GOA CROWNED 'BEST DESTINATION FOR RESORT WEDDINGS' AT WED IN INDIA 2025 AWARDS
100 NOT OUT: CLUBE TENNIS DE GASPAR DIAS CELEBRATES SPORTING SPIRIT IN STYLE
GOA SHIPYARD LIMITED CELEBRATES 79TH INDEPENDENCE DAY WITH PRIDE AND PURPOSE
GOA STATE FILM FESTIVAL 2025 KICKS OFF WITH GRANDEUR AND A CELEBRATION
CELEBRATE SHRAVAN WITH A SATTVIC FEAST AT COPPERLEAF
22 SPECIAL STORY
GSFF 2025
A Cinematic Homecoming of Talent, Legacy, and Celebration
GOA TRIBAL'S EMPLOYMENT GENERATION PROGRAMME
Goa’s reputation as a thriving tourism hub often overshadows the quieter stories of its indigenous tribal communities. These communities, deeply rooted in the state’s forests and villages, have preserved Goa’s ecological balance and cultural traditions for centuries.
TAJ CIDADE DE GOA HERITAGE IS GOA'S NEW MICE CROWN JEWEL
THE FISHERMAN'S WHARF, PANAJI WHERE HERITAGE MEETS COASTAL INDULGENCE
FLAVOURS OF FREEDOM INDEPENDENCE DAY BRUNCH AT PLANET HOLLYWOOD GOA
38 SUSTAINABLE GOA
RITUALS WITH RESPONSIBILITY CELEBRATE GANESH CHATURTHI IN SUSTAINABLE WAY
THE TRUTH BEHIND TIMBER WHAT'S THE ENVIRONMENTAL COST?
52 BUSINESS BUZZ
SAYAJI HOTELS DEBUTS IN GOA WITH EFFOTEL BY SAYAJI, PANAJI
GSL AND GCCI JOIN HANDS TO BOOST GOAN MSMES IN MARITIME
YES, THERE'S DEBT, BUT IT'S FOR CAPITAL CREATION, SAYS GOA CM PRAMOD SAWANT
COLUMNS
54 FITNESS
56 FINANCE
GST ON HOUSING SOCIETIES POWER UP YOUR LOWER BODY
58 REAL ESTATE
REALTOR NIGHTMARES:THE 3 MOST FRUSTRATING CLIENT CATEGORIES
60 HEALTH
LARGE TUMOURS - SCIATIC NERVE
Empowering Goa's Indigenous Communities
A Cinematic Homecoming of Talent, Legacy, and Celebration
When Locals Become Spectators
Empowering Goa's Indigenous Communities
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TRADITION MEETS TOMORROW
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Every issue of Incredible Goa is a small act of faith: in our people, our institutions, and the idea that progressandbelongingcanmove in step. This August, that faith takesatangibleshape.Ourcover story on Manasum, Goa's first senior living community, signals a quiet, necessary shift in how we thinkaboutageing:notasretreat, butascommunity,routine,andjoy backed by professional care. Think 240 senior-dedicated units in an Ikigai-inspired setting; a 35,000 sq ft clubhouse with theatre, hobby rooms and sports courts; bed tea to dinner as an optional yet social dining routine; wheelchair-friendly design with grab bars and anti-skid floors; 24×7 nursing, an on-campus ambulance, and a hospital tie-up a few kilometres away. It's a services-first institution, not a construction play and that makes allthedifference.
We see that same spirit of design-led care echoed elsewhere in this issue. Goa's cultural calendar hums with a cinematic homecoming in GSFF 2025, a reminder that stories rootedherecantravelfarandstill return to strengthen the soil. Our In Focus feature on the Goa Tribal's Employment Generation Programme takes on another kind of infrastructure: financing with training and accountability, so loans become durable livelihoods andcommunitiesrisetogether. At the same time, we ask hard questions, gently. In “The Touristification of Daily Life,” we examine what it means when the everyday becomes a spectacle, when numbers, over 10.4 million arrivals in 2024 and another 54.55 lakh in the first half of 2025, reset the rhythms of markets, beaches, and
neighbourhood lanes. Tourism is a lifeline;itmustnotbecomearope that tugs the community off balance. Proportion and respect arethewayforward. Festivals capture that balance beautifully. As Ganesh Chaturthi approaches, our sustainability piece invites us to honour devotion without harming the ecosystems that sustain us, choosing clay over PoP, mindful matoli over mindless harvesting, and local produce over wasteful excess.Traditiondoesnotfearthe future;itguidesit.
Our pages also carry the quieter courage of craft. In “Through the Lens of Life,” young photographer Rajat Prabhu traces a path shaped by family, village, and relentless practice, a reminder that talent matures when community invests in it. Hospitality, too, keeps reinventing itself, from heritage venues that welcome MICE with signature Goan warmth to coastal kitchens where legacy and innovation shareatable.
Thankyou,toreaderswhowriteto us, to partners who believe in rigorous, positive journalism, and to critics who keep us honest. Incredible Goa has always stood for conversation over noise, substance over spectacle, and community over applause. If something in these pages moves you, act on it: support a local artisan, mentor a young photographer,orspeakupforfair rules that protect both residents and guests. I hope you enjoy reading this issue as much, Until nexttime,happyreading!
Rajesh Ghadge Editor rajesh@rajeshghadge.com
Rajesh’s long journey began with an early realization of his writing skills and nearly a superhuman power of vivid imagination; which together led to the birth of a successful media portal. His never-ending spree of learning has made him efficient in varied fields like coding, designing and also marketing. He fuels himself with continuous reading being a history fanatic and bouts of music and movies. Acting as a one-man army he prizes work over almost everything.
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GCCI SEMINAR SHEDS LIGHT ON BURNING GST ISSUES IN GOA
The Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI) hosted a powerful and insightful half-day seminar titled “Burning Issues in GST” at the Surendrababu Timblo ConventionHall,Panaji.Theevent drew a large gathering of chartered accountants, tax professionals, MSMEs, and business owners looking to navigate the complex and everevolvingGSTlandscape.
In her welcome address, Mrs. Pratima Dhond, President of GCCI, underscored the Chamber's century-long role in shaping Goa's business ecosystem. “GST is a transformative reform,” she said, “but it comes with practical challenges—especiallyforMSMEs and professionals.” She emphasized the importance of knowledge-sharing and policy
advocacy to strengthen Goa's business environment.
CA Rohan Bhandare, Hon. Secretary and Chairman of GCCI's Taxation & Financial Services Committee, spoke about GCCI's recent representations to the GST Council and the Grievance Redressal Committee. He thanked the Commissioner for his efforts in simplifying GST registrations and encouragedindustrystakeholders toactivelyreportconcerns.
Guest speakers CA Shivani Shah Agarwalla and CA Rohit Prasad, both renowned GST experts, delivered a detailed technical session on key pain points including:
Ÿ Input Tax Credit reversals
GOA CROWNED 'BEST DESTINATION FOR RESORT WEDDINGS'
Goa has added yet another feather to its cap by winning the coveted title of 'Best Destination forResortWeddings'attheWedIn India 2025 Awards, held at the opulent Taj Palace in New Delhi. The prestigious award was received by Shri Sanjeev Ahuja, IAS, Secretary (Tourism), GovernmentofGoa.
The recognition celebrates Goa's unique allure as a wedding paradise — blending luxury, heritage, nature, and hospitality into unforgettable experiences for couples from across India and abroad.
Hon'ble Tourism Minister, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, expressed his pride in the achievement, stating,
andblockages
Ÿ ISD vs cross charge dilemmas
Ÿ Reverse charge scope expansion
Ÿ GSTR-9and9Ccompliance
Ÿ GST Portal glitches and litigationtrends
Mr. Bipin Kumar Upadhyay, CGST Commissioner Goa, praised GCCI's initiative and reaffirmed the department's commitment to transparency and simplified procedures.
The session ended with an engaging Q&A, allowing participants to raise ground-level concerns and receive practical insights.
Moderated by Mr. Sanjay Amonkar, Director General, and concluded by Mr. Atindra Bhatikar, the seminar highlighted GCCI's unwavering focus on enabling clarity, compliance, and dialogue within Goa's business community.
AT WED IN INDIA 2025 AWARDS
“Our unique blend of luxury, culture, and natural beauty continues to inspire couples to choose Goa for their special celebrations. We are committed to building infrastructure that strengthens the wedding ecosystem while benefitting the localeconomy.”
Speaking on the momentous occasion, Shri Sanjeev Ahuja, IAS, added, “Goa is the perfect canvas for resort weddings. This award encourages us to further improve offerings that create value and employment for the peopleofGoa.”
Shri Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, emphasized Goa's growingpopularityfordestination weddings. “We are working closely with partners to ensure every wedding held in Goa reflects the warmth, elegance, and culture that defines the state.”
From beachside vows to grand mandaps under coconut palms,
Goa continues to be the dream wedding destination of choice. The Department of Tourism is also encouraging sustainable practices and inclusive development in this booming sector, ensuring that each celebration contributes to Goa's broadergrowthnarrative.
As couples and planners search for the ideal destination, Goa shines as the ultimate celebration destination — where every weddingfeelslikeapageoutofa fairytale.
100 NOT OUT: CLUBE TENNIS DE GASPAR DIAS CELEBRATES SPORTING SPIRIT IN STYLE
As part of its centenary year celebrations, Clube Tennis de Gaspar Dias in Miramar hosted a spectacular three-day Centenary Sports Fiesta, showcasing the club's enduring commitment to health, sport, and community spirit.
The fiesta began with an energetic start — Day 1 saw fierce
squash rallies and engaging pickleball matches. On Day 2, members competed in carrom, table tennis, badminton, snooker, and more pickleball, with the excitement building up to a gripping finale on Day 3, culminating in a grand prize distributionceremony.
The event was inaugurated by
Club President Adv. Yogesh Nadkarni, along with Sairaj Dhond, Edwin Menezes, Vinesh Pikale, Sanjeev Sardesai, and Preeti Tyagi at a ribbon-cutting ceremony that marked the formal launch of the centenary celebrations.
Chairman of the Club's Sports Committee,SairajDhond,shared, “The participation was overwhelming. It was heartening to see generations come together, making this milestone unforgettable.”
Winners included Deepak Gopani (men's TT), Rajaram Kundaikar (men's badminton and pickleball), Eliza Fernandes (women's badminton), and Roshni Gopani (women'sTT).Inpickleball,Simran Nadkarni and Charmaine Godinhoclaimedtopspots.
The fiesta celebrated all ages—from six-year-old Adi Zarapkar, the youngest participant, to 83-year-old Avinash Pai Raiturkar, who was
GOA SHIPYARD LIMITED CELEBRATES 79TH INDEPENDENCE
Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), one of India's leading defence public sector undertakings, commemorated the 79th Independence Day with a grand celebration at its Vasco-daGama campus under the inspiring theme: “Honouring Freedom, InspiringtheFuture.”
The patriotic morning began with CMD Shri Brajesh Kumar Upadhyay hoisting the National
Flag, followed by the singing of the National Anthem and an impressive ceremonial guard of honour. GSL employees, officers, and their families came together in solidarity to pay tribute to India's freedom fighters and renew their dedication to the nation'sprogress.
In his Independence Day address, Shri Upadhyay reflected on the journey of India's defence
honoured with the Seniormost ParticipantAward.Hisenthusiasm lit up the courts, reminding everyone that age is no barrier to sport.
Rajendra and Charmaine Godinho were crowned Best Member Couple Players, while Rajaram Kundaikar was named OutstandingPlayeroftheEvent. From pool tables to pickleball paddles, and camaraderie to competition, the Centenary Sports Fiesta proved that Clube TennisdeGasparDiasisn'tjust100 yearsold—it's100yearsyoung.
DAY WITH PRIDE AND PURPOSE
capabilitiesandGSL'scriticalrole in shaping a self-reliant future.
“Timely delivery and flawless performance are not just aspirations—they are obligations. When we deliver a warship, we are honouring a strategic commitment to the Republic,” he stated.
Highlighting GSL's contributions to Aatmanirbhar Bharat, he noted the delivery of several technologically advanced vessels to the Indian Navy, Coast Guard, and friendly foreign navies, reinforcing India's maritime strength through indigenization andtechnologicalinnovation.
As part of the week-long celebrations, GSL also organised a series of community outreach programmes—from cleanliness drives under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan to widespread participation in the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign. These efforts reflected the company's focus on
sustainable and inclusive development.
The event culminated in cultural performances by employees and their families, showcasing India's diversityandrichheritage. With over 60 years of service to the nation, Goa Shipyard Limited continues to stand as a symbol of patriotism, progress, and purpose—building not just ships, butastrongerIndia.
GOA STATE FILM FESTIVAL 2025
KICKS OFF WITH GRANDEUR AND A CELEBRATION OF REGIONAL CINEMA
Panaji witnessed a cinematic spectacle as the Goa State Film Festival2025officiallyopenedon 14th August at INOX, showcasing the10th,11th,and12theditionsina combined celebration.
Inaugurated by Dr. Pramod Sawant, Hon'ble Chief Minister of Goa, the four-day festival promises a vibrant mix of film
screenings, cultural exchange, andartisticcollaboration.
The grand opening featured dignitariessuchasSmt.DelilahM. Lobo, Shri Damu Naik, Shri Rohit Monserrate, and senior government officials. The presence of celebrated Telugu actor and comedian Mohammad Ali added a national flair, while
musicalperformancesby Jolly Mukherjee and Mukesh Ghatwal, alongside a comedy act by Sagar Karande and Ankur Wadhave, energizedtheaudience.
