The Ganga Zuari Academy is a platform dedicated to fostering inclusive growth by bringing together art, culture, education, and social development. Established with the vision of cultural integration, the academy works to bridge communities through dialogue, creativity, and shared heritage.
Our initiatives span across theatre, music, dance, literature, cinema, and social service – all aimed at strengthening harmony in society. By celebrating both tradition and modern expression, the Academy nurtures young talent, promotes cultural understanding, and supports meaningful community-driven change.
The Ganga Zuari Academy is a non-profit cultural organization.It aims to encourage social harmony through inclusive cultural growth.A host of intellectuals that include scientists, academicians, company managing directors, writers, dancers, art directors, teachers, and top civil servants have formed this Academy (Registration No. 320/GOA/2007, PAN card No AABAG1117).The then Governor of Goa Shri S.C. Jamir formally launched this Academy on 24 May 2007.The Academy has General Council (i.e., General Body) and 9 member Governing Presidium (i.e., Executive Committee).
Ganga Zuari Academy is dedicated to nurturing individuals and strengthening communities through education, cultural awareness, and holistic development. We focus on creating opportunities that inspire learning, innovation, and social responsibility.
Our programs and initiatives are designed to bridge gaps in knowledge and skills, promote community engagement, and empower individuals to make meaningful contributions to society. We believe that education and cultural understanding are the cornerstones of sustainable growth.
By fostering leadership, creativity, and empathy, Ganga Zuari Academy aims to cultivate a future-ready generation equipped to address challenges and drive positive change in their communities.
The Ganga Zuari Academy formally launched in 2007 by Shri S.C. Jamir, then Governor of Goa, is a non-profit cultural institution.
Formed by scientists, academicians, writers, artists, and civil servants, dedicated to nurturing art, music, literature, and culture to build social harmony.
We create platforms for cultural expression and exchange through festivals, workshops, seminars, and publications.
Our work strengthens cultural bonds between Goa, Bengal, and beyond, while promoting conservation of India’s diverse socio-cultural heritage.
To inspire action and unity by engaging communities through art, culture, and education.
We empower youth, foster inclusivity, encourage cultural entrepreneurship and tourism, and use creativity to address issues like environment, urbanization, and cohesion.
Vision: Exploring diversity to discover unity.
Belief: Respecting cultural diversity to foster inclusion and strengthen the bonds of a multicultural society.
Core Values: Inclusivity, Creativity, Social Responsibility, Heritage Conservation, and Empowerment.
The Ganga Zuari Academy was born out of a shared dream – to weave culture, education, and community spirit into a movement for positive change. Established in 2007, the Academy emerged from the vision of a diverse group of thinkers and doers who believed in the transformative power of knowledge and creativity.
Inspired by Goa’s vibrant cultural heritage and the need for inclusive social development, the Academy was formally inaugurated by the then Governor of Goa, Shri S.C. Jamir. Its foundation rests on the belief that art, dialogue, and education are not luxuries but essential tools to nurture harmony and progress.
Behind this initiative stands a collective of passionate individuals – scientists, academicians, writers, artists, civil servants, and community leaders – united by a cause-driven mission: to create a space where tradition and modern expression meet, empowering the next generation to lead with empathy, creativity, and courage.
Every number tells a story of culture, education, and community change.
Fostering knowledge, skill development, and lifelong learning opportunities for all age groups.
Encouraging active participation, social responsibility, and collaborative initiatives for sustainable growth.
Preserving traditions while promoting cultural understanding and creative expression within the community.
Empowering individuals to think creatively, lead initiatives, and drive positive changes across all in society.
President
Manguirish Pai Raikar leads the Academy with a vision for growth, inclusivity, and education, promoting innovation while preserving cultural values.
Vice President
Rajesh Tarkar actively supports cultural engagement and community collaboration, bringing energy and creativity to the Academy’s initiatives.
Vice President
Dr. Dinesh Verma contributes his expertise in academics and leadership, fostering innovation and supporting lifelong learning opportunities.
General Secretary
Ranadhir Mukhopadhyay oversees organizational operations, ensuring smooth coordination and driving impactful cultural and educational programs.
Joint Secretary
Dr. Neeta Hede Mazumdar is dedicated to advancing cultural awareness and educational outreach, combining research with hands-on leadership.
Treasurer
Hari Krishan Kaul ensures financial discipline and transparency, managing resources responsibly to support the Academy’s long-term vision.
