Collaborators
The Living Waters Museum
Established in 2017, the Living Waters Museum is a hybrid museum that engages youth in visualizing water heritage and re-imagining sustainable, inclusive, and equitable water futures. Through the power of storytelling and technology, we seek to celebrate our water wisdom and inspire youth to look at water from a multidimensional lens by co-building a digital repository as a source of learning for the future. In 2020 we moved to the Centre for Water Research at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) in Pune, after three years at the Centre for Heritage Management, Ahmedabad University. We are one of the founder-members of the Global Network of Water Museums, endorsed by UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Hydrology Program in 2018 as a special initiative towards SDG 6 on access to clean water and sanitation.
The Centre for Public Policy and Governance at the Goa Institute of Management
The Centre for Public Policy and Governance (CPPG) is a recent initiative at GIM, focused on exploring the connections between management and public policy. Its primary objective is to generate intellectual capital and practical insights to inform public policy and governance in India and other emerging economies.
The Centre provides a platform for students to discuss and analyse public policies, fostering awareness and engagement within the academic community. It also facilitates interaction and dialogue among academics, policymakers, and others interested in public policy and governance, both nationally and internationally.
CPPG-GIM, has been instrumental in the initiation of the community program and outreach of Goa Water Stories and is a critical partner in working with the grantees through workshops, discussions and mentoring across the program.
The CPPG operates on the belief that effective public policy must be deeply contextual, requiring not only well-designed policies but also strong organisational and managerial capabilities within governments and public institutions. Additionally, the Centre actively supports regional development by participating in policy initiatives led by government and non-governmental organisations.
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Professor Sebastian Morris
Professor Sebastian Morris serves as Senior Professor and Chair of the Centre for Public Policy and Governance at the Goa Institute of Management. With over 25 years of experience in teaching, research, and consultation, he retired from the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, where he made significant contributions to academia and policy discourse.
His areas of expertise include the Indian economy, infrastructure development and regulation, public sector and governance, international trade and investments, macroeconomics, and small industry. A prolific author, Professor Morris has recently published notable works, including Macroeconomic Policy in India since the Global Financial Crisis - Trends, Policies and Challenges in Economic Revival Post COVID (Springer Nature, 2022), The Difficulty of Being Gajendra Haldea - Reflections on His Life and Legacy (Bloomsbury, 2023), and The India Infrastructure Report 2023 – Urban Planning and Development (Bloomsbury, 2023).
Through his scholarship and teaching, Professor Morris continues to influence policy formulation and academic thought, contributing to a deeper understanding of critical issues in public policy and governance.
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Dr Kingshuk Sarkar
Dr Kingshuk Sarkar is an Associate Professor and Area Chair of General Management and Economics at the Goa Institute of Management. With over two decades of service as a Labour Administrator for the Government of West Bengal, he combines extensive practical experience with academic excellence.
Dr Sarkar holds a PhD in Economics from the Centre for Economic Studies and Planning at Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. He also holds a Master’s in Economics from Kolkata University and an MPhil in Economics from Jadavpur University. His academic interests include plantation economics, labour economics, industrial relations, law and economics, labour administration, and the informal sector.
He has served as a Fellow at the V. V. Giri National Labour Institute, Noida, and as Assistant Professor at the National Institute of Rural Development, Hyderabad, where he contributed to the BPL Census 2011. From 2007 to 2009, he was a guest faculty member at Jamia Millia Islamia’s Department of Economics, New Delhi.
Dr Sarkar has an impressive body of work, with numerous publications in reputed journals and significant contributions to conferences, workshops, and seminars both nationally and internationally. His research assignments have addressed critical issues in India and abroad, and he has represented India at global forums on several occasions.
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Bernice J. de Souza
Bernice J. de Souza is a policy professional with nearly six years of experience in the public sector, governance, and development. She holds dual postgraduate degrees: an MA in Governance, Development & Public Policy from the Institute of Development Studies (IDS), University of Sussex, UK, and an MA in Economics from the University of Mumbai.
A recipient of the prestigious Manohar Parrikar Goa Scholarship (2020-21) and a Dhirubhai Ambani Foundation Scholar, Bernice currently serves as Senior Research Associate at the Centre for Public Policy & Governance (CPPG) at the Goa Institute of Management. In this role, she leads several initiatives, including the forthcoming Goa Development Report.
