Panaji, June 2025 — Long known as a haven for artists and free spirits, Goa is steadily transforming into a hub for innovation, sustainability, and creative enterprise. This evolution was on full display at the 13th edition of First Friday, a monthly gathering that brings together designers, thinkers, entrepreneurs, and changemakers with a shared vision for a more conscious and creatively engaged Goa.
Held at the Surendrababu Timblo Hall, GCCI, the June meetup was curated by the Creative Community of Goa (CCG) in collaboration with the Association of Designers of India (ADI) – Goa Chapter, and supported by the Startup & IT Promotion Cell, Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications, Government of Goa.
The highlight of the evening was a thought-provoking keynote by architect and designer Deeksha Thind, who explored the intersection of permaculture and design. With her rich experience in sustainable living and architecture, Ms. Thind emphasized the need to view design not as a static output, but as a living process deeply rooted in the environment and community.
“Permaculture isn’t just a method — it’s a way of thinking,” said Thind. “It’s about designing with nature, where every element has a role, and resources are respected and reused.”
Founder of Saraya Eco Stays, an eco-conscious hospitality and creative space in Goa, Ms. Thind shared her journey of working with natural materials, building in harmony with the land, and engaging local communities in her design process.
“At Saraya, we work with the landscape rather than against it. It’s a continuous process of learning, listening, and adapting,” she added.
Another key focus of the event was the presentation of Goa’s Draft Design Policy by Mr. D. S. Prashant, CEO of the Startup & IT Promotion Cell. He introduced the policy as a foundational step toward recognizing design as a driver of sustainable development and entrepreneurship in Goa.
“The intent is to position Goa as a destination for creative professionals — a place where ideas can take root and grow,” Mr. Prashant stated.
He outlined the proposed framework, which seeks to integrate design thinking across sectors such as technology, craft, tourism, and education, while encouraging collaboration between the public sector and the creative community.
Collective Dialogue for a Creative Future
The session culminated in an open-floor discussion, where attendees offered feedback and suggestions on the Draft Design Policy. The conversation touched on themes like design education, creative entrepreneurship, rural-urban collaboration, and how design can contribute to Goa’s long-term social and ecological wellbeing.
This interactive segment showcased the power of community-led dialogue, reinforcing First Friday’s role as not just a networking platform, but a space for co-creation and shared visioning.
First Friday: Building a Design-Conscious Goa
Since its inception, First Friday has become a vital meeting point for Goa’s growing creative ecosystem. From grassroots innovators to established design practitioners, each edition fosters interdisciplinary exchange and meaningful collaboration.
As Goa looks to its future, events like these highlight the potential of design to create inclusive, regenerative, and culturally rooted solutions for the state’s challenges — and opportunities.
“Goa has always attracted creative minds, but building something meaningful starts with understanding the place and the people,” Ms. Thind reminded the audience.
With continued support from organizations like ADI, CCG, and the state’s IT Department, Goa’s journey from idyllic retreat to innovation-led economy is just getting started — and it’s being designed one conversation at a time.
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