% in aggregate and registered with State Pharmaceutical Council/Pharmacy Council of India. Individuals qualified in B Pharma with minimum 50% marks and registered with State Pharmaceutical Council/Pharmacy Council of India are also eligible. Age born between 01 October 1994 to 30 September 2002.

Minimum Physical QR:-Height (CM): 167/165, Weight (KG): 50,Chest (CM): 76/77 (+5CM Expansion)

Education QR: Class 10+2/Intermediate Exam pass in Science with Physics, Chemistry, Maths & English with Minimum 50% marks in aggregate and 40% marks in each subject.

Online registration is mandatory  which has already opened and the last day is  01 Nov 2019. Interested candidates are requested to register on www.joinindianarmy.nic.in

Admit cards for the rally will be sent through registered e-mail ID from 02 Nov 2019 to 16 Nov 2019. Candidates should reach the venue on given date and time as mentioned in the Admit Card.

Panaji, October 1, 2019 …The job of the Public Relation Officer (PRO) is to build positive image of the organisation you represent in the eyes of the public by establishing a line of communication with the public which has to be two way stated Secretary, Department of Information and Publicity, Shri Rupesh Kumar Thakur, IAS while speaking as the Chief Guest at the inaugural of the Workshop for Public Relation Officers of State Government Departments and autonomous bodies held at the Secretariat in Porvorim yesterday.

The workshop was organised by the Department of Information and Publicity.

Speaking further, Shri Thakur said that it is important for PROs to know public perception as well. He said that the PROs should generate goodwill and faith regarding the Government among the people by following the three Cs-Clear, Correct and Concise, when giving messages to the media. Shri Thakur also said that PROs should take advantage of social media platforms

During the workshop, senior journalist, Shri Ashwin Tombat spoke on the topic ‘Introduction to Public Relations Tools and Practices’ while Deputy Director (M&C), Press Information Bureau (PIB), Shri Vinod Kumar D.V,. IIS spoke on ‘Effective communication strategies for Government’.

PRO Goa Shipyard Ltd, Shri Nikhil Wagh delivered a session on ‘External Public Relations-Building the Organization’ while Public Relations Officer, Konkan Railways, Ms. Leura D’ Cunha gave insights into the topic of ‘Media Relations-Getting Good Publicity and Declining Bad Publicity’.

Earlier, Director of Department of Information and Publicity, Smt. Meghana Shetgaonkar in her welcome address said that the aim of the workshop was to enlighten the PROs on the important role to be played by them in the image building of their Department. Information Officer, Shri John Aguiar proposed the vote of thanks.  Shri Shyam Gaonkar compered the programme.

Panjim,  Sept 29: Goa Tourism  today celebrated  World Tourism day with much  gala and  festivity as programmes and  activities were organized across the State.

The celebrations began at the Goa International Airport, Dabolim,  with the  warm welcome  of tourists,  distribution   of  flowers and  sweets.  Passengers  were enthused  with a  brass band and  folk dances  presented outside the  airport. A similar initiative  was carried out  at the  Konkan  Railway Station  in Margao.

This year World Tourism Day  is themed   Tourism and Jobs: a better future for all and  all the initiatives  undertaken  by Goa Tourism revolving  aroundTourism and Jobswhich hasopened various avenues for employmentwere showcased across all platforms.

During the day a boat cruise  tripwas organized  for  special children on the Santa Monica. Students from Sanjay Centre for special education, Porvorim and Disha School for special children ,Panjim attended the same. Entertainment  programmes,  games,  gifts and  goodies were distributed to all the children. Similarly World Tourism Day  was also celebrated at St. Xavier’s College, Mapusa followed by   a Hop on-Hop off bus tours  arranged for  the entertainment of school students.

Quiz contests  were held  at the Directorate of Art and Culture, Panaji and RavindraBhavan, Margao. An Elocution competition at Multipurpose Hall at  the Department of Art& Culture, Panaji and  a

Drawing competition was conducted at Fine Arts College, Panaji. Staff of the Department  of Tourism and  Goa Tourism  Development  Corporation  ensured  smooth co-ordination and  conduct of   the day long  events on World Tourism  day.  All GTDC residencies also  celebrated World Tourism Day  along with  their guests.