Previously, Bernice worked as a Young Professional at NITI Aayog, contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) vertical. Her key projects included the SDG India Index and the India Voluntary National Review Report presented at the United Nations.
Her areas of expertise and interest encompass public policy, governance, political economy, SDGs, infrastructure, urban development, and gender issues. Bernice’s academic and professional journey reflects her commitment to driving impactful change in these critical areas.
Goa University
Goa University was established under the Goa University Act of 1984 (Act No. 7 of 1984) and began operations on 1st June 1985, serving as the primary institution for higher education in Goa. The University is included under Section 2(f) of the UGC Act, 1956 and also awarded the status 12 B of the UGC Act, 1956 by the University Grants Commission. It succeeded the Centre of Post-Graduate Instruction and Research (CPIR), set up in June 1962 by the University of Bombay (now Mumbai) following Goa’s liberation in December 1961.
Since its inception, Goa University has offered graduate, postgraduate and research programmes. Over the past 39 years, it has grown significantly, affiliating with 67 colleges that provide professional and general education. Many of these colleges also serve as recognised research centres, offering PhD programmes alongside a diverse range of courses.
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Professor Rajendra S. Gad
Professor Rajendra Gad is a distinguished academic in Electronics, currently serving as Dean of the Manohar Parrikar School of Law, Governance & Public Policy at Goa University. He also holds additional responsibilities as Vice-Dean of the School of Applied and Physical Sciences. Professor Gad earned his PhD and Master’s degrees from Goa University in 2009 and 1997, respectively. His contributions to academia and research have earned him numerous accolades, including first place at the national Agtech Event KRITAGYA in 2021 and the Best Teacher Award in 2020.
An accomplished researcher, he has authored two books, over 100 journal articles and eight book chapters, and has filed two patents. He has served as Principal Investigator and Nodal Officer for several nationally funded projects. A Senior Member of IEEE, he collaborates extensively with both national and international research organisations.
Professor Gad has also played a pivotal role in organising academic events, including the First International Conference on Advances in Smart Sensor Technologies in 2021, further solidifying his influence in advancing cutting-edge research and innovation in his field.
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Dr Sulochana Suresh Pednekar
Dr Sulochana Pednekar is an Assistant Professor in the Women’s Studies Programme at the D.D. Kosambi School of Social Sciences and Behavioural Studies, Goa University. With over 15 years of extensive research experience in organisations such as Sangath, NSSO, TERI, AIIMS, and UNICEF, she specialises in gender, health, and environmental issues, combining academic insight with impactful community advocacy.
Dr Pednekars educational films on menstruation have gained international recognition, being featured at prestigious events like the Women Deliver Conference and the Asia Pacific Conference on Reproductive and Sexual Health and Rights. As an Ecofemme Brand Ambassador, she champions sustainable sanitary products and educates communities on menstrual hygiene.Her dedication to teaching and social advocacy has earned her several accolades, including the Zilla Mahila Samman (2015), the Award of Excellence for Teaching and Social Contribution (2017), and the Voice of Teachers Award from the Goa University Teachers Association (2024). As a Community Correspondent with Video Volunteers, she produced impactful videos highlighting grassroots issues often ignored by mainstream media.
She has received fellowships and awards at conferences across countries, including Uganda, Philippines, Mexico, Myanmar, Australia, Malaysia and Nepal, underscoring her commitment to fostering social change and sustainable practices.
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Dr Prakash S. Parienkar
Dr Prakash S. Parienkar (डॉ. प्रकाश पर्येंकार) is an accomplished Associate Professor and Vice Dean (Research) in the Discipline of Konkani at the Shenoi Goembab School of Languages and Literature, Goa University. Renowned for his contributions to Konkani literature, he has received multiple prestigious accolades, reflecting his profound impact on regional and national literary landscapes.
Dr Parienkar’s short story Chandrakor won the Katha National Award in 2003, marking the beginning of his celebrated journey. He was later honoured with the Sahitya Akademi Award for Children's Literature (2010) and the Sahitya Akademi Award for Short Stories (2023). His acclaimed novel Puran earned the Smt. Vimala V Pai Vishwa Konkani Sahitya Award in 2023.
