About BIOTAG

The Biology Teachers Association of Goa (BIOTAG) is a well-known and registered organization of biology educators in Goa, formed under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 (Reg. No. 341/Goa/2009).

BIOTAG serves as a common platform for all higher secondary school biology teachers across the state. Our core vision is to foster a deep interest in biological sciences among students, cultivate a scientific attitude, and identify young talent in the field.

To achieve this, we organize a variety of biology-focused competitions such as Environmental Quizzes, Pre-NEET preparation programs, and other academic events. Through these student-centric initiatives, BIOTAG has carved a distinct identity in Goa’s educational landscape.

Students from both urban and rural areas enthusiastically participate and benefit from our programs, which aim to make biology engaging and accessible for all.

We warmly welcome you to be a part of BIOTAG and join us in inspiring the next generation of scientific minds!

 

Vision of BIOTAG

To be a leading platform that unites biology educators in Goa to foster scientific curiosity, promote excellence in biology education, and inspire the next generation of life science leaders through collaborative, inclusive, and innovative practices.

 

Mission of BIOTAG

1. To Promote Biology Education
Enhance the teaching and learning of biology by supporting teachers with academic resources, training, and opportunities for professional development.

2. To Inspire Students
Organize student-centric activities such as quizzes, Pre-NEET tests, field visits, and practical training to spark interest in the biological sciences.

3. To Encourage Scientific Thinking
Instil a scientific attitude and critical thinking in students, helping them approach real-world problems with curiosity and inquiry.

4. To Standardize and Support Practical Education
Develop and promote uniform standards for laboratory work and assessments to ensure quality biology education across all schools in Goa.

5. To Build a Community of Educators
Create a strong network of biology teachers for collaboration, mentorship, and exchange of best practices.

6. To Advocate for Educational Excellence
Partner with government bodies, educational institutions, and communities to improve the overall standard of biology education in the state.

 

Objectives and Goals of BIOTAG

 
 
OBJECTIVES:

1. To Promote Excellence in Biology Education
Foster high academic standards and quality teaching practices in biology across Goa’s higher secondary schools.

2. To Provide a Common Platform for Biology Teachers
Unite biology educators to share ideas, collaborate on academic activities, and support one another professionally.

3. To Encourage Scientific Temper in Students
Inspire students to develop a scientific attitude and explore careers in biological sciences.

4. To Organize Student-Centric Programs
Conduct activities such as quizzes, Pre-NEET preparation exams, workshops, field visits, and exhibitions to enhance student engagement in biology.

5. To Support Professional Development
Arrange training sessions, seminars, and workshops to keep teachers updated with the latest methodologies, syllabus changes, and teaching innovations.

6. To Standardize Practical Work and Assessments
Develop and promote uniform guidelines and materials (e.g., lab manuals) for biology practicals and journals to ensure consistency across schools.

7. To Collaborate with Educational Institutions
Partner with government bodies, schools, and research institutions for mutual growth and improved educational outreach.

 
GOALS:

· Strengthen the biology teaching community across Goa.

· Expand BIOTAG membership among teachers in government and aided schools.

· Make BIOTAG activities accessible to students from both rural and urban areas.

· Increase student participation in biology-based competitions and exams.

· Advocate for improvements in biology curriculum and infrastructure.

· Publish useful academic resources for teachers and students.

· Raise awareness on issues like environmental conservation and biodiversity.

 

 

Welcome Message from the Founding President

Mrs. Vijayalakshimi Bhat
M.Sc., DHE, Hindi Visharad

(Retired Teacher, Grade I – Biology, St. Xavier Higher Secondary School, Mapusa, Goa)
Founding President, BIOTAG

“It is not what we achieve in life, but what we choose to leave behind for the future generations to benefit from, that will be remembered till eternity.”

Dear Biology Teachers,

Warm greetings, and a heartfelt welcome to the Biology Teachers Association of Goa (BIOTAG)!

