Goa’s Creative Community Gathers to Rethink Design and Development
Panaji, June 9, 2025: Goa is gradually transforming from a place known for leisure to one that supports ideas, innovation, and creative enterprise. This shift was evident at the 13th edition of First Friday, a monthly meetup focused on sustainable design, community engagement, and the future of Goa’s creative economy.
Held at the Surendrababu Timblo Hall, GCCI, the event was organised by the Creative Community of Goa (CCG) in collaboration with the Association of Designers of India (ADI) – Goa Chapter, with support from the Startup & IT Promotion Cell, Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications, Government of Goa.
The keynote session was led by architect and designer Deeksha Thind, who spoke on Permaculture and Design. “Permaculture isn’t just a method — it’s a way of thinking,” she said. “It’s about designing with nature, where every element has a role, and resources are respected and reused. Goa has always attracted creative minds, but building something meaningful starts with understanding the place and the people.”
Founder of Saraya Eco Stays in Goa, Ms. Thind shared how her practice is shaped by local materials, community engagement, and sustainable living. “At Saraya, we work with the landscape rather than against it. It’s a continuous process of learning and adapting,” she added.
Following this, Mr. D. S. Prashant, CEO of the Startup & IT Promotion Cell, introduced the Draft Design Policy for Goa. “The intent is to position Goa as a destination for creative professionals — a place where ideas can take root and grow,” he said. He described the policy as a framework to align efforts across design, craft, technology, and entrepreneurship, with a focus on sustainable growth.
An open discussion on the Draft Design Policy invited feedback from attendees, including suggestions on building stronger links between the creative sector and local communities, education, and industry.
As Goa continues to build on its cultural and creative assets, platforms like First Friday reflect the growing interest in shaping a more design-conscious and inclusive future for the state.