His literary works, including short stories and plays, have been translated into several languages and adapted into films. Notably, the adaptation of his work Kaajro won Best Regional Language Film at the 67th National Film Awards.
Beyond literature, Dr Parienkar’s contributions to education, culture, and the environment have been recognised by dignitaries, including the Vice President of India and the Governor of Chhattisgarh. His remarkable career continues to inspire and elevate Konkani literature and its global reach.
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Professor Ganesha Somayaji
Professor Somayaji, originally from Udupi district, Karnataka, has been a distinguished member of the Sociology faculty at Goa University since February 1999, after serving at M.E.S. College of Arts and Commerce, Zuarinagar, Goa. He currently holds the position of Professor of Sociology and Dean of the D.D. Kosambi School of Social Sciences and Behavioural Studies.
His research interests include enterprise in food, migration, development issues, and the sociology of tribes and language. Professor Somayaji has edited four books and supervised seven Ph.D. students to completion. Currently, four students are continuing their doctoral research under his guidance.
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Dr Arvind N. Haldankar
Dr Arvind Haldankar is the Programme Director for the Master’s in Sociology at the D.D. Kosambi School of Social Sciences and Behavioural Studies, Goa University. His research interests include the Sociology of Tribes, Ethnography, Environmental Issues, and Goan Society and Culture, with a special focus on the Velip tribe in Goa.
Dr Haldankar has published numerous research papers in national and international journals, presented over 25 papers, and chaired sessions at various academic conferences. He is the Co-Convener of the Adivasi and Tribal Studies Research Committee of the Indian Sociological Society (ISS) and an active member of the Karnataka Sociology Association and the Mangalore Sociological Association. In addition to his academic contributions, Dr Haldankar plays a significant role in various advisory and academic bodies. He serves as a Teacher’s Representative on the Academic Council of Goa University and is a member of several Boards of Studies. He is also a Thematic Expert on Traditional Knowledge and Biodiversity Heritage Sites for the Goa State Biodiversity Board and a member of the Regional Advisory Committee of the National Board for Worker’s Education and Development.
Dr Haldankar is currently supervising six Ph.D. students and is involved in various projects for the Tribal Welfare Department, Government of Goa, including the Vision Viksit Bharat @2047 ICSSR Special Call Project and a report on Ecologically Sensitive Areas of the Western Ghats. He collaborates with international students from Nihon University, Japan, and Tullinge and Bromma Gymnasium, Sweden. Additionally, he writes extensively on tribal livelihood issues for national and local media.
Dr Chanda Vikrant Berde
Dr Chanda Berde, holding an M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Microbiology from Goa University, is the Founder-Director of ‘The Society for Environment and Biodiversity Conservation’ (SEBC). She currently serves as an Assistant Professor in Marine Microbiology at the School of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences, Goa University. Her research interests focus on the microbial biodiversity of estuarine and marine ecosystems, biodegradation, bio-remediation, mangrove microbiomes, and microbial secondary metabolites.
With extensive teaching and research experience, Dr Berde has authored 37 research articles, 32 book chapters, and 3 books, and guided several research projects. She has also actively organized and participated in scientific conferences and workshops.
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Ms. Sangeeta R. Tate
Sangeeta Tate is an Assistant Professor of Sociology and a Ph.D. student at the D.D. Kosambi School of Social Sciences and Behavioural Studies, Goa University. Her research interests encompass the sociology of migration, cultural studies, and environmental sociology. Outside her academic pursuits, Sangeeta has a deep passion for travelling and exploring diverse cuisines.
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Ms. Sneha B. Ghadi
Sneha Ghadi is an Assistant Professor in the Discipline of History at the D.D. Kosambi School of Social Sciences and Behavioural Studies, Goa University. Her research interests include the Goan diaspora, environmental history, the socio-cultural history of Goa, and subaltern studies.
With seven years of teaching experience, Sneha is dedicated to expanding scholarly understanding in these fields and mentoring students.
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Sunaparanta Goa Centre for the Arts
Sunaparanta Goa Centre for the Arts, established in 2009 by Dipti and Dattaraj V. Salgaocar, is a not-for-profit arts foundation dedicated to nurturing, preserving, and promoting Goa’s artistic and cultural heritage. The Centre fosters innovation in the visual arts, bridging the Goan art community with national and international audiences. It provides mentorship and resources to art students and enthusiasts, encouraging learning and creativity.
