PONDA::: January 17, 2019…Citizens in Ponda witnessed a historic and mesmerizing ‘Chatrapati Shambhuraje Rajyabhishek Sohala’ at Farmangudi fort today. The event was organized by the Directorate of Art and Culture in association with Hindavi Swarajya Sangatan, Ponda and Chatrapati Shambhuraje Rajyabhishek Trust, Maharashtra to celebrate the coronation of Maratha king Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Speaker Dr. Pramod Sawant was the Chief Guest while Minister for Art and Culture Shri. Govind Gaude presided over the function. Historian Shri. Bhagwanrao Chile, President of Chatrapati Shambhuraje Rajyabhishek Trust Shri. Amarsingh Jadhavrao, Member of Hindavi Swarajya Sanghtana Shri. Nandadeep Naik, DySP Smt. Sunita Sawant, Headmasters and Principals of local schools were present among others.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Sawant urged students to inculcate patriotism and be obedient to their parents. “Many historians have portrayed Sambhaji Maharaj in a wrong manner. He was as powerful as his father and had profound respect for him and the nation. Today’s youth must learn these two things from the great king to become successful in life,” he said.
In his welcome address Minister Shri. Gaude opined that understanding the real character of Sambhaji Maharaj is the need of an hour. “Sambhaji was a true nationalist. He was as intelligent as his father Shivaji and was a warrior king. He was neither an alcoholic nor promiscuous; he was a very loyal Maratha soldier who tirelessly fought till his last breath. His devotion towards this nation and religion is very unique,” Gaude said.  The Minister added that in order to have more such warrior kings, capable Jijamata should be also born and not die in the womb; and every Indian leader must be celebrated in schools in order to pass our historical legacies to the younger generation.    

The function began early morning with Abhishek at Saptakotishwar Temple and at the statue of Sambhaji Maharaj.  MLA of Maem Constituency Shri. Pravin Zantye was present. The function at Farmagudi began with a rally in which Dhol Tasha pathak and Shivgarjana Mardani khel by a group of  artistes from Kolhapur were the two major attractions. This was followed Gadpooja (worshiping the fort) and dhwajpooja (flag hoisting). Shivrajyabhik was performed by Girl students of local schools by anointing water from 11 rivers onto the statue of Sambhaji Maharaj. An oil painting of Shivaji Maharaj performing Abhishek at Saptakotishwar temple and a portrait of Sambhaji Maharaj by artists Vishwanath Khilaari and Dinesh Kachi were released by the dignitaries on this occasion. An informative guest lecture by Historian Shri. Bhagawanrao Chile was also held on the occasion.

Shri. Govind Bhagat compered the function and proposed the vote of thanks.

Panaji, January 16, 2019 ….The Minister for Housing Board, RDA (Rural Development Agency) and Ports, Shri Jayesh Salgaonkar announced today that Goa will be having two ambitious projects soon under the RDA which would provide employment to locals, artisans and self-help groups. The Minister was speaking as the Chief Guest for the Panel Discussion ‘Livelihoods Security and Goa’ organized by Goa Livelihoods Forum, today. 

Shri Salgaonkar spoke about the proposed landmark projects-Goa Bazaar project and Global Village-which would be a place for locals to exhibit their works and for artisans from all over India to perform. This will be an eco-friendly project,” he said. Shri Salgaonkar also said this would be beneficial to even the Self-Help Groups, as they would be able to access a market for the things that they make.      

Shri Rajeev Dar from NASSCOM Foundation, Director of Caritas, Fr Maverick Fernandes, President of Goa Domestic Workers Union, Ms. Aruna Chari, President of Goa Mining Peoples Front, Shri Puti Gaonkar, Tourism Expert, Shri Sanjeev Sardessai were members on the panel discussion which was moderated by senior journalist Shri Prakash Kamat. Shri Dharmanand Vernekar compered the function. 

Panaji 16th January 2019 …. The Directorate of Art and Culture, Government of Goa, to hold the12th edition of D D Kosambi Festival of Ideas 2019 at kala academy from 20th to 23rd of Janaury 2019

The D D Kosambi Festival of Ideas is scheduled to launch its 12th edition from January 20 to 23, 2019 at Kala Academy Goa, Panjim.

