About Us

About Us

Ganga Zuari Academy – Nurturing Culture, Knowledge & Social Change

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.

Empower Our Mission

Who
We Are

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.

What
We Do

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.

Our
Mission

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, Belief
& Core Values

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.


Our Story

Founding & Inspiration of Ganga Zuari Academy

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.

Discover Our Inspiration


Ganga Zuari Academy – Impact That Inspires

Every number tells a story of culture, education, and community change.

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Children supported
through education
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Cultural festivals, theatre
& music events hosted
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Community members engaged
in social initiatives
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Youth trained in
leadership & arts
Welcome to Ganga Zuari Academy

Empowering Communities

Education & Learning

Fostering knowledge, skill development, and lifelong learning opportunities for all age groups.

Community Engagement

Encouraging active participation, social responsibility, and collaborative initiatives for sustainable growth.

Heritage & Community

Preserving traditions while promoting cultural understanding and creative expression within the community.

Innovation & Leadership

Empowering individuals to think creatively, lead initiatives, and drive positive changes across all in society.

United & Stronger Together for Change

Team, Transparency, Impact & Our Members

Our Team

Key People Who Make It Happen

Manguirish Pai Raikar
Manguirish Pai Raikar

President

Manguirish Pai Raikar leads the Academy with a vision for growth, inclusivity, and education, promoting innovation while preserving cultural values.

Rajesh Tarkar
Rajesh Tarkar

Vice President

Rajesh Tarkar actively supports cultural engagement and community collaboration, bringing energy and creativity to the Academy’s initiatives.

Dr. Dinesh Verma
Dr. Dinesh Verma

Vice President

Dr. Dinesh Verma contributes his expertise in academics and leadership, fostering innovation and supporting lifelong learning opportunities.

Ranadhir Mukhopadhyay
Ranadhir Mukhopadhyay

General Secretary

Ranadhir Mukhopadhyay oversees organizational operations, ensuring smooth coordination and driving impactful cultural and educational programs.

Dr. Neeta Hede Mazumdar
Dr. Neeta Hede Mazumdar

Joint Secretary

Dr. Neeta Hede Mazumdar is dedicated to advancing cultural awareness and educational outreach, combining research with hands-on leadership.

Hari Krishan Kaul
Hari Krishan Kaul

Treasurer

Hari Krishan Kaul ensures financial discipline and transparency, managing resources responsibly to support the Academy’s long-term vision.

Dr. Anil Chatterjee
Dr. Anil Chatterjee

Chhandovani

Dr. Anil Chatterjee brings literary excellence to the Academy, nurturing creativity, writing, and cultural expression through Chhandovani.

Somnath Sarkar
Somnath Sarkar

Unmesh

Somnath Sarkar leads Unmesh with a focus on inspiring performances and cultural innovation, bridging tradition and modernity.

Devindar Anand
Devindar Anand

Utsav

Devindar Anand curates Utsav, celebrating culture and heritage through festivals, events, and creative showcases for the community.

Statutory Disclosures

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:

  • ✔ Registration details under the Societies Registration Act/Trust Act.
  • ✔ PAN and TAN details of the organization.
  • ✔ Section 12A and 80G certifications for tax exemptions, where applicable.
  • ✔ Details of the Governing Board and Trustees.
  • ✔ Annual Reports and audited financial statements.
  • ✔ CSR registration number, if applicable.
  • ✔ FCRA registration status for foreign contributions (if applicable).

All disclosures are published annually and updated periodically to ensure compliance with statutory obligations and to uphold the trust of our stakeholders.

Our Impact Across Goa & Bengal

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.

🌿 Goa

In Goa, our efforts have focused on environmental conservation, women empowerment, and community health. Key initiatives include:

  • ✔ Coastal clean-up drives and mangrove restoration.
  • ✔ Skill development programs for rural women and youth.
  • ✔ Health awareness campaigns and medical camps in underserved villages.

🌸 West Bengal

In West Bengal, our work has centered on education, livelihood support, and disaster relief. Key initiatives include:

  • ✔ Scholarships and after-school learning programs for underprivileged children.
  • ✔ Vocational training for self-employment and entrepreneurship.
  • ✔ Relief and rehabilitation support during floods and cyclones.

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.

Membership No Name Position Social
P01 Maria Emilia Menezes PhD, MD-Indi-Pharma, Philanthropist in Healthcare, Education, and Sports
P02 Nitin Kunkolienkar GCCI, MAIT, Vidya Vikas Mandal, CII, Smartlink NSL, Dona Paula
P03 Sukti Chatterjee Passionate photographer with a unique perspective, Merces
P04 Vivek Pathiyan General Manager, ICG, Dona Paula

