Panjim, Goa: The Social Impact Conclave Goa 2025, hosted by Voice Up and co-hosted by the Rights of Neighbours Campaign, opened with remarks from Mr. Muzammil (SIO Leader), who emphasised that the conclave serves as a platform that creates voices capable of shaping society. He noted that true influence lies in impact, compassion, and responsibility – qualities every digital creator must uphold in today’s online environment.
The keynote address was delivered by senior veteran journalist Shree Prakash Kamat, who spoke on the evolving role of social media influencers. He highlighted the power influencers hold in shaping public thought and stressed the need to create content rooted in constitutional values and civic conscience. He warned that content without purpose easily slips into trolling, and urged creators to remain accountable and consistent in the values they represent.
A key session titled “Good Neighbours Build a Society” was led by Dr. Aisha Fidha (GIO Leader), who reflected on the warmth and solidarity that once defined neighbourhood life in India. She explained how rising individualism and urban lifestyles have created ‘urban coldness,’ leaving people emotionally distant despite living side by side. Dr. Fidha discussed both the physical effects – heightened stress, poor sleep, reduced safety in emergencies – and psychological effects – loneliness, anxiety, and social withdrawal – that arise when communities lose their neighbourly networks. She emphasised that strong neighbourhood bonds are essential for social harmony and overall well-being.
The programme concluded with an address by Mr. Asif Hussain (President, JIH Goa), who spoke about the responsibility influencers hold in shaping society. He said that “people should be heroes, but we have reduced ourselves to zeros,” pointing to how human actions have contributed to conflict, environmental harm, and social chaos. Yet he stressed that change is possible – even the darkest phases eventually give way to light.
Mr. Hussain urged influencers to use their platforms for constructive storytelling by creating reels, videos, and short films that inspire social transformation. He encouraged Goa’s youth to wake up to the moment and become a support system for the community. “Boond boond se banta hai samandar,” he reminded, emphasising that every impactful creation adds to larger change.
During the event, Goa influencers and change-makers were honoured for their contributions to society through digital media. Among them, Mr. Yunus Shaikh and Mr. Usman Khan Pathan received special recognition for their exceptional work in creating social awareness and advancing meaningful causes through their digital skills.
