An Agnostic in the Land of Faith

 What happens when an agnostic goes on a pilgrimage?

For those wondering who a agnostic is, let me quote the Dictionary.com,

An agnostic is one who believes it impossible to know anything about God or about the creation of the universe and refrains from commitment to any religious doctrine.

I too was pondering on the same question as I, along with my sister and her family set out to this famous Catholic Pilgrimage Centre in South India, Velankanni. I had been here as a child. But now this was a strange experience for me. I looked forward to this trip more as time spent with my family, especially my two little cute nieces, touring the country.

What could this place that is held so very reverently by many Catholic faithful could offer me? What is it that I could gather in a place where everywhere I saw people following rituals and customs with extreme devotion and religious fervour? I may not agree to such practices but I do respect the right of every person to express their faith or beleifs in whateever degree they choose to.

It was 12th August. Already troubled with sweet memories turned sour associated with this day, I along with my family went about seeing the place. Some friends did whatsapp their concerns but I was good enough to go about the day.

 

Shops and hawkers selling toys, devoitional items, CDs were to be seen all along the way from the Church to the beach. One thing I did notice, even religion can trigger economic growth (you just don't need Industries all the time). Some shopkeepers, once they realize you are a Goan, they  would call out to you as 'Patrao' (Konkani for Master/Sir) some even started Konkani music. It feels good to hear your language in a distant land like Tamil Nadu.

 

Amidst all this, I spot this crippled man.  He could very easily sit along with the perfectly abled men and women who were begging on the same street. But he chose to stand behind his wheelchair and using it as a platform he sells simple toys. The sight was enough to give you goosebumps. I was at once inspired to buy something from him. As I asked for the price of an item I realized that this man had trouble in speaking too.

 

 

We travelled the same night back home. There were many places of religious significance we visited or witnessed there, but none of them inspired me like this man did. I think this experience will remain etched in my memories for long. I regret for not buying more from him, in return for what he taught me. To stand tall in all my crippleness. We are all crippled in one way or the other, but we can choose to be helpless or stand tall like this man did with faith and hope. However small may be his earnings but the respect he earns is way beyond measure. Kudos to you Gentleman! Cheers!

 

 

GIMs “Make in Goa” conference’s attempt to bring together Industry and Government, a grand success

“Make in India” is the clarion call that the PM of this country had given to the industrialist and investors around the globe soon after he came to power. The need to boost industrial investment in the country was long overdue and with the mandate he had got this General Elections, the responsibility was hard and pressing on his shoulders. It is necessary that the citizens of this great country take this call seriously and initiate efforts to make this a reality.  The staff and students of the executive MBA course of the Goa Institute of Management took it a step further to localize this call to this beautiful state and hence “Make in Goa” – a one day conference on Tourism, Agro-Pharma and InfoTech was held on 22^nd March, 2015 in its Ribandar Campus.

 

Widely attended by government officials, industry experts, industrialists, investors, entrepreneurs, academicians and students, “Make in Goa” was able to achieve what it was supposed to.

This meet was an opportunity for all to interact with the experts from diverse industries and critically analyze the present Industrial scenario in Goa.  This conference also helped in defining a road map, thereby opening up new horizons for budding entrepreneurs of Goa.

The rationale behind this conference was to highlight the possible scope to invest and build a strong base for attracting industries in Goa. The conference was a platform to the experts to discuss, deliberate and draw an action plan for the growth of the industries. 

Mr. Ranjit Singh Chug from Zuari Agro Chemical Ltd. delivered the key note address and Mr. PratapSingh Rane, the Leader of Opposition and the GIM trustee was the Chief Guest.  Adv. Francis Braganca, President of TTA Goa and Mr. Amey Abhyankar, Director of Tourism shared their insight for the session on tourism. Mr. Naredra Pratap Singh, ICAR; Mr. Jayant Umarye, Syngenta Biosciences Pvt. Ltd.; and Mr.  Salim Veljee, Director FDA highlighted the scope of Agro and Pharma industry in Goa. Mr. Vincent Toscano, Industry Principal, Infosys; Mr. Joel De Souza, Director, Rubiq Solutions Pvt. Ltd.; and Mr. Subhash Phaldesai, Chairman, Info Tech Corporation of Goa, widely debated on the scope of the IT industry in the State of Goa.

