PechaKucha Goa: Celebrating Love in All Its Forms
Love—it’s the force that shapes our stories, fuels our passions, and brings us together. At this year’s PechaKucha Goa, held on February 27th at The Park, Calangute, we explored love in all its forms—romantic, self-love, love for art, for community, for purpose, and even for the unexpected. Under the warm Goan sky, with the waves whispering nearby, our incredible lineup of speakers poured their hearts out in true PechaKucha style—20 slides, 20 seconds each—fast, deep, and impactful. Hosted by the ever-charming Saurabh Khanna, GM of The Park, Calangute, the evening was nothing short of magical. Every story shared was a testament to love’s infinite expressions, beautifully captured by Creator Studios, where Ryan Lobo personally ensured each moment was preserved to perfection. Thoughtful gifts by Prayasa, crafted with a personal touch by Jyoti Jahanvi, added an extra layer of warmth to the event. Stories of Love That Moved Us 1. Vasu Ramanujam reminded us that love isn’t just about the spark—it’s about nurturing the flame. Through four decades of togetherness, he and his wife Lalita have mastered the art of companionship, proving that love, like a well-tended garden, only grows richer with time. 2. Dr. Smitha Bhandare Kamat took us on a journey through her world of cartoons, where love meant challenging norms, telling untold stories, and using art as a tool for social change. Her gender-lensed perspective made us reflect on how love can be a revolution. 3. Nishtha Agrawal found love not just in people but in the essence of life itself. Through Asro Café, she created a space where strangers become kindred spirits—over books, coffee, and shared silences. Love, she reminded us, is in the little moments, in the pause, in the connections we make. 4. Utpal Ghosh shared a love story that started with fear—the fear of dogs. For most of his life, he avoided them, unsure and uncomfortable around their boundless energy. But love has a way of creeping into our lives when we least expect it. Two dogs changed everything for him, patiently breaking down his walls, teaching him trust, and showing him a kind of companionship he had never known before. Today, he can’t imagine life without his furry friends. His story was a heartwarming reminder that love isn’t just found in people—it finds us in the most unexpected places, even in the eyes of a dog who sees past our fears and straight into our hearts. 5. Diya Padiyar brought poetry into the mix, introducing us to her love affair with epistolary poetry—letters in verse, written to herself as an act of self-love. In a world of fleeting texts, her love for handwritten words was a nostalgic reminder of the beauty in slow, heartfelt expression. 6. Glossy & Thorne took us on a musical journey, weaving melodies of lost love and longing. Their performance was a soulful reminder that love, in all its intensity, finds its voice in music. 7. Sneha Bhandare shared her incredible journey of love through service. What began as a mission to feed stranded individuals during the pandemic led her into hospitality, reinforcing her belief that the universe always gives back when love is at the heart of action. 8. Lesly Agnelo Rajendran spoke about love in architecture—the way spaces interact with people and emotions. His designs reflect a deep understanding of human connection, proving that love isn’t just felt—it can also be built. 9. Sneha Mallya ended the evening with a heartfelt performance, her voice filling the space with warmth and nostalgia, leaving us all swaying, smiling, and feeling the power of love. A Night to Remember PechaKucha Goa’s ‘It’s About Love!’ wasn’t just an event—it was an experience. It reminded us that love is everywhere, in stories, in actions, in creation, in resilience. As the evening faded into the Goan night, one thing was clear—love is not just a feeling; it’s a way of being. See you next February, as we celebrate love once again! Until then, keep sharing your stories, your passions, and most importantly—your love. ❤️ Enjoy the moments!
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