Theme: India Tomorrow – Unlocking Industry, Innovation, and Talent
The Goa Management Association (GMA), in collaboration with MES Vasant Joshi College of Arts & Commerce, Zuarinagar, celebrated National Management Day 2025 on 25 February 2025 with an insightful and engaging event held at the Raj Tara Seminar Hall, MES’s Rajaram and Tarabai Bandekar Academy of Management Education, Vasco.
The event, attended by industry leaders, academicians, entrepreneurs, and students from BBA and BBA (Shipping & Logistics) programs across Goa, provided a platform for thought leadership and knowledge-sharing on the future of India’s industry, the role of innovation, and the importance of nurturing talent for economic growth.
The celebration comprised two key sessions:
- A Panel Discussion on the theme “India Tomorrow: Unlocking Industry, Innovation, and Talent” featuring distinguished industry experts.
- An Inter-College Business Quiz Competition, designed to test students’ business acumen, industry awareness, and strategic thinking.
Inauguration and Welcome Address
The event commenced with a formal inauguration, setting the stage for an intellectually stimulating day. Dr Manasvi M Kamat, Principal and Professor, M.E.S. College, welcomed the gathering and highlighted the importance of National Management Day as a celebration of managerial excellence and leadership. She spoke about the role of educational institutions in nurturing business leaders and emphasized how collaborations between industry and academia can create a robust ecosystem for learning and professional development.
Mr Deepak A Bandekar, Chairman of Goa Management Association, delivered an inspiring address, emphasising the role of GMA in fostering industry-academia partnerships and preparing students for real-world challenges.
- He underscored the importance of continuous learning, adaptability, and critical thinking in today’s rapidly changing business environment.
- He stressed how management education goes beyond textbooks and is about building leadership qualities, problem-solving skills, and the ability to drive change.
- He acknowledged the contributions of industry experts in mentoring young professionals and encouraged students to actively engage with industry leaders and seek opportunities to learn from their experiences.
The inauguration concluded with Dr Kirti Tyagi, Programme Coordinator, MES College, thanking the esteemed guests, speakers, students, and faculty members for their presence and participation, setting the stage for the panel discussion.
Panel Discussion: India Tomorrow – Unlocking Industry, Innovation, and Talent
The panel discussion, a key highlight of the event, brought together renowned experts from industry, academia, and the startup ecosystem, who shared valuable insights on the evolving business landscape in India.
The session was moderated by Ms Rina Barreto Shankar, Founder of Cheree Tree Concepts, who led an engaging and thought-provoking discussion with the following panellists:
- Dr Niyan Marchon – Professor, Centre of Teaching, Learning, and Educational Technology, GSHE, DHE, Government of Goa
- Mr DS Prashant – CEO, Startup and IT Promotion Cell, Department of IT, Electronics and Communications, Government of Goa
- Mr Anirudh Dempo – President, Goa State Industries Association (GSIA)
Key Discussion Points and Insights:
The Future of Work and Skill Development – Dr Niyan Marchon spoke on how India’s future is shaped by today’s students, urging them to be committed, adaptable, and continuously upskill themselves. He highlighted:
- The growing emphasis on skill-based learning over traditional degrees.
- The importance of technical and soft skills in building a competitive workforce.
- The need for critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills in managerial roles.
The Startup Ecosystem and Innovation in India – Mr DS Prashant shared his perspective on the rise of startups in India and the potential Goa has to become a hub for creative industries. He noted:
- Challenges in building global businesses beyond short-term or ad-hoc business ideas.
- Opportunities in technology, fintech, and sustainable business models that are reshaping industries.
- How Goa’s ecosystem can support young entrepreneurs and startups through policy interventions and incubators.
Sustainability and Business Growth – Mr Anirudh Dempo highlighted how businesses today must embrace sustainability and responsible growth. He spoke about:
- The importance of ethical business practices.
- How innovation and digital transformation are driving competitiveness in Indian industries.
- The importance of investing in human capital and nurturing talent within organizations.
The discussion concluded with a Q&A session, where students actively participated by posing insightful questions on career growth, entrepreneurship, and emerging business trends.
Inter-College Business Quiz Competition
Following the intellectually enriching panel discussion, the event continued with a dynamic and engaging Business Quiz Competition designed to test students’ knowledge of business, economy, innovation, and management principles.
The quiz was hosted by Assistant Professor Ismail Shaikh. Six colleges from across Goa participated, representing the best BBA talent in the state. The quiz covered a wide range of topics, including global business trends, the Indian economy, industry innovations, and corporate leadership strategies. The following teams emerged at the top.
First Place: S.S. Dempo College of Commerce & Economics
Runners-up: Goa Multi-Faculty College (GMFC)
The competition was a stimulating and high-energy event, fostering critical thinking, teamwork, and strategic decision-making among students.
The GMA’s National Management Day 2025 celebrations were a success, with attendees gaining valuable industry insights, career guidance, and inspiration. The event reinforced:
- The importance of industry-academia collaboration in preparing students for real-world business challenges.
- The need for young professionals to continuously innovate, adapt, and acquire industry-relevant skills.
- How entrepreneurship, digital transformation, and sustainability are shaping India’s economic landscape.
- GMA remains committed to fostering leadership, innovation, and business excellence, ensuring that Goa’s management education and industry ecosystem continue to grow and thrive.
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