Pic caption: Book release by Sayeda Afifa. (Left to right) Dr. Brian Mendonca, Sayeda Afifa, Dr. Aldina Braganza, Sr. Samantha A.C. and Ms. Roxana Singh.
The Department of English, Carmel College of Arts, Science and Commerce for Women, Nuvem, Goa, hosted the release of the novel Everything I Thought Was You, authored by student Sayeda Afifa, in the college library on 5 August 2026.
Dr. Aldina Braganza, Officiating Principal, congratulated Afifa on her achievement. She recalled how she had recognized Afifa’s talent for writing in her class. The idea for the book emerged in a vision board session where Afifa put ‘Write a book.’ as one of her goals.
‘The book wrote itself.’ said Afifa, a Science student, who writes in Hindi, Urdu, and English. It began during COVID when she had a lot of free time. The book is about emerging from a broken relationship and being stronger for it. It took a year to write it. She was inspired by her cousin, her strong friendships, as well as the quietude of being alone.
Replying to queries she said she was supported by the Girls Islamic Organisation (GIO). The book was published by Writer’s Pocket publishers which caters to younger readers and writers. It was economical to publish with them. She advised the students to contact them. She read a poem of hers on loneliness.
Dr. Brian Mendonça noted how the word ‘cavern’ in the poem reminded him of Byron. Afifa had earlier invited him on behalf of GIO to read his poems in Vasco. Ms. Roxana Singh made the point that creativity is not limited to Arts students alone. Sr. Samantha A.C., Librarian, recalled earlier book releases by the Department of English and praised the talent of the young writers of today. The event was coordinated by Ms. Ayeesha Antão, Assistant Professor of English.