Goan Personalities

Goa CM Pramod Sawant and Wife Sulakshana Share Heartfelt Birthday Wishes for Daughter Parthivi


Goa Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant celebrated a very special occasion as he penned a touching birthday message for his daughter Parthivi. Expressing his joy as a father, he wrote:.

“My dear @parthivi__17, on your special day, I feel so grateful and happy to see the wonderful person you are becoming. Watching you grow brings me great joy, and being your father is truly a blessing. May you always find happiness in life’s moments and strength in its challenges. Wishing you a very happy birthday filled with love, laughter, and everything that makes you smile.”

Joining him, his wife Sulakshana Sawant also shared a heartfelt video tribute with an emotional note to their daughter:

“Happy Birthday, to my precious Parthivi. You are not only my child, you are my greatest pride and my life’s purpose. From the moment I first held you, I knew you were destined for greatness. Never forget that you carry within you the strength of a woman who can face any storm, the kindness that can heal hearts, and the courage to build the life of your dreams. As your mother, I will always stand behind you, beside you, and within you, no matter how far you go. Shine boldly—the world is waiting for your light.”

The messages reflect the deep bond and pride the Sawant family shares, blending love, values, and inspiration. As Parthivi celebrates her birthday, she carries with her the blessings and unwavering support of her parents.

EduConnect

Goa Rolls Out Career Navigator-2025 to Guide School Students Towards a Brighter Future


Written by Tanisha Cardozo

In a landmark move towards improving educational outcomes and career readiness among youth, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant formally launched the Goa Career Navigator-2025, a comprehensive career counselling program designed for students of Classes 9 to 12 across the state.

The launch ceremony, held in Panaji, was hosted by the Goa State Council of Educational Research and Training (GSCERT) in partnership with UNOCUE and Pro Edutech LLP. Senior officials from the state’s education ecosystem, including Shri Shailesh Zingde (Director of Education), Shri Bhushan Savoikar (Director of Higher Education), Smt. Meghana Shetgaonkar (Director, GSCERT), Shri Vivek Kamat (Director of Technical Education), and Shri Dhaval Gandhi from UNOCUE, attended the launch and shared their vision for the initiative.

The Goa Career Navigator-2025 is designed to empower students with tailored guidance based on their personal interests, aptitudes, and career aspirations. With a strong foundation in psychometric testing and expert counselling, the program helps students explore academic and vocational paths that align with their strengths.

“Career guidance is essential in today’s fast-changing world,” said Dr. Pramod Sawant at the event. “This initiative will ensure our students are not only informed but also confident in planning their futures. The government is committed to providing such innovative support systems to our youth.”

The pilot phase of the program has already been implemented in the Tiswadi taluka, where students have begun receiving personalised career counselling. The program is set to expand across all talukas in a phased manner, ensuring equitable access for thousands of students in both rural and urban areas.

By bridging the gap between education and employability, Goa Career Navigator-2025 is poised to reshape the state’s academic landscape and create a more prepared, skilled, and motivated generation of learners.

This initiative complements other student-centric policies of the Goa Government, reflecting its progressive stance on youth development, skill-building, and inclusive growth.

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Panaji Declared Cleanest City in India (50k–1L Category) at Swachh Survekshan 2024–25


In a landmark moment for Goa, the city of Panaji has been honoured as the Cleanest City in India in the 50,000–1,00,000 population category at the Swachh Survekshan Awards 2024–25. The awards ceremony took place at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, and the title was conferred by the Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu Ji.

This prestigious award underscores the outstanding work done under the Swachh Bharat Mission in Panaji, including consistent efforts in door-to-door waste collection, scientific waste treatment, and attaining Garbage-Free City certification.

Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant expressed pride in Panaji’s achievement, stating it is a reflection of the government’s long-standing commitment to sustainable urban development. He congratulated all the officials, teams, and residents who made it possible.

Mayor Rohit Monserrate also shared his gratitude and reiterated the importance of citizen participation, enforcement of waste segregation, and the future goal of making Panaji a zero-waste city.

