Panaji: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Thursday said that the state government will soon launch eminent scientist and son-of-the-soil Dr Raghunath Mashelkar’s AI-generated smart phone application that will help detect diseases like TB and cancer.
“The app has been developed by Anjani Mashelkar Foundation and will soon be launched in Goa by the Directorate of Health Services before it is released across the rest of India,” Sawant said.
Dr Mashelkar, a recipient of Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri awards as well as numerous international and national awards, was on Thursday conferred with the Gomant Gaurav Sanman Award for his invaluable contribution to the world in the spheres of science, academics, technology, patent laws among other achievements.
The Chief Minister presented the award to Dr Mashelkar at a well-attended function held at Kala Academy, Campal.
Sawant said that Goa is immensely proud to have Dr Mashelkar, who is from Marcel, rise to become one of the most distinguished scientists in the world.
“Mashelkar’s journey from a humble village to a global platform is not only inspiring but deeply instructive,” said Sawant.
The Gomant Gaurav Sanman Award has been instituted by Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) and MIT World Peace University (WPU). The award recognises individuals who have made outstanding contributions and brought pride to the state through their achievements.
Speaking about the visionary scientist, Sawant said, “Mashelkar’s innovative ideas are not just academic but deeply relevant to the society and Goa.” He said that the vision document ‘Goa 2035 Vision Strategy’ brought out by the former director general of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) continues to guide the state government in all its policies.
Sawant, who has been instrumental in inviting private universities to the state, said that the World Peace University, which received the permission to have its campus in Thivim, is on track to take in students and will start its academic year in 2027.
Present at the function were Industries Minister Mauvin Godinho, GCCI president Pratima Dhond, World Peace University Vice-Chancellor Walter Leal, educationist and managing trustee of WPU Rahul V Karad, GCCI director general Sanjay Amonkar, vice-president Yatin Kakodkar among others.