Chhandovani
Dr. Anil Chatterjee brings literary excellence to the Academy, nurturing creativity, writing, and cultural expression through Chhandovani.
Unmesh
Somnath Sarkar leads Unmesh with a focus on inspiring performances and cultural innovation, bridging tradition and modernity.
Utsav
Devindar Anand curates Utsav, celebrating culture and heritage through festivals, events, and creative showcases for the community.
In keeping with our commitment to transparency and accountability, Ganga Zuari provides statutory disclosures in accordance with the applicable laws and regulatory requirements governing non-profit organizations in India.
The following information is made available to stakeholders, beneficiaries, and the general public:
All disclosures are published annually and updated periodically to ensure compliance with statutory obligations and to uphold the trust of our stakeholders.
At Ganga Zuari, we believe that true progress lies in empowering communities with education, livelihood opportunities, and sustainable development initiatives. Over the years, our programs have touched lives across Goa and West Bengal, creating measurable and lasting impact.
In Goa, our efforts have focused on environmental conservation, women empowerment, and community health. Key initiatives include:
In West Bengal, our work has centered on education, livelihood support, and disaster relief. Key initiatives include:
Through these initiatives, Ganga Zuari has impacted thousands of lives, fostering dignity, resilience, and opportunity. Our commitment remains steadfast—to strengthen communities and create sustainable change for generations to come.
“Ganga Zuari Academy nurtures dialogue across cultures, embodying India’s pluralism while enriching global conversations.”
Amartya Sen
Economist, Nobel Laureate“I am pleased to inaugurate the Ganga Zuari Academy. When rivers meet, they enrich without conflict. Here, unity in diversity is the guiding principle. With an apolitical stance and a commitment to the public, let knowledge be GZA’s boat and dialogue your destination.”
Senayangba Chubatoshi Jamir
Former Governor of Goa“An apolitical stage where voices mingle, GZA transforms cultural confluences into meaningful, democratic imagination.”
Pratap Singh Rane
Former Chief Minister, Goa“By connecting traditions and ideas, GZA builds bridges essential for inclusive growth and social harmony.”
Maria Emelia Menezes
Industrialist, Philanthropist“GZA recalls India’s timeless civilizational dialogues, turning heritage into living thought and artistic engagement.”
Amitav Ghosh
Novelist, Historian of Culture“Few platforms embody India’s cultural continuum like GZA—fostering unity while celebrating diversity.”
Manohar Parrikar
Former Chief Minister of Goa & Union Minister“GZA creates resonant spaces where music, memory, and meaning inspire deeper human connection.”
Haimanti Shukla
Musician, Global Artist“Supporting GZA strengthens not just culture, but innovation, leadership, and inclusive social responsibility.”
Nitin Kunkolienkar
Industrialist“Academy’s initiatives decentralise knowledge, ensuring marginal voices shape national and global conversations.”
Arijit Chaudhuri
Literary Theorist, Scholar“By linking heritage and sustainability, GZA inspires ecological consciousness within India’s future generations.”
Manguirish Pai Raiker
President, GCCI & Chair, India-MSME“In promoting intellectual and cultural plurality, GZA safeguards democracy’s most precious lifeblood—dialogue.”
Syed Wajih Ahmad Naqvi
Scientist, Academician“GZA reflects humanity’s universal search: connecting diverse voices, weaving stories into shared meaning.”
Mridula Sinha
Former Governor of Goa, Author“GZA embodies people-centred knowledge, fostering dialogue where economics, culture, and society converge productively.”
Sunil Singh
Director, Scientist, Academician“GZA reclaims dialogue as India’s civilizational strength, where past and present converse fruitfully.”
Suresh Prabhu
Former Union Minister, Vice-Chancellor“Through melody, we weave cultures. Ganga and Zuari flow together in song, reminding us that music unites hearts beyond boundaries.”
Alka Deo Marulkar
Versatile Vocalist“Through GZA, young minds discover that creativity, compassion, and culture can transform communities.”
Rajendra Prasad Pal
IAS, Former Secretary, Poet“GZA’s inspiring vision weaves art, environment, and heritage together like a vibrant tapestry, creating a collective journey toward a brighter future.”
Rajiv Nigam
Philosopher, GeoarchaeologistJoin us in promoting cross-cultural dialogue, preserving heritage, and fostering global collaborations through art, literature, music, and festivals.