Victorious Feat: Lit Stars Shine Bright!

 Victorious Feat: Lit Stars Shine Bright!

It was a proud moment for Carmel College as our literature enthusiasts, Lysha Fernandes (SYBA) and Sohni Mahatme (FYBA), clinched the top spot at the All Goa Literature Quiz Competition – Lit Star 3.0, hosted by the Department of English, Rosary College, Navelim on 13th March 2025.

The competition saw spirited participation from ten colleges across Goa, including teams from Goa University’s postgraduate department. In a contest that tested literary knowledge, quick thinking, and teamwork, Lysha and Sohni stood out with their sharp responses and confident presence. They brought home individual trophies and certificates, and more importantly, loads of pride and joy to Carmel’s literary circle. Their win not only showcases their dedication and love for literature but also inspires their peers to dive deeper into the world of books, authors, and critical thinking. 

Three cheers to our Lit Stars for lighting up the stage and making Carmel shine!

Field Trip to MOCA, MOG & Navhind Bhavan: Museums, Media & Memories!

Field Trip to MOCA, MOG & Navhind Bhavan: Museums, Media & Memories!

The TYBA English (Honours) students of Carmel College went on a culture-packed field trip to North Goa on the 2nd and 3rd of April 2025, and it was nothing short of a literary adventure come to life. Accompanied by faculty members Dr. Glenis Mendonca, Ms. Roxana Singh, Dr. Brian Mendonca, Ms. Ayeesha Antao, and Ms. Ashwini Kumar, thirteen enthusiastic students dove headfirst into the world of art, history, and media.

Day 1 kicked off at the serene and stunning Museum of Christian Art (MOCA), where curator Ms. Natasha Fernandes gave the group a personalized tour of the collection housed in the historic Santa Monica Convent. With stories of the St. Augustine tower and the history behind intricate artefacts, students were transported to another time. The interactive session left everyone deeply inspired and asking curious questions. Next stop? Museum of Goa (MOG) – and what a visual treat it was! The students were welcomed with a documentary that gave insight into the vision of Dr. Subodh Kerkar, the doctor-turned-artist behind MOG. Each floor told its own Goan tale—through art, folklore, pottery, and installations that sparked both discussion and awe. The day ended on a cozy note with an overnight stay at Kaju Grove, a charming homestay in Gurim that felt like a well-earned break in paradise.

Day 2 began with a visit to the iconic Kala Academy, where Ms. Roxana Singh walked the students through its architectural significance and creative legacy. The final stop was Navhind Bhavan in Panjim, where students met Editor-in-Chief Mr. Vijay DeSouza. In a truly enlightening session, he unpacked the workings of a newspaper—from gathering stories to getting them in print. He also shared internship and career tips for budding writers and media enthusiasts. The trip wrapped up with minds full of memories and notebooks full of insights. Art, architecture, storytelling, and media—all in two days? Now that’s what we call a classroom without walls!

Guest Lecture on “Ayurveda and You” – A Wellness Wake-Up Call!

 Guest Lecture on “Ayurveda and You” – A Wellness Wake-Up Call!

On the bright and breezy morning of March 22, 2025, the College Auditorium of Carmel College of Arts, Science and Commerce for Women buzzed with fresh energy—not just because of the early start at 9:15 a.m., but because it was time to talk wellness the old-school (read: ancient and wise) way!

The Department of English, teaming up with the Department of Physical Education, Sports, and the Yoga Centre, hosted an enlightening guest lecture titled "Ayurveda and You: Tips on Health and Wellness." And who better to guide us through the magical world of turmeric, tulsi, and timeless traditions than Sr. Maria Saviola A.C., a seasoned expert in Ayurveda and holistic wellness?

Sr. Maria had everyone wide-eyed (and taking notes!) as she walked us through the basics of Ayurvedic living—seasonal eating, mindful habits, and those miracle Indian spices sitting right in our kitchens. From sipping warm water in the morning to balancing our doshas, the tips were simple, doable, and totally eye-opening. The Q&A that followed saw curious minds and animated questions flying across the room. Clearly, Ayurveda had struck a chord! Students and faculty alike were charmed by the idea of blending ancient wisdom into our fast-paced lives. The session wrapped up on a grateful note with Synora Picardo, Director of Physical Education, delivering a warm vote of thanks—expressing appreciation for Sr. Maria Saviola’s grounded guidance and the organizing teams’ efforts in making the event so lively and meaningful.

