Dr. Nandakumar N. Sawant

Faculty of Physical Science & Earth Science

Geography

Faculty

Dr. Nandakumar N. Sawant

Professor & Head

Year of Joining/Teaching Experience

1991

Areas of Specialization

Population Studies, especially on migrations, population growth, population ageing and gender issues ,Tribal Studies,Tourism studies, Regional Studies and Urbanization

Contact Details

Email: nns001@chowgules.ac.in

BIO

Dr. Nandkumar Sawant is a distinguished Professor of Geography, specialising in regional and social geography. With over three decades of teaching experience and administrative experience, his strengths are innovative pedagogy, curriculum design, and mentorship with a strong focus on student-centric approaches and holistic development. He has successfully Guided 5 students for Doctoral degree and was the Fellow for collaborative research between ICSSR, New Delhi & NRC, Thailand. His research spans in tourism, urbanisation, and demographics, migration and communities.He has received multiple awards for excellence in teaching, academic leadership, and extension activities, reflecting his commitment to holistic education,which includes Best Teacher – State Award and Best Teacher – Goa University Award.With vast knowledge and experience, he is sought-after keynote speaker and plenary speaker at various academic deliberations.He blends rigorous scholarship with visionary leadership and policy advocacy.

Positions Held

2025: Advisor and Mentor, Self-Financed Programmes (Additional Charge)
2020 onwards: Professor and Head, Department of Geography & Research Centre
2015–2020: Principal
2013: Vice Principal, Head and Associate Professor, Department of Geography
2009: Professor and Vice Principal
2007 onwards: Vice Principal and Associate Professor
2006: Associate Professor
2003–2006: Reader in Geography
1998–2003: Senior Lecturer
1991–1998: Lecturer

Accomplishments Award range from Academic leadership to community outreach. Was visiting faculty to university of La Reunion, France under ERAMUS Plus programme and ICCSR Research Fellow under ICCSR, New Delhi and NRC, Thailand . Other accomplishment are as follows

2021: Awarded Certificate of Appreciation by the Rotary Club of Margao Sunrise for dedicated service to the field of education
2018: Educational Leadership Award, Dewang Mehta National Education Award
2016–2017: Awarded State Award “Best Teacher” by the Directorate of Higher Education, Government of Goa
2016–2017: Awarded “Best Paper Presentation” at the National Conference on “Soil Management and Sustainable Agricultural Development”, Kolhapur
2014–2015: Awarded for “Outstanding Performance in Research and Consultancy” on Founder’s Day organized by the college on 25 August 2014
2013: Awarded “Professor D. B. Wagh Memorial Shikshan Bhushan (Best Teacher Award)” by Shikshak Vikas Parishad (State and National Awardee Teachers’ Association)
2012: Awarded “Best in Public Relations” on Founder’s Day by Chowgule College
2012: Awarded “Best Paper Presentation” at the International Seminar on Tribal Development
2011: Citation awarded by the Rotary Club of Margao for recognition of selfless dedication and service to the community
2010–2011: Awarded “Best Teacher for the Year” by Goa University, Goa
2010–2011: Awarded for Outstanding Performance in “Research and Consultancy” on Founder’s Day organized by Chowgule College
2009: Awarded Travel Grant by UGC, New Delhi for attending an International Conference
2000–2001: Awarded Teacher Fellowship under FIP–UGC by the University Grants Commission, New Delhi

RESEARCH PAPERS

Research Papers Journal Publications 45, Articles in Books - 20 and Proceedings - 7

