Goan Personalities

Governor and Chief Minister Extend New Year 2026 Greetings, Call for Unity, Harmony and Inclusive Development


Panaji, December 31, 2025: As the State ushers in New Year 2026, the Governor of Goa, Shri Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju, and Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant have conveyed warm greetings and best wishes to the people of Goa and Goans living across the world, calling for unity, harmony, and collective progress.

In his New Year message, Governor Shri Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju described the beginning of a new year as a time of renewal, hope, and fresh beginnings. He urged citizens to reflect on their shared journey, appreciate Goa’s rich cultural heritage, and renew their commitment to peace, harmony, and societal welfare. Expressing optimism for the year ahead, the Governor said he hoped 2026 would bring joy, peace, and prosperity to every home, and encouraged Goans to move forward together with dedication and unity.

Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant, in his message, also extended warm New Year greetings and expressed hope that the coming year would usher in peace, prosperity, good health, and happiness for every Goan. He appealed to citizens to continue supporting the Government’s efforts in effectively implementing welfare schemes and development initiatives across the State.

Reaffirming the Government’s commitment to building a resilient and progressive Goa, the Chief Minister urged people to actively participate in the Swayampurna Goa mission, which aims to promote self-reliance, empower individuals and communities, strengthen local governance, and create sustainable livelihoods.

Acknowledging Goa’s long-standing legacy of peaceful coexistence and religious harmony, Dr Sawant called upon citizens to uphold the values of mutual respect, unity, and collective well-being. He noted that this spirit of togetherness remains one of Goa’s greatest strengths and must continue to guide the State in the year ahead.

Both leaders expressed confidence that with public cooperation, unity, and shared commitment, Goa would continue to progress on the path of inclusive and sustainable development in 2026.

Business

GCCI & GTA Launch “AI for Career Building” Workshops to Empower Non-Tech Students Across Goa


In a major step toward building a digitally empowered and future-ready Goa, the Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI), in collaboration with the Goa Technology Association (GTA), has launched a groundbreaking workshop series titled “AI for Career Building.” The initiative aims to bring Artificial Intelligence awareness and hands-on digital skills to non-technology students across the state.

The program aligns with the vision of Swayampurna Goa, the state’s flagship mission focused on creating a self-reliant and technologically skilled population. Through these workshops, students from diverse academic backgrounds will gain exposure to AI concepts, digital tools, and employability pathways needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving, AI-driven global economy.

Speaking at the press conference, Ms. Pratima Dhond, President of GCCI, emphasized the importance of democratizing AI understanding:

“This initiative is designed to ensure that every Goan student, regardless of stream, understands how AI is shaping the future of work. Our goal is to empower youth with the right mindset, tools, and exposure to become industry-ready in a rapidly evolving digital world.”

The workshop series, conceptualized jointly by the Education Committee and IT Committee of GCCI, is slated to be conducted across 20–30 colleges in Goa, including those participating under the Swayampurna Goa program. With an expected outreach of 3,500 to 4,000 students, the sessions will offer practical exposure to AI tools, emerging career roles, sector-specific applications, and digital transformation trends impacting industries worldwide.

This structured intervention aims to bridge the academia–industry gap by promoting digital literacy, enhancing career confidence, and inspiring innovation among Goan youth. The workshops will be delivered by industry practitioners and technology experts associated with GCCI and GTA, ensuring real-world relevance.

The initiative is being led by key industry figures, including:

  • Mr. Sanjay Amonkar, Director General, GCCI
  • Mr. Manguirish Salelkar, President, GTA
  • Dr. Manoj S. Kamat, Chairman, Education Committee, GCCI
  • Mr. Rohan Warty, Chairman, IT Committee, GCCI
  • Ms. Ambika Kamat Dhakankar, Deputy Director, GCCI

With this strategic effort, GCCI and GTA reaffirm their commitment to developing a skilled, innovative, and digitally empowered generation poised to drive Goa’s future economic transformation.