A highlight of the opening night was the 48-Hour Short Film Competition awards, with Ful ani Savli (Flower and Shade) sweeping top honours, including Best Film, Best Director, and Best Actress. The award-winning films will be screened at Maquinez Palace on 17th August.
RunningtillAugust17,the festival will screen 19 feature films and4non-featurefilmsinKonkani and Marathi, reinforcing Goa's commitment to its regional film industry.VenuesincludeINOXand Maquinez Palace, offering viewersatruecinematicfeast. Beyond films, the festival features a craft and food bazaar at the
CELEBRATE SHRAVAN WITH A SATTVIC FEAST AT COPPERLEAF
The auspicious month of Shravan, also known as Sawan, holds deep spiritualsignificanceacrossIndia. A time of devotion, discipline, and sacred rituals, this period calls for mindful living — and mindful eating. In honour of this revered season, Copperleaf Restaurant presents its special Shravan Thali
— a wholesome, pure vegetarian feast rooted in tradition and craftedwithcare.
More than just a festive platter, theShravanThaliatCopperleafis a culinary celebration of faith, simplicity, and seasonal goodness. Designed for those observing fasts, following sattvic
INOX Courtyard and masterclasses by film professionals, turning the event into a cultural carnival for cinephilesandcreativesalike. With its perfect blend of cinema, culture, and community, the Goa State Film Festival 2025 is more than just a showcase — it is a celebration of storytelling in its mostauthenticandregionalform.
dietary practices, or simply in search of comforting vegetarian flavours, this thali brings together the essence of traditional Goan andIndianfare—withoutonionor garlic.
What's on the Thali?
The menu features a soulnourishing spread of steamed or ukde rice, dal, chapatis, classic kheer, papad, seasonal vegetables, and other regional delicacies. Each dish is prepared using fresh, local ingredients and adheres to the sattvic principles of balance and purity, making the meal not only easy to digest but alsospirituallyuplifting.
At Copperleaf Panaji and Porvorim, the Shravan Thali experience is elevated by the restaurant's signature hospitality, serene ambience, and impeccable service. Whether you'reobservingreligiouscustoms or simply seeking an authentic
vegetarian indulgence, this offering is a must-try during the Shravanmonth.
As the festive season unfolds, Copperleaf invites you to partake in this nourishing tradition — a celebrationofdevotiononaplate that honours both your faith and yourpalate.
Available for a limited time only duringthemonthofShravan.
By Rajesh Ghadge
GOA’S FIRST SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY MANASUM
Three leaders, SumathyAnantharam,Anantharam Varayur, and Kushal Ramesh, are bringing a clear, services-first model to senior living. From a first principles approach in Bengaluru to a purpose-built community in Goa, their focus is consistent: dignity, everyday independence, and institutional continuity.
Travel reinforced the gap. Abroad, they saw 80–90-year-olds lead active lives in golf, salons, and social clubs. “We asked ourselves why our seniors couldn’t have the same assurance and routine without losing identity,” saysAnantharam.
THE TURNING POINT: A PUBLIC PROMISE
THE STARTING POINT: AN ENTREPRENEURIALBEDROCK
“I started working the day after graduation,” says Sumathy Anantharam. “Service engineer, Bombay-based company, early computer systems.” It was the late 1980s. Anantharam Varayur joined the same firm; they married young, “I was 21, he was 2,4” and soon chose entrepreneurship.
In 1989, they founded Micro Tech Computer Services; by 1991, it became a private limited company. Their work scaled quickly: IT planning, hardware and software integration, network design, and maintenance for major
banks and institutions. They supported defence and public sector units in Bengaluru and executed networking for 35 power projects nationwide, “projects with about 100 km of fibre and thousands of nodes each,” Sumathynotes.
Even in those years, one question kept recurring at home: why do many Indian seniors become isolated and anxious after 70?
Sumathy had long been the family member who stayed back with the elders. Later, she caredforAnantharam’sgrandmotherfrom100 to 103, managing daily care with sensitivity.
“Those years shaped my view,” she says. “Independence with assurance is what people
In2015,ataBNItraininginGoa,acoachasked Sumathy what she wanted to build. “I said, ‘senior living, done with dignity, ’” she recalls. He asked her to announce a date. On stage, in front of 175 people, she committed to starting withinayear.Theroomstoodupinsupport. There were delays, but the direction was set. Through BNI, the couple met an operator in Bengaluru, visited communities, and studied global and Indian models. “It’s an unorganised sector,” says Anantharam. “You must define yourstandards.”
Their first community on the outskirts of Bengaluru was on their land. “No one understood the concept, and joint development wasn’t viable. We bought land andbecamedevelopers,”saysSumathy.Itwas a crash coursein construction, compliance, and sales, compounded by demonetisation ninemonthsaftertheystarted.
A conversation with a prospective resident clarified the stakes. “He asked, ‘If you go before us, who will take care of us?’” says Anantharam. “That line changed our approach. We are not building a project; we arebuildinganinstitution.”
THE COVID TEST: OPERATIONS ANDOUTCOMES
The inauguration was planned for 30 March 2020. On 7 March, work sites shut. “One hundred fifty workers disappeared in a day,” Sumathy says. Yet the need rose: elders alone at home, services disrupted. After a low-key, streamed pooja, the team opened carefully in August2020.
For nearly two years, the community recorded zero COVID cases. Around 75 elders lived with full F&B, daily activity and on-site support. “Staff stayed in; we locked the campus and ran every protocol,” says Sumathy. “It was a difficult period, but it affirmed our operating discipline.”
SERVICES FIRST: THE MODEL THATSCALES
The second Bengaluru milestone underlined the business model. “A large township had a fully built senior-dedicated tower that wasn’t moving,” says Anantharam. “OC was ready. We bought the entire tower with 191 units with structured funding, then cleared the debt in 14 months.”
The lesson was simple and is now nonnegotiable: Manasum is a services company that runs communities. “Construction isn’t our cup of tea,” Anantharam states plainly. “The value is in delivering food, health, safety, programming, communication, and continuity.”
WHYGOA,ANDWHYNOW?
Goa was a natural fit. “This is the one place that unites people across India without argument,” says Kushal Ramesh. When a developer here had senior-dedicated towers ready but lacked an experienced operator, Manasum stepped in and took over 240 units atanIkigai-inspiredproject.
“We loved the design language and scale,” says Anantharam. The market response validates the bet: “Initially, interest was mostly fromoutsideGoa;today40–50%ofbuyersare Goans,”headds.
Asofnow,30unitsremain.Theteamisactively scouting a second Goa project, ideally intergenerational senior towers located within larger townships near active neighbourhoods orthecoasttokeeplifeopenandconnected.
WHAT LIFE LOOKS LIKE INSIDE MANASUM?
Club & Common Areas: Approximately 35,000 sq ft clubhouse with swimming pool, pickleball and tennis courts, a 45-seater theatre, hobby rooms, a library, billiards and table tennis, and a multi-purpose hall. Buggies make movement easy.
Dining Routine: Bed tea, breakfast, lunch, evening snacks, dinner structured, optional, and social. “If you want company, you’ll never eatalone,”saysSumathy.
Health & Safety: 24×7nursing,atie-upwitha nearby hospital (2–3 km), and an on-campus 24×7 ambulance with a driver. Apartments have emergency call buttons; all corridors/bathrooms have grab bars; floors areanti-skid.Theentirecampusiswheelchairfriendly,includingforpoweredchairs.
Daily Convenience: A free shuttle within 5–6 km for markets, banks, and the post office; longer trips (e.g., airport) at nominal cost. Inhouse technicians handle electrical, AC, and
plumbing. Concierge support procures medicines and groceries against the resident lists.
Engagement & Fitness: A dedicated activities team curates suitable programs, film clubs, festival cooking, games, language circles,andgentlefitness.Thegymisgeriatricfriendly. Guest suites allow children and grandchildren to stay as long as they like (residentssettleF&Basused).
Entry Options: Trialstaysaweekoramonthon rent to test the routine before deciding to buy orrent.
ADDRESSINGTHESTIGMAWITH CLARITY
“In the beginning, people confused senior living with an ‘old age home’,” says Anantharam. “We are unequivocal: if you can live with your parents, that is best. We do not ask families to separate. But when geography or life stage makes co-living difficult, a community like this offers independence with assurance.”
He is clear about the trade-offs families manage in large independent homes. “Hiring and managing a cook, maid, driver, security, and a handyman is like running a facility management company,” he says. “And seniors are still alone. In a community, if someone misses breakfast, we know andwecheck.”
To build awareness, Manasum supported local events, including sponsoring a senior category at the Rotary Rain Run. “Ageingshouldlook like participation,” saysKushal.
THE THIRD LENS:
ENERGY
Kushal’s path into Manasum began in brokerage exclusive mandates, online platforms, and project marketing. The category clicked when a client’s enthusiasm
for a standard apartment was minimal until Kushalmentionedtheseniorproject.“Hewrote a cheque on the spot,” Kushal recalls. “That’s whenIunderstood:thisisaneed,notaniche.” Healsobringsapersonalreferencepoint.“I’ve lived close to five generations in one frame,” he says. “Caring for elders felt normal to me.” Within two years, he moved from an exclusive marketingpartnertoapartnerinthecompany. Strategically, he pushed for intergenerational townships: senior-dedicated towers inside larger family communities. “It maintains calm and privacy for seniors but keeps them connected to the rhythms of neighbourhood life,” he explains. Post-COVID, developers better understood the value of aligning with a service operator; Manasum has now succeeded with multiple partners, which is rareinthisspace.
PRODUCT, PROCESS, CONTINUITY
Sumathy frames design in practical terms: “Comfort enables freedom.” The checklist is precise good lighting without glare; acoustics that soften echo for hearing aids; intuitive wayfinding; eye-level ergonomics (seating heights,railplacement,countertops);anti-skid
throughout; grab bars where they are needed; balconies that open to green; and micronodes (a chess nook, a tea bench, a garden seat)thatencouragenaturalinteractions.
Programming is not there to fill time for the sake of it. “We invite participation,” she says, book clubs, gardening circles, memoir workshops, movie nights, and intergenerationalvisits.“Nothingismandatory. Everythingispossible.”
On operations, the focus is on governance. “We drill emergency protocols,” says Anantharam. “We audit kitchens and medical supplies. We maintain 24×7 clinical readiness. We run resident councils and feedback loops that lead to changes on the ground.” The next step is systematic measurement of mobility, engagement, and satisfaction “because outcomesmustbevisible,”headds.
CURRENT STATUS AND THE ROADAHEAD
Goa: 240 units senior-dedicated; 30 units currentlyavailable.SecondGoaprojectunder evaluation; preference for intergenerational formatclosetoactiveneighbourhoods/coast. Elsewhere: Partnerships with marquee developers rather than greenfield self-builds. The focus is on operating depth, not amenity lists.
“We are selective,” says Kushal. “Overamenitised and under-operated projects fail residents.Ouredgeisservicedepth.”
The founders are clear about the time horizon. “This must outlive us,” says Anantharam. “When a resident asked, ‘If you go before us, who will take care of us?’, we took that personally. That iswhyweconsolidatedoureffortshere.”
VoicesfromtheTable
Sumathy Anantharam: “I began in engineering and moved to building communities, but the principle hasn’t changed solve the real problem. For seniors, that is independencewithassurance.”
Anantharam Varayur: “Construction is not our cup of tea. The value is services, food, health, safety, daily rhythm, communication, andthecontinuitytokeepitgoing.”
Kushal Ramesh: “This is much more than real
estate. It is about how people live every day. Intergenerational energymatters.”
On families: “Ifyoucanlivewith your parents, that is best. When that isn’t possible, a community model makes life simpler and safer without taking autonomy away.”
CLOSINGNOTE
SeniorlivinginIndiaisenteringa more mature phase less stigma, more substance. Manasum’s contribution is a straightforward operating thesis: services-first, design that enables everyday independence, and a commitment to build an institution rather than a one-off project. Goa has given the model a fitting stage: a state that values quality of life, routine,andcommunity. The result is visible on any ordinary day: a resident uses a buggy to the dining hall; a neighbour checks in if someone skips breakfast; a nurse is present when needed, invisible when not; a shuttle drops a couple to the bank and brings them back; a granddaughter spends a weekend in theguestsuite;andthetheatrelightsdimfora filmnightthatstartsontime.
It is not complicated. It is simply living, not waiting, and it is being delivered with discipline.
GSFF2025
A Cinematic Homecoming of Talent, Legacy, and Celebration
By Gauri Ghadge
Goa has long been synonymous with the shimmer of sunlit beaches, the rhythm of carnivals, and the quiet dignity of heritage homes. This August, however, the state’s most compelling story unfolded on the big screen. The Goa State Film Festival 2025 transformed Panaji into a four-day festival city from 14 to 17 August 2025, with screenings at INOX Panaji and Maquinez Palace, an elegant stage for recognising six years of Goan filmmaking in one sweeping showcase. In a distinctive format, the festival celebrated the 10th, 11th, and 12th editions together, spotlighting films producedbetween2018and2023.
OPENING NIGHT: STARS, SPECTACLE, AND ASTATEMENTOFINTENT
Thefestivalopenedon14August2025withan inauguration led by Dr. Pramod Sawant, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa, alongside Smt. Delilah M. Lobo, MLA (Siolim) and Vice Chairperson of the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG). Dignitaries in attendance included Shri. Damu Naik (film personality and former ESG Vice Chairman), Shri. Rohit Monserrate (Mayor of Panaji), Shri. Sarpreet Singh Gill, IAS (Secretary, Department of Information&Publicity),Shri.AshwinChandru, IAS (CEO, ESG), and Shri. Dipak Bandekar (Director, Department of Information & Publicity). Their presence underscored the state’s commitment to nurturing a robust film culture anchored in Goan stories and
craftsmanship.
