Goa Khabar : The Cuncolim Educational Society celebrated its 62nd Founders’ Day and Felicitation of Retired Staff Members on 4th October 2025 at the Cuncolim Municipal Hall. The event was a grand celebration, marking over six decades of dedicated service in the field of education and honoring the invaluable contributions of its staff and management.
The Chief Guest for the function was Saket Gupta, Executive Director and Chief of the Advanced Training Institute (ATI), ONGC, Kital, Canaguinim – Goa. The programme was also graced by the presence of Virendra (Videsh) Y. Dessai (Chairman), Kavendra S. Dessai (Vice Chairman), Prakash R. Dessai (Secretary), Vivek Padiyar (Treasurer), Rajesh Dessai (Joint Secretary), Laximan Naik, and Viraj Dessai (Executive Members) along with heads of various educational institutions under the Society, Prof. (Dr.) Brahma Edwin Barreto, Principal of The CES College of Arts and Commerce; Rosita Costa Barretto, Principal of Cuncolim United Higher Secondary School; and Prajakta Sawant, Headmistress of Cuncolim United High School. Their presence reflected the collective spirit of unity and commitment to educational excellence.
The programme commenced with the lighting of the traditional lamp, followed by a welcome address by Viraj Dessai, Executive Member of The Cuncolim Educational Society. This was followed by a vibrant cultural programme presented by students from the sister institutions of the Society.
In his address, chief guest Saket Gupta commended the institution’s efforts in nurturing students holistically and emphasized the importance of continuous learning and skill development. Chairman Virendra Y. Dessai also shared reflections on the institution’s journey and expressed heartfelt gratitude to all who contributed to its success.
A key highlight of the event was the felicitation of esteemed management members and retired staff, who were honored for their years of dedicated service and lasting impact on the organization. The felicitees included Gulab Dessai (Founding Member, Former Secretary and Former Executive Member of The Cuncolim Educational Society), Surekha Dessai (LDC), Rajashri Gaikwad (Librarian) and Babusso Velip (Physics Lab Attendant (MTS)) at Cuncolim United Higher Secondary School and Associate professor Dr. Sarala Katageri and Professor Avinash Raikar from The CES College of Arts and Commerce each recognized for their unwavering commitment and contributions.
The event also featured the prize distribution ceremony for the 4th Inter-Collegiate Cross Country Race – Oscar Memorial Run, held earlier that morning. The 5.5 km race was organized in memory of Late Rui Oscar V. Gracias, former Headmaster of Cuncolim United High School. The race saw enthusiastic participation from various colleges, with individual and team championships awarded, along with rolling trophies and cash prizes. The first place in individual category was bagged by Suraj Datta Velip of Shree Mallikarjun and Chetan Manju Dessai College of Arts, Commerce and Science, Canacona, second place was bagged by Ganesh Gamdurkar of Parvatibai Chowgule College of Arts and Science, Margao and the third place was bagged by Nikhil Gaude of GVMS GGPR College of Commerce and Economics, Ponda. First place in team championship was bagged by Shree Mallikarjun and Chetan Manju Dessai College, Canacona, second place was bagged by GVMS GGPR College of Commerce and Economics, Ponda and third place was bagged by SSA Govt. College and Research Centre, Pernem Goa. The run was generously sponsored by the wife and children of Late Rui Oscar V. Gracias.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Kavendra S. Dessai, Vice Chairman of The Cuncolim Educational Society. Asst. Prof. Jayesh Raut efficiently compered the event.