This achievement stands as a beacon of what committed governance, community effort, and a shared vision for cleanliness can accomplish. As Goa moves toward a Swachh and Viksit Bharat @2047, Panaji’s success sets a benchmark for other cities aiming to transform their urban landscapes.

The Panaji Municipal Corporation, along with active involvement from residents, sanitation workers, and various civil bodies, continues to innovate and inspire with best practices in waste management and sustainable city planning.

This award belongs to every Goan who believes in keeping our home beautiful, clean, and green.

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Goa Launches Ro-Ro Ferries ‘Dwarka’ & ‘Gangotri’ on Mandovi River


Written by Tanisha Cardozo

Goa has added a modern touch to its rich maritime legacy with the launch of two state-of-the-art Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off) ferries — Dwarka and Gangotri — on the Chodan–Ribandar waterway route across the Mandovi River.

Inaugurated on July 14th by Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, the event saw the presence of Union MoS for New & Renewable Energy Shripad Naik, RND Minister Subhash Phal Dessai, Rajya Sabha MP Sadanand Shet Tanavade, Mayem MLA Premendra Shet, and Inland Waterways Secretary Cheshta Yadav, IAS.

The project, worth ₹25 crore, was executed through a public-private partnership (PPP) with Vijai Marine Shipyards, a Goan shipbuilding firm known for its innovation and quality.

“These ferries will enhance eco-friendly and efficient transport, reduce traffic congestion, and serve as a model for inland water transport across India,” said the Chief Minister during the launch.

Boost to Connectivity and Eco-Transport

The Ro-Ro ferries are equipped to carry both passengers and vehicles, serving as a lifeline for residents, especially islanders who frequently travel between Chodan and Ribandar. The launch aligns with Goa’s broader goal of developing smart transport infrastructure using its vast network of rivers.

Officials also hinted at plans to replicate this model across eight additional waterway routes in the state, with studies already underway to identify viable corridors.

Maritime Innovation from Goa to the Nation

Vijai Marine Shipyards, praised by the CM during the launch, has established itself as a key player in India’s coastal and inland vessel sector. The Dwarka and Gangotri ferries represent locally manufactured, globally relevant solutions — a testament to Goa’s industrial capabilities.

This initiative is not just about connectivity — it’s about shaping a sustainable, modern, and resilient future for Goa. By tapping into its rivers, the state is embracing clean mobility, reducing carbon footprints, and offering residents an affordable, efficient alternative to road transport.

Social

Goa CM Pramod Sawant Among JCI’s Most Influential Asia-Pacific Members for 2025


Written by Tanisha Cardozo, Team Allycaral

Panaji, July 8, 2025 : Goa Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Pandurang Sawant has been named among the most influential and representative members of Junior Chamber International (JCI) for the Asia-Pacific region in 2025. He joins an elite group of eight Indian honorees who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, vision, and commitment to social impact.
The list includes other notable Indian JCI members such as JC Kumar Gera, Chairman of Gera Developments Pvt. Ltd., Member of Parliament Anil Bonde, and JC leaders like Shine Bhaskaran, Kaveen Kumar Kumaravel, Sunil Kumar R, A M S G Ashokan, and Ravi Shankar.

Dr. Sawant’s roots in JCI run deep—he served as the founder President of JCI Usgao in 2007 and has played a crucial role in launching and mentoring JCI Sanquelim, fostering leadership and community initiatives in his home state.
Dr. Sawant’s selection for this recognition is based on two key factors:
His groundbreaking Swayampoorna Goa initiative, which empowers villages through self-reliance.

His strong and composed leadership during the COVID-19 crisis, ensuring effective healthcare response and public safety.

The prestigious award will be presented during the 110th JCI Anniversary Celebrations, hosted by JCI Philippines on July 17–18, 2025. The global event will witness participation from JCI leaders and dignitaries from across the world, marking a major moment of recognition for Goa and India on the global leadership map.
This honour further cements Dr. Sawant’s standing not just as a state leader, but as a globally recognised changemaker who embodies JCI’s core values of leadership, active citizenship, and positive change.