Theopeningceremonywasprogrammedlikea show within a show. Noted singer Jolly Mukherjee set the tone; Goa’s own Mukesh Ghatwal delivered a spirited solo band performance; and television entertainers Sagar Karande and Ankur Wadhave drew laughter with a brisk comic act. Adding star wattage was the presence of Mohammad Ali, the veteran comedian and actor with more than1,200filmappearancesacrossTeluguand other languages. The result was an opener that fused glamour with local identity and announcedthefestival’sscalewithgusto. Across the festival, celebration sat alongside craft. Workshops and masterclasses by Neelaabh Kaul, Pankaj Saxena, veteran actor Kanwarjit Paintal, and Chitah Yajnesh Shetty turned the event into a practical classroom for aspiring filmmakers. Meanwhile, a food court and handicraft stalls animated the INOX courtyard, creating a public square where delegates and audiences mingled with artists and artisans. Delegate categories spanned the Goan film fraternity, film enthusiasts, student delegates, and media delegates, reflecting an inclusive approach to audience development.
SCREENINGS AND SCOPE: THE NUMBERS THATFRAMEDTHENARRATIVE
Over four tightly curated days, audiences encountered 19 feature films and 4 non-
feature films, competing across 21 feature categories and 7 non-feature categories. Screenings ran at Maquinez Palace and INOX Panaji and concluded on Sunday, 17 August 2025. The breadth of awards—from story, screenplay, and dialogue to cinematography, editing, audiography, art direction, costumes, lyrics, music, and playback—signalled a cinema culture that values both narrative and craftacrossthefullproductionpipeline.
THE 48-HOUR CHALLENGE: SPRINT FILMMAKING,LASTINGIMPACT
If the main competition honoured sustained craftsmanship, the 48-Hours Short Film Competition rewarded speed, discipline, and ingenuity. Filmmakers scripted, shot, and edited within two days, and the winning slate announced by the Chief Minister captured the energy of Goa’s emerging voices: Best Film (FirstPrize)toFulaniSavli(FlowerandShade); Best Film (Second Prize) to Before Sunrise; Best Director to Glen Cardozo (Ful ani Savli); Best Cinematographer to Tejas V. Naik (Ful ani Savli); Best Editor to Yuri B. Carvalho (Ful ani Savli);BestActor(Male)toNirajArrie(Lift);and Best Actor (Female) to Rati Bhatikar (Ful ani Savli).
HONOUR AND HERITAGE: LIFETIME LAURELS ANDALEGACYSALUTE
The festival’s ceremonial heart beat strongest during its tributes. The Lifetime Achievement Award went to Smt. Varsha Usgaonkar:
actress, singer, model, and social worker from Goa with acclaimed work across Hindi, Marathi, and Konkani screens, while the Recognition of Goan Film Legacy was posthumously conferred on Late Baba Naik, honouring a formative contribution to the state’s cinematic identity. Presented during the closing ceremony, these recognitions framedthefestivalasbothacelebrationanda continuum, honouring those who built the path andthosenowexpandingit.
THREE EDITIONS, ONE PANORAMA: AWARD HIGHLIGHTS(2018–2023)
10th Edition (1 Jan 2018 – 31 Dec 2019): The headline belonged to Juze, crowned Best Feature Film and sweeping the edition with 14 awards overall. Individual honours included BestDirector–MiranshaNaik(Juze),BestActor – Rushikesh Naik (Juze), and Best Actress – Jyoti Bagkar (Kaajro). Beyond the top-line wins, the edition’s spread; story, screenplay, dialogues, cinematography, editing, art direction, and more, reflected an ecosystem firing on all cylinders and a film that convinced jurors acrossdepartments.
11th Edition (1 Jan 2020 – 31 Dec 2021): Ransaavat took Best Feature Film and led the tally with 7 awards, including Best Director –Jayendranath Yeshwant Haldankar and Best Actor – Vishal Gawas (both for Ransaavat). In the non-feature slate, Kupamcho Daryeo emerged as a standout, winning Best NonFeature Film and honours for Music Direction and Theme, with Special Jury recognition for Cinematography, Audiography, and Editing. For totals, the official closing note records five awards for Kupamcho Daryeo; a safe figure to citewhensummarising.
12th Edition (1 Jan 2022 – 31 Dec 2023): Mog
was named Best Feature Film, finishing the edition with 8 awards. Crazy Mogi dominated the craft spine: Best Direction – Christ Silva, Best Screenplay – Christ Silva, and Best Dialogues – Christ Silva; it also claimed Best Supporting Actor – John D’Souza and Best Supporting Actress – Shefali Naik. Crucially, the lead performance prizes went to Best Actor – Aniket Madkaikar and Best Actress –Samantha Da Costa (both for Crazy Mogi). Special Jury honours acknowledged Mog with Best Direction – Nilesh Malkar, Best Actor –Manoj Joshi, and Best Actress – Nakshatra Medhekar, with an additional Special Jury recognitionforMusicDirector–DenisVallaban A.(Mog).
In the non-feature awards for the 12th edition, Gathan won Best Non-Feature Film, with additional recognition for Editing and Theme. Amey Simepurushkar earned Best Cinematography for Wagro, while the Special JurycitedSadanandShetty(Audiography)and Aditya Kudalkar (Music Direction) for their contributions to Gathan. Together, these honours showcased a strengthening documentary tradition that complements the state’sfeatureoutput.
The festival culminated on 17 August 2025 at Kala Academy, with Dr. Pramod Sawant, Smt. Delilah M. Lobo, Shri. Damu Naik, Shri. Ashwin Chandru, IAS, and Shri. Dipak Bandekar on stage to hand over honours alongside jury chairpersons Shri. Gajendra Ahire (Feature) and Shri. Asim Sinha (Non-Feature). The ceremony doubled as a concert and comedy gala, featuring a performance by renowned GoansingerSoniaShirsat,amusicalsetbyAjit
Parab, and acts by Bharat & More of Chala Hawa Yeu Dy fame and Vardhan and Group. The night closed with a vote of thanks from Shri. Dipak Bandekar, marking the end of four daysthatblendedcelebrationwithsubstance. WHY IT MATTERS: CULTURE, CAREERS, AND ACREATIVEECONOMY
Programming choices this year signalled a maturing cinema culture. By clustering three award cycles into one festival window, organisers offered a panoramic view of Goan storytelling—from the socially grounded urgency of Juze to the emotional heft of Mog and the crowd-pleasing craft of Crazy Mogi, while elevating documentaries and shorts through non-feature honours and the 48-Hour sprint.Themessagetopractitionerswasclear: Goa is investing in writers, actors, editors, composers, cinematographers, and directors; it is also building pathways for students to learnandforemergingtalenttobeseen. Equally important, the festival design blurred the line between screens and streets. Public venues,accessibledelegatecategories,anda buzzing food-and-craft courtyard turned cinema into a community experience that benefits hospitality, artisans, and local businesses without compromising the primacy of art. Workshops and masterclasses created bridges for early-career creators; the 48-Hour challenge, by testing teams in real time, doubled as both a discovery platform and a training ground. It was culture not as abstraction, but as lived, local practice—shared on screens and sustained in conversation.
CONCLUSION: A MILESTONE ETCHED IN LIGHT
As the lights dimmed on 17 August 2025, the Goa State Film Festival stood not merely as a calendar entry but as a cultural milestone. By honouring legends like Varsha Usgaonkar and Baba Naik, celebrating contemporary winners across three editions, and igniting new voices via the 48-Hour challenge, Goa affirmed cinema as a living tradition, rooted in community, rigorous in craft, and ready for widerjourneys.Themomentumnowbelongsto the filmmakers who will carry these laurels forward; the memories belong to audiences who witnessed a state tell its story with confidence,clarity,andheart.
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GOATRIBAL’SEMPLOYMENT GENERATION PROGRAMME
Empowering Goa’s Indigenous Communities
By Gauri Ghadge
Goa’s reputation as a thriving tourism hub often overshadows the quieter stories of its indigenous tribal communities. These communities, deeply rooted in the state’s forests and villages, have preserved Goa’s ecological balance and cultural traditions for centuries. Yet, when it comes to participation in the modern economy, they have remained
underrepresented and underserved.
Recognising this disparity, the Government of Goa has designed the Goa Tribal’s EmploymentGenerationProgramme(GTEGP), a flagship scheme implemented through EDC Limited that empowers tribal youth through entrepreneurship.
The GTEGP is not a welfare handout but a
structured programme that combines subsidised finance, minimal promoter contribution, and compulsory training. By doing so, it transforms tribal youth from job seekers into job creators. It is, in many ways, a model of inclusive development — a scheme that uplifts communities while also strengtheningGoa’seconomicfabric.
OBJECTIVESOFTHESCHEME
The central objective of GTEGP is to provide self-employment opportunities to Goa’s Scheduled Tribe population. It enables eligible individuals to set up micro and small enterprisesacrossthreemajorsectors:
F Manufacturing enterprises which can drivelocalproductionandvalueaddition.
F Service enterprises, which offer new avenues in tourism support, repair services,andprofessionalofferings.
F Trade enterprises, which include small shops, trading activities, and, in the case of agricultural produce, up to 100% workingcapitalsupport.
It is important to note that trade in agricultural produceiseligible,butfarmingasanactivityis not financed. Similarly, tobacco products and red-category industries are excluded. This ensures that supported enterprises align with Goa’s sustainability goals and regulatory framework.
ELIGIBILITY
To ensure benefits reach deserving candidates, the scheme has a precise set of eligibilityrequirements:
F Applicants must belong to a Government-notified tribal community in Goa.
F Ageshouldbebetween18and45 years.
F Minimum educational qualification is ClassIVpass(relaxableinspecialcases).
F Applicants must have been permanent residentsofGoaforatleast15years.
F Applicants should not be defaulters to anybankorfinancialinstitution.
These conditions balance inclusivity with responsibility.Byrequiringlong-termresidency and ensuring financial credibility, the scheme targets genuine tribal youth while safeguardingpublicfunds.
FINANCIALASSISTANCEANDBENEFITS
The GTEGP is distinctive for its generous and practicalfinancialterms:
F Maximum Project Cost: Up to 25 lakh for manufacturing; 15 lakh for service and trade.
F Working Capital: Up to 35% for manufacturing, 80% for services and trade,and100%foragriculturalproduce.
F Subsidy: A 40% subsidy on the sanctionedloanamount.
F Promoter’s Contribution: Just 5% of the projectcost.
F Interest Rate: A highly subsidised 2% per annum;PenalInterest:NIL.
F Repayment Schedule: 60 to 120 EMIs, allowingflexibility.
Moratorium Period: 3 to 6 months, giving new businessesbreathingspace.
Such terms are almost unparalleled in conventional lending. The combination of low
forfirst-timeentrepreneurs.
COLLATERALANDSECURITY
Collateral requirements are tiered based on theloanamount:
F Up to 2 lakh: Personal guarantee of the applicant and a spouse, parent, or relative.
F 2–6 lakh: Guarantee of one or more third parties,suchasgovernmentemployeesor individuals owning unencumbered immovablepropertyinGoa.
F Above 6 lakh: Notarised ownership documents of guarantor property, commensuratewiththeloanvalue.
Security is created by a first charge on fixed assets such as machinery, furniture, and buildings, along with current assets like stock and raw material. This system is fair: small loans are not burdened with heavy collateral, while larger loans maintain appropriate safeguards.
TRAININGANDCAPACITYBUILDING
One of the strongest features of the GTEGP is its emphasis on entrepreneurial training. Beneficiariesarerequiredtoundergoasevenday training programme within six months of loansanction.
Thistrainingcovers:
Ÿ Business planning and project management.
Ÿ Basicaccountingandfinancialliteracy.
Ÿ Customerserviceandmarketing.
Ÿ Compliance with licences and registrations.
For tribal youth stepping into business for the first time, this training is invaluable. It bridges the gap between financial access and entrepreneurial competence, ensuring that loans are not wasted but converted into sustainablebusinesses.
APPLICATIONPROCESS
Applying for the scheme involves a step-bystepprocess:
F Download the prescribed application form from EDC Limited’s website or collectacopyfromitsoffice.
F Fill out the form, attach two recent photographs, caste and birth certificates, residence proof, educational qualification, PAN, Aadhaar, and bank passbooks.
F File a project report, with quotations for equipmentandrawmaterials,registration
interest, subsidy, and minimal contribution ensures that financial barriers are dismantled
of unit (if applicable), and licences or NOCsfromPanchayatorMunicipality.
F Submit the completed application in duplicate to EDC Limited, EDC House, Dr. Atmaram Borkar Road, Panaji – Goa 403001.
Applications are examined by the Task Force Committee (TFC), comprising representatives from the Department of Tribal Welfare, EDC, and other members, which evaluates
feasibility and eligibility before sanction. This ensures transparency and accountability.
RECOVERY
MECHANISM
In case of defaults, the scheme empowers authorities to recover loans as arrears of land revenue or under the Public Money Recovery Act and Debt Recovery Tribunal provisions. This legal backing maintains discipline and ensures that the scheme’s funds revolve forfuturebeneficiaries.
