TEDxPanaji in association with I-Help Goa, is holding a beach clean-up at Dona Paula next week; positioned as the first in a series of satellite events that align with their overarching 2025 theme
As Goa gears up for the monsoon season, an early morning initiative on the shores of Dona Paula promises to blend environmental stewardship with civic responsibility.
Following a successful edition of TedxMargao last year, TEDxPanaji will be held in August this year. Ahead of this, it has announced a beach clean-up drive on June 4, in collaboration with I-Help Foundation Goa. The event marks the beginning of a series of community-driven activities building up to the main TEDx talks.
Scheduled to begin at 7 a.m. behind O Pescador, near Dona Paula Jetty, the clean-up drive is open to anyone passionate about protecting Goa’s fragile coastline. The timing, just ahead of World Environment Day, underscores the urgency of collective environmental action.
The theme for this edition is ‘It’s About Time’ — a phrase that serves not only as a philosophical prompt but also as a rallying cry. “Ideas matter only when they lead to action. The theme reminds us that the moment to act is NOW!” says executive producer and curator of TEDxPanaji Ravi Kambhoj.
This belief in action-oriented engagement is central to the TEDx ethos, particularly in a region like Goa, where the environment is closely tied to both culture and livelihood.
“For Goans, the beach is home, woven with childhood memories. Thus the beach cleanup drive is more than an environmental act; it’s a tribute to the land that’s given us so much. It’s our turn to give back, together,” says president of I-Help Foundation, Goa Praveen Maurya.
The selection of Dona Paula as the clean-up location is also symbolic. A favourite tourist haunt and a quiet retreat for locals, the jetty area often suffers from waste accumulation, especially during peak tourist seasons.
The drive is designed to be inclusive and easy to participate in. Volunteers simply need to show up with comfortable attire, sun protection, and a willingness to make a difference. Organisers will provide necessary cleaning equipment and coordinate logistics on site. And the event aims to not only remove visible litter but also spark broader conversations about responsible tourism, waste management, and the role of everyday citizens in maintaining public spaces.