Sawant N., Bhonsale A., Bepari N., Moraes S. & Kumbhar D. (2025). Reimagining Home: How Migration Reshapes Rural Emptiness, Identity and Demographic Patterns. Oeil Research Journal, 23(11), 360–372. ISSN: 0029-862X. (Scopus Indexed)
Kumbhar D., Sawant N., Yedage A. (2025). Prioritization of Sub-Watershed of the Mandovi Basin of Goa. Journal of Technology, 13(1), 451–461. (Scopus & UGC Listed)
Gaonkar U., Sawant N. & Kumbhar D. (2022). Dynamics of Land Utilities and Agricultural Engagement by Tribal Community of Morpilla Village, Goa – India. Purakala, 31(2), 1143–1154. ISSN: 0971-2143 (UGC Care Approved)
Sawant N. N. (2022). Goa’s Urban Landscape: Does It Retain the Lusophone Identity? Journal of Social Science, 71(1–3), 17–24.
Dessai M. & Sawant N. N. (2022). Emigration & Remittance: Understanding Dynamics of Rural Goa, India. Population Geography, 44(1), 1–6. (UGC Care Listed)
Sawant N. N., Gaonkar U. & Kumbhar D. (2021). Ecology and Sustainability: Mining vis-à-vis Livelihood Amongst the Tribals of Caurem Village, Goa – India. Natural Volatiles & Essential Oils, 8(4), 5724–5737. (Scopus Indexed)
Ferro A. & Sawant N. N. (2020). Urban Socio-cultural Spacing and Religious Identity: Perceptions of Muslims in Margao Town, Goa. Urban India, 40(II), 161–170.
Ferro A. & Sawant N. N. (2020). Urban Growth: Issues and Challenges in Margao Town of Goa: People’s Perspective. JuniKhyat, 10(6), 107–116. ISSN: 2278-4632 (UGC Care Group I)
Sawant N. N. & Fernandes N. V. (2019). Institutional Strategies for Making Graduates More Employable – A Case Study. International Journal of Educational Science, 24(1–3), 34–42. (Taylor & Francis)
Nemikal V. & Sawant N. (2018). Coastal Tourism and Labour Migration: A Study of Nepalese Migrant Labourers in South Goa. Aayushi International Interdisciplinary Research Journal, 153–161.
Sawant N. et al. (2018). Rural-Based Eco Tourism – Alternatives for Livelihood in Rural Setting: Verlem Village, Goa. The Konkan Geographer, 20, 10–14.
Sawant N. N. (2018). Globalization, Tourism and Occupational Change: Palolem Beach Community, Goa. Turisztikai És Vidékfejlesztési Tanulmányok, 48–56. ISSN: 2498-6984
Sawant N. N., Dessai M. & Malave V. (2018). Intra and Inter-Regional Mobility in South Asia. International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research, 6(1), 480–487.
Sawant N. N. (2015). Coastal Tourism and Occupational Change of Cavelossim, Goa. The Konkan Geographer, 27–36.
Sawant N. N. (2012). Some Insights into Metropolitan India. Goa Geographer, IX(1), 71–77.
Sawant N. N. (2010). Characteristics of Emigration of Goan Catholic Women. Interlink Research Analysis, II(2), 20–28.
Sawant N. N. (2008). Coastal Tourism versus Local Communities: Palolem, Goa. The Goa Geographer, V(1), 40–46.
Sawant N. N. (2001). Demographic Transition – Goa’s Experience. Transaction of IIG, 23(1–2), 53–62.