SIGNIFICANCEOFTHESCHEME
The GTEGP is more than just financial aid. It is an empowerment model that addresses historical marginalisation. For Goa’s tribal youth, it represents recognition, dignity, and a realstakeinthestate’sdevelopment. Everyenterpriseestablishedunderthisscheme — whether a small shop, a service centre, or a
local manufacturing unit — contributes to community well-being. It creates jobs, boosts family incomes, and inspires other youth to step forward. The scheme also strengthens rural economies, reducing dependence on governmentemploymentorurbanmigration.
CONCLUSION
The Goa Tribal’s Employment Generation Programme is a landmark initiative in inclusive governance. By combining financial assistance, generous subsidies, mandatory training, and strict accountability, it has been designed not only to help individuals but also toupliftentirecommunities.
Forastatecelebratedworldwideforitsscenic beauty, true progress lies in ensuring that the prosperity of its people matches its external image. Through the GTEGP, the Government of Goa has taken a decisive step toward that vision — one where tribal youth are not left behind, but are empowered to lead as entrepreneurs, innovators, and contributors to theeconomy.
This is not merely a scheme; it is a commitment to equity and opportunity. It is a chance for Goa’s indigenous communities to step confidently into the future, carrying forward their traditions while embracing enterprise. The GTEGP is, quite simply, a promise of inclusive growth and lasting dignity for Goa’s tribalcitizens.
THETOURISTIFICATIONOFDAILYLIFE
When Locals Become Spectators
By Gauri Ghadge
Goa has always worn two faces withease.Oneisthepostcardthe worldknows:palm-linedbeaches, late-night parties, carnival floats, and heritage homes bathed in golden light. The other is quieter but no less vital: the poder’s early morning bread run, fishermen at dawn in Mapusa market, neighbours catching up over poi and chai, and evenings punctuated by temple bells or churchchimes.
For decades, these worlds coexisted, enriching one another. Tourism sustained livelihoods while Goan culture gave tourism its soul. But in recent years, the balance has tilted. As visitor numbers swell, over 10.4 million in 2024, and another 5.45 million arrivals in just the first half of 2025, the fabric of daily life is beingreshaped.Forastatewitha population of around 1.6 million, the scale is striking. What scholars call touristification, when everyday routines bend to the demands of outsiders, is becoming visible in Goa. And for many Goans, the unsettling feeling is not hostility, but dissonance: the sense of becoming spectators in their own story.
WHEN THE EVERYDAY BECOMESENTERTAINMENT
Step into the Mapusa market on a Saturday morning. For locals, it is simply about buying bangde, bhindi, or bananas. For visitors, it is a spectacle: cameras snap, reelsareshot,andwhatwasonce an errand becomes an “authentic
Goanexperience.”
The same applies to tiatr, a beloved form of communitytheatre.Increasingly,itismarketed as “cultural entertainment,” sometimes shortened or subtitled to suit evening itineraries. Even festivals have been repackaged. São João, traditionally celebrated with prayers and playful jumps into village wells, is now promoted as a monsoon “poolparty.”
None of this is malicious; Goa has always shared its culture generously. But the difference between sharing and staging is subtle.Whendailylifeisconstantlyrearranged for outside eyes, the essence that makes it specialrisksdilution.
THENEWRHYTHMOFNUMBERS
Goa welcomed over 10.4 million visitors in 2024 (9.94 million domestic; ~0.468 million international).Inthefirsthalfof2025,another 54.55 lakh arrived. In 2024 alone, that’s about 6.5 visitors per resident; cumulatively, Jan 2024–Jun 2025 (~15.9 million arrivals), it’s roughly 10 per resident, which is why the ‘season’nowfeelspermanent.
Theeffectsripplethroughtheeveryday:
F Traffic: School buses crawl behind the airportrushhour.
F Markets: Crowded aisles feel more like photo-opsthangroceryruns.
F Prices: Bakeries and grocers adjust rates tomatchtourists'wallets.
F Timings: Villagers plan errands around theFridayinflux.
Goa’s nightlife is legendary, and rightly so. Yet it is also where tensions peak. Clubs and shacks argue for extended hours to keep the party alive. Villages like Anjuna, Vagator, and Calangute,meanwhile,petitionforsleep.
Under India’s Noise Rules, amplified sound is restrictedafter10pm.OnAug1,2025,theGoa Bench of the Bombay High Court ordered decibel signage and real-time monitoring, with strict enforcement of the 10 pm cutoff—especially in open-air venues near residential belts. Meanwhile, stakeholders and several legislators have argued for a calibrated 11 pm outdoor cut-off, with tighter capsandindoor,sound-proofedlatehours. Both arguments have merit. The challenge is not silencing Goa, but ensuring its music doesn’t come at the cost of neighbourhood peace.
SHORESOFCHANGE
Beaches are perhaps the most visible stage of touristification. For visitors, they are leisure zones: cocktails, sunbeds, and Instagram backdrops. For locals, they remain working
and communal spaces, where fisherfolk mend nets, children play football, and communities gatherforfeastslikeKonsachemFest. Policy mirrors this duality. The Shack Policy 2023–26 caps structures to protect ecology, while the 2024 Shack Regulation Act formalises licensing and CRZ compliance. New proposals before the coastal regulator would even allow temporary pools and twostorey structures, pending approval tied to carrying-capacitycaps.Meanwhile,litterpiles up after every long weekend, and July 2025 again saw the Colva–Benaulim stretch strewn withmonsoon-driventrash.
For many Goans, the beach remains part of their soul. But it increasingly feels like a backdrop; curated, commodified, and less theirswitheachseason.
HOMESTHATFEELLIKEHOTELS
Acrossvillages,ancestralhomesandfieldsare being transformed into villas, boutique stays, and Airbnb listings. For some families, this brings prosperity; for others, it brings displacement.
Real estate data show that North Goa villa prices stabilised in early 2025 amid oversupply, even as investors continued to eye rental yields. Simultaneously, the state’s Tourism Minister and several MLAs flagged the growth of unregistered homestays, urging residentstoreportviolations.
The outcome is twofold. Neighbours are replaced by short-term visitors, grocery shops stock for weekenders, and rents inch toward what three-night groups will pay rather than whatyoungGoanscanaffordmonthly.Streets that once held community warmth now echo theanonymityofhotelcorridors.
FESTIVALS:FROMRITUALSTOSHOWS
Goa’s festivals remain dazzling, but their balanceisshifting.Carnivalfloatsgrowlarger, SaoJoaoismarketedasabrandedpoolparty, and Shigmo parades adjust schedules to fit itineraries.
Yet in parishes like Colva, and villages such as Raia and Taleigão, the essence still holds: fields are blessed, churches are filled, and processions honour tradition. These examples remind us that festivals must remain community-first, visitor-friendly, not the other wayaround.
Touristification does not erase festivals. It reframes them. The risk is not loss, but hollowing—when a ritual becomes a show, whenaparticipantbecomesaperformer.
THEPRICEOFPOPULARITY
Tourism alters economics as well as culture. Taxi fares spike during peak season, and groceries creep upward. The Chief Minister hasreiteratedthattherewillbenoOlaorUber entry for now, citing local livelihoods. Without regulated alternatives, residents juggle
queues, unpredictable fares, and seasonal inflation.
Convenience exists, but the hidden costs are quietly absorbed by those who live here yearround.
WASTE,WATER,ANDFRAGILITY
Everymonsoonrevealswhattheseasonleaves behind. In July 2025, dunes along Colva–Benaulim were lined with plastic, bottles, and cans. Civic groups and volunteers organised clean-ups, but infrastructure lags behind.
The long-promised Bainguinim wastetreatmentplantwasre-tenderedforthefourth time. A new garbage-management bill proposes penalties up to 3 lakh and digital tracking by the GSPCB. If consistently enforced,thesemeasurescouldmarkaturning point. But until then, locals remain both hosts and custodians—bearing the brunt of what touristsleavebehind.
AGLOBALSTORYWITHAGOANFACE
From Barcelona to Bali, the story is familiar: touristification reorders space, time, and costs.Goa’suniquenessliesinproportion.With nearlytenvisitorsforeveryresident,evensmall shiftsrippleloudly.
But Goa also has an advantage. Its intimacy, strong village networks, and vibrant traditions still hold. If policies truly balance livelihoods with community wellbeing, Goa can model a new path, one where tourism thrives without erodingthesouloftheeveryday.
BEYONDSPECTACLE:TOWARDBALANCE Tourism is not the enemy. It is livelihood, connection, celebration. The problem arises only when the visitor’s gaze becomes the sole lensthroughwhichGoadefinesitself. Thepathforwardliesinbalance:
F Festivals must be celebrations first, attractionssecond.
F Beaches must remain commons, not privateplaygrounds.
F Neighbourhoodsmustbehomes before theyarelistings.
F Policies must protect residents as muchastheypromoteguests.
Tourists should feel welcome, always. But Goans should never feel like strangers in their ownland.
FINAL THOUGHTS: KEEPING GOA’S SOUL INTACT
The magic of Goa has never been only its beaches or heritage; it has been its people, their rhythm, their way of life. If that rhythm is drowned out, what remains risks becoming a stageset:profitable,beautiful,buthollow. Tourism will remain Goa’s lifeline. But to keep its soul intact, locals must remain the protagonists of their own story. Visitors can, and should, be honoured guests. But they shouldneverbecometheauthors.
Through the Lens of Life The Journey of Photographer Rajat Prabhu
By Rajesh Ghadge
There are stories that unfold slowly, like the rhythm of a Goan village afternoon, stitched together with patience, resilience, and a quiet sense of beauty. For young Goan photographer Rajat Prabhu, this rhythm has always defined his life—whether it was growing up in the quaint village of Dongrim, watching his grandmother embroider intricate patterns, or capturing fleeting moments of light with his camera today. His story is not just about photography; it is about finding art in unexpected detours and carrying forward the lessons of simplicity, balance, and culture thatGoainstillsinitspeople.
EARLY ROOTS: LESSONS FROM AVILLAGECHILDHOOD
Born and brought up in Dongrim, Rajat's early life was steeped in the slow charm of village living. His family surname, once Prabhugaonkar, was later simplified by his father to Prabhu, though their roots trace back to Canacona. Growing up between these cultural anchors, Rajat often felt connected to multiple placesatonce.
His earliest inspiration came from his grandmother, who spent hours with embroidery and stitching work. “I would sit beside her, tracing outlines with carbon paper,” Rajat recalls. “That's probably where my love for art began—quietly, without me even realizing it.” From her, he learned patience. From his parents, resilience. And from his family's
generosity towards neighbors and animals alike, he absorbed kindness. These were not lessons spoken aloud, but quietly woven into daily life—values that continue to guide the wayheviewstheworldthroughhislens.
FINDINGHISWAYBACKTOART
Art was Rajat's first calling. Throughout school and college, he threw himself into sketching and painting competitions, often winning and gainingtheconfidencethatthiswashisspace.
After completing his 10th, he wanted to pursue Fine Arts straightaway. His family, like many others at the time, encouraged him to finish 12th first. When he finally attempted the Fine Arts entrance exams, fate had other plans—he missed out on the Applied Arts stream that fascinatedhimthemost.
Life steered him instead into computer engineering, a field he approached with curiosity. He even received a job offer from WIPRO in Pune. Yet family circumstances kept him in Goa—and in hindsight, that was a blessing. It was here that Rajat discovered the CMYK Academy of Photography and his mentor, Prasad Pankar. Under his guidance, Rajatimmersedhimselfintheworldoffashion, food,andadvertisingphotography.Slowly,the creative spark he thought he had lost reignited, this time through the camera. “Lookingback,Ifeellifebroughtmefullcircle,” he reflects. “From sketching with pencils and charcoal to painting with light through a camera—that's how I found my way back to art.”
DARK PHOENIX STUDIO: TELLING GOA'S STORIES
In 2017, Rajat co-founded Dark Phoenix Studio with his batchmate and friend, Sanket. What began as two young photographers sharing a dream has today grown into a space that captures Goa's multifaceted stories—be it
weddings steeped in grandeur, food rich in artistry,ortheintricatebeautyofarchitecture. “No two days are the same,” Rajat says with a smile. Some mornings begin before sunrise, chasing that first golden light; some nights stretch into the early hours, editing frames; and sometimes, it's about experimenting with new lighting setups or simply wandering with his camera. For him, photography has never beenanine-to-fivejob. Through DPS, Rajat feels he has been able to give back to Goa in his own way. “For us, these are not just pictures—they're moments people will hold on to forever. That trust means more than any award.” And it shows: families and clients often return to him to capture new milestones, a quiet validation of the bonds he buildsthroughhiswork.
GOA:HOMEANDMUSE
For Rajat, Goa is more than just home—it is his muse. Every corner, every celebration, every plate of food is a story waiting to be told. He loves how Goa continues to balance tradition with modernity. “We still hold on to our festivals,food,andcommunity,butthere'salso this new wave of music, design, and entrepreneurship.YoungGoansareblendingit all beautifully—keeping our roots intact while movingforward.”
He also treasures the Goan philosophy of sushegad. “Many outsiders mistake it for laziness,” he says. “But for us, it's about balance and valuing peace of mind.” It's a spirit he consciously brings into both his personallifeandhisphotographybusiness.
CHALLENGESTHATSHAPEDTHEJOURNEY
Every creative journey has its setbacks, and Rajat's was no different. Missing out on Fine Arts felt devastating at the time, and for a while, he believed his dream of being an artist had ended. But in retrospect, he sees it as the
push that brought him to photography. “Sometimes failure nudges you onto the path youweremeanttotake,”headmits. Criticism too has been part of the ride. “In the early days, it hurt when people dismissed my work,” Rajat recalls. Over time, however, he learned to see feedback as a mirror—some reflecting useful lessons, some just noise. The key, he says, lies in patience: “Photography itselfteachesyoupatience.Youcan'tforcethe light,andyoucan'trushgrowtheither.”