This year, the festival will feature noteworthy resource people like Malaika Vaz, Dr Mickey Mehta, Pralhad Kakar and Swami Smaranananda Giri.

Festival of Ideas is a popular festival held yearly, featuring eminent guests as speakers. Damodar Dharmananda Kosambi (1907–1966) has been an inspiration to many across the world, especially to Sanskrit philologists and Marxist scholars.

The Government of Goa instituted the annual D D Kosambi Festival of Ideas in February 2008 to commemorate his birth centenary.

Minister for Art and Culture Govind Gaude said that the basic idea behind organising this festival was to induce the growth of knowledge, educationally and generally.” The organisers have keenly picked out personalities to enrich the participants.

Malaika Vaz is a 21-year-old youth, a National Geographic explorer, adventurer and wildlife presenter. On the first day of the event, she will enlighten the public on her passion for adventure sports and environment. She will also speak on conservation and the popularisation of science.

The second day will feature Dr Mickey Mehta, a leading global holistic health guru and a corporate life coach. He has life-coached billionaires, politicians, Bollywood stars, Miss Worlds and Miss Universes. He will share light on the topic ‘From Harlem to Harvard’.

Pralhd Kakar, chairman and Founder of the Prahlad Kakar School of Branding and Entrepreneurship, will take the audience on a journey from ‘Goa-Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow’. He is also the Advertising Film Director for Genesis Films.

On the last day of the event, Swami Smaranananda Giri, the Vice President of Yogod Satsang Society of India, will speak on topic ‘Leading a Balanced and Joyous life Through Yoga- Meditation’. He has previously conducted a number of talks and interactive sessions throughout India and abroad.

The Festival of Ideas will be providing DVDs of the previous D D Kosambi event talks delivered by the speakers, at the venue. There will also be live broadcasts of the lectures on the Directorate of Art and Culture website.

January 15, 2019 … The final publication of the Photo Electoral Rolls with reference to January 1, 2019  as the qualifying date shall be/have been placed for inspection at all designated locations/polling station of the Assembly Constituencies for a limited period of one week with effect from January 18, 2019 onwards.

 The public and the political parties are requested to verify their entries in the finally published roll.

January 15, 2019 …. Minister for Health Shri. Vishwajit Rane today laid the foundation for a new 100 bedded hospital for Institute of Psychiatry and Human Behaviour, Bambolim in the presence of MLA (St. Andre) Shri. Francisco Silveira, Secretary for Health Shri. J. Ashok Kumar IAS, Director for Health Dr. Sanjeev Dalvi, Dean of Goa Medical College (GMC) Dr. Pradip Naik and others. The new unit is a part of Phase II of expansion of existing 190 bedded IPHB complex undertaken by Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC).

            The new hospital will serve treatments for mentally ill patients as well as educational purpose. The hospital is aimed to improve the Psychiatric services, training and research by increasing the number of seats for M.D. Psychiatry. Graduate courses in Clinical Psychology, Psychiatric Social Work and Psychiatric Nursing will be also introduced along with an expansion of community outreach programs.

            In another event, the Minister commissioned three modular Operation Theatres (OTs) and laid the foundation stone for construction work of new lecture halls (1, 2, and 3) at GMC complex in the presence of GSIDC Chairman Shri. Deepak Prabhu Pauskar, Vice Chairman Shri. Siddharth Kuncalienker and others.

            While speaking on the occasion, the Health Minister urged the GMC staff to work together towards the betterment of the hospital and its patients. He also shared his upcoming plans and vision to make Goa a hub for best healthcare facilities.

            Earlier, the formal function began by lighting the traditional lamp by the dignitaries. Dr. Pradip Naik welcomed the gathering. Shri. Silveira, Shri. Kuncalienker and Shri. Pauskar also spoke on the occasion. Dean of Goa Dental College Dr. Ida Athaida, Medical Superintendent of GMC Dr. Shivanand Bandekar, Dr. Rajnanda Desai, GSIDC General Manager Shri. Jude Carvalho was present on the occasion. The formal function was attended by students of Nursing Institute, the staff of GMC among others.

