Goychim Ganvttim Vokhdam: Amchem Daiz

On 8 January, Assistant Professor Carol Cardozo and Jesselyn Fernandes, accompanied by First Year students, attended “Goychim Ganvttim Vokhdam: Amchem Daiz”, a workshop organised by the Patriarchal Seminary of Rachol. The programme focused on indigenous medicinal practices rooted in Goan culture and oral traditions, drawing attention to their scientific relevance and cultural value.

The workshop, with Chief Guest Dr. Basil Cardoso – Ayurvedic Consultant alongside two speakers, emphasised the importance of preserving local medicinal knowledge that has traditionally been passed down through generations. Speakers highlighted the role of the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) in systematically recording such knowledge to prevent its loss and misuse, while also ensuring proper recognition of community-based wisdom.

Eminent speakers shared insights on local herbs, traditional healing methods, and the urgent need for documentation in the face of rapid modernisation. The sessions encouraged students to view traditional medicine not merely as folklore but as a valuable interdisciplinary resource connecting science, culture, and sustainability.

Adding a cultural dimension to the academic discussions, the seminarians presented a lively and engaging performance that reflected Goan heritage and reinforced the workshop’s central theme of preserving indigenous knowledge systems.

The workshop proved to be an enriching experience for both faculty and students, fostering awareness about the significance of local medicinal practices and inspiring a sense of responsibility towards their conservation and documentation for future generations.