“Goan Volunteer Spirit” Seminar at St. Xavier's College, Mapusa

The N.S.S unit of St. Xavier’s College in collaboration with ‘GOA SUDHAROP' organized a one day state level workshop on 23rd Sept. 2010, on the theme‘GOAN VOLUNTEER SPIRIT’. Different colleges from all over Goa participated in the workshop. The Chief Guest for the occasion was Mr. Ibonio D’Souza, Executive Director of ‘Goa Sudharop’

In his welcome address, the Principal of the college, Dr. (Fr.) Walter de Sa, encouraged the students to begin a new era of team spirit, co-operation and social service and make a difference, by voluntarily following the N.S.S motto Not Me But You. The Chief Guest, Mr. Ibonio D’Souza stated that ‘GOA SUDHAROP,' has dedicated the year 2010 as the year of the ‘Goan Volunteer Spirit’ to unite the citizens and the youth and help eradicate social evils like violence, ignorance, corruption and environmental hazards. In the first Technical Session, Mr. Pravin Sabnis, (H.R. trainer, theatre person) inspired the students to follow Gandhiji’s saying: “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.”He boosted the spirit of the students with a ‘Yes’ song having easy lyrics, a rhythmic tune and an optimistic message towards life. Dr. Bernadette Gomes (Sociologist, teacher, artist) during her session on ‘Empowerment’ screened a documentary “GOULYAS”, a rural, integral tribe of the Goan society thereby sensitizing the students on the hardships faced by the villagers in rural areas.

Mr. Soter D’Souza, Dir. Centre for Panchayati Raj, Peaceful Society, Expert on governance and citizenship issues, focused on the topic-Responsible Citizens’ .Mr. Miguel Braganza, environment expert, urged the students to initiate a process to ‘Care for Mother Earth,’ in order to tackle the dreadful hazards that have plagued our environment.

The workshop concluded with Mr. Avinash Tavares leading the ‘Pledge,’of ‘Goa Sudharop’ taken by all the participants. Certificates were presented to all the participants at the end of the workshop. Mr. Sayed Mujeeb (Saraswat Vidyalaya College of Commerce & Management Studies) bagged the best participant award. The General Secretary of N.S.S unit Ms. Janice Fernandes(SYBCom) proposed the vote of thanks, followed by the N.S.S Anthem. Miss Zamila Pacheco (Fybcom) and Miss Samanta Trindade (FYBcom) compered the event.

Caption: Executive director of Goa Sudharop, Mr.Ivonio D’Souza presenting the best participant award at the workshop in the presence of Principal of the college, Dr. (Fr.) Walter de Sa.

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