Chief Minister of Dr. Pramod Sawant felicitated Goa’s student achievers who have brought laurels to the State through their remarkable performances in Robotics and STEM competitions at national and international platforms.
The felicitation ceremony recognised students who excelled at prestigious competitions including the World STEM & Robotics Olympiad (WSRO), VEX Robotics Championships, and the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC), reflecting Goa’s growing prominence in technology-driven education.
The Chief Minister lauded the role of Qurious Mind Infotainment Pvt. Ltd., a Goa-based robotics education organisation, for its sustained efforts in nurturing young talent and building a strong ecosystem for hands-on STEM learning across the State.
He also acknowledged the contribution of the Department of Education, Government of Goa, school managements, teachers, mentors, and parents in enabling students to achieve excellence on competitive platforms.
Students from several Goan institutions, including Saraswat Vidyalaya, Mapusa; Mahila & Nutan English High School, Margao; Sharada Mandir School, Miramar; Pradnya High School; St. Bartholomew’s High School, Chorao; Podar International School, Panelim; and Mushtifund High School, Cujira, were felicitated for their achievements.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Sawant congratulated the students and mentors, stating that their achievements exemplify innovation, discipline, teamwork, and the spirit of scientific inquiry. He reiterated the Government of Goa’s commitment to promoting STEM education, innovation, and future-ready skills, in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, to ensure that Goan youth are prepared to compete and succeed at global platforms.
The Chief Minister further noted that initiatives led by organisations like Qurious Mind, in collaboration with schools and educators, are instrumental in positioning Goa as an emerging hub for robotics, innovation, and technology education.
Following students were felicitated:
Ronav Chodankar & Ariana Chodankar
Sharada Mandir School
Mentor: Dr. Deepa Chodankar
Judges’ Choice Award – Young Scientist (All STEM – Open Category)
Shlok R. Juvatkar
Mahila & Nutan English High School
Mentor: Mahadev Mishal
1st Place – Junior Robo Race
VEX ROBOTICS – REGIONAL & NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
Students Representing Goa
• Mast Vedang Anay Kamat
• Miss Surabhi Shubhesh Manerikar
• Miss Rajvi Vishwanath Marathe
• Mast Shourya Ganpat Prabhu Kapdi
FIRST TECH CHALLENGE (FTC) – (International Competition Framework)
Students Recognised for Leadership & Excellence
Soham Mahesh Redkar – Saraswat Vidyalaya, Mapusa
Dhruv Sameer Salgaonkar – Saraswat Vidyalaya, Mapusa
Sparsh Swapnesh Verlekar – Saraswat Vidyalaya, Mapusa
Sairaj Amonkar – Saraswat Vidyalaya, Mapusa
Anam Raza – Podar International School, Panelim, Goa
Avaneesh Devendra Phadte – Mushtifund High School, Cujira, Goa
Sai Pranav Gandhi – Sharada Mandir School, Miramar, Goa
WSRO INTERNATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
(International Representation | Highest Honour)
International Participation – Industry 4.0
School: New English High School, Digas Panchwadi
Mentor: Atul Shirodkar
Students:
• Miss Paravi Prakash Gaonkar
• Miss Shravya Rajendra Naik
• Miss Akshavi Ashok Gaonkar
• Miss Aarushi Arun Sawant
6th Prize – Line Follower
Student: Mast Dilraj Dilip Kavthankar
Team: Pradnya High School
Mentor: Prasad Gadekar
5th Prize – Young Scientist (Algorithms)
Student: Mast Ian Nunes
School: St. Bartholomew’s High School, Chorao
Mentor: Vincent Toscano
4th Prize – Industry 4.0
Student: Mast Vedang Kamat
School: Saraswat Vidyalaya, Mapusa
Mentor: Anay Kamat
3rd Prize – Line Follower
Students:
• Manish Mahadev Gawandi
• Nirbhay Manoj Talkar
• Mayank Sandeep Kavathankar
Team: Pradnya High School
Mentor: Prasad Gadekar
