Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Goa came alive with technological energy as HamFest India 2025 unfolded on October 11-12 at the Goa College of Engineering, Farmagudi Ponda. The event brought together radio enthusiasts, tech innovators, and experts from around the world, celebrating the global ham radio community and its cutting-edge developments.
Organized by the Goa Radio Amateur Society (GRAS) in partnership with Goa College of Engineering and supported by the Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications (DITE&C), the festival also saw participation from the Royal Omani Amateur Radio Society, AMSAT-India, and the Upagrah Amateur Radio Club. Over 700 delegates attended, representing countries across the globe.
The inauguration was attended by Shri Rohan Khaunte, Minister of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications, Goa; Group Captain and Astronaut Subhanshu Shukla VU2TNI; Shri Nitin Raiker, Director of Fire and Emergency Services, Goa; Dr. M.S. Krupashankara, Principal of Goa Engineering College; and Shri Sandesh Bhat VU22DX, Convenor of HamFest India Goa.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Khaunte highlighted the significance of the event being hosted in Goa for the first time. “Known for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant educational ecosystem, and scenic landscapes, Goa provides the perfect backdrop for HamFest India. Over 600 licensed amateur radio operators from India and abroad are here, making this a global platform for innovation, connectivity, and preparedness. The Government of Goa remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote technical excellence and social responsibility,” he said.
Over the two-day event, more than 40 technical sessions and eight live demonstrations engaged participants, alongside interactive workshops exploring practical applications of amateur radio. Thirty-seven exhibitors showcased antennas, radios, and related technology, giving attendees hands-on exposure to emerging innovations.
Delegates also had the opportunity to meet renowned ham radio operators who shared insights on connecting remote communities and supporting disaster response efforts.
For Goa, hosting HamFest India 2025 was a milestone, combining world-class technical sessions, interactive workshops, and the state’s coastal charm to create an enriching and memorable experience for all participants.