Articles in Books: 20

Sawant, N., Prabhu Goankar, V., Mali, S., Yedage, A. (2025). “Debating Coastal Tourism and Sustainability.” In Anand, S., Nagarale, V., Abhay, R.K. (Eds.), Emerging Geosustainability Transformations in India, Advances in Geographical and Environmental Sciences, Springer, Singapore. DOI: 10.1007/978-981-97-7993-2_14
Sawant, N. N. & Ferro, A. (2022). “Solid Waste Management – Issues and Challenges in Sustainable Livability in Medium Size Town: Margao, Goa – India.” In Sustainable Urbanisation: Issues & Challenges, Red Shine Publications, pp. 149–163.
Sawant, N. N. & Fernandes, N. V. (2021). “Study on Curriculum Redesigning – Suggestive Framework for Skill Enhancement in Higher Education in India.” Modern Perspectives in Language, Literature and Education, Vol. 8, BP Publications, London & Kolkata, pp. 114–124. DOI: 10.9734/bpi/mplle/v8/4089F
Sawant, N. N. & Anila, K. P. (2021). “Role of Writing Centre in Developing Writing Skills – A Case Study of Parvatibai Chowgule College of Arts & Science (Autonomous).” In NAAC for Quality & Excellence in Higher Education in India, Rajesh Publications, New Delhi. ISBN: 978-93-91139-11-7
Sawant, N. N. (2020). “Mining in Goa: Environmental Issues and Challenges – Post Ban: On the Path of Recovery.” In Land Resources – Processes, Degradation and Evaluation, Concept Publishing Company Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi, pp. 262–271. ISBN: 978-93-88937-53-5
Sawant, Nandkumar & Rebello, Clamcy (2017). “Migration, Remittance and Ramifications in the Context of Socio-Economic Development at Sending Destinations.” In Regional Migration and Development, G.B. Books, New Delhi, pp. 69–79.
Sawant, Nandkumar, Shaikh, A. & Ferro, A. (2017). “Emigration to the Middle East and Satisfaction Index: A Case Study of Muslim Men of Salcette Taluka, Goa.” In Human Migration in South Asia, G.B. Books, New Delhi, pp. 141–150. ISBN: 978-93-83930-17-3
Ferro, A., Ugavekar, N. & Sawant, Nandkumar (2016). “Urbanization in SAARC Nations: Dynamics and Consequences.” In South Asia: Intra-Regional Conflict and Cooperation, G.B. Books, New Delhi.
Sawant, Nandkumar (2016). “Changing Demographics, Education and Employability: Issues and Challenges in SAARC.” In South Asia: Intra-Regional Conflict and Cooperation, G.B. Books, New Delhi, pp. 127–136.
Sawant, N. (2014). “Tourism in South Asia: Issues, Challenges and Prospects.” In International Borders in South Asia: Interlinkages, Conflicts and Challenges, G.B. Book Publications, New Delhi.
Sawant, N. & Desai, M. (2014). “The Contours of Male Overseas Migration and the Complexities of Management by Spouses at Sending Destinations.” In Human Migration in South Asia: Prospects and Constraints, G.B. Book Publications, New Delhi, pp. 179–188.
Sawant, N., Suryawanshi, R., Ferro, A. & Ugavekar, N. (2014). “Rural Return Emigration: Patterns and Characteristics – A Study of Curtorim and Macazana Villages, Salcette, Goa.” In Human Migration in South Asia: Prospects and Constraints, G.B. Book Publications, New Delhi, pp. 305–319.
Sawant, N. N. (2013). “Population Ageing in India and Its Implications.” In Readings in Population, Environment and Spatial Planning, Institute for Spatial Planning and Research, Panchkula (Haryana), pp. 145–152.
Sawant, N. N. (2013). “Beach Tourism and Green Economy: An Environmental Performance of Hotel Industry of Coastal South India.” In Climate Change – Biodiversity and Green Economy, Concept Publishing Company Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi, pp. 229–238.
Sawant, N. N. (2013). “Goa’s Tourism – S3 Is Now S4.” In Human Trafficking in South Asia, Gaurav Publication, New Delhi, pp. 139–150.
Sawant, N. N. (2012). “Overseas Migration of Goan Catholic Males and Its Ramifications on Their Spouses – A Case of Rural Salcete, Goa.” In Human Migration in Indian Sub-Continent, RBSA Publications, Jaipur, pp. 1–13.
Sawant, N., Gaikwad & Ghatage (2010). “Coastal Tourism and Environmental Implications – Palolem, Goa.” In Contemporary Tourism Development: Issues and Challenges, Rajat Publications, New Delhi, pp. 179–193.
Sawant, N. & Majumdar (2009). “Beach Tourism: Globalisation and Socio-Economic Transformation – A Case of Palolem Beach Community, Goa.” In Globalization: Issues and Challenges for India, pp. 21–234.
Sawant, N., Pereira & Lewis (2006). “Goa – Female Literacy, Age of Marriage and Population Growth.” In Population, Environment, Issues and Sustainable Development, pp. 45–60.
Wakhare, Lewis & Sawant (2002). “Maharashtra’s Urban Development: A Regional Perspective.” In Geography of Maharashtra, Rawat Publications, Jaipur, pp. 239–251.

Articles in Proceedings: 07

Sawant, N. N. (2020). “Framework for Curriculum Designing for Higher Education.” Knowledge Resonance, peer-reviewed journal, pp. 36–48. ISSN: 2231-1629
Fernandes, Nandini & Sawant, Nandkumar (2017). “Multilevel Endeavor Essential for Introduction and Enhancement of Skill Development in Students – A Case Study.” Paper presented and published in the proceedings of the National Conference on Higher Education and Skill Development in the 21st Century, held at Wadala, Mumbai. ISSN: 2278-8158
Sawant, N. N. (2015). “Development, Population Displacement and Ecology: An Introspection of Western Ghats in the Context of Two Dams of Goa and South Maharashtra.” In the Proceedings of the ICSSR-Sponsored Two-Day National Seminar on Western Ghats: The World Heritage Environment and Development, pp. 26–29. ISBN: 978-81-931583-0-2
Sawant & Marathe-Puranik (2009). “Urbanization and Marginalization of Local Communities: A Case of Catholic Gauddas of Margao, Goa, India.” Published in the proceedings of the 10th Asian Urbanization Conference, Hong Kong, 16–19 August 2009. ISBN: 978-962-7589-29-7
Sawant, N. N. (2003). “Urbanization and Solid Waste in India: An Environmental Concern.” In the Proceedings of the Conference on Safety, Health and Environment, ISPHEM, Betul, Goa.
Tamuly, R. & Sawant, N. N. (2003). “AIDS Scenario in Goa – A Need for Awareness.” In the Proceedings of the Conference on Safety, Health and Environment, ISPHEM, Betul, Goa.
Sawant, N. N. (2003). “Job Transfer and Adjustability: Role of Social Support in Stress Management.” In the Proceedings of the Conference on Occupational Health and Related Diseases, ISPHEM, Betul, Goa, pp. 28, 32.

