For Pratima Dhond, true leadership lies in creating pathways for others to succeed. From leading the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Women’s Wing for several years to creating platforms like Asturi for women entrepreneurs, Dhond is on a mission to build a more inclusive and enabling ecosystem for women in Goa. “When women are empowered and given leadership opportunities, the impact extends far beyond individual success; it uplifts entire communities,” she shares.
In 2025, Dhond was elected the first woman president of the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) in its 117-year history – a milestone she views as a collective achievement.
“For me, this moment reflects the collective strength, perseverance, and contributions of countless women in Goa, entrepreneurs, professionals and homemakers, who have quietly and consistently shaped our economy and society. I see this as a shared achievement and a symbol of how far we have come in breaking traditional barriers.”
Dhond began her professional journey managing her family’s hotel business before joining cooperative banking. Entering the banking sector at a time when few women took up leadership roles in finance, she eventually rose to lead the Women’s Co-operative Bank. “It wasn’t just about banking, it was about empowering women, enabling financial independence and building trust within the community,” she shares.
Over the years, Dhond grew more involved in business and industry by working closely with various organisations and eventually leading the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
As the president of GCCI for the 2025-2027 term, Dhond – in an interview with VIVA GOA – outlines her vision for a more sustainable future and advocates stronger support systems for women entrepreneurs in Goa.
As the first woman president of the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry, what does this milestone mean to you personally?
This milestone is deeply meaningful to me, both personally and professionally. Being entrusted with the responsibility of leading the GCCI as its first woman president in 117 years is truly humbling. It represents not just an individual achievement but also a larger shift towards inclusivity and the recognition of women’s capabilities across all sectors. At a personal level, this role is both an honour and a responsibility. It motivates me to ensure that leadership becomes more inclusive and that we continue to create an environment where merit and vision take precedence over gender. I hope this moment inspires many more women to step forward, take on leadership roles, and contribute to shaping the future of our state.
Goa needs more sustainable, earth-friendly businesses, rather than just industrialisation. In what way is the GCCI promoting this?
Sustainability is not just a parallel priority for GCCI; it is at the core of our vision for Goa’s future. As an institution, we firmly believe that economic progress and environmental stewardship must go hand-in-hand, especially in a state like Goa that is so richly endowed with natural and cultural resources. During the 2023–25 term, GCCI adopted the theme of ‘Inclusive and Sustainable Growth for Goa @ 2047’. This reflects our commitment to ensuring that growth is not only high in value, but also balanced, responsible, and beneficial to all sections of society.
The idea is to move beyond traditional models of industrialisation and instead promote development that respects ecological limits while creating long-term opportunities. In line with this vision, GCCI has been actively advocating for policies and infrastructure that support sustainable business practices, whether it is efficient waste management, responsible tourism, green infrastructure, or encouraging industries to adopt cleaner technologies. We also emphasise the need for strong public-private partnerships and community engagement to ensure that sustainability is not just a concept, but something that is implemented on the ground.
Read the full article in the latest issue of Viva Goa Magazine. Pick your copy from the nearest supermarket/bookstore today.