 The GIM Director in his video address urged the government, industry, and academia for the need of Green Industry with Green initiatives that will help both the ecology and the economy.  Mr. Chug in his Key note address stressed on how Goa is lacking skilled and semi-skilled industry workers and is dependent on the migratory workforce. The need of more ITI was needed who would train youth for the industry was required. Mr. Rane highlighted that the Government (past as well as present) was always welcoming industry in the state and yet there were more avenues that are to be explored how to make the environment more conducive to the industry. He added that there is lot to be done after taking the people of Goa in the confidence. He also noted that over the past few years the plans for development were overrun by protests and industry is now feeling unsafe to venture in the state.

Adv. Francis Braganca highlighted that the Government needs to monitor the growth of unorganized hospitality industry coming up in the state. He noted that such inorganic growth has led to more chaos and thereby lowering the standards of Goan Hospitality industry as a whole.  He also spoke on how public transport could be improved to support the tourism industry. Mr. Amey Abhyankar was vociferous in highlighting the achievements of his department and the scope of creating a tourism calendar and rebranding Goa as a tourism destination that has so many events to celebrate round the year. He also noted the training of taxi drivers and police personnel is required, as they are the ambassadors of the State to the world. He observed that Goa’s Competition is not with other states in India, but with international destinations.

 

For the Agro-Pharma session Mr. Narendra Pratap Singh highlighted the agricultural opportunities that the entrepreneurs could take up. HE introduced to the audience the variety of vegetation Goa is proud of. He felt the need that government could support such farmers through training and financial assistance. Mr. Jayant Umarye seconded Mr. Singh in his call to entrepreneurs to take up agriculture using modern techniques and food processing. He highlighted as to how food processing could increase revenue margins for the farmer.  Mr. Salim Veljee then highlighted the present scenario of the pharma industry in the State and what scope it offers the State in the coming future.

The session on Information Technology saw Mr. Vincent Toscano from Infosys highlighting what Goa needs to develop to attract the IT majors. He also proposed a plan by which IT industry could be made viable in this State and how it could lead in creating something he calls as Rural IT industry, instead of popular urban IT set up. Being a member of Goa IT Professionals, (GITP) Mr. Toscano brought forward the demand of hundreds of Goan youth in the IT field who have to work in the neighbouring metros due to the lack of growth opportunities and promising salaries. Mr. Joel D’souza then highlighted how an entrepreneur could come up with his ideas and create a business. He also stated that there is a need for mentorship programs for IT startups in the state. The need for better network bandwidth and other supporting amenities and facilities such transport and housing was also mentioned. Mr. Subhash PhalDessai put forth the Governments stand on seeing IT industry in Goa quite convincingly. He assured the gathering that the IT policy would soon be a reality and the government is sincerely making efforts towards the same. He assured that he understands the demand of the Goan IT professionals working outside the state and he would dedicatedly work towards reverse brain drain from the State. Among the audience for this session was Mr. Jerwis Pereira, Director of GoaIT Incubation Centre (GITIC) and others from the Goan IT fraternity.

The Goa Institute of Management will come out with a journal which will include all the papers presented at the conference. The sessions on Tourism, Agro-Pharma and Information Technology were moderated by Ms. Melanie Colaco, Mr. Mukul Lal and Mr. Inacio A Fernandes respectively.  Professor Vittal Sukhatankar, EMBA-chairperson was the convenor. The event was compered by Mr. Gavin D’souza and Mr. Lenin D’sa. Ms. Marsha Almeida proposed the vote of Thanks.