Tag: dr pramod sawant

TechPulse

Goa Sets Sail with First Private Solar-Powered Boat — M.V. LRAJ GREEN Solution Inaugurated by CM Dr. Pramod Sawant

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Panaji, Goa – In a proud moment for Goa’s green transformation and tourism innovation, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant inaugurated the state’s first private solar-powered passenger/cruise boat, M.V. LRAJ GREEN Solution, at a formal ceremony attended by top government officials and dignitaries.

The event was graced by Union Minister Shripad Naik, MP Sadanand Shet Tanavade, NRI Commissioner Narendra Sawaikar, and several other officials and stakeholders from Goa’s sustainability and tourism sectors.

A First-of-Its-Kind in Goa

The M.V. LRAJ GREEN Solution is the first fully solar-powered private boat in Goa. Designed for passenger cruises and eco-friendly tourism, the boat operates solely on solar energy, eliminating the need for diesel and reducing carbon emissions. The launch is a symbol of Goa’s commitment to renewable energy and sustainable tourism practices.

Chief Minister’s Statement

During the launch, CM Dr. Pramod Sawant remarked,

“Goa is not just India’s favorite tourist destination — it is also emerging as a leader in green tourism and clean energy adoption. The LRAJ GREEN Solution is a great example of what innovation and commitment to the environment can achieve.”

Why This Matters

This solar-powered boat opens the door to eco-tourism ventures in Goa that are cleaner, quieter, and more environmentally responsible. It sets a precedent for the future of transport and tourism in the coastal state, balancing economic growth with ecological responsibility.

What’s Next?

The success of the M.V. LRAJ GREEN Solution could inspire more private and public sector players to adopt similar sustainable innovations. With Goa’s natural beauty and growing tourist footfall, solar boats offer a perfect intersection of green tech and economic opportunity.

This is more than a launch — it’s a leap toward Goa’s green future.

Business

GCCI Makes History at 117th AGM: Pratima Dhond Becomes First Woman President

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Panaji, June 28, 2025 – In a landmark moment for Goa’s business and industrial community, the 117th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) marked a historic leadership transition. Held at Taj Cidade de Goa, the event witnessed Mrs. Pratima Dhond taking over the mantle of President of GCCI, becoming the first woman to lead the Chamber in its 117-year legacy.

The event was attended by dignitaries including Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant as Chief Guest, Industries Minister Mr. Mauvin Godinho as Guest of Honour, and Mr. Sanjay Kirloskar, Managing Director of Kirloskar Brothers Ltd., who delivered the keynote address.

Outgoing President Mr. Shrinivas Dempo expressed deep gratitude to his team for their commitment and success during his term. He reflected on key initiatives such as:

  • Influential budget memorandums accepted by state and central governments
  • Dialogues on taxation and policy
  • The Leaders at GCCI series featuring eminent names like Mohandas Pai, M.J. Akbar, Vikram Chandra, and Amitabh Kant
  • The visionary Inclusive & Sustainable Growth@2037 Conclave, which proposed a roadmap for ₹15,000 crore investment and creation of 1 lakh jobs in Goa

Mrs. Pratima Dhond, in her acceptance speech, acknowledged Mr. Dempo’s contributions and shared her vision for GCCI’s future. She outlined a bold, inclusive agenda:

  • Championing Nari Shakti and women-led development
  • Advocating future-ready and innovation-led policies
  • Strengthening MSMEs through easier access to finance
  • Promoting green business practices and sustainability
  • Fostering youth engagement, research, and data-driven governance
  • Amplifying digital outreach for broader impact

In a stirring keynote, Mr. Sanjay Kirloskar shared insights from his journey in building a global business. He proudly announced the upcoming launch of an all-women operated pump manufacturing unit in Goa, inspired by the successful model in Coimbatore.

Minister Mauvin Godinho emphasized the need for a shift in the mindset of Goan youth — from job seekers to job creators. “Goa has immense potential as a manufacturing and export hub,” he said, highlighting the rise in MSME registrations and global integration of local businesses.

Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant commended Mr. Dempo’s leadership and celebrated Mrs. Dhond’s groundbreaking presidency. He reiterated his vision to make Goa a developed state by 2037, a full decade ahead of India’s Viksit Bharat 2047 goal.

“We are a small state, but agile. With high literacy, robust institutions, global connectivity, and public goodwill — Goa is well-positioned to lead through unity, innovation, and reforms,” the Chief Minister said. He emphasized initiatives spanning:

  • World-class infrastructure
  • Skilled manpower and job linkages
  • Investment-friendly governance
  • Sustainable development
  • Tourism, education, health, and women empowerment

As part of the agenda, Dr. Sawant launched a B.Com course in Retail Management, designed by GCCI to boost Goa’s job-intensive retail sector. He also released the GCCI Bulletin on Sustainable Growth, further cementing the Chamber’s commitment to inclusive development.

Mr. Sanjay Amonkar, Director General of GCCI, hosted the event, while CA Rohan Bhandare, Hon. Treasurer, proposed the vote of thanks.

Social

Raj Bhavan Launches ‘Annadhan’ Scheme: A Noble Step Towards Social Welfare

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Panaji, June 29, 2025 – In a momentous step towards social responsibility and compassion-driven governance, the ‘Raj Bhavan Annadhan’ scheme was officially launched at the Old Durbar Hall, Raj Bhavan, Goa. The scheme was unveiled by Shri Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Governor of Kerala, in the presence of Goa’s Chief Minister, Dr. Pramod Sawant. The event was presided over by Shri P.S. Sreedharan Pillai, Governor of Goa.

