Vedant Sawant Dessai

In June 2011, at the office of Director of Technical Education-Porvorim, an aspiring science student was nervously counting seconds along with his parents, hoping that his efforts will not go in vain and that he will get a seat at the prestigious Goa College of Engineering, Farmagudi.

In what appeared to be ages to this young fellow his efforts were rewarded and the choice was made, “Electronics Engineering”. The young man (me) who was nervously twiddling his thumbs and hoping for the best has today after 7 years grown into a confident young professional who has worked in some of the toughest terrains in Goa.

Subsequent to bagging a seat at GEC, the whole family was on cloud nine as I would finally get an opportunity to achieve my dream of being an engineer. Mining as an industry had always fascinated me. Being from a hotspot of mining (Curchorem), I was always fascinated by mining engineers and managers living in my neighbourhood. Despite my parent’s reluctance, I listened to my heart and got myself transferred from the Electronics Stream to the Mining Engineering Stream

In this highly competitive world of increasing unemployment, mining has always been a land of opportunity for Goan youth. Previously the Goan youth were at a disadvantage as due to the absence of Degree Programme in Mining Engineering in the State all Diploma Holders in Mining were considered to be inferior to their counterparts from Other States. All that changes with the momentous occasion in 2011 when Goa finally had a Degree Programme in Mining Engineering to call as its own. 

I along with 32 others completed my Degree Programme in the year 2015 During that year’s Campus placement I was selected by a top mining company and I could see myself fulfilling the wishes of my parents with my hard earned money. We were lucky to get an opportunity, as the mining ban had just been lifted in the year 2015 or else we would have not had the opportunity to get a job.

I am proud to say that I am the first degree engineer from Goa to get my 2nd class mines managers certificate of competency and get my statutory appointment as assistant mines manager.

Mining Activities in the State were once again stopped due to supreme court judgement. Due to my industry experience I can confidently speak about the adverse impact of mining stoppage on the lives of people. The question remains for how long will the mining industry continue paying salaries when they don’t have any sources of revenue? In a state like Goa where job creation is low where can such a trained workforce be employed? The pain of job loss is immense but it doesn’t only affect those employed in the Mining Industry but also their families.

My only appeal to the Government is to take quick and decisive action to continue with the mining activities in the state so the much needed solace is provided to those working in the Mining Industry so as to protect their livelihoods.