Team Goemkarponn
PONDA: As part of the ongoing Seva Sankalp Abhiyan, the Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (DITE&C) and the Directorate of Higher Education (DHE) hosted the Ponda and Dharbandora cluster interaction for Sankalp Manthan at Rajiv Gandhi Kala Mandir, Ponda.
The initiative marks the second phase of a statewide youth empowerment drive aimed at nurturing problem-solving skills, entrepreneurship and artificial intelligence (AI) readiness among college students across Goa.
The event was attended by Priol MLA Govind Gaude, Director of Higher Education Bhushan Savaikar, Joint Director of DITE&C Dr. Milind Sakhardande, DHE Programme Director Dr. Niyan Marchon and SITPC CEO D.S. Prashant.
Students from colleges across Ponda and Dharbandora gained industry insights through a panel discussion titled *‘Architects of Viksit Bharat 2047: Driving India’s Vision Through Youth Innovation’*.
Moderated by Vaibhavi Sawant, founder of BitMento, the panel featured Bhushan Savaikar, Director of Higher Education; Shawn Kenneth Fernandes, founder and CEO of Fluxatic Global and BridgeAura Academy; Sumukh Kamat, founder of The Energy Footprint; Damodar Patnekar, founder of Bodhami; Ujwala Nhivekar, co-founder of TAWAI Studio; and Mohiet Hastwala, founder of MH Institute of Learning.
The discussion focused on the role of young people in driving innovation and contributing to India’s vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047, while exposing students to perspectives from industry leaders and entrepreneurs.
The programme also featured a keynote address on innovation by Ryan Vaz, Managing Director of Infinity3D, who shared insights aimed at encouraging students to explore innovative ideas and entrepreneurial opportunities.
As part of the Sankalp Setu hackathon, shortlisted student teams from the Ponda and Dharbandora cluster presented their proposed solutions to mentors. The teams received hands-on guidance and feedback to help refine their projects and strengthen their ideas.
Through Sankalp Manthan, the organisers aim to empower Goa’s youth by fostering innovation, encouraging entrepreneurial thinking and equipping students with skills relevant to emerging technologies and future opportunities.
