The Don Bosco College, Panjim campus transformed into a vibrant literary realm as the Department of English organised its first-ever All Goa Inter Higher Secondary Literary Competition, Litverse 2026, on Monday, September 28, 2026. The event aimed to immerse students in the fascinating tapestry of English language and literature. A total of eight higher secondary institutions participated in the event, which included the Kings School, Carmels HSS, St. Alex HSS, Dempo HSS, Sharada HSS, Don Bosco HSS, St. Xavier’s HSS, and Santa Cruz HSS.
The inaugural ceremony was graced by Chief Guest Mrs. Michelle Mendonça Bambawale, College Director Rev. Fr. Kinley D’Cruz, Principal Professor Teotone Vaz and Vice Principal Dr Cedric Silveira. Department Coordinator Ms Alisha Souza welcomed the participants and their accompanying teachers, highlighting the boundless worlds that exist within literature. Rev. Fr. Kinley then addressed the gathering, urging youngsters to preserve Goa through literature and wishing them success. Prof. Teotone Vaz followed, shedding light on NEP 2020 and its implementation in higher secondary schools. Asst. Prof. Jude Fernandes introduced the Chief Guest, who delivered an inspiring address before officially declaring Litverse 2026 open. Mrs. Michelle was presented with a memento as a token of appreciation, and the inaugural ceremony concluded with the college anthem.


All the participating teams adopted a unique team name and were assigned a specific literary genre to follow. Litverse 2026 featured eight diverse challenges comprising two submission-based, three on-stage and three off-stage events. The challenges consisted of ‘To Meme Or Not To Meme’, where participants created a meme featuring a literary moment with a clever twist; ‘Keep It Reel’, where the events on campus were recorded and submitted as a reel; ‘Play A Character’, a portrayal of literary characters on stage combined with an impromptu challenge; and ‘Switch!’, a dynamic debate requiring participants to switch sides from ‘for’ to ‘against’ when prompted by the judges, followed by Q&A with the judges. The lineup continued with ‘Musical Escapades’, where literary vocalists blended original lyrics with their assigned genre; ‘Double Take’, a fun quiz putting participants’ literary skills to the test; ‘Frozen In Time’, a silent living tableau where stillness spoke volumes; and ‘Sensational Story Writing’, a creative challenge prompting students to integrate previously undisclosed stimuli into their narratives.


Following a day of creative exuberance, the valedictory ceremony took place, with the dignitaries presenting prizes to the deserving winners. In Play a Character, The Dempo HSS secured first place, followed by The Kings School and Don Bosco HSS. Switch was won by Sharada Mandir HSS, with St. Xavier’s HSS and Don Bosco HSS taking second and third places respectively. In Keep It Reel, Dempo HSS emerged as winners, followed by Don Bosco HSS and Sharada Mandir HSS. Musical Escapades saw The Kings School take first place, while Sharada Mandir HSS and St. Xavier’s HSS secured second and third places. In To Meme or Not to Meme, Santa Cruz HSS emerged winners, followed by The Kings School and St. Xavier’s HSS. Double Take was won by Don Bosco HSS, with Sharada Mandir HSS and The Kings School securing second and third places. In Frozen in Time, The Kings School emerged winners, followed by Don Bosco HSS and Sharada Mandir HSS. Sensational Story Writing was won by Sharada Mandir HSS, with The Kings School and Carmel HSS taking second and third places respectively.
Ultimately, Sharada Mandir Higher Secondary School, Miramar, were declared the Overall Runners-up, while The King’s School, São José de Areal, emerged as the Overall Winners of Litverse 2026. The faculty coordinator of Litverse 2026, Assistant Professor Ashwini Kumar proposed the vote of thanks by thanking Don Bosco Management, Director and Principal, all the participating institutions, accompanying teachers, student volunteers and sponsors for making Litverse a memorable success.