A Multifaceted Visionary
Nitin Kunkolienkar is a distinguished figure whose influence transcends corporate realms, government initiatives, and educational institutions. Known for his remarkable memory, quick decision-making, and effective leadership, he plays a pivotal role in shaping policies at both state and national levels. With a steadfast belief in hard work, he dedicates himself to driving economic growth and enhancing societal well-being. His dynamic presence resonates across various sectors, embodying a commitment to excellence and innovation.
Nitin’s journey began as the youngest president in the history of the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), where he achieved a record-breaking tenure of nearly eight years—a feat that underscores his exceptional leadership. His illustrious career also includes serving as President Emeritus of the Manufacturers’ Association for Information Technology (MAIT) in Delhi and being an active member of the National Executive Council for the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). His founding of the Verna Industries Association reflects his unwavering commitment to industrial development.
Nitin’s influence extends through directorial positions at esteemed organizations such as Synegra EMS Limited, Attort Legal Consultancy Pvt. Ltd., and EP Biocomposites Ltd. He has also held directorships at Titan Time Products Ltd. in Goa and Gigabyte Technologies while serving as a trustee at the International Centre Goa.
His most recent venture, co-founding EPIC (Electronic Products Innovation Consortium), represents a collaborative effort with IT pioneers like Padmshri Ajai Chowdhry and Arjun Malhotra. EPIC aims to catalyze design-driven growth in India, aspiring to position the country as a Product Nation, marking yet another significant milestone in Nitin’s impactful career.
In our conversation, Nitin shared his journey, rich with hard work and unwavering determination. He spoke fondly of his roots in Quepem, a picturesque town by the Kushavati River in South Goa. “My village holds a special place in my heart; its beauty is unmatched, and its people are incredibly loving and caring,” he expressed.
Reflecting on his educational path, he mentioned, “I graduated from Damodar College in Margao and pursued a law degree at Kare College of Law. While circumstances prevented me from completing it, I now find myself president of the very institution where my journey began.” This full-circle moment is mirrored in his roles on the boards of both his alma maters, as well as the Board of Governance of IIT Goa and the Goa Institute of Management.
Nitin’s professional journey began at Zenith Computers during the nascent stages of the Indian computer market. He recalls a time when a gigabyte hard drive cost nearly one lakh rupees, and PCs with 286 processors and 32 KB RAM were emerging. “Zenith Computers led Goa’s computer revolution,” he reminisced, highlighting the milestone of shipping the first computer from the Goa plant in 1989. By 1990, a one-gigabyte hard disk commanded a staggering price of one lakh ten thousand rupees—an equivalent of thirty-five lakhs today.
In 1994, Nitin transitioned to D-Link, a pioneering networking company in India, thanks to a fortuitous meeting with Mr. Kamalaksha Naik. Joining D-Link as a Manager marked the start of an enduring chapter that ultimately saw him rise to Director. Nitin continues to hold this esteemed title, even as he steps back from day-to-day operations.
“Mr. Naik has had a profound impact on my life,” Nitin said. “He gave me the freedom to innovate and supported my involvement with GCCI without hesitation. Our relationship has grown to be more familial than professional over two decades.”
In 2013, Nitin chose to leave the corporate world to pursue his passions. “Having achieved considerable success, I wanted to carve out time for my dreams and leverage the strengths I’ve built over the years,” he explained. This shift allowed him to invest in promising startups, particularly those rooted in Goa, many of which are now poised to emerge as national brands. His investment in EPIC, alongside prominent figures like Ajai Chowdhury and Arjun Malhotra, underscores his commitment to fostering innovation.
Nitin’s founding presidency of the Verna Industrial Estate Association is a testament to his pioneering spirit. Reflecting on its inception in July 1996, he recalls, “It all started with just twelve individuals in my cabin. Our association set the stage for Goa’s industrial growth, launching a website as early as 1997.” His leadership has also focused on fostering a pollution-free environment, a significant achievement of that era.
His rise to the presidency of GCCI unfolded dramatically. Initially unsure of the role, he found himself unexpectedly elected during a chance encounter with Dattaraj Salgaonkar, the then-president. Overcoming feelings of inexperience among seasoned veterans, Nitin secured an uncontested election to the presidency for three consecutive terms during his remarkable tenure.
Nitin initiated transformative changes within GCCI, particularly during financial downturns. “We revitalized various facets to ensure the chamber’s sustainability,” he recalled, expanding the board from fourteen to twenty-one members. Under his leadership, the chamber transformed into a sophisticated establishment, refurbishing its dilapidated spaces to enhance functionality without relying on external sponsorships.
His tenure was marked by pioneering initiatives, such as the Goa Agenda and IT, which elevated awareness of the IT sector in the region. Organizing a monumental Mega Tourism Show during his presidency significantly amplified Goa’s tourism profile, revitalizing the chamber’s financial health and positioning it as a catalyst for industry growth.
Nitin’s transition from the corporate sphere to social entrepreneurship was fueled by a profound aspiration. His presidency at MAIT saw him influence impactful policies for the Indian government, including the conception of ERSO—aimed at making India an Electronic Repair Hub. His experience on the CII board further enriched his perspective as he collaborated with the nation’s luminaries.
Addressing the business community, Nitin emphasized the importance of looking beyond oneself. “We must support the underprivileged and smaller segments of society, especially as inflation affects their lives,” he stated, advocating for collective efforts to uplift those in need. He encouraged fostering empathy and selflessness within the community and expressed optimism about the potential of the younger generation.
His parting words encapsulated a powerful call to action: a shift towards altruism and compassion, highlighting the crucial role of support in building a more inclusive society. “The best path to success is through selfless work,” Nitin concluded.
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