The Rev. Fr. Dr. Bolmax Pereira Memorial Inter-School Ecology Quiz 2026 was successfully conducted at St. Anne’s Church Hall, Ponda, on 10th September 2026 as part of the 8th Centenary Celebration of St. Francis of Assisi (1226–2026) and the Season of Creation 2026 in collaboration withthe Diocesan Commission for Ecology, Archdiocesan Board of Education and Diocesan Society of Education and organised by the St. Anne’s Church, Ponda 8th Centenary Committee. The quiz was conceived as a fitting tribute to the memory of Rev. Fr. Dr. BolmaxPereira (1976–2026), whose commitment to ecology, education, faith and care for our common home continues to inspire the Church and the wider community. The initiative sought particularly to nurture ecological awareness among young people and encourage them to become informed and responsible guardians of the environment.
Participation from Across Goa; The response from schools across the State was very encouraging. Twenty-seven school teams from different parts of Goa participated in the competition. Each school was represented by two Class IX students, making the event a vibrant gathering of young minds united by their interest in ecology and environmental stewardship. The competition tested students on a wide range of subjects including ecology, biodiversity, water conservation, forests and soil, wildlife, climate change, renewable energy, waste management and sustainable living, with several questions also relating specifically to Goa’s rich natural heritage.
The quiz was conducted by Dr. Kennedy D’Silva, who served as the Quiz Master. His engaging presentation and carefully structured questions helped maintain a lively and competitive atmosphere throughout the event.
Fun, Learning and Engagement; A special Fun and Learning Session was conducted between the preliminary, semifinal and final rounds by Sansiew D’Silva. The interactive session provided the students with an opportunity to relax between the intense rounds while continuing to learn through fun, participation and engaging activities.
The first place was secured by A. J. Almeida School, Ponda, with the runner-up by Loyola High School, Madgaon and joint third place by Saraswathi High School, Ponda and Holy Cross High School, Cavelossim. The closely contested final demonstrated the high standard of preparation and ecological awareness among the participating students. The winners and finalists were felicitated in the presence of the distinguished guests, while certificates of participation were presented to the participating students.
A Legacy of Ecological Awareness; The Rev. Fr. Dr. BolmaxPereira Memorial Inter-School Ecology Quiz started with a minute silence and was envisaged not merely as a one-day competition but as part of a continuing legacy of ecological education and action. Above all, the day celebrated a simple but powerful message “ Ecological knowledge must lead to ecological responsibility, and ecological responsibility must lead to action.” The Rev. Fr. Dr. Bolmax Pereira Memorial Inter-School Ecology Quiz 2026 therefore stands as a meaningful tribute to his memory and as a promising beginning for a lasting movement of young guardians of our common home across Goa.
The programme was honoured by the presence of Mr. Narayan Prabhudesai, Range Forest Officer, as the Chief Guest. His presence added particular significance to an event centred on the conservation of forests, wildlife and Goa’s natural heritage. Fr. Anthony Carvalho, Convener of the Diocesan Commission for Ecology (DCE), and Rev. Fr. Francis Rozario OFM, Parish Priest of St. Anne’s Church, Ponda, were also present as distinguished guests. The guests encouraged the participating students to move beyond merely acquiring knowledge about the environment and to translate that knowledge into responsible choices and concrete ecological action in their schools, homes and communities.
