“Although we commonly view ‘economics’ in terms of creation and utilization of wealth, the articulation of its goal requires a vision that goes beyond the horizon of economy,” says Manasvi Kamat
Born in the village of Cuncolim, a land of historic legacy, Dr Manasvi Kamat is proud to be among the descendant of the fearless, outspoken, and dissenting ‘Cuncolkars’ which has led a generation of patriots, leaders, top bureaucrats, professionals, dignified intellectuals – in all walks of life. “The environment and the people of my times helped me gain developmental plasticity and nurture my critical emotional and social skills,” she says.
Dr Manasvi completed her schooling until tenth at the Maria Bambina Convent.After SSCE, she moved to Carmel HSS, Nuvem to pursue her studies in Arts and continued to study, at the Carmel College to pursue her graduation. “My education from the service-oriented and deeply committed teachers made my learning reflective, rewarding and enriching,” she affirms.
The obvious progression was for graduation in sociology or philosophy, until she met two teachers of Economics, Agustine and Radhika Nayak at Carmel College who introduced her to economics. She said, “I chose economics by chance. My natural inclination for studying societal values, compassion, theology and service motivations led my cravings to read about the sociological underpinnings of economics. I began to understand that ‘economics’ is not just about choices between limited resources and unlimited wants, but that it intends to promote human welfare.”
Dr Manasvi graduated with majors in economics at Carmel and stood first at Goa University. She started to work for PhD from 2003 in the area of international trade. By 2008, she completed her PhD having worked on issues of ‘Growth, Contribution and Competitiveness of Goa’s Iron-Ore Exports’. Over the years, she has published around 50 research articles in economics-related journals, 50 research papers in journals, completed two research projects funded by the University Grants Commission; and additional two research projects funded by the industry.
She serves on editorial/advisory board of 4 journals, has authored two text books in her area of specialisation, presented research papers in 60 conferences and spoken as a resource person in 25 national academic events.For her contribution in the field of research and teaching, she has received the ‘The Bharat Shiksha Ratan Award’ (National Teaching Award) conferred by Global Society for Education, New Delhi in 2013; and ‘Education Excellence Award’ by Indo-Global Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Agriculture in 2015.
For her outstanding research, Dr Manasvi was awarded Teacher Fellowship by the UGC-Delhi; Research Fellowship by ICSSR-Mumbai; and Prof. Manubhai Shah Award, Citation and a Gold Medal for Best Paper in Finance and the Best Research Paper Award at the International Conference in Accounting.
Dr Manasvi has always considered her teachers to be the constant sorces of motivation for her achievements. “The best teachers who have taught me over the years remain my source of inspiration,” she says. “Though I had my hands full with everything an ‘academic worker’ is expected to do, I see myself more of a being a teacher,” she says with pride. “I have become teacher by choice, not by chance. Teaching helps me connect with my students as their mentor, confidant and friend. I wish I am able to influence the decisions, behaviours, strengths, weaknesses and imaginations of my students the way my teachers did for me,” she adds.
“My hand at academic administration helped me to understand the practical realities of academic life. Compliance consists of activities regarding the political, budgetary, physical, and managerial operation of the college while those relating to academia – of the faculty members and office staff who are responsible for the growth and development of our students through teaching and learning, development, and advisement. Both sides are necessary to the college,” says Dr Manasvi.
The internet has made our journey easier, and also miserable, she feels. Being well-read, remaining constantly updated with information, and developing new technological skills are tools for daily survival. The time-constraints, growing responsibilities at the family sphere, and striking a decent work-life balance are the issues one needs to daily address are universal, and all-pervasive problems. “Rather than brooding over issues, it is better that we manage our own time in productive pursuits that give us more happiness,” she suggests.
“As an educator, I always talk about the ‘quality of education’ and as to how changes in the socio-political environment will continue to influence the quality aspect of education. To remain committed to this task, I contribute a weekly column on ‘higher education’ on English daily The Goan; and a fortnightly column in Marathi on Tarun Bharat. The response for my columns has been tremendous and I wish to continue with this work with a renewed vigour,” she expresses
