Goa, a tiny emerald land on the West Coast of India, its 25th state of India, was liberated from Portuguese rule in 1961. At the time, it was a part of the Union Territory of Goa, Daman & Diu, until 1987, when it was carved out to form a separate state. Goa covers an area of 3702 sq km and comprises two Revenue Districts viz. North Goa and South Goa. The boundaries of Goa are defined in the North by the Terekhol River, which separates it from Maharashtra; in the East and South it shares borders with the state of Karnataka; and to the West, by the Arabian Sea. Goa lies along the magnificent West Coast of India and is 594 km (by road) away from Mumbai city.
A kaleidoscope blend of Indian and Portuguese cultures, bursting with flavours of the sun, sea, sand, food, susegadi way of life, and spirituality, Goa is truly India’s pocket-sized paradise. The land’s biggest draw is undoubtedly its virtually uninterrupted string of golden-sand beaches. This coastline stretches along the Arabian Sea from the tip to the toe of the state, and each beach community has developed its own personality and reputation ever since the Hippie days of the 1960s. They cater to every topical whim: choose from backpacker Arambol or bolder, brasher Baga; the palm-fringed sands of Palolem, flea market bliss at Anjuna or lovely, laid-back Mandrem; expansive groomed sands in front of fancy five-star resorts or hidden crescent coves, where the only footprints will be the scuttling crabs – and your own.
Where It all started
DRGM is just one of the countless activities that the esteemed Dr. Ramani has introduced to his native town in Goa, under his charitable trust, the Smt. Ahilyabai Ramani Pratishtan.
The organisation is driven by the doctor’s commitment to improving the health and wellness standards of his native village, Wadi Talauli, by promoting sports, physical activities and mental exercise. Though his work in the region began over 45 years ago, even before his medical practice, with free medical camps and other social initiatives.
Since then, the foundation has given back to the community in every aspect of social and cultural life, funding a local library as well as the education of deserving students; holding workshops and seminars across a range of subjects; providing a gymnasium, badminton court, multi-purpose room and community hall; and of course, hosting the wonderful marathon and other sporting activities every year.