Panaji : January 14,2019 … Minister for Tourism Shri Manohar Alias Babu Azgaonkar said various upcoming projects such as AYUSH Centre, Ravindra Bhavan, International Cricket Stadium and Mopa Airport will help to generate employment in the Pernem Taluka . He was speaking after laying foundation stone for hot mix road, Two bus stop, changing rooms near Bhuteshwar temple and protection wall at Devsu,Pernem recently.

Shri Azgaonkar appealed for the support and cooperation from the people for the development of the State. He said development is taking place at every nook and corner of the State.

Also foundation stone was laid at road near GPS Bhalkhajan,Korgoa.

 Present on the occasion were Smt Pramila Desai,Sarpanch Korgao, Shri Ranganath Kalshavkar, Deputy Sarpanch Korgao, panch members, Shri Abdul Naik, Shri Sameer Bhatlekar, Shri Kustav and Ex-Deputy Sarpanch, Shri Uday Palyekar.

Panaji, January 13, 2019 … The Directorate of Women and Child Development will amend the “Financial Incentives to mother who deliver a Girl Child” (MAMTA) Scheme.

Under the Scheme, an amount of Rs. 10000/- will be paid to all the mothers who deliver a girl child  (maximum 02 deliveries) in a registered medical Institution. The eligible mother who delivers a girl child may apply to the Child Development Project Officer through the local Anganwadi Centre along with a copy of the Birth report/Birth Certificate in the prescribed form within 45 days of the delivery of the girl Child. The benefits are directly credited to the declared Bank Account. The Scheme is aimed at improving the female Child Sex ratio in the state.

The benefits are:- the beneficiaries (mother) under the Scheme will be paid Rs.10000/-as one time financial incentive through Electronic Clearing System (ECS)/National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT)/Aadhaar Payment Bridge System (APBS)/Automated Clearing House (ACH) at birth of a live Girl Child. (apply within 45 days) similarly those beneficiaries who were paid the 1^st  installment of Rs. 5000/- under the existing scheme will be eligible for only balance amount  2^nd  installment of Rs. 5000/- (to apply within 45 days from the date of the Amended Scheme published in the official Gazette). Further those beneficiaries who had applied for 1^st Installment of Rs.5000/- as on the date of this Amended Scheme published in the Official Gazatte will be eligible for Rs.10,000/- as per the amended scheme. Similarly who were paid both 1^st and 2^nd Installments will not be eligible for any further incentives/benefit under the amended scheme and case shall be treated as closed.

The amended “Financial incentive to mothers who deliver a Girl Child “MAMTA” Scheme will be made effective with effect from April 1, 2015.    

For details about the Scheme contact respective Taluka WCD Block Offices of Directorate of Women and Child Development –Tiswadi  0832-2222562, Sattari 0832-2374235, Bardez 0832-2262963, Pernem- 0832-2201253, Bicholim -0832-2362179, Ponda 0832 -3213028, Sanguem 0832-2604226, Quepem 0832-2662251, Salcete 0832-2714083, Mormugao 0832-2518061, Canacona 0832-2643330,Dharbandora 0832-2348219 during office hours on any working days. The more details are available on website www.dwcd.goa.gov

Panaji:  January 12, 2019  … Villager’s unity is the strength of the any village and this unity is the key of overall development of village. Unity in Diversity is the strength of the Nation said Governor of Goa, Smt Mridula Sinha.

Goa have its own rich history and culture which needs to be preserve for future generation Smt Sinha said and added that Eat, drink and enjoy is the wrong image of Goa which is spread across the world.

Smt Sinha was speaking at the programme “Gaon Aur Hum” organised under Unnat Bharat Abhiyan by Directorate of Panchayat in association with South Goa District Collectorate, Village Panchayat Paroda and Goa University at Paroda today.

