Operating under the aegis of the PACT Foundation, the station was founded by Dr. Ashwin Fernandes. The station’s broadcasting tower has been fully installed on-site in Moira, with official transmissions scheduled to begin on Sunday morning.
The launch event coincided with the third Foundation Day of the PACT Foundation, an organization that has systematically partnered with primary and secondary schools across Goa to introduce career readiness frameworks and educational support systems.
"Today marks our third Foundation Day, and it coincides with the launch of Radio Mandovi 88.4 FM alongside our 'Goa Future Ready' initiative," Fernandes said during the opening ceremony. "Community radio is a democratic initiative at its core. It provides a real platform to work alongside local residents and give the community a clear, unfiltered voice."
Expanding Educational Outreach via 'Goa Future Ready'
Fernandes confirmed that the PACT Foundation’s field programs currently extend across 41 schools spanning five talukas in Goa. The launch of Radio Mandovi 88.4 FM will allow the foundation to amplify these educational interventions, reaching students in remote areas where access to career counseling resources remains limited.
Parallel to the radio launch, the foundation formally introduced its flagship "Goa Future Ready" project. Designed to bridge the gap between early schooling and professional employment, the program relies on psychometric assessments tailored for high school students. The results are then used to create customized career mapping profiles, guiding students toward evolving job markets and modern skill requirements.
Actor Bhumi Pednekar Advocates for Rural Education
Bollywood actor and social advocate Bhumi Pednekar attended the inaugural ceremony in Moira to support the initiative. Speaking at the event, Pednekar emphasized the critical need to democratize access to high-quality guidance and mentorship for children outside major metropolitan centers.
"I truly believe the only way to build a strong, thriving country is by delivering quality education to students who lack the resources available in major cities," Pednekar said. "It’s not just about traditional academic paths like engineering or medicine. It’s about creating genuine platforms so a child can become a professional athlete, enter the film industry, or work as a NASA scientist. The world should be their oyster."
Pednekar, who has led similar rural education and community outreach programs in Madhya Pradesh, noted that she joined the forum to study the institutional frameworks implemented by the PACT Foundation.
"There are whole sections of society without access to education that prepares them for a global stage," Pednekar added. "We need to strengthen local infrastructure so every child gets a fair opportunity to fulfill their potential."
With broadcasts going live on Sunday, Radio Mandovi 88.4 FM plans to air dedicated time slots for youth development, career guidance counseling, local civic matters, and Goan cultural heritage.
