The “14th D. D. Kosambi Festival of Ideas 2025” was organized by the Directorate of Art and Culture, Government of Goa, from 24th February to 28th February 2025 at the Main Auditorium, Kala Academy, Campal, Panaji, Goa. The festival featured renowned personalities delivering intellectual lectures, sharing valuable knowledge on various subjects.
Day-wise Breakdown:
Day 1 (24th February 2025):
The inaugural ceremony commenced at 4:30 PM, graced by Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, Art and Culture Minister Mr. Govind Gaude, and the Director of Kala Academy. The highlight of the day was an enlightening session by Gaur Gopal Das Ji, who captivated the audience with his thought-provoking insights on life. He compared life to an airplane journey, emphasizing that take-off represents birth, landing signifies death, and turbulence symbolizes challenges, successes, and relationships.
Through his lecture, he emphasized the true essence of positivity, stating that it is okay not to be positive all the time and that one should focus on being grateful. He highlighted the importance of the process of growth over the pressure to grow, offering a fresh perspective on navigating life’s journey. His session blended motivational quotes, shayari, and even singing, making it truly memorable. During the Q&A session, he shared the major influences in his life, including his grandmother, mother, Guru Radhanath Swami Ji, and Paramguru Shree Krishna. His key takeaway: “Do not be rude and arrogant, as relationships are greater than ego.”
On day 1 a total of 33 NSS Volunteers attended the same along with 2 Faculty Members: Asst. Prof. Kalpana Parab and Asst. Prof. Akshada Gaonkar.
Day 2 (25th February 2025):
The second day featured a session by Ms. Alka Saraogi, a renowned novelist and eminent Hindi author. The session titled “And it says, Save me from Suicide” was scheduled from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. The talk focused on mental health, literature, and storytelling as a tool for social awareness. A total of 20 students (13 Female, 07 Male) from BCA and B.Voc (ST), accompanied by Ms. Vinaya Kirloskar, Assistant Professor in Commerce, attended the session.
Following the talk, an interactive Q&A session addressed mental well-being, the role of literature in mental health awareness, and strategies to support individuals facing emotional distress. The talk was well-received, leaving students with a deeper understanding of mental health challenges and the importance of open conversations and seeking help when needed.
Day 3 (27th February 2025):
A group of 24 students from the BBA (Financial Services) programme, along with faculty member Asst. Prof. Sarth Shanbhag, attended a session by Ms. Nivedita Bhide, a distinguished social worker and author. She provided insightful commentary on Swami Vivekananda, highlighting valuable life lessons applicable to both personal and professional growth. The event fostered intellectual curiosity and inspiration, leaving students with a renewed perspective on philosophy and self-development.
Day 4 (28th February 2025):
The festival concluded with an inspiring session by Commander Abhilash Tomy, a retired Indian Navy officer, naval aviator, and renowned yachtsman. Accompanied by 41 NSS volunteers and faculty member Asst. Prof. Sanjay Velip, the students listened to his extraordinary life journey, particularly his solo, non-stop circumnavigation of the world under sail.
Commander Tomy commenced his speech with an inspiring quote, immediately capturing the audience’s attention. He then shared his extraordinary life experiences, with a particular focus on his achievements in circumnavigation. He proudly recounted his historic feat of becoming the first Indian to complete a solo, non-stop circumnavigation of the world under sail.
During his address, he also spoke about his participation in the 2018 Golden Globe Race. Unfortunately, he was unable to complete the race as his boat was severely damaged after encountering a tsunami. Despite this setback, his resilience remained unwavering. He shared how he retired from military service in January 2021 to fully dedicate himself to competitive sailing, particularly preparing for the 2022 Golden Globe Race. Commander Tomy’s perseverance paid off when he participated in the 2022 Golden Globe Race and secured second place, making history as the only Asian skipper to achieve a podium finish in a round-the-world sailing race.
His session emphasized the values of resilience, perseverance, and courage, leaving students deeply inspired. The session concluded with an interactive Q&A, where students engaged with Commander Tomy to gain deeper insights into his experiences.
The 14th D.D. Kosambi Festival of Ideas 2025 provided students with a unique opportunity to engage with intellectual leaders, gain knowledge on diverse topics, and develop a broader perspective on life and personal growth. The sessions were highly motivational, insightful, and thought-provoking, leaving a lasting impact on all attendees. The event was a grand success, encouraging intellectual exploration and inspiring students to strive for excellence in their respective fields.
