The Play A Character inter–Higher Secondary competition, organised by the Carmel Cine Club in collaboration with the Department of English, Carmel College of Arts, Science and Commerce for Women, witnessed enthusiastic participation from Higher Secondary institutions across Goa.
The event on 9th January 2026, received an overwhelming response, with a total of 46 participants registering under the solo and group categories. The competition was judged by Ms. Sajani D’Costa, Mr. Vishwapratap Pawar, and Ms. Arantxa Fernandes.
The event commenced with a welcome address by the Principal, Dr. Sr. Aldina Braganza e Gomes, who highlighted the importance of creative expression and performative arts in holistic education. This was followed by an address by the Head of the Department of English, Dr. Glenis Mendonca, who appreciated the zeal, creativity, and confidence displayed by the participants.
In the solo category, participants brought to life a diverse range of iconic characters from cinema and popular culture. These included Pennywise, Queen Padmavati, Kaashibai, Gangubai, Baburao, Dayaben, Meenamma, the Godfather, Jhilmil Chatterjee, and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, among others. Performances in the group category followed. Special prizes were awarded to students of the college who participated by dressing up as characters.
The results were formally announced by Ms. Roxana Singh, senior faculty member of the Department of English, In the solo category, the first prize was awarded to Ms. Deepali Jamuni of Damodar Higher Secondary School, Gudi, Quepem, for her portrayal of Chhatrapati Shivaji from the film Chhaava. The second prize was secured by Trishani Mondal of Fr. Agnel Multipurpose Higher Secondary School, Verna, for her performance as Dayaben from Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmaha. The third prize went to Ms. Riddhi Gadekar of Mallikarjun Higher Secondary School, Canacona, for her portrayal of Jhilmil Chatterjee from the film Barfi. In the group category, King’s School secured the first position, followed by St. Cruz Higher Secondary School in second place and Manovikas Higher Secondary School in third place.
The programme was coordinated by Ms. Ashwini Kumar, Faculty Coordinator of the Carmel Cine Club and faculty member of the Department of English. A vote of thanks was proposed by Dr. Brian Mendonça, senior faculty member of the Department of English. Ms. Sibyl Fernandes from the Department of Psychology conducted spontaneous spot-prize activities based on cinematic themes, keeping the audience actively engaged. The programme successfully fostered creativity, confidence, and cultural appreciation among students, reinforcing the college’s commitment to experiential and creative learning.