The Goa Pavilion at the 44th India International Trade Fair (IITF) was officially inaugurated by Dipak Bandekar, Director of Information and Publicity, marking an important moment for the state at one of India’s most prominent trade showcases.
Organised by the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO), a Government of India enterprise, this year’s fair is themed “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat,” celebrating unity in diversity and development across states.
The Goa Pavilion highlights the state’s cultural heritage, innovation, and progress, reflecting Goa’s strong development narrative.
On the occasion, Bandekar released a special brochure titled “#AtmanirbharBharat #SwayampurnaGoa”, showcasing Goa’s strides in self-reliance, sustainability, and holistic progress.
The Goa Pavilion continues to draw attention at the fair, reinforcing the state’s commitment to innovation and cultural pride.
Sanguem, Goa | June 20, 2025 — In a proactive move toward enhancing community preparedness and resilience, the Goa State Disaster Management Authority (GSDMA) conducted a Special Drive on Disaster Management at the Netravali Village Panchayat Hall in Sanguem. The awareness and training program was held under the ambit of the flagship #SwayampurnaGoa Programme, which aims to empower Goan villages through holistic development and grassroots governance.
The special drive was designed to sensitize local residents, panchayat members, and frontline workers on best practices in disaster preparedness, risk reduction, and emergency response. With Goa’s vulnerability to natural events such as floods, landslides, and cyclones, the initiative emphasized the importance of community-based disaster management.
Experts from GSDMA explained essential protocols for:
Early warning systems
First response during natural calamities
Evacuation planning
Basic first aid and fire safety
Emergency helpline coordination
Live demonstrations and interactive Q&A sessions ensured that even rural residents could engage actively and absorb critical safety information.
Community Participation Under Swayampurna Goa
The event saw enthusiastic participation from villagers, women’s self-help groups, and youth volunteers, reinforcing the core objective of #SwayampurnaGoa — making each panchayat self-reliant, informed, and resilient. Local authorities, Panchayat leaders, and representatives of the District Disaster Management Cell also lent their support to the drive.
“Disaster preparedness begins at the community level. Through initiatives like these, we aim to create a safety-first mindset and empower every Goan village to act swiftly and effectively during emergencies,” said a senior official from GSDMA.
As part of its ongoing #IronWill4GreenerPlanet campaign, Vedanta Sesa Goa organized an educational visit to the Sanquelim Reclaimed Mines (SRM) for students of the National Service Scheme (NSS) from Government College of Arts, Science and Commerce (GCASC), Khandola, along with employees of the company. This visit aimed to promote environmental awareness and sustainable practices & provided a valuable learning experience for all participants.
During the visit, the group explored the expanse of the SRM and discovered how an erstwhile while mine cluster has been sustainably reclaimed and converted into a verdant & lush ‘green-scape’ supporting endemic flora & fauna. The SRM today comprises the ‘Nakshatra Van’, a medicinal garden that combines the beauty of nature with the healing power of plants, and the ‘Charak Vatika’, another garden focused on traditional medicinal plants. The visiting group also familiarised themselves with the ‘Pisciculture Pond’, which promotes water conservation and sustainable fish farming, demonstrating Vedanta Sesa Goa’s commitment to eco-friendly agricultural practices. The students were particularly impressed by the ‘Bamboo Pavilion’, an eco-friendly structure built using sustainable materials, which highlights the company’s innovative approach to creating green, sustainable spaces.
The students were introduced to the Sesa Football Academy and Sesa Technical School, both established on the reclaimed land utilising the one time workshop and other built up area at the erstwhile mine cluster. As part of this initiative, the NSS students from GCASC have volunteered to become #SesaGreenWarriors, and will play an active role in spreading awareness about eco-conscious behaviors and sustainable practices within their communities around Goa. The SRM was developed by Sesa Goa in the late 90s when no regulatory or statutory requirements existed for mine closure, today the SRM has emerged as a mode mine closure project having earned accolades at national & international level. Recently, Shri G Kishan Reddy, Hon’ble Minister for Coal & Mines, Govt of India, had visited the SRM and praised the effort having gone into the project, terming it as a role model for all mining companies.
Dr. Sapna, NSS In-Charge at GCASC, shared, “The visit to the Sanquelim Reclaimed Mines was an eye-opening experience for our students. It demonstrated how industry can contribute to environmental conservation and biodiversity restoration. By empowering our NSS students as #SesaGreenWarriors, we are equipping them with the knowledge and passion to drive positive change in their communities and inspire others to adopt sustainable practices.”
Mr Rajesh Kumar, Head ESG, Vedanta Sesa Goa, said, “The #IronWill4GreenerPlanet campaign is about more than just corporate responsibility; it’s about empowering the community to actively engage in the protection of our environment. By partnering with the GCASC NSS students and involving them in this transformative experience, we’re creating future leaders who will champion sustainability. The Sanquelim Reclaimed Mines is a testament to how industry and nature can work in harmony, and through initiatives like these, we reaffirm our commitment to environmental stewardship.”
Through such initiatives, Vedanta Sesa Goa continues to reinforce its commitment to sustainability and environmental conservation. The company’s efforts are part of a larger vision to contribute to Swayampurna Goa and #ViksitBharat, ensuring ecologically sustainable businesses are also economically viable. Vedanta Sesa Goa’s commitment to innovative mining practices, renewable energy, and community engagement highlights the company’s role in driving a greener future for Goa, India, and the world.
In a significant boost to Goa’s agricultural sector, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant inaugurated the Buyer-Seller Meet 2025, organized by the Directorate of Agriculture in association with the Agriculture Technology Management Agency (North) and the Zonal Agriculture Office, Sankhali.
During the event, Dr. Sawant released a documentary titled “Mati Boltil Tewhach Sheti Fultil,” produced by the Department of Agriculture, which highlights the importance of soil testing. The Chief Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to empowering farmers through training, fair pricing, and technological advancements.
Dr. Sawant proudly announced that the Swayampurna Goa initiative has led to a remarkable 30% reduction in horticultural imports, while significantly increasing the income of Goan farmers. This achievement is a testament to the government’s efforts to promote self-sufficiency and sustainable agriculture in the state.
To further strengthen organic farming in Goa, the government will implement an ₹18 crore project with the support of the Union Government. This initiative aims to promote eco-friendly practices, improve soil health, and increase crop yields.
Dr. Sawant urged all farmers to take full advantage of the various schemes and subsidies offered by both the Union and State Governments. These initiatives aim to boost agricultural and horticultural production, supporting the vision of a Swayampurna and Viksit Goa.
The Buyer-Seller Meet 2025 marks a significant milestone in Goa’s journey towards self-sufficiency and sustainable agriculture. With the government’s continued support and commitment, the state’s agriculture sector is poised for growth and development, benefiting farmers, consumers, and the economy as a whole.