Sunaparanta has evolved into a platform for addressing social and cultural issues through its diverse programmes. Guided by the belief that culture shapes perspectives and values, the Centre integrates multidisciplinary and community-based initiatives to nurture a broad and diverse audience. These initiatives include cutting-edge practices in art while promoting cultural activities across various media, regions, and eras.
The Centre collaborates with organisations to present exhibitions that enrich cultural life and well-being, with a focus on knowledge production through exhibitions and educational programmes. Its key pedagogical initiatives include the Sunaparanta Art Initiator Lab, the Artist-in-Residence Lab, and the Art & Theatre Programme.
Currently, Sunaparanta’s exhibitions serve as laboratories for ideas, addressing pressing issues like care, sustainability, and ecology. The Centre also fosters interdisciplinary research, connecting art with science, technology, and other fields. These partnerships provide innovative approaches to contemporary challenges, enriching understanding and inspiring action.
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Isheta Salgaocar
Writer, photographer, ponderer, and programmes advisor and patron, Sunaparanta Goa Centre for the Arts.
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Leandré D’Souza
Leandré D’Souza is the curator and creative director at Sunaparanta Goa Centre for the Arts. In 2023, she was invited as a mentor for the two-year South Asia Incubator Programme at PhotoKTM in Kathmandu, Nepal.
Leandré is the founder of ArtOxygen, a collective focused on curating and producing art projects in open spaces. From 2010 to 2018, she organized [en]counters, a festival addressing issues affecting everyday life in Mumbai. In 2013, she curated the participation of Indian and international artists at the Haein Art Project Biennale in South Korea. She also curated the 2015/16 and 2018 editions of Sensorium at Sunaparanta Goa Centre for the Arts.
In 2014, Leandré received an award for Culture and Change from the Prince Claus Fund for Culture and Development.
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Nilima Kamat
Nilima Kamat Menezes is the Programme Head and Art Administrator at Sunaparanta Goa Centre for the Arts. For over a decade now, she has been creatively engaged in the design and development of programmes, exhibitions, residencies, and collaborative projects at Sunaparanta.
Outside of her professional work, Nilima is passionate about organic gardening and natural ecosystems. Currently, she is researching and documenting her family's traditional recipes.
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Justina Maria Costa
Justina Maria Costa is a creative professional with diverse experience in media, arts, and communication. She is the Media Manager at Sunaparanta Goa Centre for the Arts, where she oversees content creation, ensures alignment with the Centre’s vision, and manages press coordination. Her role involves maintaining effective communication and delivering engaging content to external media. Beyond her work at Sunaparanta, she provides weekly news updates for a Canadian podcast, covering arts, culture, and current events in Goa. She has also built a successful freelance career in radio presenting, scriptwriting, voice-overs, event hosting, singing, and theatre. Her deep passion for the arts and media enables her to contribute meaningfully across multiple creative fields.
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Abigail D'souza
Abigail D’Souza is an experienced and creative project manager with over five years of expertise in planning, producing, and executing artistic projects. She specializes in design, social media management, promotion, and project documentation.
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The Centre for Water Research
The Centre for Water Research (CWR) at IISER Pune is an interdisciplinary initiative formed in November 2020. It draws upon expertise from faculty across different departments at the institute. CWR aims to generate interdisciplinary knowledge about water systems, including their history, heritage, resource management, and sustainable use. Additionally, it trains the next generation of scholars to look at water from an integrated and multi-dimensional lens. Research at CWR covers fundamental and applied aspects of water management, such as hydroclimate, river basin management, water quality, environmental flows, livelihoods, and water use across sectors. The Living Waters Museum, part of CWR, curates visual narratives on water heritage and engages youth through storytelling and interactive digital media.
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The Global Network of Water Museums
The Global Network of Water Museums (WAMU-NET) is a Flagship Initiative of UNESCO-IHP (Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme). It aims to foster water awareness education and support museums, institutions, and people in implementing new actions to repair our deteriorated relationship with water and develop a 'new culture of water’. This initiative plays a crucial role in promoting water sustainability and education worldwide.
