CM Sawant releases ‘Tai-Smruti Sugandh’ on Goa’s first woman CM

Panaji, August 2026 — A sister’s memories of the woman behind Goa’s first woman Chief Minister came alive at the launch of Tai-Smruti Sugandh, a book by Jyoti Bandekar that offers an intimate portrait of the late Shashikala Kakodkar beyond her political career. Bringing together personal recollections, family memories and reflections on her public life, the book presents Kakodkar as remembered by the younger sister who knew her both as a political leader and as an elder sibling.

The book was unveiled at Panjim Gymkhana by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant, in the presence of guest speaker Paresh Prabhu, Editor of Dainik Navprabha and the author.

Also present were dignitaries including Damu Naik, Sadanand Tanawde, Deepak Dhavlikar, Shripad Naik, industry leaders, prominent citizens, well-wishers and family members of the author.

Said the Hon CM, “Tai Shashikala and Bhausaheb Bandodkar, both were visionary leaders who introduced progressive policies during their time as CM, which offered a boost to education and industry. They were leaders of the people, loved by the people of Goa. This book offers life lessons on family bonding and respect for elders in the delicate manner in which it has been authored. I hope the youth of today will learn a lesson or two.” He further added, “When I was a child, I studied at a school supported by Bhausaheb and today I feel humbled that I am unveiling a book on Tai Shashikala authored by her sister Jyoti”.

“Tai was a public figure to the world, but to me she was first my elder sister. This book is my attempt to remember the person behind the public life and preserve the memories, values and moments that made her who she was,” said Jyoti Bandekar. Recalling an incident when Tai Shashikala was a child she fondly spoke about how the little Shashikala tightly held onto the national flag and chanted Jai Hind repeatedly when Dr. Lohia delivered a fiery speech on 18 June 1946 at Margao.

On behalf of the family, Sameer Kakodkar, Tai Shashikala’s son shared a heartfelt tribute to his mother sharing anecdotes from the time they spent together.

Shashikala Kakodkar was Goa’s first and only woman Chief Minister. Born on January 7, 1935, she was the eldest child of Goa’s first Chief Minister Dayanand Bandodkar and Sunandabai Bandodkar. She entered electoral politics after being elected from Ponda in 1967 and later served as a minister in her father’s government. Following his death in 1973, she became Chief Minister of Goa, Daman and Diu, serving until 1979. She also headed the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party.

A significant focus of Kakodkar’s public life was education, with her tenure associated with efforts to expand educational opportunities across Goa. Her political career and contribution to the state have since formed an important part of Goa’s post-Liberation history.

Bandekar, who comes from the Bandodkar family, has remained associated with education, culture and public life. A graduate of the Faculty of Arts from Pune University, she has held leadership positions in Citizen Co-operative Bank, Vasco for more than three decades and has been associated with several cultural and educational initiatives. She is also associated with Swardhara Cultural Institution in Panaji.

Tai-Smruti Sugandh is Bandekar’s second book. Her earlier work, Bhau Athvancha Parijat, documented memories of Dayanand Bandodkar, while Swachhand is her published collection of poetry. With Tai-Smruti Sugandh, she adds another personal account to the record of the people and experiences that have shaped Goa’s history.