The Global Chamber of Saraswat Entrepreneurs (GCSE) has joined hands with two colleges in Goa and one in the Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra to engage with students offering advice related to entrepreneurship, Rahul Laud reports
In a historic decision, GCSE has signed recently a Memorandum of Understanding with three colleges the Dempo College and Damodar College in Goa and the Gogate-Jogalekar College in Ratnagiri (Maharashtra). The common thread that runs in all these colleges is the theme to encourage, advise, and guide students in the fields of entrepreneurship equip them to face the challenges of the modern global business world, and provide adequate information related to their plans if they have a start-up.
*Igniting Innovation” an Inspiring Entrepreneurship Lecture Series was launched at the Dempo College. In a move to inspire and educate the next generation of entrepreneurs, the GCSE) and the Institutions Innovation Council of S.S. Dempo College of Commerce and Economics decided to launch a monthly entrepreneurship lecture series for students. The inaugural event, held at the Cujira Demo College Hall, was marked by the traditional lighting of the lamp, “Samayi” lit with traditional “Kaypanji”.
Dr. Manoj Kamat, the Principal of Dempo College elaborated on the objectives of this initiative, emphasizing its importance in bridging the gap between academic knowledge and practical entrepreneurial skills. Pravin Kakode, an industrialist and Director of the Saraswat Chamber, delivered the first lecture, providing students with an in-depth understanding of entrepreneurship and its underlying principles. Kakode emphasized that generating business ideas involves fostering creativity and collaboration among diverse teams. Validating these ideas requires thorough market research, he said, and gathering customer feedback to ensure they meet real needs, ultimately increasing the chances of success in the competitive business landscape, he added.
The lecture series will be extended to other designated higher secondary schools in Goa, ensuring a wider reach and greater impact, Kakode informed. Namrata Wagle and Tania Shirodkar served as the program coordinators, while CA Vinayak Dhumatkar, Nandish Kenkre, N.Y. Nadkarni, and Shirish Pai Angle represented the Saraswat Chamber.
Principal Dr. Manoj Kamat and his team recognized the potential of the MoU to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical entrepreneurial skills.
In the same college, GCSE organized a one-day training course on Project Management. The training was attended by experienced entrepreneurs, accomplished project managers, executives from established companies in Goa, aspiring young entrepreneurs, and academicians. Despite the diverse audience, the session provided abundant takeaways for each attendee, highlighting the resource person’s exceptional skill in delivering the session.
The session was led by Mr. Krishnakumar Iyer, PMP Iyer, who holds a PMP certification from the Project Management Institute-USA. Iyer’s session covered the entire project life cycle, emphasizing the balance of competing project constraints. He detailed the role of a project manager and the six critical areas in which a project manager must excel, from documentation to relationship management. He stressed organizational influences on projects and the importance of stakeholder analysis.
The need to create a Work Break down in planning and scheduling projects, techniques of cost management, and the process of team formation and leadership styles were thoroughly discussed. Decision-making using the Eisenhower decision matrix and the importance of clear communication were also covered. Finally, Iyer deliberated on the processes of risk management and methods for handling risks.
Siddharth Sinkar and Anirudh Walawalkar GCSE directors attended the event.
Empowering Future Leaders: the GCSE signed a MoU with Vidya Vikas Mandal’s Shree Damodar College of Commerce and Economics for Management Development Program to launch an innovative Management Development Program (MDP). This occasion was marked by the presence of the following key members from both organizations, who gathered to witness this significant partnership. Pravin Kakode and Anirudha Walawalkar- Directors Saraswat Chamber, Vinayak Dhumatkar, Suhas Mallya, Shirish Angle – Members of the Saraswat Chamber and Sanjay Dessai – Principal, Shree Damodar College of Commerce & Economics, Edwin Barreto – Vice Principal, Shree Damodar College of Commerce & Economics, Shami Pai – Professor & Program Coordinator and Lina Sadekar – Professor & Program Coordinator were present on the occasion.
Pravin Kakode, Director of Saraswat Chamber stated, “This MoU marks a significant step in our commitment to fostering leadership and professional excellence with practical knowledge within Teachers and Students of Damodar College. We are excited to collaborate with Vidya Vikas Mandal’s Shree Damodar College of Commerce and Economics to curate a program that will empower the Teachers and Students to think strategically, and lead with confidence and with a vision.”
The Management Development Program will include:
– Leadership Training: Tailored modules that focus on critical leadership competencies.
– Strategic Thinking Workshops: Sessions designed to enhance decision-making and innovation.
– Mentorship Opportunities: Personalized guidance from senior leaders to foster professional growth.
Echoing similar sentiments of Goa. The Gogate–Joglekar College in the district of Ratnagiri in Maharashtra signed a MoU The MoU has decided to offer scholarships to deserving students of the college who want to pursue entrepreneurship. Director and Founder of the GCSE Siddharth Sinkar assured the students that regular lectures will be offered to students to encourage them to achieve their nosiness goals. Those interested in start-ups and have competitive ideas will be given further guidance to avail financial support. The college officials and GCSE member Shraddha Sinkar present on the occasion assured the audience that in addition to the college the local youth would also benefit from this tie–up.
Dr Makarand sSkhalkar, principal of the College was supported by his senior staff members DR Aparna Kulkarni, Dr Seema Kadam, and Dr Chitra Goswami among other heads of departments.