BEYONDTHECAMERA
Awayfromwork,Rajatkeepslifegrounded.He spends time with his “little zoo” of two dogs, three cats, and two turtles—his daily dose of comfort. Gaming is another escape, one that allows him to switch off completely. At one point, he even considered starting a YouTube channel around it—a dream he hasn't ruled out yet.
Animal welfare is another cause close to his heart. “I may not run an organisation, but I do my bit—feeding, helping with rescues, supporting local groups. It reminds me that compassion matters as much as the art I create.”
LOOKINGAHEAD
For Rajat, the future holds ambitious plans. Dark Phoenix Studio continues to take on bigger projects, experimenting with AI integration and venturing into high-end commercial photography. Alongside, with his venture Blaze & Frame, he is focusing on food and architectural photography, areas he feels deeplydrawnto.
Inthenextfiveyears,Rajatenvisionsbuildinga creative house that merges photography, cinematography, and digital media under one roof. He also wants to mentor young photographers, offering them the kind of guidance he once longed for. “If a couple flips through their wedding album 20 years from now and still feels the same joy, or if someone looks at my architectural photos and feels pride—that'sthelegacyIwanttoleave.”
AFINALWORD
As he reflects on his journey, Rajat carries forward one clear message: value your roots and your craft. “Life moves fast, but stay connected to who you are. Nurture your passion, stay grounded, and live a little sushegadlife—butwithpurpose.”
To young photographers and artists, his advice is candid: “Don't undercut your work just to win deals.Respectyourart,respectyourself.Ifyou can'trespectyourself,nooneelsewill.”
From Dongrim's quiet afternoons to Goa's evolving creative landscape, Rajat's story is a reminder that the unplanned road often leads us back to where we truly belong. And in his case, that road led to a camera—a tool that helps him continue telling Goa's story, one frameatatime.
TAJ CIDADE DE GOA
HERITAGE IS GOA'S NEW MICE CROWN JEWEL
By Gauri Ghadge
In the evolving landscape of Indian MICE destinations, Taj Cidade de Goa Heritage stands out not just for its location, but for its soul. Set against the backdrop of Vainguinim Beach, mere minutes from the heart of Panjim, this heritage-rich luxury resort blends oldworld Portuguese elegance with contemporary hospitality standards—making it one of Goa's most compelling choices for high-impact corporate gatherings and experientialevents.
Fromleadershipoffsitesandincentiveretreats to gala awards and beachfront product launches, this property is a blueprint for what the future of MICE in India can look like when authenticity and sophistication walk hand in hand.
AHERITAGEHAMLETBUILTFORBUSINESS
Modelled as a quaint Portuguese village, the resort captures the spirit of susegad—Goa's philosophy of relaxed contentment—while delivering international-grade business infrastructure. At Taj Cidade de Goa Heritage, meetings don't feel clinical, and conferences are never cookie-cutter. Every space tells a story, and every gathering finds its rhythm in Goa'sserenecoastalbreeze.
Indoor Venues with Personality and Precision GRANDESALA
The largest indoor space, Grande Sala, offers room for up to 400 guests. Designed for grandeur, this venue features polished
chequered floors, contemporary lighting, and flexible layouts, ideal for high-profile summits, industryconventions,andblack-tieevents.
SALADEBANQUETE
For more focused or intimate events, Sala de Banquete seats up to 110. A venue rich in vintage charm, it lends itself beautifully to executive workshops, closed-door sessions, andbrandretreats,allwithatouchofheritage sophistication.
ULTRAMARBOARDROOMS
The two state-of-the-art boardrooms—Ultramar 1 (12 pax) and Ultramar 2 (6 pax)—are sleek, private, and equipped withcutting-edgetechnology,perfectlysuited for high-stakes decision-making and discreet discussions.
Set amidst manicured landscapes with views of the sea, these expansive lawns accommodate up to 1,000 guests—ideal for corporate galas, cultural evenings, and destinationeventsunderthestars.
SUNSETLAWNS
Accessed via a quaint wooden bridge and lined with swaying palms, this picturesque space holds up to 220 guests. Whether it's cocktail hour or a celebration under fairy lights,thisvenueisavisualdelight.
POOLSIDELAWNS
More intimate but equally elegant, the PoolsideLawns(80pax)offeratranquilsetting
perfect for post-conference networking or executive dinners, all framed by lush greenery andoceanviews.
DININGTHATTELLSASTORY
A hallmark of the Taj experience is its culinary excellence,andCidadedeGoaHeritageisno exception.Eventmenuscanbecuratedacross fourdistinctiverestaurants:
Laranja – An all-day multicuisine venue perfectforbanquetsandbuffetspreads. Alfama – Goa's definitive fine-dining ode to Indo-Portuguesecuisine.
Café Azul – Mediterranean cuisine served sea-facing; ideal for relaxed brunches and sunsetsoirées.
Barbeque by the Beach – A seasonal gem offering freshly grilled seafood with sand beneathyourfeet.
Every menu, every dish, and every dining moment is built to match the mood of the event—beitformal,festive,orfree-flowing. MORE THAN A MEETING: A FULLY IMMERSIVEGOANEXPERIENCE
Where else can your team transition from boardroom strategy to beachside storytelling in minutes? Between sessions, delegates can explore curated experiences: heritage walks, water sports, art corridor tours, and cultural evenings that are uniquely Goan and deeply immersive.
It's here that business becomes personal, and networking feels natural—turning events into lastingmemories.
THE FISHERMAN’S WHARF, PANAJI WHERE HERITAGE MEETS COASTAL INDULGENCE
By Gauri Ghadge
Tucked away in the quiet bylanes of Campal, Panaji, stands a Portuguese heritage house that has been reimagined into one of Goa’s most captivating dining destinations—the newest outpost of The Fisherman’s Wharf. More than just a restaurant, it is an experience where heritage, cuisine, and ambience converge, creating a setting that feels both timelessandcontemporary.
AHERITAGEHOUSETRANSFORMED
ThecharmofTheFisherman’sWharfbeginsthe moment you step inside. Its façade, true to the Indo-Portuguese legacy, conceals interiors that are exquisitely detailed. Oyster-shell windows filter golden rays of sunlight; brass pots double up as ornamental fountains; and hand-painted bamboo baskets infuse the space with playful colour. Every corner carries a design story, an open kitchen adding theatre, while the sprawling layout unfurls into four distinct spaces: the breezy outdoor deck, thechicMargaritaLoungebar,anintimateairconditioned section, and a relaxed non-AC area.
AMBIENCETHATENCHANTS
Evenings here are nothing short of magical. Live music drifts across tables, the clinking of glasses punctuates laughter, and the fusion of old-world architecture with modern vibrancy creates an atmosphere that is uniquely Goan. It is this perfect balance of heritage and
hospitality that makes the restaurant not just a placetodine,butaplacetolinger,asanctuary for those who embrace Goa’s sussegado way oflife.
ACULINARYSYMPHONY
At its core, The Fisherman’s Wharf is a celebrationofGoa’scoastalbounty.Themenu pays homage to traditional recipes passed down generations while embracing global inspirations. Local favourites command the spotlight:PorkVindalho,CrabXec-Xec,Prawn Balchão, Mushroom Tonak, Chicken Cafreal, Pork Amsol, and the quintessential Goan Sausage Pulao. Of course, no Goan table feels complete without the beloved Prawn CurryRice,adishthatembodiesthecomfortof home cooking with the finesse of restaurant craft.
Seafood,naturally,istherestaurant’sstrength. Diners are invited to pick from the day’s catch and have it prepared to taste, a rare indulgence that makes each visit a personal journeyofflavour.
ANEVENINGOFINDULGENCE
On our table, the story unfolded through a series of memorable dishes: crisp Prawn Rawa Fry and Kingfish Rawa Fry; delicate Chicken Wontons and Dumplings; the ever-popular Chicken Tikka; and a soulful serving of Fish Curry Rice. The Butter Chicken with Naan proved that even classics from afar can find
harmonyinaGoankitchen,whiletheCalamari Tempura added a playful crunch. Desserts dazzled in equal measure; the Peanut Butter Tart and Brownie with Ice Cream was a sweet symphony of indulgence. Mocktails like Monsoon Splash, Breezy Cooler, and Virgin Mojitokepttheeveningrefreshinglyvibrant.
ASUSSEGADOFINALE
What sets The Fisherman’s Wharf apart is not just its food or décor, but the seamless way it curates an experience. It is a place where everysenseisengaged,whereeverymealtells a story, and where the legacy of Goa’s culture lives on in flavour, form, and feeling. For those seeking more than a dinner, this Campal gem offers a slice of Goa itself, warm, soulful, and endlesslymemorable.
FOLLOW
FLAVOURS OF FREEDOM: INDEPENDENCE DAY BRUNCH AT PLANET HOLLYWOOD GOA
By Gauri Ghadge
At Planet Hollywood Beach Resort Goa, Independence Day is not just marked by the unfurlingofthetricolour;itiscelebratedonthe plate, in every flavour, and across every corner of the buffet. This year’s Independence Day Brunch transformed the resort into a vibrant stage where food, festivity, and patriotism blended seamlessly, offering guests an unforgettableafternoonbythesea.
ASETTINGOFSTYLEANDSPIRIT
Located on the sun-kissed stretch of Utorda Beach, Planet Hollywood Goa is known for its Hollywood-inspired glamour and relaxed coastal vibe. On Independence Day, the resort’s chic dining space took on a festive glow. Tricolour décor set the tone, and the buffet mirrored the spirit of freedom, ensuring that every dish resonated with the pride of being Indian. It was not just dining, it was a celebration designed to stir the senses while honouringthenation.
ABUFFETPAINTEDINTRICOLOUR
Thebrunchbuffetwasafeastforboththeeyes and the palate. Every counter reflected the patriotictheme,withfoodpresentedinshades of saffron, white, and green. From savoury starters to decadent desserts, the spread captured the essence of India’s rich culinary diversity while paying homage to the national flag.
Guestsbegantheirjourneywithanassortment of paneer tikkas, juicy chicken tikkas, and perfectly spiced fish tikkas. The vibrant salad counter offered a refreshing variety, while the live chaat counter brought the bustle of street flavours into the luxury of a five-star setting. A dedicated pasta station allowed diners to indulge in freshly tossed plates of comfort food, while live grills served smoky, flavourful biteshotofftheflame.
FLAVOURSTHATDEFINEDTHEDAY
The hot section of the buffet featured creamy gravies, rich and satisfying, pairing beautifully with Indian breads and rice. The spread offered something for every preference, whether one sought the robustness of tikka grills, the zest of chaat, or the mellow indulgenceofItalianpasta.
No brunch is complete without desserts, and this one dazzled with creativity. Tricolour ladoos and tricolour desserts were the stars of the sweet counter, symbolising the national flag in edible art. The malai rolls, delicate and decadent, added a touch of traditional indulgence, ensuring the finale of the meal wasasmemorableasitsbeginning.
TOASTINGFREEDOMWITHMOCKTAILS
The beverage experience was equally engaging. Signature mocktails such as the tropical Pina Colada and the refreshing Virgin
Blue Cooler lent a splash of colour and freshness to the afternoon. Each sip complemented the vibrant food, keeping the brunchlivelyandcelebratory.
ACELEBRATIONTOREMEMBER
Planet Hollywood Goa’s Independence Day Brunch was more than an elaborate spread; it was a thoughtful tribute to the nation, expressed through taste, presentation, and ambience. By draping the buffet in the tricolour and offering a range of flavours that appealedtoeveryguest,theresortcreatedan experiencethatwasfestiveyetrefined. Ineverybiteoftikka,ineveryspoonfulofchaat, and in every tricolour sweet, guests savoured not only exquisite food but also the spirit of freedom. It was a brunch that truly honoured Independence Day, Goan warmth, Indian pride,andglobalflairallononetable.
SUSTAINABLE GOA
RITUALS WITH RESPONSIBILITY
How to Celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi the Sustainable Way
By Gauri Ghadge
A smart, culturally rooted guide to celebrating the festival with eco-friendly idols, zero-waste practices, and conscious devotion, without losingthespiritoftradition.
A FESTIVAL THAT ECHOES THROUGH GENERATIONS
Eachyear,astherhythmicbeatsofthedholfill the air and the scent of incense mingles with fresh marigolds, Goa prepares for one of its most beloved festivals, Ganesh Chaturthi, locally celebrated as Chovoth. But in the midst of fervent devotion and grandeur, a quieter question is beginning to echo louder: Can we honourLordGaneshawithoutharmingthevery naturehesymbolises?
THEANSWERISARESOUNDINGYES.
Goa, with its deep-rooted cultural practices and ecological richness, is uniquely poised to leadbyexample.Agrowingwaveofconscious celebration — from natural clay idols to zerowaste households — is redefining what it meanstobetrulydevoted.
THEPROBLEMWITHPLASTER
Traditionally,Ganeshidolsweresculptedusing shadu mati (natural clay), a biodegradable material easily returned to the earth. However, over the decades, the rise of Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols has caused serious environmental distress. PoP contains chemicals like gypsum, sulphur,andphosphorus,whichdonotdissolve in water, pollute rivers, and kill aquatic life duringvisarjan(immersion).
