The GDP Foundation has always believed research must lead to action. Its landmark Applied Research Book on Ageing, launched at Mantralaya by the Chief Minister, was the result of two years of work — a 2,000-sample survey, MOUs with four colleges, and training of 100+ students in applied research, QR code integration and Power BI.
The findings became the launchpad for Stage 2: the GDP School for Social Entrepreneurship, Skill Building and Applied Social Research — perhaps the world’s first intergenerational business school.
This vision became reality in September with three pilot campuses: Borda College-Margao (8th Sept), MES College-Vasco (9th Sept) and Quepem College (10th Sept), inaugurated by Mandar Acharya, Associate Vice President & State Head, Kotak Mahindra Asset Mgmt Co. Ltd. Each will run a four-month outcome-based pilot in a learner-paced, plug-and-play model. The pilots integrate elderly citizens, SHGs and students into cohorts functioning as micro-enterprises, guided by practitioners in product management, packaging, branding, technology and market linkages.
The 17 cohorts are nurtured by Principals Dr Nadaf, Dr Manasvi Kamat and Dr Pravina Kerkar, supported by faculty coordinators Prof Tanvi Keni, Prof Selton and Dr Deepa Prajit. Operational drive comes from Kaushal Prabhudesai, co-founder of the GDP School.
A unique aspect is that internships with GDP School are recognised under the E-Samarth initiative (Directorate of Higher Education), making students eligible for two credit points. This ensures students gain hands-on enterprise experience while advancing academically — blending purpose, practice and progress.
The urgency is clear. As conventional jobs decline, graduates need new opportunities, elderly citizens seek dignity, and SHGs require market access. GDP School addresses all three by creating community-based enterprises and rebuilding intergenerational bonds.