Book/Chapter Published: BOOKS AUTHORED (01) Sawant NN (2022) Goa’s Landscape through Maps , Dnyanmangal Publications, Solapur ISBN 978-93-92538-09-4 Books Edited – 05

Bhardwaj, V. K. & Sawant, N. N. (Eds.) (2016). South Asia: Intra-Regional Conflict and Cooperation. G.B. Books, New Delhi.
Bhardwaj, Vinod, Sawant, Nandkumar & Saini, Manoj (Eds.) (2014). International Borders in South Asia: Interlinkages, Conflicts and Challenges. G.B. Book Publications, New Delhi.
Bhardwaj, V. & Sawant, N. (Eds.) (2014). Human Migration in South Asia: Prospects and Constraints. G.B. Book Publications, New Delhi.
Sawant, N., Shekhar, Diddee & Jog (Eds.) (2009). Globalisation: Issues and Challenges for India. Published by Chowgule College and IIG, Pune.
Rath, Sawant, Rath & Nadaf (Eds.) (2006). Population, Environment, Issues and Sustainable Development. Published by Geographers’ Association, Goa.

RESEARCH PROJECTS

Research Projects 11 research project ( 2 ongoing and 9 completed) Ongoing (02)

Dr. Nandkumar Sawant (PI) & Dr. Sachin Moreas (2024) – “Overseas Migration and ‘Emptiness’ at the Place of Origin: Understanding Dynamics in Goa in the 21st Century”, funded by the Goa State Research Foundation (GSRF), Goa (₹8 Lakhs)
Dr. Nandkumar Sawant (PI), Mr. Deepak Khumbhar & Dr. Sandesh Gawas (2025) – “Mapping Microclimate Change and Heat Dome Vulnerability in Urban Goa”

Completed (09)

Development of Wildlife Management Plan for Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, funded by Goa Forest Development Corporation Limited, Goa
“Revealing the (In)visible Cultural Landscape and Heritage: Amalgamation of Goa’s Urban Transformation and Identity”, Major Research Project funded by the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) under the IMPRESS scheme (Impact Policy Research in Social Science) – Grant ₹8.9 Lakhs
Collaborative International Bilateral Research: “Comparative Tourism of Selected Destinations of Thailand and Goa, India”, funded by ICSSR (India) and NRC (Thailand) – 2018
Chief Investigator: UGC, New Delhi funded Major Project “Goa: Socio-Cultural Transformations and Impact on the Society” (2012–2015) – Grant ₹4.5 Lakhs
Received a grant of ₹23,000 from the Directorate of Art and Culture, Sanskruti Bhavan, Patto Panaji, Goa under the scheme “Financial Assistance to Goan Authors & Publishers” for publishing the book “Goa through the Maps: A Histo-Physio-Socio-Cultural Perspective” (2012)
Chief Investigator: ICSSR funded Major Research Project “Tourism and Socio-Cultural Impact: A Study of Selected Tourist Destinations of South Goa” (2012–2014) – Grant ₹5.4 Lakhs
Course Director: ICSSR funded “Research Methodology Programme for Research Scholars in Social Sciences”, 27 January – 5 February 2015 – Grant ₹4.5 Lakhs
Chief Coordinator, Ford Foundation funded research project “Conflict and Reconciliation” (2004) – Grant ₹1,00,000
Chief Investigator, UGC funded Minor Research Project “Urbanization of Goa” (2004–2006) – Grant ₹45,000

ACTIVITIES /PARTICIPATIONS

ACTIVITIES

WORKSHOPS

Workshops Conference Papers/Posters Presented: More than 150 Conferences/Seminars/Workshops/Training Programmes Organized:

2025: Two-Day National Conference on “Resilient Geographies: Pathways to Sustainable Development and Viksit Bharat”, held on 15–16 December 2025
2025: Two-Day National Conference on “Tools and Techniques in Geographical Research”, held on 12–13 March 2025