A 2019 study by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) highlighted that lakes and rivers near major immersion sites showed alarming spikes in heavy metals like lead and chromium post-festivalseason.Goawasnoexception. Recognising this, the Goa State Pollution Control Board has now banned the use of PoP idols.Onlyeco-friendlymaterials,suchasclay, papier mache, or cow dung, are permitted. Local artisans have adapted, reviving older sculpting techniques and even innovating with seed-infused idols that grow into plants after immersion.
GOA’S GREEN TRADITIONS: THE MATOLI
CANOPY
Goan homes, especially in the Sashti, Ponda, and Bicholim belts, uphold a beautiful custom known as the matoli, a floral and forest produce canopy hung above the idol. This tradition represents abundance, nature’s bounty, and the deep relationship between humansandtheforest.
However, overharvesting of wild produce has posed ecological concerns. To combat this, sustainable harvesting practices and local farming collaborations are being promoted. Several Goan villages now source matoli materials from community-grown gardens, ensuring a balance between tradition and conservation.
LOCALFLAVOURS,SUSTAINABLEKITCHENS
Ganesh Chaturthi in Goa is as much about flavour as it is about faith. Homes fill with the aroma of Patoleo (turmeric leaf-steamed coconut-jaggery sweets), Mooga Gathi (moong curry), Khatkhate (vegetable stew), and, of course, Modaks, Lord Ganesha’s
favourite.
Using seasonal, local ingredients, such as coconut, jaggery, turmeric leaves, and field beans, supports local farmers and reduces foodmiles.Moreover,manyGoanfamiliesnow practice plastic-free cooking, relying on traditional brass utensils, banana leaves, and reusablecontainers.
ECO-FRIENDLYIDOLS:NOTJUSTATREND
From Panaji to Canacona, the shift towards sustainable idols is no longer niche. Artisans like those in Kumbharwada, Bicholim, are seeing a resurgence in demand for traditional clay Ganeshas. The Goa government also offers subsidies to promote eco-friendly idols, and community tanks for immersion have been setupincitieslikePanajiandMargao.
In 2023, hundreds of households across North andSouthGoaoptedforhomeimmersions, in clay pots, backyard wells, or artificial tanks, thus protecting natural water bodies. This growingshiftshowsthatsustainabilityisnotan obstacletodevotion,butanextensionofit.
CONSCIOUSDECOR,MINIMALWASTE
The visual aesthetics of Ganesh Chaturthi have evolved dramatically, often with thermocol backdrops, plastic flowers, and LED lighting. While visually striking, these materials are difficult to recycle and harmful when burnedordiscarded.
Thisyear,try:
F Upcycled fabric drapes instead of syntheticsheets.
F Locally sourced flowers or paper marigoldsoverplasticgarlands.
F Earthen or LED lamps for minimal energy use.
F Reused wood or bamboo frames for pandalstructures.
A few conscious choices can cut down a lot of non-biodegradable waste generated during thefestival,ifwetry!
COMMUNITY FIRST: GROUP CELEBRATIONS,SHAREDRESOURCES
In Goa’s smaller wards and villages, community Ganesh celebrations have always been an economic and environmental boon. Instead of each household setting up largescale idols, joint pandals ensure shared energy, limited resource consumption, and communalbonding.
Goan youth clubs and mahila mandals (women’sgroups)arenowactivelypromoting:
F Carpooling or e-rickshaws for local darshans.
F DIY eco-decoration workshops for children.
F Awareness campaigns on idol immersionandwastesegregation.
F Goa’s Green Changemakers: Rooted in Tradition
As Goa takes bold steps towards sustainable
celebrations, a new generation of changemakers, artisans, government bodies, community groups, and local temples are quietly leading a cultural shift grounded in bothdevotionandresponsibility.
1.ArtisanRevivalinGoa’sHeartland
The talukas of Bicholim, Pernem, and Sattari have long been known as the epicentres of traditional clay idol craftsmanship in Goa. Here, artisans, many of whom belong to generational families of idol makers, are experiencing a revival in demand, thanks to increased public awareness and government support.
In 2024, the Goa Handicrafts Rural and Small Scale Industries Development Corporation (GHRSSIDC) provided a subsidy of 250 per idol for artisans making eco-friendly Ganeshas, with over 45,000 idols supported under this scheme. While rising material costs continuetoposeachallenge,thisfinancialaid has helped hundreds of artisans preserve their ancestrallivelihoods.
2. Workshops that Teach, Inspire, and Preserve
To encourage youth engagement and revive traditional eco-art, GHRSSIDC-backed workshops are held annually across Goa. One such event, organised by YUVA in Panaji, brought together over 50 children to learn the art of sculpting clay idols under expert guidance. These initiatives not only foster environmental consciousness but also preserve cultural skills that risk being lost to massmanufacturing.
3.ImmersionPracticesGoEco-Friendly
Artificial immersion tanks, long a fixture in neighbouring states like Maharashtra, are now being introduced in Goa as a sustainable alternative to immersing idols in natural water bodies. In 2023, local communities in Vasco constructed dedicated immersion ponds, while in Panaji, citizen groups petitioned the city corporation to install artificial tanks in every ward to prevent river contamination during visarjan. Such practices reflect a shift from individual to collective responsibility in environmentalstewardship.
4. Temples Taking the Lead: The Case of Gogol
In a first for Goa, the Shri Rushirambha Rakhandev Devasthan at Gogol, Margao, has formally banned the immersion of Plaster of Paris idols in its temple pond. The temple’s management has issued a public appeal encouraging devotees to choose eco-friendly clay idols instead. This conscious step by a major temple not only sets a precedent but also reinforces the idea that sustainable devotion is possible within the bounds of tradition.
THESPIRITUALSIDEOFSUSTAINABILITY
Ultimately, the essence of Ganesh Chaturthi lies in surrender, gratitude, and humility, not grandeur. Worshipping the remover of obstacles cannot come at the cost of damaging the ecosystem he is believed to protect.
A sustainable celebration aligns perfectly with the ideals of the festival. When we immerse an idol that grows into a plant, compost our offerings, or skip single-use decor, we’re not reducing the sanctity of the festival; we’re elevatingit.
FINAL THOUGHTS: GREEN IS THE NEW DEVOTION
SustainableGaneshChaturthiisnotaboutless celebration; it’s about more meaning. More connection with the Earth. More reverence for ancient wisdom. More awareness of the impact our devotion leaves behind. It’s about transforming rituals into responsible acts, where every flower, every offering, and every chant becomes a conscious commitment to harmony.
Goa, with its unique cultural soul, rich biodiversity, and deeply rooted community traditions, is poised to be a national leader in eco-conscious celebration. From the lush matolis that remind us of our forest heritage to the clay idols that dissolve gently back into the soil, the state is quietly proving that sustainability does not diminish spirituality; it deepensit.
When we choose a seed-infused idol that growsintoatree,we’renotjusthonouringLord Ganesha, we’re planting the future. When we cook traditional sweets in reusable brassware, decorate with banana leaves, or choose handmade décor over plastic, we’re sending a message to the next generation: that festivals canbejoyouswithoutbeingwasteful.
This is not just a shift in materials. It is a shift in mindset. A return to the essence of bhakti, devotion with awareness. After all, how can we worship the Vighnaharta, the remover of obstacles,whilecreatingnewonesfornature? How can we honour the deity of intellect and beginnings, while mindlessly contributing to endings, ofrivers,ofmarinelife,offorests?
The transformation is already underway. From the quiet homes to the bustling mandals, from the small artisans of Bicholim to the school children crafting clay idols in Panaji, Goa is showing us the way forward. With every ecofriendly choice, we are not giving something up; we are gaining something far deeper: a festivalthatisnotonlysacredbutsustainable. So this Chovoth, may your home be filled with joy, your prayers with intention, and your celebrations with purpose. Let us welcome Ganpati Bappa not just into our homes, but intoacleaner,greener,moreconsciousworld. GanapatiBappaMorya!
SUSTAINABLE GOA
THE TRUTH BEHIND TIMBER
WHAT'S THE ENVIRONMENTAL COST?
Theelegantwoodendoorsandfinefurnishings we admire have a hidden story — they once stood tall as living trees, taking decades to grow in the heart of vibrant forests. Today, an insatiable demand for timber, especially for doors, is stripping these forests at a pace they cannothealfrom.Eachfallentreeismorethan lost wood — it is a silent shift in the balance of our environment, a slow unravelling of the livingsystemsthatsustainus.
We often overlook the silent tragedy behind deforestation — the vanishing of life itself. The forests we clear for timber are living worlds, hometomillionsofspecies,eachplayingarole in nature's harmony. When these trees fall, it's not just wood we take — we unravel the planet's fragile balance. Ecosystems crumble, wildlife is driven to the edge, and the Earth loses one of its greatest shields against the forcesofachangingclimate.
The loss of trees results in losing carbon storage, apart from the ecology being disturbed. We know that trees are nature's filters, which absorb CO2 and help cool the planet. Once they are cut and utilised for various industries, the additional transportation and processing add up to the release of even more greenhouse gases. The production of 1 cubic meter of timber releases about 360kg of CO2. The environmental impact becomes staggering if we multiply the number by the demand for millions of wooden doorsmanufacturedacrosstheglobe. While wood remains one of the most sought-
after choices for doors and furnishings, it carries a hidden fragility. Over time, it bows to moisture, falls prey to termites and slowly decays. Each repair, chemical treatment and eventual replacement doesn't just cost money — it adds to the silent strain on our environment.
WHAT IS THE ALTERNATE SOLUTION TO TIMBER?
Tobeautifyourhomesandspaceswithmodern interiors, we can switch the wooden elements with revolutionary products made from FibreReinforced Polymer (FRP). The mindset of havingtimberdoorsandframesininteriorscan beeffectivelyreplaced.
FRP is a revolutionary material engineered to change the way we build, without compromising on the strength, beauty or sustainability. This game-changing material is a high-performance composite made by reinforcing polymers with fibres. It is a great substitute as it is tough, lightweight and incredibly resistant to weather, pests and wear.
WHY FRP DOORS ARE A SMARTER, GREENER CHOICEFORTHEFUTURE?
FRP doors and frames have several advantages that are far beyond aesthetics, keeping the notion of sustainability and ecofriendliness as the utmost priority. They are the best option for various projects, whether you are aiming to build a home, renovate your officeordesignahotel.
To begin, they are completely wood-free,
ensuring no forests are damaged and they offerlong-lastingdurabilitywithoutwarpingor termite damage. FRP doors require minimal maintenance, saving time and resources. They come in various styles, from classic woodgrain textures to sleek modern finishes and are lightweight and efficient, reducing labour costs,fuelusageandconstructionemissions.
THINK OF THE SMALL SWITCH THAT CAN HAVE A BIG IMPACT - THE ENVIRONMENTAL PAYOFF.
Swapping just one standard wooden door for an FRP door can reduce CO2 emissions by up to30–40%.
If we think of replacing 100 wooden doors in a typical office, we are cutting up to 5 metric tons of CO2 every single year. Now, if we carefully sum it up and extend this across apartment blocks, hotels, malls or government buildings, the results will be revolutionary. There will be reduced timber, reduced felling oftreesandtheenvironmentwillheal.
A SMARTER FUTURE STARTS WITH BETTER CHOICES-CHOOSEEPBIOCOMPOSITES
At EP Biocomposites, we're not just making doors, we're building a more conscious future. Our FRP doors and frames are already helping homes, commercial spaces and institutions reduce their footprint without compromising on strength or style. It's a mission about a mindset shift from consumption to conservation, from convenience to responsibility.
Your choice of doors might seem small. But it's part of a much bigger picture that involves cleaner air, healthier forests and a livable planetforfuturegenerations.
Make the switch and open the door to sustainability with EP Biocomposites and be a partofafuturethatislivable.
Choose FRP. Save trees. Cut emissions. Buildbetter.
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Streaming Wars in India
Who’s Winning the Audience in 2025?
The way India watches entertainment has changed forever. The television remote is no longer the ruler of the living room — it’s the smartphone and smart TV apps that dictate viewing choices today. With over 480 million OTT users in India in 2025, the battle among platforms like Netix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar, SonyLIV, and JioCinema has turned into nothing short of a streaming war.
What makes this race more interesting is the way each player is positioning itself.
Prime Video continues to enjoy its bundled ecosystem advantage — Prime shopping, music, and faster deliveries ensure that people keep their subscriptions active. Meanwhile,
SonyLIV and Zee5 have carved a niche with regional content and exclusive sports rights, from cricket to UEFA football. For the Indian viewer, it’s a buffet. But this buffet comes at a cost. Many households are now juggling two or three subscriptions at a time, often hopping in and out depending on what’s trending. It’s a shift from loyalty to curiosity — people don’t stick to a platform, they stick to content. A show like Panchayat on Prime or Kota Factory on Netix can tilt the numbers overnight.
JioCinema, backed by Reliance, disrupted the market with free IPL streaming and continues to leverage sports as its biggest hook. Netix, which once struggled with pricing in India, is now investing heavily in local-language lms and thrillers, especially in Hindi and South Indian markets. Amazon
Interestingly, the streaming battle has also forced platforms to explore regional storytelling more seriously. Whether it’s Konkani shorts, Marathi dramas, or Tamil thrillers, the diversity of India is nally making its way to global screens. For Goa, this means that local lmmakers now have new avenues to showcase their creativity, bypassing the limitations of cinema halls. So who’s winning? The answer isn’t simple. While JioCinema leads in mass reach, Netix dominates the premium segment, and Prime balances with its ecosystem pull. The real winner, however, is the audience — spoilt for choice, empowered with control, and no longer waiting for the Friday night premiere on cable TV.
The streaming wars are far from over. If anything, 2025 marks just another season in this blockbuster saga.
