PECHAKUCHA GOA VOL.53_WANDERLUST_NORTH GOA

We're thrilled to celebrate World Tourism Day with PechaKucha Goa! Join us for a special edition themed 'WANDERLUST', exploring the spirit of travel and discovery.

SPEAKERS

1. MILIND ANVEKAR-Ideator, Creative Catalyst

BIO

Milind Anvekar is the Senior Vice President at Open Destinations Infotech and a dedicated leader in the technology and business community. He has held prominent roles, including President of the Goa Technology Association, Trustee at the Vibrant Goa Foundation, and President of the CIO Association of India Goa Chapter. Under his chairmanship and leadership, we have experienced the Global Tech Summit and the National CIO Conclave, DigiTrans, in Goa this year. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for organising impactful events, Milind is committed to making Goa a hub for tech-driven growth. Known for his leadership, vision, and community spirit, he continues to inspire and empower those around him.

STORYLINE

Milind Anvekar's dream family holiday turned into a journey of unexpected challenges, heartfelt realisations, and lasting memories.

2. Ar. Tushar Kapbali—The Bike Bike Brochure

BIO

An architect, Vastu Shastra consultant, and avid biker who completed an incredible 50-day bike journey from Kashmir to Kanyakumari after drawing inspiration from "the motorcycle diaries of Che Guevera.". Throughout this adventure, they stayed at petrol pumps, encountered a wide range of people—from saints to criminals—and delved into the heart of rural India. This transformative trip deepened their appreciation for the phrase "Incredible India" and the timeless wisdom behind "Vasudevam Kutumbakam," underscoring the beauty and unity of the country.

STORYLINE

Architect Biker completes a 12,000 km, 50-day journey from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, meeting diverse people and embracing "Incredible India."

3. SONALI KATHURIA—Artist & Tourist

BIO

Having explored 30 countries, experienced 3,000 adventures, and created 30,000 memories, Sonali Kathuria believes this is just the beginning of her journey. Originally from Delhi and now living in Goa, her passion for travel ignited during her time working in the airline industry. With eight years of corporate experience in analytics, program strategy, communications, and event management and over a decade of travel, Sonali has transitioned into a full-time digital illustrator and improv artist. Travel fuels her creativity, offering fresh perspectives. She follows the tradition of taking one solo trip each year, calling it the best “me-learning platform” there is.

STORYLINE

Sonali is excited to take you through her wanderlust journal and share how travel has shaped her personal growth.

4. KAUSHAL KARKHANIS-Nomad Creator

BIO

For over two decades, Kaushal has been a passionate creator of engaging designs, products, content, and communities. Four trips to Goa in 2007 and a solo trip to South America in 2008 sparked his wanderlust, which transformed him into a travel writer.

STORYLINE

Kaushal will be sharing stories from his slow travels as a digital nomad creator.

5. ASHA ARONDEKAR-Travel Wanderer

BIO

Born and educated in Goa, she earned a Master’s in Clinical Biochemistry with a gold medal from Pune. At 19, she co-founded her first entrepreneurial venture in Pune, later transitioning to manufacturing and exporting pharmaceutical products. She then established a pharma research company in Goa. Sixteen years ago, she shifted focus to wellness, bringing VLCC to Goa, and launched her own brand, Satva Salon & Spa, 12 years ago. Her latest venture, Global To Local, supports rural women in Goa. A recipient of numerous awards, she is the Chairperson of the GCCI Women’s Wing and a passionate practitioner of Art of Living.

STORYLINE

Travel began as a fun escape with family, then for work with my venture at 19. Solo travel helped me heal after heartbreak, and losing my passport in Germany made me stronger. Now, it’s about making memories with friends on road trips, always growing wealthier with each journey.

6. MARIO JUDE FERNANDES-Athlete

BIO

Mario Fernandes is an Indian freediving athlete and passionate wildlife rescuer. In 2022, Mario etched his name deep into the annals of freediving by setting four National records for India. Growing up in Goa with the ocean as his playground, he turned his childhood dream into reality, becoming India's first and only SSI Level 3 Freediving Instructor and AIT (Assistant Instructor Trainer). Beyond freediving, Mario's deep-rooted respect for nature led him to volunteer with wildlife rescue missions and co-found Chameleon, a wildlife and marine rescue NGO. Known across North Goa for his passion for rescue, he also featured in Animal Planet’s documentary series "Snake Squad.“

STORYLINE

On World Tourism Day, Mario Fernandes reveals the depths of the ocean, where freediving connects us to hidden marine wonders and inner discovery.

7. SARRAH-Interior Designer

BIO

I'm Sarrah, and by profession I am an interior designer. Born and brought up in  Mumbai. Got married in Goa to Saif in 2012.

STORYLINE

Sarrah will be paying tribute to her beloved husband, Saifuddin Tinwala, a true wanderer who lived life with passion and adventure. His rides were more than just journeys; they reflected his indomitable spirit, guiding him through life’s ups and downs, much like navigating the speed-breakers on the road. Saifuddin enjoyed every second because he loved the open road and the adventure of exploration. Through this tribute, Sarrah honours the man who lived fully, with passion as his compass.

8. MAYURESH NARVEKAR-Travel Experience Curator

BIO

I have graduated as a civil engineer but I found my love in travel when I got an opportunity to work Mayuresh graduated as a civil engineer but discovered his passion for travel when he had the opportunity to work with Soul Travelling. Currently serving as the operations team lead at Soul Travelling, he enjoys solo travel and immersing himself in the culture and cuisine of the places he visits.

STORYLINE

Mayuresh will share his journey, from childhood family trips to how his evolving travel perspective now shapes curated experiences.