From Performing for the President to Coordinating NoMoZo: The Journey of Ninil D’Souza

Goa Khabar:Meet Ninil D’souza, who works behind the scenes as the main coordinator of NoMoZo and other events organised in Porvorim. Also recognised for his skills in hospitality, art, and Bharatnatyam, he shares insights into the success of the fifth edition of NoMoZo and the several other cultural and citizen centric events hosted in Porvorim

The success of NoMoZo 5.0 held recently, and the Carnival parade held on Friday on the service road have put Porvorim in the limelight. An entrepreneur in the hospitality and tourism sector by profession Ninil D’Souza has been spearheading events and activities with his team for Porvorim Rising, an initiative by Rohan Khaunte.

A notable figure in hospitality, an accomplished Bharatnatyam dancer, D’souza has worked behind the scenes to build NoMoZo from scratch.  “We had to bounce back with a bang for the fourth and fifth edition of NoMoZo after the pandemic. People loved the event, and so it was more like an obligation towards the people of Porvorim to give them something better,” says D’Souza.

NoMoZo 5.0 showcased diverse activities, promoting fitness, sports, culture, heritage, and crafts through over 14 zones. “This year we included astronomy, eco and a pet zone in addition to the other established zones. NoMoZo grows every year and Porvorim has allowed this to happen” he mentions talking about how the crowd for NoMoZo this year was over 20,000.

NoMoZo this year with Eco Zone educated attendees about waste segregation and the proper disposal of E-waste was carried out. D’souza says, “We encouraged attendees to bring their e-waste to NoMoZo for proper collection and disposal.” Youth Zone had counselling sessions, mental health awareness, career guidance, road safety initiatives. The Astronomy Zone provided opportunities to observe constellations, planets, and explore the importance of astronomy in daily life.

He states that with the effort of his team from Porvorim Rising and like-minded people, NoMoZo, has evolved from a collaborative effort with the Minister for Tourism, IT  and Printing & Stationery Rohan Khaunte. “This joint endeavour aimed at benefiting every section of the Porvorim community has grown into a state-level celebration. And thus, I give it my time and do everything possible to make that event a great one for everyone who is part of it. The satisfaction you get from seeing people happy, or just praising the organisational level, is enough,” says D’Souza

Coordinating NoMoZo, D’souza points out the balance between challenge and enjoyment, giving credit to Khaunte as the driving force behind the event. He says, “Leadership is crucial; ideas alone cannot bring about change.” Here we advocate not just about love for the environment, but a love for art, culture, sports, and the environment. “Under Rohan Khaunte’s leadership, an environment has been created to apply and celebrate learnings throughout the year, showcasing initiatives like Panchayat Ghar in Socorro and Salvador Do Mundo.”

Through facilities like a boxing centre, a top-notch football field, tennis courts, gyms, badminton areas, parks that ready and an upcoming park designed for differently-abled individuals, Khaunte’s vision he says offers Porvorkars the chance to put into practice what they learn at NoMoZo.  He informs that there is a world class sports complex coming up in Porvorim in the near future.

D’Souza highlights that for great leadership, teamwork is essential and makes a mention of the contribution of various individuals and organisations including the sarpanch and panch members of Penha De Franca, Socorro and Salvador do Mundo. Clubs like Samraat Club, Rotary Clubs, Young Indians (Yi), Progressive Active Citizens (PAC) Goa played a significant role, he mentions. As a Porvorim resident, D’Souza describes NoMoZo as a source of community pride, engaging residents of all ages. “Porvorim has given me everything. I am doing what I can for Porvorim now,” he mentions.

Marina Moraes, Suraj George, Abigail D’Mello, Lawrie Fernandes, Omar Gago, Anuj Harmalkar, Ashish Samant and many more individuals from Porvorim came forward to work on NoMoZo and other events. “With this team we now have plans for more such innovative programmes to be hosted. People should just pass by Porvorim, but stop by and enjoy themselves,” D’Souza says.

Today, D’Souza who juggles business and duties at home makes time for Porvorim. For those who know D’Souza, they wonder and appreciate his concentrated efforts for Porvorim. The Art Park, located close to IHM is managed by D’Souza and his friends. For him, he says it is important to organise events for people. “It is important to bring our elderly together in an area that is safe, clean and allow them to enjoy themselves. Also, events allow youngsters and home entrepreneurs to get a platform and at Porvorim Rising we make it a point to boost such people, from Porvorim and beyond,” he shares.

With a deep connection and commitment to art, culture and social service, his efforts are always steered towards society. His significant performance as a Bharatnatyam dancer was performing for the President of India years ago, which still remains his cherished moment.

Over the past five years, NoMoZo has grown significantly, evolving from a local event into a state-level extravaganza. Gaining prominence as a sought-after tourist destination, D’Souza aspires that NoMoZo gains national recognition in the future.