AWARENESS
Is It Really Working? PLASTIC BAN IN GOA
In July 2022, Goa joined the rest of India in banning single-use plastics such as straws, cutlery, and thin carry bags. The move was hailed as a landmark step towards sustainability. But three years later, as we step into 2025, the question remains — has the ban really worked?
Walk through a Goan market and the answer is mixed. On one hand, supermarkets and bigger outlets have largely shifted to cloth, jute, and paper bags. Many cafés and restaurants now use biodegradable straws and containers. Even government offices and schools are pushing awareness drives. On the other hand, small roadside vendors and grocery shops often continue handing out the familiar crinkly plastic bag, especially in rural areas. Enforcement, while strict in the beginning, has gradually softened, and old habits die hard.
The challenge is not just policing — it’s economics. Biodegradable packaging remains costlier than plastic, and for small businesses, that difference matters. Unless eco-friendly alternatives become cheaper and more accessible, full compliance will remain a distant dream.
Yet, Goa is better positioned than many other states. Being a tourism-driven economy, there is a natural pressure to maintain cleaner beaches and streets. NGOs and citizen groups frequently conduct beach clean-up drives, which highlight the dangers of plastic waste to marine life. In fact, plastic collected during these drives is often recycled into park benches or road material — small steps that show innovation in waste management.
Awareness is also rising at the household level. Reusable bags have become part of daily shopping culture for many Goan families. Farmers’ markets and community fairs are actively discouraging plastics, while several startups are experimenting with edible cutlery, coconut-leaf straws, and cassava-based packaging.
Still, the fight is far from over. According to the Goa State Pollution Control Board, plastic waste continues to account for a significant share of garbage collected daily. The ban has reduced visible usage, but it hasn’t eliminated the root problem: convenience.
For the plastic ban to truly succeed, Goa
needs a three-pronged push — affordable eco-alternatives for businesses, stronger monitoring from authorities, and active participation from citizens. After all, the responsibility doesn’t lie with the government alone; it’s in every shopping bag we carry home.
So, is the plastic ban working? The answer is: partly. Goa has made progress, but the road to a truly plastic-free state is still long. What matters is whether we, as Goans, are ready to walk that extra mile with our reusable bags in hand.
GOA’S SHARK TANK MOMENT
Startups Turning Heads in 2025
For decades, Goa was seen primarily as a land of tourism, music, and susegad living. But in recent years, the state has been quietly rewriting its identity. Thanks to government initiatives, incubators, and a new wave of ambitious entrepreneurs, Goa’s startup ecosystem is finally making headlines. In 2025, the buzz feels almost like a “Shark Tank moment” — where innovation, risktaking, and investment are no longer confined to metro cities.
One of the most talked-about examples is Fleetro, a logistics-tech startup based in Verna that recently bagged funding to streamline last-mile delivery for small businesses. By combining AI with hyperlocal
delivery networks, it’s helping Goan retailers compete with e-commerce giants. Then there’s Townscrape, a Panjim-based urbantech startup, designing smart solutions for waste management and sustainable housing — a sector crucial for Goa’s growing urban centres.
What’s remarkable is that these startups are not just replicating Silicon Valley models; they’re solving uniquely Goan problems. From clean energy solutions in villages to marine conservation tech and apps for the state’s tourism industry, entrepreneurs are embracing Goa’s local challenges as opportunities.
Fueling this momentum is the Goa Startup
Policy, which offers subsidies, mentorship, and co-working spaces through the Startup and IT Promotion Cell (SITPC). Over 650 startups are now registered in the state, a huge leap from just a handful a decade ago. Many of them are now eyeing bigger markets while staying rooted in Goa’s lifestyle appeal.
Investor interest has also begun trickling in. At the Goa Market Access Expo 2025, several Goan startups showcased their products to national VCs and angel investors. Some walked away with partnerships, while others gained the kind of visibility that used to be unthinkable for entrepreneurs in Goa. The ecosystem is also benefiting from collaborations with local colleges, where young graduates are being encouraged to think entrepreneurially rather than traditionally chasing jobs abroad. Of course, challenges remain. Funding is still limited compared to metros, and scaling beyond Goa requires breaking into highly competitive markets. But the mindset is changing fast. No longer is the “Goan startup founder” a rare phrase — it’s becoming a growing reality.
For Goa, this is more than an economic shift. It’s cultural. A state once known only for exporting its talent is now beginning to retain and empower it. If the current momentum continues, Goa might soon stop being just a holiday destination and emerge as India’s newest hub for ideas, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
AI IN EVERYDAY LIFE
How Goans Are Using It Beyond ChatGPT
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic buzzword. It’s here, it’s personal, and it’s quietly shaping the way Goans live, work, and do business in 2025. While tools like ChatGPT may have popularised AI as a writing assistant, the reality is that AI’s influence goes far beyond drafting essays or generating ideas. From tourism to agriculture, everyday life in Goa is already being transformed.
Take the hospitality sector, for instance.
Several hotels and resorts in North and South Goa now use AI-powered chatbots to handle booking inquiries, recommend itineraries, and even upsell services like spa packages or water sports. This not only cuts operational costs but also ensures 24/7 responsiveness to guests. For a state dependent on tourism,
such tools have become indispensable. Small businesses are also embracing AI in ways that were unthinkable just a few years ago. Local cafés use AI-driven inventory apps to predict demand for bakery items, reducing food wastage. Event companies are relying on AI tools to create social media campaigns, design logos, and even plan seating charts for weddings. Meanwhile, taxi aggregators and bike rentals are leveraging AI for dynamic pricing, ensuring supply matches the seasonal surge of tourists. In education, AI is proving to be a silent partner for both students and teachers. Online learning platforms with adaptive AI are helping Goan students prepare for competitive exams, including UPSC and NEET, with personalised learning plans.
Colleges are experimenting with AI-based attendance and assessment systems, freeing up teachers to focus on quality instruction rather than paperwork.
Even agriculture — often overlooked in Goa’s modern economy — is seeing a tech revolution. Farmers in the hinterlands are beginning to use AI apps that predict rainfall, advise on crop cycles, and even detect plant diseases using simple smartphone photos. With the government pushing for digital literacy, more rural communities are getting access to these game-changing tools.
Of course, with AI’s rise comes caution. Concerns over data privacy, job displacement, and over-dependence on automation remain. But what stands out in Goa is the way people are blending technology with tradition. A Goan artist may use AI to enhance digital designs, while still relying on hand-painting for final touches. A musician might use AI to master tracks, yet still perform live at a beachfront gig.
The truth is, AI isn’t replacing Goa’s identity — it’s amplifying it. By handling repetitive tasks and giving people more time to focus on creativity, hospitality, and human connection, AI is becoming an invisible partner in the Goan way of life.
In short, beyond ChatGPT, AI is already woven into daily routines. The question is no longer whether Goa will adopt AI — it’s how deeply it will reshape the susegad rhythm of life.
SPORTS
Football in Goa
Can ISL Bring Back the Old Glory?
For many Goans, football is not just a sport — it’s part of the state’s cultural DNA. Long before cricket became India’s obsession, Goa had already embraced the “beautiful game,” with packed grounds, village tournaments, and legendary local clubs like Dempo, Salgaocar, and Churchill Brothers dominating the Indian football scene. But over the years, as cricket’s popularity grew nationwide and corporate sponsorships shifted, Goa’s football fever dimmed. The question now is: can the Indian Super League (ISL) reignite the passion and bring back the old glory?
Since its launch in 2014, ISL has been instrumental in modernising Indian football. FC Goa, the state’s home team, has become a symbol of that transformation. Known for its attacking style and loyal fan base, the team has brought international players, big sponsors, and televised matches to households across the state. The Fatorda Stadium regularly witnesses electric atmospheres, with orange-clad fans chanting and waving flags — a reminder that football still runs strong in Goan blood. However, the ISL alone cannot shoulder the responsibility of revival. While FC Goa has
inspired young players, the grassroots ecosystem still struggles. Village tournaments, once the breeding ground for local talent, have declined in both visibility and funding. Many promising players still find it difficult to transition from community football to professional leagues due to lack of structured academies, modern training facilities, and financial support. The silver lining is that change is underway. Several private academies and school-level programs are beginning to nurture the next generation. Initiatives by FC Goa itself — including youth development squads and training camps — are offering a pathway for aspiring footballers. Government schemes are also slowly recognising the need to invest in infrastructure beyond cricket pitches. Globally, football thrives when it is both a community sport and a professional spectacle. Goa has always had the community part right — the muddy monsoon fields, the village pride, the passion of fans. What the state needs now is a stronger bridge to professionalism. With ISL providing visibility, and grassroots programmes ensuring supply of talent, the synergy could revive Goa’s status as India’s football
powerhouse.
For now, the sight of packed stands in Fatorda and children dribbling balls on village pitches tells us one thing: the love for football never really disappeared. It was only waiting for the right stage. If nurtured well, ISL may not just bring back Goa’s old footballing glory — it might inspire an entirely new golden chapter.
SAYAJI HOTELS DEBUTS IN GOA WITH EFFOTEL BY SAYAJI,
In a move that blends business sensibility with leisure elegance, Sayaji Hotels has officially entered Goa with the grand opening of Effotel by Sayaji, Panaji.Locatedintheheartofthe state's capital on Dr. Atmaram Borkar Road, the hotel offers a strategic address for corporate travellers and tourists alike — just 27 km from Dabolim Airport, 34
km from Mopa Airport, and close to major government offices, commercial zones, and heritage hotspots.
Effotel Panaji features 48 thoughtfully designed rooms across three categories — Deluxe, Superior, and Premium — each blending contemporary comfort with tech-enabled amenities. Whether you're in town for
PANAJI
meetings or a spontaneous getaway, this boutique hotel offers the ideal base for both businessandleisurestays. AtitsheartisTheCube,anall-day dining restaurant that serves a curated mix of global cuisine and Goan flavours, complemented by a lively bar that caters to both residents and guests. The rooftop pool with panoramic city views and a tranquil spa further enhance the guest experience, making Effotel a welcome addition to Panaji's hospitality scene.
“Effotel by Sayaji, Panaji brings our brand's hallmark of thoughtful hospitality and urban design to Goa,” said Sumera Dhanani, Corporate Business Development Head. “This is a destination that caters to evolving travellers who want more than just a place to stay.”
Sarfraz Sheikh of the Anwar Hassan Group noted Panaji's growing role as a business hub,
while Rajendra Joshi, Director of Operations, emphasized the brand's commitment to delivering value and excellence in the Goan market.
With its perfect mix of location, style, and functionality, Effotel Panaji is poised to become the new go-to address for visitors to Goa'svibrantcapital.
GSL AND GCCI JOIN HANDS TO BOOST GOAN MSMES IN MARITIME AND DEFENCE SECTORS
In a landmark initiative aimed at strengthening Goa's MSME ecosystem and fostering industrial growth in the maritime and defence manufacturing sectors,GoaShipyardLtd(GSL)is set to collaborate with the Goa Chamber of Commerce and
Industry (GCCI) for a Joint Seminar and Vendor DevelopmentProgramme.
The proposal was presented by a GCCI delegation comprising Mr. Chandrakant Gawas (Chairman, Logistics Committee), Mr. Sanket Kaskar (Foreign Trade Officer),
and Mr. Priyesh Kamat, during a recent interaction with Shri Brajesh Kumar Upadhyay, CMD of Goa Shipyard Ltd. The initiative aims to enhance local vendor participation, foster quality improvement, and create new opportunities for Goan industries to align with national defence andshippingprocurementneeds.
As part of this strategic partnership, GSL and GCCI — in association with neighbouring chambers such as the Belgaum Chamber — plan to roll out the followingactivities:
Joint Seminar to bring together vendors, industry experts, and stakeholders to explore collaboration opportunities.
Vendor Identification & Registration Drives to onboard qualified local MSMEs into GSL's procurementecosystem.
Training and Capacity Building Workshops aligned with GSL's quality and compliance standards.
Quality & Productivity Initiatives to improve operational excellence among Goan enterprises.
Additionally, the programme will focus on Industry-Academia linkages, policy support, and promotional activities to build a strong and self-reliant maritime industryinGoa.
AGCCIteamwillsoonvisitGSLto finalizetheroadmapanddevelop actionable strategies. GCCI praised the forward-thinking leadership of Shri Brajesh Kumar Upadhyay and reiterated its commitment to empowering Goan businesses through meaningful industrial partnerships.
This collaborative move is expected to open new doors for Goa's MSMEs and enhance the state's standing in the national defence and shipbuilding ecosystem.
Join the circle of Goa’s most celebrated personalities and premium brands.
Goa's Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant has defended the state's rising debt levels, stating they are driven by strategic capital creation rather than wasteful expenditure. “We've taken lowinterest loans through agencies like SIDBI and NABARD to invest in roads, tourism infrastructure, and digital delivery systems,” he said during a detailed conversation at GoaSadan,NewDelhi.
In a bold move to address land ownership and housing insecurity, the CM introduced the Majhe Ghar scheme, designed to legalise long-term occupancy across seven components — from temporary house numbers and renovation certificates to faster partition approvals and regularisation of homes on
government land. “This is about justice for people who've livedinhomesfor decades but lacked basic rights,” Sawant said.
To enhance the ease of doing business, the state has streamlined permissions for tourism, construction, and trade.
“We've reduced hotel registrations from 20 documents to just three, introduced multi-year trade certificates, and simplified industrial land allotment via the Investment Promotion Board,” he added.