Goa University under the national programme of Ministry of Human Resource Development “Unnat Bharat Abhiyan” have adopted five Villages of Goa. This programme is inspired by the vision of transformational change in rural development processes by leveraging knowledge institutions to help build the architecture of an Inclusive India. Gudi Paroda Village Panchayat is one amongst these five villages adopted by Goa University.

Speaking further Smt Sinha said Goa University is one of the best institution which teaches the students of their social responsibilities while acquiring knowledge. There are many Government schemes and facilities but only when Government officials reach to every village and doorstep of the people then only 100 % people will be benefited.. Officials need to sit across the table with villagers and then only they will understand the needs, problems and hardships of the people, Smt Sinha said.

Joint family is the base of indian culture. Three generation of any family should live together which results in quality, value of life, good manners, love and affection Smt Sinha said.

Vice Chancellor, Goa University, Prof Varun Sahani said, the Unnat Bharat Abhiyan will highlight the issues and problems of adopted village. First phase of this programme is of fact findings. After fact findings and a detailed report as an institution of knowledge, technical intervention will be made to solve the problems. Under Goa University there are 11 colleges in Goa and every college will adopt 5 villages which makes the total of adopted villages to 60 by adding 5 villages of Goa University Prof. Sahani said.

Cuncolim MLA, Shri Clafassio Dias thanking the Goa University for adopting one village from Cuncolim Constituency said that Paroda Village will be benefited by this programme.

             South District Collector, IAS, Dr Tariq Thomas said Paroda Village will get special focus of Government. Unnat Bharat Abhiyan will be a bridge of coordination between Village and Government he said.

Secretary, Governor, IAS, Shri Rupesh Kumar Thakur; Director, Directorate of Panchayat, Shri Rajan Satarkar; Additional Director, Smt Florina Colaco; OSD to Governor, Shri Anshuman Abhishek; Sarpanch, Village Panchayat Paroda, Shri Inacio Tereza; Registrar, Goa University, Shri Y V Reddy; Zilla Panchayat Member, Smt Minaxi Gaonkar were amongst the prominent persons present on the occasion.

Dr Uday Gaonkar compered the programme. Shri Inacio Tereza welcomed while Smt Florina Colaco presented the vote of thanks.

The students of Immaculate Conception High School, Paroda presented welcome song and Paroda Cultural Club presented a Kunbi dance.

Panaji : 11th January 2018 :::: Minister for Art and Culture Govind Gaude today inaugurated the 10 days Lokotsav, an Annual Festival of folk music, dance, arts and crafts in the Capital city of Panaji, Goa at the Darya Sangam at Kala Academy.

Folk dancers representing from various parts of the states as well as from other states of the country, would showcased their traditional dances in the ten day festival event.

The festival is jointly organized by the Directorate of Art and Culture, Govt of Goa, West Zone Cultural Centre-Udaipur, Kala Academy, Sports Authority of Goa and CCP.

This is the 20th edition of the festival.  There are more than 500 stalls which will would items like carpets, clay art, furniture, block print, bandhani, handmade garments, slippers, leather bags, khadi, wooden toys, and Goan crafts. more than 500 folk artists would also take part in the ten day festival and would entertain the audience during the festival. The performances include various types of folk dances and music. Additionally, traditional food items of different states will be available for tasting.

speaking at the inaugural function Minster for Art and Culture, Govind Gaude said that the department would formulate a scheme or policy wherein the artists will be given a platform to showcase their creative work. he said more than 1000 artists would be participating in the festival this year and there were many more who wanted to be a part however we were unable to accommodate them but would definately make a provision for them in future.
Gaude also mentioned that this year around 43 folk groups from different corners of Goa woere showcasing their art at the 10-day festival.

While welcoming the guests and other dignitaries, director for Art and Culture, Gurudas Pilankar said that a lot of efforts and dedication was undertaken to see that the festival was conducted in a great sucess and that he was happy to see the festival coming in to a reality.

Also, secretary art and culture, Daulat Hawaldar spoke on the occasion.Also present were noted writer Babasaheb Purandare. The inaugural was followed by various performances like Poorva Rang, Shigmovadan, Zagor and others.