A very meaningful workshop on “Legal Rights and Empowerment of Minority Communities in Goa: Challenges and Perspectives” was organised by Goa University Manohar Parrikar School of Law, Governance and Public Policy & UGC centre for the study of social inclusion of D. D. Kosambi School of Social Sciences and Behavioural studies in collaboration with Directorate of Equal Opportunity & Nirmala Institute of Education, Panaji -Goa on 13th February 2026 at 9.30 a.m. The workshop was attended by the F. Y. B. Ed. and S. Y. B.Ed.
Workshop held on ‘Legal Rights and Empowerment of Minority Communities in Goa: Challenges and Perspectives’
A very meaningful workshop on “Legal Rights and Empowerment of Minority Communities in Goa: Challenges and Perspectives” was organised by Goa University Manohar Parrikar School of Law, Governance and Public Policy & UGC centre for the study of social inclusion of D. D. Kosambi School of Social Sciences and Behavioural studies in collaboration with Directorate of Equal Opportunity & Nirmala Institute of Education, Panaji -Goa on 13th February 2026 at 9.30 a.m. The workshop was attended by the F. Y. B. Ed. and S. Y. B.Ed. students of Nirmala Institute of Education along with the faculty and staff. The legal experts, members, and students got together to deliberate on issues that concern the rights and dignity of minority communities.
The workshop began with the traditional lighting of the lamp by the dignitaries, including the Chief Guest, Adv. Cleofato Almeida Coutinho, Senior Advocate, High Court of Bombay at Goa, and the Distinguished Guest, Dr. Maria Norma Menezes Rebello, Director, Directorate of Equal Opportunity Cell (D.E.O.C.), Goa University. The workshop coordinators, Dr. Vijay Gawas and Mr. Saprem Shirvoikar were also present along with the faculty members Associate Prof. Suvarna Gauns and Asst. Prof. Shylaja Sherief, College Co-ordinator.
Ms. Suvarna Gauns warmly welcomed everyone and explained the objectives and purpose behind organising the workshop. This was followed by an inspiring address from Dr. Maria Norma Menezes Rebello, who shared valuable insights on the importance of empowering minority communities through legal awareness.
The most awaited moment of the workshop was the address by Chief Guest Adv. Cleofato Almeida Coutinho. Drawing from his three decades of rich experience in Constitutional laws, he spoke passionately about legal rights and empowerment of minority communities, not only in the Goan context but also from global and international perspectives. He traced the fascinating evolution of minority rights from past to present and shared his vision for the future, while emphasising the fundamental importance of liberty of conscience.
The technical sessions featured engaging presentations by the speakers Asst. Professors, Ms. Disha Sardessai and Ms. Dhruva Naik, who spoke on legal rights of minority communities and the provisions in the Constitution of India. Their well-researched presentations sparked meaningful discussions among the participants. An interactive question-and-answer session followed, giving participants the opportunity to engage directly with the speakers and clarify their doubts.
The Vote of Thanks was proposed by Mr. Saprem Shirvoikar and Asst. Prof. Shylaja Sherief. They expressed their heartfelt gratitude to all the dignitaries, speakers, faculty members, and participants for making this workshop a great success.
The workshop concluded on an inspiring note with a call to action, encouraging participants to work towards building a more just and equal society. The event successfully created awareness about legal rights and sparked important conversations about empowering minority communities in Goa.
