25 PRIMARY, 8 HIGH SCHOOLS PARTICIPATE IN ALL GOA ‘AAMCHA MALA’ FARMING COMPETITION

Government Primary School Rive and Government High School Pissurlem emerge winners

SIKERI, MAYEM: The All Goa ‘Aamcha Mala’ Competition, an initiative aimed at introducing schoolchildren to farming, organic cultivation and the importance of self-sufficiency, concluded with a prize distribution ceremony at Sikeri Goshala on August 29, 2026.

Organised jointly by Patanjali Kisan Sewa Samiti and Gomantak Gausevak Mahasangh, Sikeri Goshala, the competition witnessed enthusiastic participation from 25 primary schools and eight high schools from across Goa.

The competition was conducted, providing students with hands-on exposure to farming and organic cultivation. The organisers supplied seeds and organic manure to participating schools as part of the initiative.

Agricultural expert Tulsidas Mangeshkar and Smita Vaigankar served as judges for the competition.

Winners in Primary School Category

Government Primary School, Rive, Sattari secured the first prize of Rs 10,000, along with a trophy and merit certificate.

The second prize of Rs 7,500, trophy and merit certificate went to Government Primary School, Bandwada, Netravali.

The third prize, carrying Rs 5,000, trophy and merit certificate, was jointly awarded to Vivekanand Vidya Mandir, Keri, Sattari, and Government Primary School, Kumbharkhand, Sattari.

Consolation prizes of Rs 500 each and merit certificates were awarded to Government Primary School, Kumbharwada (Nirankal, Ponda); Government Primary School, Kamarkhajan (Mapusa, Bardez); Damodar Konkani Primary School (Gudi, Paroda); Government Primary School, Savatwada (Pal, Sattari); and Government Primary School, Bottar.

Winners in High School Category

Government High School, Pissurlem won the first prize of Rs 10,000, along with a trophy and merit certificate.

Government High School, Bhuipal, Sattari secured the second prize of Rs 7,500, trophy and merit certificate.

The third prize of Rs 5,000, trophy and merit certificate was awarded to Ideal High School, Pilgao.

Consolation prizes of Rs 500 each and merit certificates were awarded to Government High School, Dayanandnagar (Dharbandora); Shree Shantadurga Gurukul (Kavale, Ponda); Gananath English High School (Nirankal, Ponda); Vivekanand High School (Keri, Sattari); and Government High School, Sawarde (Sattari).

All participating students and schools across both categories received participation certificates.

Dignitaries hail initiative

The prize distribution ceremony was attended by Kamlakant S. Tari, President, Gomantak Gausevak Mahasangh and Patanjali Kisan Sewa Samiti Goa; Kamlesh Bandekar, President, Bharat Swabhimaan Goa; Vishwas Shetkorgaonkar, President, Patanjali Yog Samiti Goa; Tulsidas Mangeshkar, Deputy State In-Charge, Patanjali Kisan Sewa Samiti Goa; and Dr Shilpa Bhosle, Professor and Researcher, Patanjali Kisan Sewa Samiti Goa.

The dignitaries appreciated the participation of schools and students and highlighted the importance of encouraging the younger generation to understand farming, organic cultivation and self-reliance.

The organisers also expressed their gratitude to the staff of Gomantak Gausevak Mahasangh, Sikeri Goshala, and all those who contributed to the successful conduct of the competition.

Next edition to go taluka-level

The organisers announced that the next edition of the All Goa ‘Aamcha Mala’ Competition will be held in January 2027.

To provide more schools across Goa with an opportunity to participate, the competition will be expanded to a taluka-level format for both primary and high schools.