PANAJI: Gawada, Kunbi, Velip, and Dhangar Federation (Gakuved) has announced its newly elected Central Managing Committee for the triennial term 2025-2028, reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding the rights and interests of Goa’s tribal communities.
The newly elected office bearers are President Govind T Shirodkar Vice-Presidents Nilesh Gawade and Francis Culaco and General Secretary Ramkrishna Jalmi, Joint Secretary Ujwala Gaonkar, Treasurer Harsha Wadkar, Central Managing Committee member Mahesh Kunkolker and members are Caitan Carvalho, Devanand Gaude, Sandesh Gaonkar and Geetesh Gaonkar.
Founded in 1981, Gakuved Federation has played a crucial role in Goa’s tribal movement, advocating for social justice, constitutional rights, and sustainable development for the Gawada, Kunbi, Velip, and Dhangar communities.
Over the years, the federation has been instrumental in securing Scheduled Tribe status, demanding political representation, filling of backlog & reservation in government jobs and fighting for land rights and livelihood security.
With its strong grassroots presence, Gakuved has actively campaigned for the preservation of tribal culture, environmental protection, and the implementation of welfare schemes.
The newly elected committee is committed to continuing this legacy, focusing on education, employment opportunities, land rights, and political representation for Goa’s tribal communities.