Tag: Social Impact

EduConnect

Market Mania 2025 Ignites Innovation and Women Empowerment at Dempo College

Tanisha Cardozo

Panaji, Goa – The Department of Economics at Srinivassa Sinai Dempo College of Commerce & Economics (Autonomous) created waves of change with the successful hosting of Market Mania 2025, in collaboration with Shagun Women Empowerment. This vibrant event became a space where creativity, commerce, and community spirit came together — offering a platform for Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and student entrepreneurs to showcase their products and ideas.

The event was inaugurated by Principal Prof. Dr. Manoj S. Kamat, who praised the initiative for merging learning with social responsibility. Present at the occasion were Vice Principal Prof. Sengeeta Chakrabarty, HoD Prof. Deepali Churi, and faculty members Asst. Prof. Stesa Pereira and Asst. Prof. Gouri Pankar, along with entrepreneur and SHG coordinator Ms. Mansi Govekar.

In her address, Prof. Churi emphasized the significance of such experiential learning, stating,

“These platforms don’t just promote entrepreneurial thinking among students — they provide a real opportunity for SHGs and women entrepreneurs to grow.”

Highlights of Market Mania 2025:

  • 27 vibrant stalls, including:
    • 24 by SHG women from various parts of Goa
    • 3 food stalls run by Dempo College students showcasing their innovation in food and presentation
  • Products ranged from:
    • Traditional Goan novelties and handmade crafts
    • Potted plants, crochet items, flower arrangements
    • Paintings, soft toys, sarees, dreamcatchers
    • Scented candles, coconut oil, jewellery, baked treats, and more

The bazaar-like ambience created a delightful shopping experience for students, faculty, and visitors. A distinctive aspect of this year’s event was the active involvement of students in assisting SHG entrepreneurs — helping design brochures and marketing materials to boost their visibility and stall appeal.

Faculty-in-charge Ms. Stesa Pereira and Ms. Gouri Pankar, along with entrepreneur Ms. Mansi Govekar from Bicholim, were instrumental in coordinating the event and ensuring smooth participation from SHG members.

Principal Prof. Kamat summed up the spirit of the event by stating,

“Market Mania is more than just a college event — it’s a movement. A testimony to our dedication to skill-based education, entrepreneurship, and women’s empowerment.”

With this impactful edition, Market Mania 2025 reinforces Dempo College’s mission of nurturing socially responsible entrepreneurs and empowering local communities through education and engagement.

EduConnect

GIM Students Shine on Global Stage: Reach Oxford University’s ‘Map the System’ Finals

allycaralgoa

Written by Tanisha Cardozo

In an inspiring accomplishment, five students from Goa Institute of Management (GIM) have placed India in the global spotlight by reaching the Global Finals of the prestigious Map the System competition, organized by the University of Oxford. This recognition is not only a celebration of academic excellence but also a reflection of purpose-driven, socially conscious innovation.

The GIM team – Aryan Rajpal, Aditi Naringe, Dhruv Bhagat, Subham Das, and Yash Kabra – stood out among thousands of teams from around the world. They ranked in the top 10% globally, making GIM the only Indian business school to reach the global stage of this highly competitive event.

Their project, focused on improving access to justice in India, tackled one of the country’s most complex and systemic challenges. Using a systems thinking methodology, the team mapped out the legal landscape and proposed transformative reforms. A key component of their solution was the promotion of Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) — a digital-first approach to legal conflict resolution aimed at making justice faster, inclusive, and accessible to all.

The team’s work was mentored by Prof. Dr. Pravat Surya Kar, whose guidance helped them navigate the intricacies of legal systems and social innovation frameworks.

Speaking about the achievement, Dr. Kar said,

“This isn’t just about a competition — it’s about empowering the next generation to reimagine society’s toughest problems. These students are proof that leadership with purpose is the future.”

This success aligns with GIM’s vision to develop socially aware leaders who go beyond conventional business roles to create systemic, sustainable impact. The achievement also highlights the institute’s commitment to nurturing innovation, critical thinking, and societal relevance in its academic pursuits.

As GIM celebrates this international recognition, it also sets a strong example for Indian academia — proving that with the right blend of mentorship, critical inquiry, and passion, students can indeed change the world.