Membership No Name Position Social
PR01 Rajendra Prasad Pal Sample Principal
PR02 Ranadhir Mukhopadhyay PhD, Oceanographer, Dona Paula
PR03 Ajanta Burman Master Chef, Dance Exponent,
PR04 Prasenjit Bannerjee Art Director, Sancoale,
PR05 Apurbo Biswas Physician, Thivim
PR06 Manisha Bannerjee Entrepreneur, Sancoale
PR07 Rati Arun Naik Art Director, Sancoale
PR08 Ranjit Chatterjee M/Communication, Taleigao
PR09 Bimalendu Dey BARC & NPCIL, Taleigao
PR010 Debashish Majumdar PhD,Prof in Economics, Margao
PR011 Neeta Majumdar PhD, Prof in Mathematics, Margao
PR012 Venkat Gummalla New India Insurance, Hyderabad
PR013 Indira Gummalla Entrepreneur, Hyderabad
PR014 Kunal Dutta$ Industrialist, Goa & Calcutta,
PR015 Arundhuti Dutta$ Singer, Artist, Goa & Calcutta
PR016 Amol Bhattacharya IFB, Goa and Calcutta
PR017 Swati Sarkar Entrepreneur, Sancoale
PR018 Rashmi Sen Home Maker, Margao
PR019 Rita Sorowar PhD, Production Scientist, Frankfurt
PR020 Nilanjana Mitra Educationist, Humanist, Old Goa
PR021 Tara Narayan Associate Editor, Goan Observer
PR022 Saurav Roy Logistics & Warehouse, CIPLA, Margao
PR023 Amitabh Moitro DGM-PNB (Retd), Goa Velha
PR024 Rajesh Tarcar CMD, Rajdeep Builders, Dona Paula
PR025 Amita Sharma Director, Kota Foundation, Dona Paula
PR026 Somnath Sarkar Addl GM, Goa Shipyard, Sancoale
PR027 Apornita Sarkar NGO Activist, Home maker, Sancoaletd
PR028 Rajiv Nigam PhD, Palaeontology;Dona Paula
PR029 Anil Bhattacharya National Savings Commissioner, Altinho
PR030 Dinesh Verma Ophthalmologist, Chicalim
PR031 Manguirish Pai Raiker Strategic Management Consultants, DP
PR032 Gargi Guha MBA, Freelance writer, Margao
PR033 Pranab Mukhopadhyay PhD, Economics, GU, Dona Paula

Membership No Name Position Social
A01 Julie Mukhopadhyay DHRM, LLB, Homemaker, Dona Paula
A02 Lata Satyen Naik PhD, Mathematics, Mercel
A03 Partho Sarathi Banerjee Director, Fomento, Caranzalem
A04 Nilima Chatterjee Calangute Govt School, Taleigao
A06 Madhura Kolte State Bank of India, Goa, Mumbai
A07 Anup Burman Director, Bluecross Lab, Caranzalem
A08 Arijit Choudhuri Consulting Geophysicist, BPCL, Mumbai
A09 Arunava Roy Prasar Bharati, Goa & Kolkata
A010 Pragya Paromita Roy Techno-India Education Society, Kolkata
A011 Yogesh Suchak Entrepreneur, London
A012 Haimanti Biswas PhD, Marine Biologist, Caranzalem
A013 Gunjan Baijal Oncologist, Manipal -Tata Hsp, Mumbai
A014 Kamlesh H Vora Deputy Director, NIO, Caranzalem
A015 Amit Kumar Goswami Retd Colonel, Indian Army, Sancoale
A016 Rumi Roychoudhury Fr. Principal, Army School, Dona Paula
A017 Madhulika Mehta Singer, Poet, Dona Paula
A018 Basavadatta Mitra PhD, English, BITS-Goa, Sancoale
A019 Anil Chatterjee PhD, Marine Biologist, NIO, Porvorim
A020 Devinder Anand Psycho-Spiritual Coach, Reis-Magos
A021 Vineeta Sood Alternative education, Dona Paula
A023 Padmanabh V Sathe Satellite Oceanographer, Dona Paulale
A024 Vishve Sood Engineer, Oil&Gas, Dona Paula
A025 Hari Krishan Kaul Retail Expert, Ex-Rotary Prez, Miramara
A026 Sanjay Mangesh Korgaokar Singer, Dahisar (E), Mumb
A027 Dr. Shodhan Kamat MS (Ortho), Porvorim

Our Partners & Supporters

Directorate of Art & Culture Goa Goa Tourism Development Corporation Kala Academy Goa Wallace Pharmaceuticals Goa BlueCross Pharmaceuticals Goa Rajdeep Builders Goa DRAG Clothing Goa Punjab National Bank Goa Automobile Corporation of Goa Bandhan Bank Goa
Testimonials

Voices from Our Journey

Ganga Zuari International: Connecting Cultures Across the Globe

Join us in promoting cross-cultural dialogue, preserving heritage, and fostering global collaborations through art, literature, music, and festivals.

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Congratulations!

Mr. Manguirish Pai Raikar

Heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Manguirish Pai Raikar, President of the Ganga Zuari Academy, on his esteemed election to the Managing Committee of the All India Red Cross Society National Headquarters in Delhi.

This is a prestigious honor, with the Honorable President of India serving as the Committee's Chairperson.

This remarkable achievement brings immense pride to the academy and reflects Mr. Raikar’s dedication and commitment to humanitarian causes.

We extend our best wishes for his continued success and good health, and look forward to his impactful contributions to the Red Cross Society.

Congratulations, sir, on this distinguished honor!