Under the scheme, Governor Pillai will donate the full amount received as royalties from his published books to fund the initiative, which supports food and health security for Goa’s underprivileged populations. As a part of the launch, a cheque of ₹1.20 lakh was handed over to the Goa-based charity, Street Providence, which works to feed and house the homeless.

Governor Arlekar praised the literary work and philanthropic spirit of Shri Pillai, calling his writings a “gateway to empathy and knowledge,” and lauded his rare commitment to public service. “Goa is fortunate to have a Governor like Shri Pillai, who has set a unique example for other Raj Bhavans across India,” he said.

Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant hailed the ‘Annadhan’ initiative as a one-of-a-kind welfare model. “This scheme reflects the Governor’s deep connection with the people. His efforts to visit the remotest corners of the State and understand the daily struggles of citizens are truly commendable,” he remarked.

Dr. Sawant also highlighted healthcare concerns in the state, particularly the increasing prevalence of kidney-related ailments. He urged patients to maintain proper dietary habits and made a strong case for the use of eSanjeevani, India’s National Telemedicine Service, which he described as a revolutionary tool for providing accessible and equitable healthcare across the country.

Governor Pillai spoke candidly about his inspiration and the methods behind implementing such humanitarian schemes through Raj Bhavan. “Behind every successful initiative is the unwavering support of the administration,” he said, extending thanks to the Chief Minister for his continual cooperation.

In a poignant reflection on India’s history, Governor Pillai also shed light on the origins of the slogan “Jai Hind,” attributing its roots to a Muslim soldier, later adopted by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose as a rallying cry for Indian independence.

The event also saw financial aid being disbursed from the Governor’s Discretionary Fund to around 40 patients battling cancer and undergoing dialysis, exemplifying the scheme’s immediate impact.

The ceremony began with a warm welcome by Shri Sanjeev C. Gauns Dessai, Secretary to the Governor, and an insightful introduction to the scheme by Shri Mihir Vardhan, Special Officer. The vote of thanks was delivered by Shri Bosco George, concluding the event on a note of gratitude and unity.

The ‘Raj Bhavan Annadhan’ scheme stands as a beacon of compassionate governance, where literature meets action, and leadership becomes a vehicle for public service.

Offbeat

Chief Minister Dr.  Pramod Sawant  launches IPSCDL’s Tree App:IPSCDL Combines Advanced Technology and Community Participation to Foster Sustainable Urban Tree Care in Panaji

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(Panaji, 22nd November 2024):  The Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant, on Friday, launched IPSCDL’s Tree App at the F. L. Gomes Garden  in Panaji.

The Tree App is a platform designed to engage citizens in the monitoring and nurturing of Panaji’s trees. With its user-friendly interface and data-driven approach, the application aims to bridge the gap between residents and urban forestry management, empowering communities to take active roles in preserving the city’s green infrastructure.

This  major technological initiative  launched today was  part of the Imagine  Panaji’s Urban Tree Management  Workshop which aimed at  boosting Panaji’s tree care with the help of  stakeholders and experts from the State and  across the country.

Today’s mega workshop was organized by the Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Ltd. (IPSCDL), in collaboration with the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP), Tree Care India and the Goa State Bio-diversity Board.

 The day-long event was held at Dr. F. L. Gomes Garden on Dayanand Bandodkar Marg, engaging citizens in hands-on learning to care for Panaji’s urban greenery.

The workshop drew urban planners, environmentalists, and local residents, equipping them with practical skills for tree health assessment, pruning, pest management, and sustainable planting techniques. Experts in arboriculture and urban biodiversity led interactive sessions and live demonstrations, emphasizing the importance of trees in enhancing air quality, reducing urban heat, and supporting biodiversity.

 Mr. Sanjit Rodrigues, CEO & MD, IPSCDL said, “It is an honour and am extremely grateful  to the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant for launching IPSCDL’s  Tree App today.  This app devised by IPSCDL and developed by a Goa based start-up  has already tagged  1004 trees  which were recently planted  in Panaji  as part of the Smart  City Mission green initiative.  More trees will be planted in the days and months to come. They will  also be  geo-tagged to facilitate monitoring.   The entire plantation drive  initiative will  help to develop  green tunnel roads in Panaji in the coming years. It also aims to bring down the temperature in Panaji by 2 degrees.   We are leveraging digital tools to make urban tree care accessible and effective for everyone in Panaji.  We are  working with Tree Crae India who will share  their expertise  on tree management and enhance  the bio-diversity of Panaji. Today’s workshop  has engaged   the community  and stakeholders on how to manage urban trees.” 

Mr. Jonas Suchnek, Co-founder and Arborist at Tree Care India, emphasized the importance of equipping citizens with practical knowledge. He stated, “Urban trees are not just greenery—they are vital to the health and resilience of our cities. Workshops like these not only raise awareness but also build the skills necessary to preserve our urban forests for generations to come.”

Mr. Bagirath Prakash (Arborist, Tree Care India) & Mr. Island  Lescure (Managing Director & Consulting Arborist – Treescapes) also made presentations on  tree management in urban landscapes and assessing tree health. This was followed by live demos on  safe tree pruning and climbing  techniques. A demo on parasite removal from trees was also presented to the audience. 

Participants also explored nursery stalls offering saplings and gardening essentials, encouraging direct contributions to the city’s green spaces. The event highlighted IPSCDL’s dedication to community involvement, showcasing how urban forestry initiatives can lead to a greener, healthier Panaji while inspiring collective responsibility for the city’s environment.

Goan Personalities

Goa CM celebrates #InternationalTeaDay

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Goa CM Dr. Pramod Sawant shares a picture of hiking having tea to mark the #InternationalTeaDay