The NSS Unitof St. Frnacis Xavier's Higher Secondary School, Siolim organised a tree plantation drive recently. A total of 500 coconut saplings were distributed free to the students at the hands of the Sarpanch VP MArna Siolim Pratibha Shirodkar and noted Environmentalist ans Cartoonist Alexyz Fernandes. The saplings were acquired from the ZonalAgricultural Office, Duler, Mapusa.

Alexyz Fernandes enlightened the students with his lecture. Also present on the occasion was the Principal Rev Fr A PAul Sagayam and the NSS Programme Officer Sandhya Fernandes. Alexyz's "jest" best Laughter

Alexyz unique exhibition "Laughter - The Jest Best Medicine", was inaugurated by Goa Archibishop's Secretary Fr Joaquim Loiola Pereira at Art Chamber - Galeria de Belas Artes, in Calangute, on November 29 evening, in presence of a large number of art lovers and artists.
Speaking on the occasion Chief guest Fr Loiola Pereira said, "A cartoon is a sharp tool of communication in the hands of a cartoonist. Contrary to what you may think, normally, the humour of the cartoonist has a serious message to unveil. Therefore, I think that the cartoonist is the best teacher of humankind. One cartoon is worth a thousand words. So we hail this man - Alexyz - to regale us with his masterpieces each of which contain a serious message."
He added, "In the 21st century, this man has come with a new formula - To laugh or not to laugh, that is the question. Alexyz has made a thorough study of it, and has come to a very serious conclusion that laughter is the 'jest best' medicine." He hoped that “in the life's mission that he has embraced, with the powerful and the wonderful medium in his hand, Alexyz will continue not only to tickle our funny bone but also teach us to be such human beings who think the right thought, and who take pride genuinely and seriously in the gift of laughter".
Fr Loiola Pereira also referred to the rich memory of the former Portuguese Consul, the late Pedro Cabral Adao.

Laughter competition
To complement the much acclaimed show, Alexyz has scheduled a few exciting events to keep the spirit of laughter flowing. There will be a couple of laughter competitions. Alexyz talk/demo on laughter and its efficacy to maintain good health. Following are the Laugh-a-lot competitions: Saturday, December 5, at 5 pm, Laughter Competition and fun and games for children under 13 years. Sunday, December 6, at 6.30 pm, Laughter Competition, a Talk on laughter.
There will be special prizes for the funniest-dressed kids and adults/couples on Thursday, December 10, at 7.30 pm. A meeting a laughter buffs to organise a Laughter Club at Yolanda's Galeria/Art Chamber, Calangute.