GMA’s Golden Jubilee Milestone: Goa Management Association Celebrates 50 Years of Excellence in Management

Goa Management Association has entered its 50^th year.  Over the next 24 months, GMA will be celebrating its Golden Jubilee over several programs, activities, events and initiatives.

On June 5, 2025, the Goa Management Association (GMA) proudly commemorates 50 years of commitment to management excellence and leadership development in Goa. Established in 1975, GMA has played a pivotal role in shaping the business and management landscape of the region, fostering professional growth, promoting best practices, and facilitating a dynamic exchange of ideas among industry leaders, academicians, and policymakers.

As GMA reaches this Golden Jubilee milestone, it is an opportune moment to reflect on its rich legacy, transformative impact, and ambitious vision for the future. This milestone is not just a celebration of past achievements but a reaffirmation of the association’s dedication to strengthening Goa’s management and business ecosystem in the years to come.

The Founding Vision and Evolution of GMA

The early 1970s marked a crucial phase in Goa’s economic and industrial development. As businesses expanded and industries evolved, there arose a pressing need for structured management education, leadership training, and knowledge-sharing platforms. Recognizing this necessity, a group of visionary business leaders came together to establish the Goa Management Association (GMA) on June 5, 1975.

Among the key founders and early contributors were Mr Vasudeva V Dempo, Chairman of Dempo Group of Companies, and Mr Ashok V Chowgule, Director of Chowgule Group of Companies. Their foresight and dedication laid the foundation for GMA’s role as a catalyst for professional excellence and industrial growth.

Since its inception, GMA has consistently evolved to adapt to changing business dynamics. From a handful of members in its early days, it has grown into a prominent and respected association that continues to influence, inspire, and innovate in the field of management.

GMA’s Core Activities and Objectives

Over the past five decades, GMA has actively pursued its mission of enhancing management education, fostering industry-academia collaboration, and providing platforms for continuous learning and professional development. Some of its key initiatives and contributions include:

1. Educational Programs and Knowledge Sharing

• • GMA organizes a wide array of seminars, workshops, and leadership training programs, addressing contemporary management challenges and emerging business trends.
  • These programs feature renowned industry experts, thought leaders, and academicians, providing attendees with insights into strategic decision-making, leadership excellence, technological advancements, and economic growth strategies.
  • The association has also hosted special CEO forums and panel discussions, where top business leaders share real-world experiences and best practices.

2. Leadership Development and Mentorship

• • GMA has been at the forefront of developing managerial talent and leadership acumen among professionals and aspiring business leaders.
  • Through mentorship initiatives, executive training, and industry interactions, GMA has helped nurture future-ready leaders who contribute significantly to their organizations and the broader business community.

3. Industry-Academia Collaboration

• • Recognizing the importance of bridging the gap between academic learning and industry expectations, GMA has actively collaborated with universities, business schools, and research institutions.
  • The association has facilitated internship programs, research projects, and skill development initiatives, ensuring that Goan students and professionals remain at par with global standards.

4. Awards and Recognition Programs

To encourage excellence in management and leadership, GMA has instituted several prestigious awards, including:

• • Manager of the Year Award (since 1996) – Recognizes exemplary leadership and contribution to management excellence.
  • Young Manager of the Year Award (since 2003) – Honors promising young professionals demonstrating outstanding management skills.
  • Best Management Student Awards (since 2003 for postgraduate students and 2005 for undergraduate students) – Encourages academic excellence in management studies.

These awards have become a hallmark of professional achievement, inspiring individuals to strive for excellence in their respective fields.

5. Policy Advocacy and Economic Development

• • GMA has actively engaged with government agencies, trade bodies, and industry associations to shape policies that support sustainable business growth in Goa.
  • By providing valuable insights, recommendations, and thought leadership, GMA has contributed to initiatives related to economic reforms, ease of doing business, and industrial growth strategies.

6. Community Engagement and Social Responsibility

• • Beyond corporate and management circles, GMA has been deeply committed to social impact initiatives.
  • The association has supported projects related to education, skill development, environmental sustainability, and women’s empowerment, reinforcing its commitment to inclusive growth.

Notable Achievements Over the Past 50 Years

GMA’s journey is marked by several milestones and impactful contributions to Goa’s business and management ecosystem. Some of its significant achievements include:

• Hosting high-profile management summits, leadership conclaves, and knowledge-sharing sessions that have brought together industry veterans, policymakers, and business visionaries.
• Developing leadership talent across sectors, ensuring that Goa remains a hub for professional excellence and entrepreneurship.
• Expanding its membership base, bringing together a diverse mix of corporate leaders, entrepreneurs, academicians, and professionals committed to advancing management practices.
• Strengthening its partnership with AIMA (All India Management Association), ensuring that GMA’s members benefit from national and international expertise in management and business strategy.

Golden Jubilee Celebrations: Honoring the Past, Envisioning the Future

The Golden Jubilee year will be celebrated through a series of special events and initiatives that reflect on GMA’s legacy while setting the stage for the future.

As GMA celebrates 50 years of excellence, it also looks ahead to the future with a renewed commitment to:

• Strengthening leadership programs to empower the next generation of managers and entrepreneurs.
• Leveraging technology and digital transformation to enhance learning, networking, and industry engagement.
• Expanding collaborations with global management institutions to bring international expertise to Goa’s professionals.
• Driving sustainable and responsible business practices, aligning with global ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) standards.

With a strong legacy and a progressive vision, GMA remains steadfast in its mission to elevate management excellence, drive economic growth, and foster a culture of continuous learning and innovation.

The Golden Jubilee of the Goa Management Association is a celebration of dedication, resilience, and impact. Over the past five decades, GMA has been a pillar of professional growth and business excellence in Goa, and as it steps into the future, it remains committed to nurturing leadership, advancing management practices, and contributing to the region’s prosperity.

Here’s to 50 years of excellence—and many more to come!