Verdict? Enlightening, engaging, and energizing—a total wellness win!

Open Mic – Women’s Day Vibes Unplugged!

Open Mic – Women’s Day Vibes Unplugged!

Who said Women’s Day had to be all speeches and flowers? At Carmel College, we celebrated it with a mic, a spotlight, and a whole lot of heart!

On March 11, 2025, the Departments of English, Hindi, Konkani, and the Women’s Cell teamed up to throw an Open Mic bash that turned the college auditorium into a stage bursting with talent, laughter, and unapologetic self-expression.

From soulful poetry to hilarious stand-up comedy, powerful storytelling to groovy dance moves—34 students lit up the stage in English, Hindi, and Konkani. Each performance was a little world of its own—raw, real, and ridiculously fun. The event kicked off with a short intro reminding everyone why Women’s Day matters, and then it was all vibes, volume, and vulnerability. There were verses that tugged at heartstrings, songs that echoed with emotion, stories that sparked laughter and reflection—and even a few moves that made the audience want to jump up and dance!

The Open Mic wasn't just an event—it was a movement in miniature. A safe, celebratory space for young voices to be loud, proud, and heard. A big shoutout to all the participants who brought their A-game and reminded us that art really does speak louder than words. The vote of thanks was proposed by the ever-energetic Ms. Ashwini Kumar, faculty from the Department of English and the mastermind behind the mic.

In short: hearts were full, voices were heard, and Women’s Day at Carmel? Totally rocked.

Film Screening of The Club – 12 March 2025

 

Film Screening of The Club – 12 March 2025

The Department of English at Carmel College of Arts, Science and Commerce for Women hosted a special screening of The Club, a documentary by filmmaker Nalini Elvino de Sousa, on 12 March 2025 in the college auditorium. The screening complemented the SYBA Major paper on Goan Diasporic Literature, which explores the experiences of Goans in British-ruled East Africa. Dr. Glenis Mendonca, Head of the Department, introduced the filmmaker and contextualized the significance of cross-migrations in the Goan diaspora. Nalini shared how a trip to Zanzibar led her to uncover the deep-rooted Goan connections in East Africa, culminating in a film that captures the centenary celebrations of the Goan Club in Dar-es-Salaam.

Through warm interviews and nostalgic memories, the documentary traced the lives of Goans who migrated in search of better futures, their cultural legacy, and their love for music, language, and belonging. Students found the film moving and insightful, appreciating the rich history and identity captured on screen.

Guest Lecture by Dr. Rajan Barrett: Challenging the Boundaries of Dalit Literature

 

Guest Lecture by Dr. Rajan Barrett: Challenging the Boundaries of Dalit Literature

On 4th February 2025, the Department of English at Carmel College of Arts, Science and Commerce for Women, Nuvem, hosted a stimulating and deeply reflective guest lecture by renowned scholar and former faculty of the Department of English, Maharaja Sayajirao University, Vadodara — Dr. Rajan Barrett. The session was titled Dalit Literature: A Misnomer? and offered students and faculty a compelling foray into the complexities and nuances of Dalit writing in India.

The event began with a warm welcome by Principal Dr. Sr. Maria Lizanne, followed by an introduction to the speaker by Dr. Glenis Mendonca, Head of the Department of English. Dr. Barrett wasted no time in diving into the heart of the debate — is "Dalit Literature" a useful category, or does it risk oversimplifying a diverse and layered set of experiences?

In his characteristic style — both provocative and erudite — Dr. Barrett argued that Dalits are not a monolithic group, and their identities are deeply interwoven with intersections of caste and class. He discussed Bama's Karukku (a landmark Tamil Dalit text), while also navigating the revolutionary spirit of the Dalit Panthers movement.

Referencing Aniket Jaaware's powerful essays such as Eating, and eating with, the Dalit and Destitute Literature, Dr. Barrett invited the audience to rethink notions of representation, voice, and literary ownership. The talk also touched upon canonical works like Vijay Tendulkar’s Mitrachi Goshta, bridging the conversation across genres and regions. The event was coordinated by Dr. Brian Mendonça, who currently teaches the Dalit Literature course to Second Year BA students. The session concluded with a thoughtful vote of thanks delivered by student Lysha Fernandes, who captured the audience’s appreciation for a lecture that was equal parts challenging, eye-opening, and intellectually nourishing. The talk didn’t just add to the students' academic toolkit—it inspired a shift in perspective. 