BIOTAG was founded on 20th March 2009 during a meeting of dedicated educators held at St. Xavier Higher Secondary School, Mapusa, Goa. The vision behind its formation was to bring together biology teachers, educators, and biologists in a collective effort to elevate the standards of biology education, foster interest in the subject among students, and nurture emerging talent across Goa.

I am pleased to share that some of BIOTAG’s significant initiatives include the All Goa Environment Quiz Competition and, more recently, the highly appreciated Pre-NEET Practice Test for aspiring medical students.

To expand our reach and strengthen our mission, BIOTAG has launched a membership drive, inviting active participation from the wider biology education community. We are offering a special concessional life membership for biology teachers from Government and Aided Higher Secondary Schools in Goa at a fee of Rs. 1,500 (compared to the regular life membership fee of Rs. 2,000). The annual membership fee remains at Rs. 200. For further details and to become a member, please visit our official webpage.

I encourage all of you to join this meaningful initiative so that, together, we can build a strong movement to uplift biology education in Goa and beyond.

We look forward to your enthusiastic participation, valuable suggestions, and continued support as we embark on more creative and impactful projects in the years to come.

With warm regards and best wishes,
Mrs. Vijayalakshimi Bhat
Founding President, BIOTAG

Welcome Message from the President

Mr. Sagar Krishna Parwar

M.Sc., B.Ed., MBA

( Teacher, Grade I – Biology, Vividha Vidya Pratishthan’s V R Gauns Memorial Higher Secondary School, Naveli Sankhali, Goa)

Dear Members, Educators, and Well-wishers,

It gives me immense pride and pleasure to address you as the President of the Biology Teachers Association of Goa (BIOTAG)—an organization that has consistently upheld the values of scientific learning, collaboration, and educational excellence since its inception in 2009.

BIOTAG was founded with a singular purpose: to create a dynamic and united platform for biology educators across Goa, where knowledge, ideas, and best practices could be shared and nurtured. Over the years, our association has grown into a respected voice in the field of biology education, recognized for its quality initiatives and commitment to both students and teachers.

Some of our proudest achievements include the All Goa Inter Higher Secondary Biology Quiz, the launch of the BIOTAG PRE-NEET Test, and the compilation of a standardized Biology Lab Manual, which has become a valuable resource for students and teachers alike. These initiatives are not just events—they are the building blocks of a future where biology education in Goa stands on par with national standards.

As President, I envision a BIOTAG that continues to be progressive, inclusive, and impactful—a body that fosters innovation in teaching, provides professional development opportunities, and inspires students to pursue careers in the life sciences with curiosity and confidence.

I invite each of you—teachers, students, parents, and supporters—to join hands with us. Your participation and encouragement are vital to the growth and relevance of our association. Let us work together to further our mission and ensure that BIOTAG remains a beacon of quality biology education in Goa.

With sincere gratitude and commitment,
[President Mr Sagar Krishna Parwar]
President, BIOTAG

Executive Committee for Year 2024-2027

Sr. no. Name Position Institution
1 Mr Sagar Krishna Parwar President Vividha HSS Naveli Sankhali
2 Mrs Ranjana Naik Vice-President Kamakshi HSS Curti Ponda
3 Mrs. Sujata N. Nayak Secretary O.L.O.R.H.S.S. Dona Paula
4 Mrs. Laxmi Ganeshan Joint-Secretary S.S.Samitis HSS Kavlem
5 Mrs. Gracy Pereira Rodrigues Treasurer DMs PVS Kushe HSS Assgao Goa
6 Mrs Sharmila Madkaikar e Carvalho Joint-Treasurer Shri Shantadurga Bicholi
7 Mr Kalpesh R X Verenkar Member SES HSS Usgao Ponda Goa
8 Mrs Chandralekha Mestri Member SSAngle HSS Mashem Cancona
9 Miss Ivy Pereira Member MES HSS Vasco
10 Mrs. Shamala Naik Redkar Member Harmal Panchkroshi HSS
11 Miss Brenda Bernadette Pereira Member St. Xavier HSS Mapusa Goa