Panaji, September 30, 2019 … Chief Minister, Dr Pramod Sawant said that one must use knowledge and excellence for the development of the state. Dr Sawant was addressing the Convocation ceremony of those who successfully completed the Master of Technology course in Transportation Engineering under Work Integrated Learning Programmes (WILP) of BITS Pilani, at a function held at the Secretariat, Porvorim, recently.

WILP are educational programmes offered by BITS Pilani to working professionals. At the convocation, a majority of the awardees were engineers from the PWD.

The Chief Minister further said that a person’s learning must never stop and one should pledge oneself to serving the nation to the best of one’s capacity and gain people’s confidence with good work.

Minister for Public Works Department, Shri Deepak Prabhu Pauskar said that one must be a student throughout one’s life. We must adopt modern technology and move ahead the Minister said citing the example of Japan, saying that despite being a country facing a lot of natural calamities, the country has built strong infrastructure.

Secretary of Finance, Shri Daulat Hawaldar, IAS, said that Goa is fortunate to have such good institutions like BITS Pilani which connects the world of work with the world of learning.

Associate Dean, WILP, BITS Pilani, Prof. Raghunath Ratabole, said that BITS Pilani has moved from on-campus programmes to conducting professional courses for different organisations.  He said that BITS Pilani was happy to have played the role of an academic partner for PWD.

Head of Department of Civil Engineering, Prof. Sridhar Raju, while addressing the gathering asked the awardees to use their knowledge in improving Goa and making it a dream state.  Principal Chief Engineer, PWD, Shri Uttam Parsekar informed how the infrastructure to facilitate the classes were created in the PWD campus.

Panjim, Sept 27: Owing to  consistent  efforts  by Goa Tourism Development  Corporation  (GTDC) in   turning Goa into a premium adventure tourism destination during the last 4-5 years,  Goa Tourism  has  received a huge  laurel  at the National Tourism Awards 2019 having bagged the prestigious  award as the  Best State for Adventure Tourism.

In yet another shot in the arm for Goa Tourism,  the State has for the  third consecutive  year bagged the  National Tourism Award for Comprehensive  Development  of Tourism (Rest of India).  This hat-trick of National Tourism  Award  for Comprehensive  Development  of Tourism has been attributed to the  outstanding  performance of  the State in providing amenities,  facilities, new tourism services, initiatives, activities etc for tourists visiting Goa.

The awards were presented  at a glittering function   in the   national capital on  the occasion  of World Tourism Day.  The awards were presented by  the  Hon’ble Vice President of India, Mr. Venkaiah Naidu to the Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister  and Tourism Minister, Govt. of Goa , Mr. Manohar Ajgaonkar, Chairman, GTDC, Mr. Dayanand Sopte, Secretary Tourism, Govt. of Goa, Mr. J Ashok Kumar and MD, GTDC, Mr. Nikhil Desai. The Union Minister of State  for Tourism, Mr. Prahlad Singh Patel  and  Secretary-General, UNWTO, Mr. Zurab Pololikashvili were also present. This  year UNWTO has declared India as a host country for the World Tourism Day celebrations.

The NTA awards have been instituted since 1990 and presented to State governments/UTs and  several other tourism bodies in recognition of their performance in  the respective fields of travel, tourism and hospitality encouraging healthy competition with an aim to promote tourism.

Best State  for Adventure Tourism:  During the last 4-5 years Goa Tourism  through the efforts of Goa Tourism  Development  Corporation  has  introduced a large number of new  tourism services and adventure activities which includes scuba  diving, hot air  balloon rides, hop on hop off luxury double-decker bus tours,  bungee jumping, sea rafting,  electric  bicycle tours,  white water rafting and  eco-trekking  during the monsoons,  cycling tours,  kayaking, off-roading,  motor cross etc. Goa Tourism also has a  coastline  of 105 kms which  is popular for  adventure water sports. All these  draw  tourists to  Goa in  large numbers.  Over the  last few years, adventure tourism has not only  brought  to Goa domestic and  foreign  tourists but has also increased the duration of stay of tourists visiting the  State to avail of the  large number of adventure tourism activities.  The GTDC has also introduced other tourism  activities  which includes Raj Bhavan  Darshan  tours,  tours to Tirupathi, supports activities which  include heritage walks,  bird trails,  boat cruises,  tourism  related  sports activities etc.  Other  segments  that have  also  gained popularity in Goa  with the  introduction  of adventure tourism  includes,  film & fashion   tourism,  wedding  tourism,  wellness tourism,  MICE tourism,  eco-tourism and  hinterland  tourism  etc.