Guest Lecture Recap: 'Mirror Cracked from Side to Side – Partition of the Self' by Dr. Amit Ranjan

 

Guest Lecture Recap: 'Mirror Cracked from Side to Side – Partition of the Self' by Dr. Amit Ranjan

On December 20, 2024, the Department of English at Carmel College of Arts, Science and Commerce for Women, Nuvem, Goa, hosted a powerful and thought-provoking guest lecture by Dr. Amit Ranjan—poet, author, and faculty at CIET, NCERT, New Delhi. The lecture, titled Mirror Cracked from Side to Side: Partition of the Self, was conducted as a value addition for students of the BA Honours course in English, particularly enriching their understanding of Partition Literature.

Dr. Ranjan delved deep into the heart of Partition as not just a political or historical event, but a personal and psychological rupture. Framing the conversation around the “partition of the self,” he traced the trauma, displacement, and identity crises that emerged in the wake of 1947—especially for women, who bore the brunt of violence, erasure, and silence.

With deft literary insight, he unpacked The Shadow Lines by Amitav Ghosh and drew compelling parallels with films like Khamosh Pani and Qissa, sparking fresh reflections among students. A special moment in the session was when he read his evocative poem Parallel Lines—a piece that resonated deeply with the audience for its emotional intensity and quiet poignancy. Adding to the academic richness of the event, Dr. Glenis Mendonça, Head of the Department, offered insights into oral narratives surrounding Partition across borders, while Dr. Brian Mendonça, who teaches the Partition Literature course, reflected on its contemporary relevance. The event was beautifully anchored by students Akaisha and Akanksha, who introduced the speaker and proposed the vote of thanks.

The lecture left students not just with notes, but with an emotional and intellectual imprint—one that challenged them to engage with the fractures of history through the lens of literature.

Certificate Course: Life Skills 101 – Crafting the Perfect Personality

If there’s one thing that never goes out of style, it’s personality—and Carmel College decided to take that idea seriously with Life Skills 101: Crafting the Perfect Personality, a 30-hour certificate course that ran from 1st to 15th February 2025. Hosted by the Department of English, the course was a fun, transformative journey aimed at helping students become the best versions of themselves—inside and out!

The course kicked off with an inaugural session on February 1, 2025, in the presence of enthusiastic participants, the English faculty, and the expert resource persons. Coordinated by faculty member Ashwini Kumar, this course was all about stepping up your game in life—whether in college, at interviews, or just in everyday interactions.

The dynamic duo of Kanan Tandi and Runa Menezes, both powerhouses in their fields, led the sessions with flair, heart, and a whole lot of real-world wisdom. With students joining in from all streams—Arts, Commerce, and Science—the classroom was buzzing with energy and eagerness to grow.

So what exactly did this course offer? Think everything from decoding body language to mastering the art of stress management. Whether it was time management tips, self-presentation hacks, or developing emotional intelligence, the sessions were loaded with interactive activities, role-plays, practical tasks, and meaningful conversations. It wasn’t just theory—it was learning by doing, reflecting, and growing. Students didn’t just sit back and listen—they dived right in. Lively group discussions, real-life scenario enactments, and collaborative tasks brought the sessions alive, and by the end of it, everyone walked out a little more confident, a little more aware, and a whole lot more ready to take on the world.

The grand finale? A lovely valedictory function where the 27 proud participants received their certificates in the presence of Sr. Ishapriya (Manager of the Institution), resource person Runa Menezes, Dr. Glenis Mendonca (Head, Department of English), Roxana Singh, and course coordinator Ashwini Kumar. The vote of thanks, proposed by Mr. Kumar, reflected heartfelt appreciation for everyone who made the course a resounding success—including Principal Dr. Sr. Maria Lizanne AC and faculty member Faye Pinto from the Department of Psychology.

With its mix of practical knowledge, hands-on activities, and inspiring mentorship, Life Skills 101 proved to be more than just a course—it was a launchpad for self-discovery, confidence, and success. Here's to crafting stronger, smarter, and savvier personalities—one life skill at a time!

