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 event celebrated the knowledge, creativity, and passion of students from across Goa, emphasising the importance of education and the unexplored hinterlands of the state.
The winners of the competition are as follows: Mushtifund Aryaan HSS, Cujira, (1st prize); St. Andrew HSS, Vasco (2nd); and Shree Damodar HSS, Margao, (3rd).
The award ceremony was graced by MLA Dr. Ganesh Gaonkar, Chairman of GTDC; Gavin Dias, General Manager, GTDC; Deepak Narvekar, Deputy General Manager, GTDC; Prasad Kavalekar, Manager Marketing, and Nagesh Sardesai, Quiz Master. Chandrashekar Kopordekar, Manager of Miramar Residency, among others.
Over 30 higher secondary schools from across Goa participated, making the event a vibrant celebration of curiosity and learning.
Gaonkar sensitised the students on the importance of preserving Goa’s heritage beyond its beaches. He remarked, “Education plays a crucial role in shaping young minds. Goa is much more than its beaches – our 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 further appealed to the students that they should explore the hinterlands of Goa.”
Suneel Anchipaka, IAS, Director Tourism and Managing Director GTDC 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.”
General Manager of GTDC, Gavin Dias, addressing the gathering, stated, “This initiative is the brainchild of our visionary 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, Deputy General Manager, GTDC, Deepak 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, spearheaded by Dr. Ganesh Gaonkar, aims to engage students as the future ambassadors of tourism. You, as the youth, have the power to take this vision forward and showcase the lesser-known but vibrant side of Goa to the world.”
The Goa Beyond Beaches campaign aims to promote hinterland tourism and showcase Goa’s villages as vibrant and culturally significant destinations. By engaging the youth through events like these, GTDC hopes to nurture future ambassadors who will lead the promotion of sustainable and regenerative tourism.
The Quiz Competition brought together young minds who demonstrated their knowledge and enthusiasm, reflecting a promising future for Goa’s tourism sector.
