Panaji, August 2026: A new book by Jyoti Bandekar, the younger sister of the late Shashikala Kakodkar, offers readers a deeply personal glimpse into the life, leadership and legacy of Goa’s first and only woman Chief Minister.
Titled Tai-Smruti Sugandh, the 96-page book brings together personal memories and reflections, taking readers beyond Shashikala Kakodkar’s public and political life to present the woman remembered by her family as an elder sister, guide and inspiration.
Published by Shrividya Pratishthan – Goa, Tai-Smruti Sugandh is scheduled to be unveiled on August 27, 2026, at Panjim Gymkhana, with Goa Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant expected to unveil the book in the presence of author Jyoti Bandekar and other dignitaries, including Paresh Prabhu, Editor of Dainik Navprabha.
A Sister’s Personal Tribute
Drawing from her own experiences and memories, Jyoti Bandekar presents an intimate account of a woman who played a significant role in Goa’s political and social history.
The book traces Shashikala Kakodkar’s journey from her early life and education to her entry into public life and eventual rise to the office of Chief Minister following the death of her father, Goa’s first Chief Minister, Dayanand Bandodkar, in 1973.
Reflecting on the book, Jyoti Bandekar said that Shashikala Kakodkar was much more than a political leader to her.
“Shashikala tai was much more than Goa’s first woman Chief Minister for me. She was my elder sister, my guide and one of the strongest influences in my life.”
Bandekar said that her sister’s commitment to society, discipline and deep belief in education had significantly influenced her own understanding of public life.
Through Tai-Smruti Sugandh, she seeks to preserve not only memories of Kakodkar’s political journey but also the personal memories of the sister and inspiration she knew closely.
A Historic Figure in Goa’s Political Journey
Born on January 7, 1935, Shashikala Kakodkar was the eldest child of Dayanand Bandodkar and Sunandabai Bandodkar.
She entered electoral politics after being elected from Ponda in 1967 and later served as a minister in her father’s government. Following Dayanand Bandodkar’s death in 1973, she took over as the Chief Minister of Goa, Daman and Diu.
Kakodkar served as Chief Minister until 1979, making her tenure one of the significant chapters in Goa’s political history. She also led the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party and remained an important figure in the state’s political and social landscape.
Her tenure placed particular emphasis on education and the expansion of opportunities, especially for economically disadvantaged sections of society.
Shashikala Kakodkar passed away on October 28, 2016, leaving behind a significant political and social legacy.
Preserving Memories Through Writing
For Jyoti Bandekar, Tai-Smruti Sugandh is not merely a biography of a former Chief Minister but also a collection of personal memories of an elder sister whose values, discipline and commitment to society left a lasting impression.
Bandekar herself has remained associated with education, culture and public life. She has been associated with Citizen Co-operative Bank, Vasco, for more than three decades and has contributed to several cultural and educational initiatives.
Tai-Smruti Sugandh is her second non-fiction book. Her earlier work, Bhau Aathvancha Parijat, focused on memories of her father, the late Dayanand Bandodkar, while Swachhand is a published collection of poetry.
Through her writing, Bandekar continues to document the people, memories and experiences that have shaped Goa’s social, cultural and political landscape.
The upcoming launch of Tai-Smruti Sugandh is expected to offer readers a rare opportunity to revisit the legacy of Shashikala Kakodkar through the memories of someone who knew her not only as a political leader but, above all, as a sister.
Discover more from Allycaral
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
