In a powerful gathering celebrating leadership and collaboration, Isha Ambani and Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah came together with some of India’s most influential women leaders, entrepreneurs, and creators at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC).
The evening brought together voices from diverse sectors including fashion, finance, philanthropy, sports, and the arts — creating a platform for dialogue centered on bold ideas, transformative leadership, and the importance of collaboration.
The conversation highlighted how women across industries are shaping India’s cultural and social narrative, breaking barriers and driving meaningful change. From entrepreneurial innovation to creative excellence and social impact, the gathering underscored the collective strength of women-led initiatives.
The event reflected NMACC’s broader commitment to amplifying voices that are redefining India’s cultural landscape. By fostering conversations between global leaders and Indian changemakers, the platform continues to position itself as a hub for dialogue, creativity, and empowerment.
The presence of Queen Rania — internationally recognised for her advocacy in education and women’s rights — alongside Isha Ambani, who has played a pivotal role in expanding India’s cultural and retail ecosystems, symbolised a shared vision of inclusive growth and cultural diplomacy.
The gathering stood as a celebration of leadership, collaboration, and the transformative power of women shaping the future.
On a rainy Tuesday evening, the Surendrababu Timblo Convention Hall in Panjim was filled with determination and drive as the Women’s Wing of the Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI) hostedLeadHERShip 2025.
This inspirational event, held on August 18, 2025, was not just a seminar—it was a powerful platform dedicated to empowering women to rise as leaders, mentors, and entrepreneurs in the Goan community and beyond.
Welcoming attendees to the program, Ms. Sandra Fernandes, Chairperson of the GCCI Women’s Wing, described LeadHERShip as more than a leadership initiative—it’s a movement. Applauding the audience for showing up despite the monsoon rains, she highlighted the collective commitment to advancing women’s roles in business, leadership, and society.
The event’s Chief Guest, Ms. Pratima Dhond, President of GCCI, emphasized the importance of women exploring leadership and entrepreneurship as viable, fulfilling career paths—encouraging them to look beyond conventional government roles and envision a future of impact and innovation.
The program featured engaging and practical sessions led by industry professionals and mentors:
“How to Start a Business” – Mr. Tushar Sawant from FiiRE offered practical insights into launching a startup in today’s market.
“Entrepreneurship & Its Benefits” – Delivered by Ms. Pallavi Salgaocar, Mentor of the GCCI Women’s Wing, this session inspired attendees with stories of successful women entrepreneurs and the long-term impact of self-driven ventures.
Mock Interview Session – Led by Ms. Simran Dhond, this interactive session helped participants improve their job-readiness and interview skills.
Mentorship Insights – Ms. Gouri Joshi guided attendees on the value of mentorship, both as mentors and mentees, in personal and professional growth.
The event ran smoothly thanks to the dedication of the Women’s Wing Committee and the GCCI team. It was beautifully compered by Ms. Nandita Dayal, with speaker introductions by Ms. Swatee Rane, Ms. Adbrona Valadares, and Ms. Clare De Souza.
Ms. Poonam Ajgaonkar, Co-Chairperson of the Women’s Wing, delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks, while the entire event was coordinated efficiently by Ms. Melane Rodrigues, Assistant Director, GCCI.
LeadHERShip 2025 wasn’t just a day of talks—it was a celebration of women’s ambition, resilience, and leadership. It gave attendees the tools, motivation, and community support needed to take their next steps—whether into entrepreneurship, leadership, or mentorship.
As Goa continues to shape a more inclusive and dynamic business ecosystem, events like LeadHERShip play a critical role in bridging the gap between aspiration and action.
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.
Ms Pratima Gaurish Dhond has been elected as the First Woman President of the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry for the term 2025 – 2027. Ms Pratima G Dhond will assume charge as the President of the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry on 01.07.2025 at the end of the term of the current President Mr Shrinivas Dempo. She is the First Woman President in 117 years history of the Chamber.
With a passion for women’s empowerment, Pratima Dhond has dedicated her career to uplifting women through various initiatives and leadership roles. She’s been at the helm of the Women’s Cooperative Bank since 1993 and has chaired the Women’s Wing of GCCI for 8 years, launching the flagship event “Asturi” to promote women’s entrepreneurship. As a Director of Wakao Foods and the Dhond Group of Companies, Pratima is a force to be reckoned with in the business world. She’s also a seasoned Rotarian, serving as Charter President of Rotary Club of Miramar and holding various positions in the club. With a national-level basketball background and alumni status from Peoples High School Panaji and Dempo Commerce College, Pratima is a true Goan powerhouse! Personally, she’s married to businessman and social worker Gaurish Dhond and is blessed with three children, two sons-in-law, and two adorable grandsons. The Following 14 Member Managing Committee was also elected for the term 2025-27.
