GMA Annual Management Awards 2021

GMA held its Annual GMA Management Awards function to recognize and reward the best management talent.  Mr Pramod Sawant, Chief Minister of Goa, was the Chief Guest of the function.

The following awards were presented to the winners at the hands of the Chief Minister.

GMA Manager of the Year 2021: Mr Babaji Pagire, Head – VAB, Vedanta Sesa Goa.

He was awarded a medal and trophy sponsored by the Dempo Group of Companies and a certificate from GMA.

Mr Pagire completed his PGDBM from the Goa Institute of Management and has 21 years of work experience.

He plays a key role in continuous improvement and excellence in the VAB operations, and functions as a change agent in developing a culture of excellence in the organization.

He has received several internal and external recognitions including Vedanta Star of Business, Exemplary Performer Award, and the Ramkrishna Bajaj National Quality Performance Excellence trophy and is recognized with IMC RBNQA CERTIFICATE of EXCELLENCE for Examiners and as Qimpro Certified Qualitist.

He is also involved in CSR/outreach activities, particularly in Swacchata activities in collaboration with local schools, personalised Coaching and upskilling of Goan Youth through apprentice scheme as part of the Skill India movement.

The jury consisted Mr Kiran Desai, Site Head, Deccan Fine Chemicals India Pvt. Ltd, Mr. Goutam Raj, Plant Head, MRF Limited and Mr. Rajan Bhatikar, Ex L&T

GMA Young Manager of the Year 2021: Ms Joy Afonso, CHRO, VAB, Vedanta Sesa Goa.

She was awarded a salver and trophy sponsored by Business Goa and a certificate from GMA.

Joy is the CHRO VAB at Value addition business at Vedanta Sesa Goa. Armed with an MBA from Goa University, she joined Sesa Goa in 2011. A valued employee, she received recognitions like Young chairman workshop leader, Star of business, Woman leader under Tarang, V-lead Women leader.

GMA is proud to announce that Joy Afonso is the first lady to win this award.

The jury comprised Mr Rajesh Mehrotra, MD, Berger Beckers Coatings Pvt. Ltd., Dr Krishna Gopal Rajanala, GM – HR, Dempo Group and Mr Sunil Dias, Managing Partner, iv-advisors (Greystuff Strategy LLP).

GMA Best Management Student of the Year 2021 (Post Graduate): Ms Sonal, Student, Goa Institute of Management.

She was presented a medal and trophy sponsored by Smartlink Holdings Ltd and a certificate from GMA.

Sonal has an impressive academic record, scoring above 80% at all the graduating levels, including BE. During her PG studies, she completed several online certifications by Udemyand undertaken several practical projects as well. Before joining GIM, she was with Wipro Ltd for 2 years

The jury here comprised Mr J J Chhabra, ED, Goa Carbon Limited, Mr Nilesh Dessai, CMO, Zuari Agro Chemicals Ltd and Dr Debasis Patnaik, Associate Professor, BITS Pilani, Goa Campus

As Sonal could not attend, Mr Raj Amonkar, faculty at GIM accepted the award on her behalf.

GMA Best Management Student of the Year 2018 (Under Graduate): Mr Shaunak Vithal Pai, Student, Integrated MBA, Goa University.

He was presented a salver and trophy sponsored by Mr V Prabhu Verlekar and a certificate from GMA.

Shaunak is a student of the Integrated MBA programme in Hosptiality, Travel and Tourism offered by the Goa Business School, Goa University. Besides having a good academic record, Shaunak is passionate about swimming, having picked up a few awards and medals.

He was a member of the team that created the Guinness world record for the Biggest Bread Pudding in August 2019. Shaunak describes himself as Diligent, Meticulous, Punctual, qualities that are valued everywhere.

The jury comprised of Mr Ratnakar Barve, Asst. VP – Operations, Finolex Cables Ltd, Verna, Mr Prashant Deshpande, Head, Tienda Advanced Materials Pvt Ltd, Verna, and Dr. Saidas Khorjuvekar, VP-Production & Materials, TimbloDrydocks Pvt Ltd.

Dr Prita Mallya, Principal, Shree Damodar College of Commerce, and GMA Executive Committee Member, conducted proceedings and recited the citations of all the winners.

The Chief Minister addressed the gathering and spoke of the role GMA can play in helping the government in skill development and human resource development. He spoke of several programmes and measures taken by the Government in this direction.

Mr Deepak Bandekar concluded the proceedings of the Annual Day with a vote of thanks.