Students at GALF 2025: A Festival of Books, Brilliance, and Big Vibes

Students at GALF 2025: A Festival of Books, Brilliance, and Big Vibes

The Goa Arts and Literature Festival (GALF) 2025 lit up the city—and our Carmel College students were right there, soaking in the magic! Held at the ever-charming ICG on February 14 and 15, GALF turned into a cultural carnival, and our girls showed up in full spirit, hearts open and notebooks ready. From FY to TY, across Arts, Commerce, and Science, we had a supercharged turnout—55 students on Day 1 and 41 on Day 2 (with a few die-hards coming on both days!). The festival buzzed with energy, curiosity, and that unmistakable “so much to see, so little time” feeling. Sessions were happening in parallel, books were being launched left and right, and deciding what to attend felt like a fun academic treasure hunt.

The line-up was absolutely fire: talks on art in Mumbai, theatre in Hyderabad, the poetic legacy of Mir in Delhi, and an inspiring session with writer Sumana Roy from Siliguri. One of the sweetest surprises? Our Manipuri students got to chat with Manipur-based bookseller Martin Thokchom—it was such a wholesome, cross-cultural moment, and it made the GALF vibe even more memorable.

And let's not forget the setting—green lawns, vibrant shamianas, and ICG’s legendary hospitality. With breakfast, lunch, and chai breaks perfectly timed between literary deep dives, the festival had something for both the mind and the tummy. Students didn’t just attend—they experienced. Many journaled, blogged, and captured their reflections, turning GALF into a living, breathing extension of their classroom. Leading the charge were Dr. Glenis Mendonça, Head of the Department of English, and Dr. Brian Mendonça, Assistant Professor and official Festival Delegate, who cheered the students on through it all.

All in all, GALF 2025 was less of a field trip and more of a full-blown festival—with books, ideas, and a whole lot of heart. Here’s to more such literary adventures!

Student Participation in the Workshop: The Road Less Taken

Student Participation in the Workshop: The Road Less Taken

Exploring Unconventional Paths, One Story at a Time

On 7th February 2025, six students from the Department of English at Carmel College of Arts, Science and Commerce found themselves at the scenic Pilar Pilgrim Center for a career guidance workshop that truly lived up to its name—The Road Less Taken. Hosted by Fr. Agnel College, Pilar, the workshop ran from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and brought together a brilliant lineup of speakers who’ve carved their own unique niches in the world of literature, media, and the arts. From Leonard Fernandes of Dogears Bookshop to Pratik Joshi of Soul Travelling, from short story writer Sheila Jaywant to the ever-energetic emcee Damian Carvalho, and finally, the storytelling duo of journalist Fredrick Noronha and filmmaker Jojo D’Souza—each one had an inspiring tale to tell.

Our student squad—Pearlin Gonsalves, Aisha Khan, Janice Silvera, Marvel Gomes, Pearl Cardoso, and Deepika Iti—soaked in the stories, scribbled notes, and left with a fresh perspective on careers that don’t follow the traditional track. The speakers didn’t just talk about success; they shared their struggles, side-hustles, passions, and the power of simply doing what you love. The entire experience was a reminder that with creativity, courage, and a little bit of curiosity, the road less taken can lead to some amazing places.

Pegasus 2025 Carmelites Fly High at Chowgule’s Literary Fest

 

Pegasus 2025

Carmelites Fly High at Chowgule’s Literary Fest

Pegasus 2025 turned out to be an unforgettable ride for the English Majors and Minors of Carmel College! Hosted by Parvatibai Chowgule College of Arts and Science, Goa, this 15th edition of the annual literary festival took place on January 15 and 16, and boy, did it have everything—drama, debates, slam poetry, treasure hunts, culinary magic, and more! With 20 enthusiastic FY and SY students taking part in a whopping 23 events, Team Carmel brought their A-game to every stage, spotlight, and mic. Whether it was flexing creative muscles in art and craft or setting the stage on fire with performances, our girls gave it their all—and it paid off. Competing against nine other colleges from across Goa, we proudly bagged the overall third place. Shoutout to Ms. Ayeesha Antão, our ever-energetic teacher coordinator, who not only guided us but also cheered the loudest from the sidelines. Pegasus wasn’t just a competition—it was a celebration of talent, teamwork, and a whole lot of Carmel spirit!