NT KURIOCITY
The All Goa Inter Higher Secondary School Quiz Competition on ‘Goa Beyond Beaches’, organised by Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC), concluded with a grand prize distribution ceremony. The first place was secured by Mushtifund Aryaan Higher Secondary School, Cujira, second place was secured by St. Andrew Higher Secondary School, Vasco, and third place was secured by Shree Damodar Higher Secondary School, Margao.
The dignitaries for the award ceremony were chairman of GTDC and MLA of Sanvordem, Dr. Ganesh Gaonkar; general manager GTDC, Gavin Dias; deputy general manager GTDC, Deepak Narvekar; marketing manager, Prasad Kavalekar, manager of Miramar Residency, Chandrashekar Kopordekar and quizmaster, Naguesh Sardesai, along with students and teachers. The competition was inaugurated by Deepak Narvekar, Naguesh Sardesai, and Chandrashekhar Kopordekar. Over 30 higher secondary schools from across Goa participated in the event. Speaking at the event, Gaonkar stated that beyond the beaches, Goa’s villages, traditions, and hinterlands are waiting to be explored and appreciated. “Through knowledge and awareness, you can help preserve and promote the true essence of Goa,” he told the students.
Director, Tourism and managing director GTDC Suneel Anchipaka, IAS, stated, “The Department of Tourism will always support students and provide them opportunities to experience the various facets of Goa. We are also committed to supporting Yuva Tourism Clubs in schools and colleges to nurture the next generation of responsible travelers and cultural ambassadors.”
Addressing the gathering, Dias stated, “This initiative is the brainchild of our chairman, Dr. Ganesh Gaonkar. Change begins with knowledge and education, and this competition reflects his commitment to fostering a well-informed youth. I encourage you all to visit libraries, read, and explore Goa’s heritage. You are the ambassadors of your villages and custodians of
our culture.”
Speaking at the event, Narvekar highlighted the Tourism Department’s vision, stating ‘The ‘Goa Beyond Beaches’ campaign highlights Goa’s hidden treasures, such as homestays, spice plantations, and iconic destinations like Dudhsagar. “This initiative aims to engage students as the future ambassadors of tourism,” he said.
