Earlier this year, students at the Sanquelim-based Goa Institute of Management (GIM) created a digital carbon footprint calculator using the Python programming tool, as part of the Institute’s Sustainability and Society course. The tool measures greenhouse gas emissions based on energy use, transportation and lifestyle choices.
The B-school has been at the forefront of the digital revolution in Goa, equipping students with the necessary skills necessary to drive sustainable development.
“Our students are learning to utilise technology to create meaningful solutions that align with GIM’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The digital carbon footprint calculator is just one example of how technology can be harnessed for the greater good,” said Dr Divya Singhal, chairperson of GIM’s Centre for Social Sensitivity and Action.
With rapidly emerging technology and AI transforming industries, youth have to urgently acquire digital skills to stay professionally relevant. From robots like Aurus and Triton patrolling Goa’s beaches to digital platforms reshaping sectors, today’s youth must navigate and contribute to this evolving landscape, where technology integration and intervention drive growth, create jobs and can help tackle critical societal challenges.
Both central and state governments see skilling as crucial for employment. In a digital-driven world, digital marketing training is vital, especially for socially-oriented projects.
Saviola Dias, an instructor at the Porvorim-based BootCamp, a training entity that digitally skills youngsters through hyper-intensive courses to bridge the gap between academics and industry, highlights the transformative power of digital marketing for youth engaged in sustainability efforts. “These digital platforms offer unprecedented opportunities to reach and inspire diverse audiences,” she said.
For example, digital marketing skills enable youth to craft compelling narratives that emphasise the importance of forest conservation. “Through social media, they can share stories, create awareness campaigns and mobilise volunteers for tree-planting initiatives,” she explains further.
Digital technology’s impact extends beyond social projects to critical functions like lifesaving along Goa’s beaches. Navin Awasthi, CEO of Drishti Marine, emphasises the transformative impact of technology on lifesaving operations.
“Incorporating AI under the banner of lifesaving helps mitigate risks and enhances the efficiency of our manpower. The AI-based systems, Aurus and Triton, monitor non-swim zones, detect risks and provide real-time information to on-duty lifesavers, allowing them to respond swiftly and prevent tragic incidents,” he explained. The Triton AI system has already completed 19,000 hours of runtime, highlighting the effectiveness of digital tools in ensuring beach safety.
Apart from integrating technology into its efforts to advance SDGs on campus, GIM has also integrated Big Data Analysis (BDA) platforms in ‘GiveGoa’, the Institute’s social outreach programme.
“Students engage with various segments of their community and gather data from their daily activities. They then use big data and AI tools to analyse large datasets related to social, economic and environmental issues. The insights gained will support SDGs such as quality education, clean water and sanitation and good health and well-being,” according to Dr P Balasubramanyam, Associate Professor at the B-school’s BDA department. The institute aims to develop the capabilities of students to be future generators of sustainable value for business and society at large and to work for an inclusive and sustainable global economy.
Beyond advancements in beach safety and technology-related education, digital innovation is making a significant impact on the culinary and hospitality industries. Parixit Pai Fondekar, founder of the Verna-based Kamaxi Group, believes that digitisation is key to enhancing employability in the sector.
“Technology brings efficiency by reducing manual labour and creating demand for new skill sets such as data analysis and social media management. Our e-learning module, currently under development, allows students to access program content and assessments online. In addition to that, Wi-Fi-enabled equipment like combination ovens can be controlled digitally, streamlining kitchen operations,” Fondekar said.
As technology continues to evolve, the need for comprehensive digital training becomes increasingly critical. Whether in sustainability, lifesaving or hospitality, the ability to adapt and thrive in a digital world will define the future of today’s youth. By embracing these advancements, they not only prepare themselves for the job market but also contribute to a more sustainable and technologically advanced society.