Comprehensive Development  of Tourism:  With  Goa receiving close to Rs. 200 crore  from the  Union  government   under the Swadesh Darshan  Scheme has been  able to  give  a major fillip  to  overall development of tourism  in the State be  it infrastructure development,  commissioning of tourism  projects,  launching of  tourism products and services,  initiatives taken  on  safety and security,  cleanliness and  hygiene, policies, marketing and promotion, events and activities etc. Goa Tourism through GTDC also launched  GoaMiles,  Goa’s  first app based taxi service to   provide transportation  facilities for tourists visiting Goa.  Beach cleaning,  lifeguard services,  parking facilities,  public utility facilities like  toilets,  changing rooms, lockers,  tourist information centers,  good accesses  to tourist locations,  beautification, CCTV surveillance  systems and  a lot more.  Major tourism related infrastructure projects at Morjim, Mayem,  Candolim-Calangute,  Baga have  already  been  commissioned  while several projects like a state-of-the-art Convention Center at Patto, Institute  of  Hotel  Management,  Aguada  Jail Museum  project are underway.

On receiving the National Tourism Awards the Hon’ble  Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Tourism, Govt. of Goa, Mr.  Manohar Ajgaonkar said, “It is truly an honor  for Goa to receive  two prestigious awards and  to increase  its award tally at the prestigious National Tourism  Awards platform. We take pride in noting that we have been recognized as the Best State for Comprehensive Development of Tourism for the third time in a row. I would like to take this opportunity to thank every stakeholder, official and team member who have collectively contributed towards this success. Special mention also goes out to our Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, who has always extended his wholehearted support to the tourism industry in the State. My hearty congratulations   to Mr. Dayanand  Sopte, Chairman  of GTDC   and  his  team  of officials for the hard work  put in  by the  Corporation  and  their contribution  to the development  of tourism  in the State.”

While speaking about the Awards, Mr. Dayanand Sopte, Chairman of Goa Tourism Development  Corporation said, “The National Tourism  Awards  are  very prestigious  and I  am  delighted that Goa  is getting due recognition  for its  efforts in developing the  state as a  tourism  destination.  An award as the Best State for Adventure Tourism is a feather in our cap and  will encourage  the GTDC to launch new and  innovative activities.  I thank the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Dr. Pramod Sawant, the Hon’ble Tourism Minister, Mr. Manohar Ajgaonkar, GTDC Board of Directors,   all officials, engineers and partners who have helped us achieve success in all our   plans and projects.”

Panaji, September 23, 2019 …. The Institute of Engineers India, Goa Chapter organized a function to commemorate the centenary celebration year of its inception   and to celebrate “Engineers Day” at a function held at Hotel Vivanta in the city recently. The Deputy Chief Minister Shri Chandrakant Kavlekar was the Chief guest who inaugurated the function.

Shri Kavlekar speaking at the function said that infrastructural development is not possible without engineers They have an important role to play in this sector. They work hard, plan properly, and provide an accurate out lay of the project to make development possible. Their hard work commitment needs to be recognized. He assured to redress the grievances of the institute.

MLA and Chairman of Goa State Horticulture Corporation Shri Pravin Zantye in his address urged the engineers and architects to cooperate with the Government in the process of development.

The Chief Executive of Smart City Project, Shri Swayamdipta Rai Chaudhari said in order to provide people quality living needs to strengthen basic infrastructure like water, power, roads, health, etc. To accomplish this objective he said proper data and effective implementation is necessary. The cities have an enormous problem than that of rural areas. He said this is an area where engineers have effective role to play.

Shri Chandrakant Prabhu Desai Chairman of the Institute of Engineers India, Goa Chapter welcomed the gathering While Shri Anwar Khan Secretary proposed the vote of thanks.