On welfare concerns and state employment, Sawant explained that the Goa Human Resources Corporation is helping skill and
employ locals, reducing reliance on permanent state jobs while managing outsourced services morecost-effectively.
He also expressed optimism about Goa's potential in agriexports and sustainable mining, while pledging to raise industry concerns—like pharma tariff issues—attheCentre.
With the restart of mining, new infrastructure, tourism reforms, and bold housing regularisation, the CM painted a picture of a state investing in its long-term future — even if it means carrying someshort-termfiscalburden.
FITNESS
By Norbert D’Souza
POWER UP YOUR LOWER BODY, THE ULTIMATE LEG WORKOUT
Leg workouts aren't just about building size — they build power, endurance, and overall fitness. Whether you're chasing athletic performance or general health, training your lower body is non-negotiable. So, lace up your shoes, load that barbell, and never skip leg day!
Strong legs are the foundation of overall fitness. Whether you're an athlete, weightlifter, or just someone who wants to stay healthy, training your legs helps improve balance, mobility, and overall strength. Plus, a solid leg workout boosts metabolism and burns more calories since the leg muscles are some of the largest in the body.
WHY LEG WORKOUTS ARE IMPORTANT
Ÿ Build Strength & Power: Strong quads, hamstrings, and glutes help with daily activities and athleticperformance.
Ÿ Boost Metabolism: Bigger muscles mean more calorie burn, evenatrest.
Ÿ How: Step forward with one leg, lower until both knees are bent at 90degrees,pushbackup.
Ÿ Reps: 3setsof10–12perleg
Ÿ 3. Dead lifts (Romanian or Conventional)
Ÿ Works: Hamstrings, glutes, lower back
Ÿ How: Hold weights in front of thighs, hinge at hips, lower the bar/dumbbells, then return to standing.
Ÿ Reps: 3setsof8–10
4.LegPress
Ÿ Works: Quads,glutes,hamstrings
Ÿ How: On a leg press machine, push the platform away without lockingknees.
Ÿ Reps: 3setsof10–12
Regular exercise strengthens yourheartandlungsanditcan strengthen bones, slowing down the process of osteoporosis. It can help you move easily by keeping your joints, tendons and ligaments more flexible. Can help you lose weight when combined with good eating habits or maintain ideal weight by burning excess calories and promotesenseofwellbeing.
Ÿ Prevent Injuries: Training legs strengthens joints and improves stability.
Ÿ Balance & Posture: A strong lower body supports your spine andcore.
THE ULTIMATE LEG WORKOUT
ROUTINE
Ÿ 1.Squats(KingofLegExercises)
Ÿ Works: Quads, glutes, hamstrings,calves,core
Ÿ How: Stand with feet shoulderwidth apart, lower your hips back and down, then push through heelstoreturntostanding.
Ÿ Reps: 3setsof12–15
2.Lunges
Ÿ Works: Quads,glutes,calves
5.CalfRaises
Ÿ Works: Calves
Ÿ How: Stand on a step, lift heels as highaspossible,thenlowerslowly.
Ÿ Reps: 3setsof15–20
Ÿ OptionalAdd-ons:
Ÿ Bulgarian Split Squats – for balanceandunilateralstrength
Ÿ Hip Thrusts – for glute development
Ÿ Step-Ups – functional and athletic
ProTipsforLegTraining
Ÿ Warm up with light cardio and dynamicstretches
Ÿ Focus on form over heavy weightstopreventinjury
Ÿ Gradually increase weight
(progressiveoverload)
Ÿ Trainlegs at least 2 times a week forbestresults
Legworkoutsaren'tjustaboutbuilding size — they build power, endurance, and overall fitness. Whether you're chasing athletic performance or general health, training your lower body is non-negotiable. So, lace up your shoes, load that barbell, and neverskiplegday!
By CAGaurav Kenkre
GST ON HOUSING SOCIETIES
Goods and Services Tax (GST) on housing societies is an important topic for residents and administrators managing cooperative housing complexes in India. Under GST, housing societies are required to comply with tax rules based on certain thresholds related to their turnover and the monthly maintenance charges collected frommembers.
GST registration is mandatory for any person whose annual turnover exceeds Rs. 20 lakhs. However, there is also a provision which states that even if the turnoverisaboveRs20lakhs,then there is no need to register for GST, if the entire turnover is exempt.
According to this principle, an association and its members are not distinct entities but one and the same in their mutual dealings, meaning no actual "supply" or taxable transaction occurs between separate parties. The court held that GST requires two distinct parties for a valid taxable supply, which is absent in mutual associations like housing societies.
Monthly maintenance charges collected for common amenities, by societies, from its members, are exempt if such charges are upto Rs 7500 per month. Most smaller societies have charges below this limit. Thus, even if their overall turnover is above Rs 20 lakhs, they donot trigger the clause of registration, since their entire turnover is exempt (i.e. all monthly maintenance charges) arebelowRs7500permonth.Ina way, the exemption available per member is Rs 7500 per month x 12 months = Rs 90000 per member peryear.
90000 per year per member. In such cases, GST department is likely to take a position that the amount collected is above the threshold of exemption, so at least the amount above Rs 90000 is taxable, and hence GST registration is liable and GST also is due. However, it is noted that most housing societies are not awareoftheseimplications. Further, if one were to read the exemption provision strictly, it only covers, “reimbursement of charges or share of contribution for sourcing of goods or services from a third person for the common use of its members”. Thusvariouscollectionsbysociety from the members, such as transfer fees, NOC fees, parking charges, which are not “reimbursement” for “sourcing goods or services” for common use” of all the members, will ideally not enjoy GST exemption and maybe liable for GST. This again makes the society liable for GSTregistration
transactions between associations and their members, on the grounds that they violated the constitutional doctrine of mutuality.
According to this principle, an association and its members are not distinct entities but one and the same in their mutual dealings, meaning no actual "supply" or taxable transaction occurs between separate parties. The court held that GST requires two distinct parties for a valid taxable supply, which is absent in mutual associations like housing societies.
This judgment potentially exempts housing societies from GST on maintenance charges collected from their members, as these charges are considered internal transactions within the same entity under the doctrine of mutuality.
CA Gaurav Kenkre is a CA in practice for the last 11 years. He is a regular speaker at various professional organizations, trade bodies, MNCs and Government bodies. He also writes regularly in local as well as national publications. Besides this he holds various positions in bodies such as ICAI, GCCI, Collegebodies,Rotaryetc.
Older societies feel the need to undertake major expenses such as painting, waterproofing, repairing of pipelines, roads, etc. These works have huge costs, and the practice is to collect these from the members of the society on a pro-rata basis. These amounts are usually not clubbed with monthly maintenance, but collected on a one-time basis. Further, they are not accounted for as income, but generally shown as a liability in the Balancesheet, from where the entire amount is exhausted by wayofspendingonaboveworks. An issue can arise when the aggregate of monthly maintenance and the reimbursement for major expenses, in total, crosses Rs
Due to above issues, it is very possiblethattheGSTdepartment may find many housing societies in violation of the GST law. The larger issue then comes up: Mostly, such detection of non compliance by GST department, takes place 2-5 years after the financial year in which the noncompliance actually took place. By that time, the board of directors of the society maybe different. The members of the society of the society may also change due to sale of flats etc. So effectively, the GST dues of past members, will get loaded on to future members. That too with interestandpenalty.Thiscanbea crippling blow for housing societies.
The recent Kerala High Court judgment in the Indian Medical Association (IMA) case has significant implications for housing societies that have not complied with the GST law. The court struck down the retrospective GST provisions introduced by the 2021 Finance Act, which sought to tax
The decision is currently challenged in the Supreme Court so all eyes are on the apex court togivethefinalsayonthismatter. In the mean time housing societies would be well advised to take expert opinion, weigh their options and take an informeddecision.
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By Prashant Kalra
REALTOR NIGHTMARES:THE 3 MOST FRUSTRATING CLIENT CATEGORIES
Every business has faced this client at some point or the other. The entire search, discussion, viewing and effort will be put into showing a client a home that he/she likes. And when they finally find something that matches their criteria and the realtor suggests making an offer, the client will then reveal that the decision maker is the father who is unable to travel for the next 3 months because of business commitments.
Inour7yearsofexperience,we’ve seen a lot of different people come to Goa to look for homes. Like anything involving human psychology, everyone has a differentapproach.
Some (but few) have a clear checklist of what they are looking for. Many of these cases have expectations that are unachievable in terms of price, size or more and such cases are completelynormalandparforthe course. But then, there are some real nightmarish situations that canarise:
THECATCH&RELEASECLIENT
This is the category of buyers who find exactly what they are looking for, but they still won’t buy. Why? Because they needed to find exactlywhattheywerelookingfor to realize that they weren’t ready to buy yet! Either because of a fund crunch, or a lack of conviction or an endless quagmireofselfdoubt.
absolutely no reason to suspect otherwise, the buyer will call off thedeal.
THEENDLESSDOUBTER
There are clients who have had horrible experiences with developers in other cities. Most of these have tried to invest in apartments in Noida etc in the past and those developers have gone bankrupt. Justifiably, such clientsarejittery. However, some will take this to another level. After conducting a due diligence by 3 separate lawyers, they will then insist on a bank to conduct a 4th diligence. By the time the exercise is completed,therewillbebackand forth on the terms of the ATS and Sale Deed. The net result is that the developer gets fed up and returnsthebookingamount.
‘DADDYDECIDES’
Prashant is the founder of TPB, a boutique real estate consultancy in Goa, focussing on ultra luxury homes. He moved to Goa from Gurgaon in 2019 after his daughter developedbreathingissues.
The most unfortunate part of this category is that the buyer, the seller and the realtor will all put in a lot of time and energy towards achievingthesale.Floorplanswill be customized. Changes will be discussed. Prices will be negotiated. Payment schedules will be ironed out. Legal diligence will be undertaken. And after all of this work, when there’s
Every business has faced this client at some point or the other. The entire search, discussion, viewing and effort will be put into showing a client a home that he/she likes. And when they finally find something that matches their criteria and the realtor suggests making an offer, the client will then reveal that the decisionmakeristhefatherwhois unable to travel for the next 3 months because of business commitments.
In the meanwhile, the house they haveselectedwillselltosomeone else because they did not make anofferormakeatokenpayment. Unfortunately, this is a very common occurrence with clients whohavejointfamiliesorwhoare part of business families. And while the person doing the legwork on behalf of the family may have the best intentions of selecting the perfect home for their family, the decision makers ofthefamilyrarelyagree.
As frustrating as all this may sound, it’s not always like this. The flip side to all of this is that every realtor at some point will have the good fortune of working with a decisive client with the means to buy the home that they like. Such clients have the conviction, finances and mental clarity to process the options and select the best. They also understand that time is of the essence in real estate. In fact, in our experience, if a buyer does not close a deal within 72 hours of seeing the house he/she likes, the deal will notclose.
But either way, we love to learn from all these experiences which weconsidertobepartandparcel of this wonderful industry of real estate!
HEALTH
LARGE TUMOURS- SCIATIC NERVE
The nerves in the body carry sensations from the organs to the brain and also impulses from the brain to the organs to perform their activities. These nerves are divided into smaller tubes called fascicles. The tumors grow from one of the fascicles and start affecting the function of the others causing these symptoms.
Seven tumours were successfully removedfromasinglenerveinthe thigh of a 50-year-old gentleman at Manipal Hospital, Goa, the largest being 12 cm in size. Only a handfulofcaseslikethisonehave been known to have occurred acrosstheworld.
This patient presented with a painful swelling at the back of thigh which was gradually enlarging. Slowly he stated developing pain while sitting due to pressure and also along the nerve causing severe discomfort. Patient underwent MRI scanning to reveal multiple tumours involvingthesciaticnerve.Sciatic nerve is the largest peripheral nerve in the body and supplies a large number of muscles of thigh and calf, it is about 1.5-2 cm in diameter.
ensure that the patient does not suffer from any weakness postsurgery.
The nerves in the body carry sensations from the organs to the brain and also impulses from the brain to the organs to perform their activities. These nerves are divided into smaller tubes called fascicles. The tumors grow from one of the fascicles and start affecting the function of the others causing these symptoms. These nerves may be extremely important and can cause severe pain, weakness, loss of sensation, andparalysisinlimbsifdamaged.
To add to the problem, they are compact and thin, which makes it difficulttooperate.
bleeds, and brain tumors, but it also encompasses nerve tumours, spine tumours, movement disorders like Parkinson’s disease and also, specific disorders in children. It is important to educate ourselves regarding the newer advances in medicine and seek help from specialists in order toimprovethequalityofourlives.
Dr Omkar N Churi, DNB Neurosurgery, Fellowships in Epilepsy and Spine (UK). Fellowship in Vascular Neurosurgery (Japan). Multiple awards for best paper in national and international conferences
Multiple publications in journals.
Dr Omkar Churi, Neurosurgeon and Dr Ameya Pednekar, Plastic surgeon operated on the patient which involved making a cut over thebackofthighalongthecourse of the nerve. During the surgery, the risk of damage to the nerve causing weakness of leg is significant.Specialequipmentfor monitoring and stimulating the nerve were employed during the surgery.
Multiple tumours were excised while preserving the nerve to
Careful dissection of the nerve along with isolation of the affected fascicle is necessary when we operate on such tumors. Inthiscase,weusedamachineto checkthefunctioningofthenerve while the patient was under anesthesia. We could isolate the fascicle and remove the whole tumour. Such machines, microscopes and an array of investigations mark the advances that have been happening in neurosurgery which we are trying toimplementinGoa. When we speak of Neurosurgery, we think about accidents and