List of Advisory board members (Former Presidents)

Sr. no. Name Position
1 Mrs. Vijayalakshmi Bhat St. Xavier HSS Mapusa Goa
2 Mrs. Meeta Bandekar Damodar HSS Margao Goa
3 Mrs. Shubhada Shirodkar Shiroda HSS Shiroda

Founder Members of BIOTAG

Sr. no. Name Position
1 Mrs. Vijayalakshmi Bhat St. Xavier HSS Mapusa Goa
2 Mrs. Meeta Bandekar Damodar HSS Margao Goa
3 Mrs. Pratibha Chodankar DMs PVS Kushe HSS Assgao
4 Mrs. Maria Gracias e Fernandes GVMs HSS Farmagudi
5 Dr. Shriprasad N. Kelkar SBHSS Parye Sattari
6 Mrs. Shubhada Shirodkar Shiroda HSS Shiroda
7 Mrs. Supriya Netravalkar P. Walavalkar HSS Mapusa
8 Mrs. Rekha Keni Gurala Vasantrao Dhempo HSS Miramar
9 Mrs. Clara Fernandes St. FSX HSS Siolim
10 Mr. Taranath Holegadde Dhempe HSS Miramar
11 Mrs. Annamma Davisraj PES HSS Farmagudi
12 Mrs. Gracy Pereira Rodrigues DMs PVS Kushe HSS Assgao
13 Mrs. Laxmi Ganeshan S.S. Samitis HSS Kavlem
14 Mrs. Violet Ben S.S. Samitis HSS Kavlem
15 Mrs. Sangeeta Abhyankar GVMs HSS Farmagudi
16 Mrs. Mallika Bene United HSS Cuncolim
17 Mrs. Astrid Furtado e Noronha St. Thomas HSS Aldona
18 Mrs. Sheila De Sa Fr. Agnel HSS Pilar
19 Mrs. Alvita Dias MES HSS Vasco
20 Mrs. Sima Raut SES HSS Sacordem
21 Mrs. Mrunal Korgaonkar Deepvihar HSS Vasco
22 Mrs. Blanche Fernandes Deepvihar HSS Vasco
23 Mrs. Mitchell S. Coelho Desa St. Xavier HSS Mapusa Goa
24 Mrs. Sujata N. Nayak O L O R HSS Dona Paula
25 Miss Sucheta Naik Mushtifund HSS Cujira
26 Mr. Sagar Pawar Vividha HSS Naveli Sankhali
27 Mr. Devidas Kotkar GHSS Valpoi
28 Mrs. Dorlina Tereza SPCC HSS Margao
29 Mrs. Mini Mathew Gelbert JN HSS Fatorda
30 Mr. S. Chistophers Damodar HSS Margao
31 Mrs. Mariam Jacob PES HSS Farmagudi
32 Mrs. Yogita Borkar Smt. Parvatibai Chowgule College HSS Margao
33 Miss Snehal S. Kanekar Presentation HSS Fatorda
34 Miss Supriya A. Desai Hegdewar HSS Cujira
35 Mrs. Shubhada R. Bandodkar DCT Vasantrao Dempo HSS
36 Miss Margret Dias St. Xavier HSS Mapusa Goa
37 Mrs. Ida Lourenco GHSS Baina Vasco
38 Mrs. Laxmi Sukhtankar GHSS Sankhali
39 Mrs. Rajeshri Redkar GHSS Pernem
40 Mrs. Shamala Naik Redkar Harmal Panchkroshi HSS
41 Mrs. Saramma Tharakan Shri Shantadurga Bicholim
42 Mrs. Arundhati Jathar CTN HSS Curchorem
43 Mrs. Jyotsna Sarin T. B. Cunha HSS
44 Mrs. Roqueinna Pereira Fr. Agnel Multipurpose HSS Verna
45 Miss Rolita Judy Pires Rosary HSS Naveli
46 Miss Loveleena Pereira Rosary HSS Naveli