On December 8, 2024, the St. Joseph Vaz College Alumni Association embarked on a meaningful mission to preserve one of Goa’s hidden treasures, Kakolem Beach. This cleanliness drive, the first project under the alumni association, showcased their commitment to societal betterment and environmental conservation.

A team of 12 spirited alumni, led by President Tejeswa Naik and guided by core Project Directors Fran Fernandes and Leo Faleiro, came together to make a difference. The initiative was supported by the Alumni Convenor, Asst. Prof. Fr. Bolmax Pereira, reflecting the collective responsibility of the alumni network towards their alma mater and community.

The event received substantial backing from local leaders, amplifying its impact. Capt. Venzy Viegas, MLA of Benaulim constituency, provided refreshments for the volunteers, while Quepem constituency MLA Altone D’Costa extended his support,
contributing to the project’s resounding success. Cola Panchayat Panch Member, Mrs. Priyanka Velip, also actively participated in the drive, praising the team’s dedication and inspiring others to join the cause.

During the drive, 12 bags of plastic waste, including bottles, were meticulously collected and handed over to the panchayat for proper disposal. Beyond the physical cleanup, the team engaged with local shack owners and tourists, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the beach’s pristine condition. Their message resonated as a call to action to preserve the natural beauty of Goa for future generations.

Alumni President Mr. Tejeswa expressed heartfelt gratitude to the core Project Directors, Fran and Leo, for transforming a casual idea discussed during a picnic months ago into a meaningful and impactful cleanliness drive. He lauded their initiative as an inspiring example of turning leisure into action for a greater cause. During his interaction with the locals, Mr. Tejeswa learned about a pressing issue—despite residents paying the panchayat, waste collection remains inconsistent, leaving bottles and trash scattered across the beaches. He strongly urged the authorities to address this problem promptly and take proactive measures to restore the pristine beauty of these shores.

Additionally, he called upon other environmentally conscious groups to step forward and organize similar cleanliness drives, emphasizing the collective responsibility to preserve Goa’s true charm and ensure its waters and beaches remain clean and
inviting for generations to come.

The Project director , Mr. Fran Fernandes who was the think tank of this cleanliness drive, addressed key environmental concerns:
1. Waste Disposal: He emphasized the need to stop littering, urging everyone to set an example for others, including tourists.
2. Glass Bottles: Highlighting the beach alcohol ban, he called for strict action against those leaving glass bottles onshore, posing risks to tourists and marine life.
3. Social Media Impact: He noted that influencers often promote unexplored beaches, leading to overcrowding and pollution, and stressed responsible content creation.
4. Tourism Monitoring: He urged the government to regularly monitor tourist spots and penalize those damaging these areas.

The cleanliness drive received strong support from the local Cola Panchayat, with Panch Member Mrs. Priyanka Velip praising the alumni team for their commendable efforts. She expressed her appreciation for the team’s dedication, traveling all the way from Cortalim to Kakolem to take the initiative in restoring the natural beauty of the beach. Demonstrating her commitment, Mrs. Priyanka actively participated in the cleaning drive and pledged to leverage her role in the panchayat to ensure the sustained cleanliness and upkeep of the beach.

Alumni Convenor, Fr. Bolmax Pereira, commended the team’s efforts to be a part of the solution rather than being a part of the problem by merely criticizing the problem of littering at the beach during picnics. He expressed his concern over the increasing pollution of our beautiful beaches. “It’s disheartening to witness these natural treasures getting dirtier, but it’s inspiring to see this young team stepping up to be part of the solution,” he remarked. He further emphasized that their dedication would serve as a powerful call to action for both authorities and tourists to protect and preserve the pristine beauty of these beaches. Fr. Pereira also encouraged the alumni team to tackle broader environmental challenges, including safeguarding mountain trails and urban streets, ensuring they uphold the legacy and pride of their alma mater.

Mercy Fernandes, who joined the drive with her one year old daughter , Miriam , was the chief guest for the day and appreciated the initiative by the team towards clean beaches of Goa.

Alumnus , Leancy Mathais and Sabira Shaikh passionately urged everyone to take responsibility for maintaining the cleanliness of our beaches. They emphasized that preserving the natural beauty of these shores is a shared duty and encouraged individuals and organizations alike to step up and organize regular cleanliness drives. Their heartfelt appeal served as a reminder that small, collective efforts can lead to a significant impact in protecting and restoring our coastal treasures.

Flower pots were presented to project directors Fran and Leo as a token of appreciation for their commendable efforts for this project. President Tejeswa, Thanked everyone for being a part of this project and making it a grand success.

This initiative by the St. Joseph Vaz College Alumni stands as a shining example of how small, determined efforts can lead to significant positive changes in society. With a vision to be change-makers and a heart to give back, they have set a benchmark
for community-driven environmental stewardship.