VASCO
The Chicalim Youth Farmers Club (CYFC) felicitated individuals and institutions that have contributed significantly to the club’s mission of reviving sustainable farming through youth participation and collective action. The event marked a milestone in Chicalim’s ongoing efforts to reconnect its younger generation with the land, while acknowledging the crucial support of mentors, field workers, schools, landowners, and veteran farmers.
The ceremony began by honouring the village farmers, acknowledged as the pillars of Chicalim’s agricultural tradition. Rui Manuel da Costa Araujo, Manuel Fernandes, Inacio Caetano Fernandes, Caetano Barbosa, Prabhakar B Gaude and Jayshree Gaude were the farmers felicitated for their tireless commitment and wisdom that helped inspire the youth and sustain the farming ecosystem in the village of Chicalim.
The Club also extended its heartfelt thanks to landowners who graciously provided their fields for youth farming activities. Felicitated landowners included Connie D’Costa, Antonieta Nunes, Shashikant Usgaonkar, Willie Da Costa, Jerome Martin and Vicky Kerkar.
A special recognition was given to the dedicated workers who quietly ensured the day-to-day success of the farming activities. These individuals played a key role in supporting the operations in the field. Those honoured were Canute Peter D’Souza, Francis Teles, Somesh Wadiyar and Ismail Sab Itagi.
Two schools namely St. Andrews ICSE School, Vasco and Regina Mundi School, Chicalim were felicitated for their enthusiastic collaboration with the club in the community farming initiative, bridging classroom learning with hands-on agricultural practice. Teachers and students from these schools worked alongside the youth in the fields, demonstrating true commitment to environmental education and community service.
Nine youth members of the club were recognized for their active involvement in farming and community service. The young farmers felicitated were Shogun Fernandes, Valerie Afonso, Chelsea Veena Fernandes, Jerrico Vaz, Xavier Mohan, Jonas Da Costa, Pandurang Bhagat, Valisha Gama and Alisha Pereira.
The Club also paid tribute to its mentors Fr (Dr) Bolmax Pereira, Fr Peter Fernandes and Rui Manuel da Costa Araujo whose guidance and encouragement helped shape the youth’s approach to farming with knowledge, confidence and care.
The felicitation programme concluded with heartfelt thanks and renewed commitment to building a self-sustaining agricultural ecosystem in Chicalim. The event reaffirmed that farming is more than an occupation ” it is a legacy, a community effort, and a path toward resilience and food sovereignty.
