With the V.M. Salgaocar Group firmly established and diversified into shipping, engineering, and hospitality, Mr. V.M. Salgaocar initiated new endeavors in the 1970s focused on inclusive growth and social development.
Early in his career, Mr. V.M. Salgaocar demonstrated his passion for football by founding the Salgaocar Sports Club in 1956. The Club has grown to become a revered institution in Indian football, nurturing great footballers and winning numerous trophies over the decades.
His venture into hospitality included establishing Hotel Zuari in Vasco da Gama and expanding with Hotel La-Paz Gardens. Additionally, he founded Aero Mundial, Goa’s leading travel agency.
Deeply connected to the soil of Goa and its ethnic roots, Mr. V.M. Salgaocar’s affection for the state and its language, Konkani, led him to spearhead mass-media initiatives promoting both Goa and Konkani. His efforts significantly contributed to Goa’s identity and cultural heritage.
If Goa chose to remain an independent state within the Indian Union following the historic and unique Opinion Poll of 1967, it owes great gratitude to Mr. V.M. Salgaocar. His fervent campaign to safeguard the state’s unique identity earned him the distinguished title of ‘One of the Architects of the Opinion Poll’.
Mr. V. M. Salgaocar’s dedication to the upliftment of his fellow Goans is evident through his efforts in establishing top-quality educational institutions, such as V.M. Salgaocar College of Law, the state’s first law college in 1972. His unwavering and often unsung support for social causes led to the establishment of orphanages, community and welfare societies, schools, and institutions in various villages, making him a legendary figure without parallel.
The passing of Mr. V.M. Salgaocar on October 13, 1984, marked the end of an era led by a multifaceted giant whose remarkable achievements continue to guide and inspire future generations.
