Goa 2037: Knowledge, Industry & Sustainability Conclave
The Goa 2037: Knowledge, Industry & Sustainability Conclave was conceptualised as a strategic platform to align Goa’s long-term development vision with the national goal of *Viksit Bharat@2047.
The conclave brought together policymakers, industry leaders, academicians, and thought leaders to deliberate on building a future-ready Goa focusing on sustainable industrial growth, innovation-driven development, and strengthening industry-academia collaboration.
Key Messages
Session 1: Reimagining Goa’s Future: Industrial Growth with Ecological Balance
Mr. Pravimal Abhishek Polumatla, IAS
Secretary (Science, Technology & Waste Management), Government of Goa Managing Director, Goa Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC)
Prof. Abhishek Ranjan
Global ESG & Sustainability Leader | Chairman, ASSOCHAM Karnataka (CSR & Sustainability) Joint Secretary, UN Global Compact Network India
Mr. Anirudh Dempo
Director, Goa Paints & Allied Products Pvt. Ltd. Industrialist & Entrepreneurial Leader
Mr. Rajkumar Kamat
Promoter, EP Kamat Group Managing Director, EP Biocomposites Ltd.
Mr. Manguirish Pai Raiker
Former Chairman, National Council for MSME, ASSOCHAM Chairman & Managing Director, Brown Packaging System Pvt. Ltd.
Moderator: Mr. Sanjay Amonkar
Director General, Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI)
The session focused on balancing industrial growth with environmental sustainability in Goa’s limited land context. Panellists emphasized the need for adopting the “more from less for more” philosophy maximising output while minimising resource consumption.
Key discussions revolved around promoting green industries, encouraging R&D-led manufacturing, and leveraging vertical expansion over horizontal sprawl. The panel also highlighted the importance of measurable sustainability goals and policy frameworks that enable responsible industrialisation while preserving Goa’s ecological identity.
Session 2: Goa as a Global Knowledge Hub: Transdisciplinary Education & Industry-Academia Synergy
Mr. Prasad Lolayekar, IAS
Secretary (Education & Official Language), Government of Goa
Dr. Sandeep Sancheti
Vice President of Research Relations & Academic Affairs, Elsevier (India) Co-founder, Edorer.com, Former VC, SRM Institute of Science and Tech., Chenna, Former Provost-VC, Marwadi University, Rajkot, Gujarat
Dr. Bhushan Patwardhan
Former Chairman, Executive Committee, National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), National Research Professor – Ayush, Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune
Mr. Yatin Kakodkar
Director, Apex Packing Products Pvt. Ltd, Vice President, GCCI
Dr. Bhushan V. Bhave
Principal, Vidya Prabodhini College of Commerce, Education, Computer and Management, Vidya Nagar, Alto, Parvari- Goa
Dr. Suman Kundu
Director, BITS Pilani, Goa
Moderator: Prof. Walter Leal Filho
Vice Chancellor, MIT WPU Goa, Professor, Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, Germany
This session explored how Goa can emerge as a global knowledge hub through stronger collaboration between academia and industry. Discussions highlighted the urgent need for curriculum reform, skill-based education, and experiential learning models that align with industry requirements.
Speakers stressed leveraging Goa’s unique strengths in tourism, research, and integrative health, while building a future-ready workforce. The importance of transdisciplinary education and innovation ecosystems was underscored as key drivers for global competitiveness.
Gomant Gaurav Sanman
A special highlight of the conclave is the prestigious Gomant Gaurav Sanman, honouring Prof. Dr. Raghunath Mashelkar for his exceptional contributions to science, innovation, and nation-building.
The award will be presented in the august presence of Shri. Pramod Sawant, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa.
Dignitaries & Speakers
Dr. Pramod Sawant
Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa
Mr. Mauvin Godinho
Hon’ble Minister for Transport, Industries, Panchayati Raj, Govt. of Goa
Dr. R. A. Mashelkar
FRS - Padma Vibhushan, Former DG, CSIR & Secretary to Govt of India, Eminent Scientist
Dr. Rahul V. Karad
Executive President, MIT World Peace University & Founder, MIT School of Government, BCS, NLC
Mrs. Pratima Dhond
President, Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI)
Mr. Sanjay Amonkar
Director General, Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI)
Overview
The highlight of the conclave was the conferment of the prestigious ‘Gomant Gaurav Sanman’ upon Dr. Raghunath Mashelkar at a grand ceremony held at Kala Academy, Goa. The award was presented by Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, who also announced the establishment of WPU Goa University, marking a significant milestone in the state’s educational landscape.
In his address, the Chief Minister highlighted Goa’s commitment to innovation through a strong government-industry-academia partnership. Mr. Mauvin Godinho acknowledged Dr. Mashelkar’s enduring contributions to science and society, calling it a proud moment for Goa.
In his acceptance speech, Dr. Mashelkar delivered an emotional tribute to his mother, reflecting on his humble beginnings and reaffirming his lifelong commitment to using science and innovation for the benefit of the poorest sections of society. The segment served as a powerful reminder of the impact of vision, perseverance, and purpose-driven leadership.
Media & Coverage
