A Testament to Leadership and Innovation
When millions gathered for the St Francis Xavier Exposition 2024-2025 in Old Goa, the success of the event was nothing short of remarkable. IAS officer Sandip Jacques, Goa’s Commissioner and Secretary of Revenue and Law, orchestrated this colossal gathering with a blend of strategic planning and innovative technology. Through seamless coordination across multiple departments and the use of AI for crowd control, Jacques ensured that the event concluded without any mishaps.
Turning Challenges into Triumphs
“Despite the massive crowd on a Sunday, the queue moved with efficiency and decorum,” said Jessica Annie Singh, a 25-year-old visitor. Her sentiment reflected the experience of millions who attended the event. Navigating through the sea of devotees at the Se Cathedral felt well-ordered, a testament to meticulous planning.
Born into a family with a strong medical background, Jacques initially pursued a master’s degree in medical microbiology. However, a shift in interests led him to law, and with encouragement from his father-in-law, a police officer, he attempted the civil service exams. By 1997, at just 24, Jacques joined the Goa Civil Services, eventually advancing to the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). His background as a state-level sportsman also instilled discipline and resilience, traits he leveraged during this high-stakes event.
Strategic Preparation for a Monumental Event
The St Francis Xavier Exposition, held once every ten years, drew a record-breaking eight million visitors. To manage the event effectively, Jacques divided responsibilities into nine key areas, assigning each to domain experts.
- Security and Crowd Management: The Inspector General of Police ensured smooth traffic and security management, while the Collector of North Goa acted as the bridge between government authorities and church officials.
- Infrastructure and Cleanliness: The Chief Engineer of the PWD oversaw infrastructure, while the Commissioner of Labour and Employment managed sanitation and waste disposal.
- Communication and Budgeting: The Director of Information and Publicity managed media outreach, while the Additional Secretary of the Finance Department handled budgeting and resource allocation.
- Health, IT, and Emergency Preparedness: The Director of Health Services ensured medical teams were on standby, and the Managing Director of ITG handled technological requirements.
Quick Decisions in Critical Moments
Despite extensive planning, crowd surges required adaptive management. On weekends and holidays, visitor numbers overwhelmed the venue. Quick decisions, such as extending veneration timings or temporarily halting certain services, prevented potential mishaps.
To assist elderly and disabled visitors, Jacques introduced buggies and e-rickshaws for transport. However, during peak times, these services were paused to maintain crowd safety. “Flexibility is key to avoiding casualties,” Jacques noted.
Leveraging Technology for Crowd Control
Technology played a pivotal role. Control rooms with AI-based crowd monitoring tracked real-time visitor numbers, enabling the team to adjust plans as needed. This ensured that overcrowding was prevented, maintaining safety and decorum.
Jessica Annie Singh recalled, “Despite the overwhelming crowds, everything felt controlled. Volunteers guided us, and there was a clear system that everyone followed.”
A Collaborative Effort
Jacques emphasized the importance of teamwork. “Managing a large-scale event isn’t a one-person job. You need a dedicated team working towards a common goal,” he stated. Collaboration between the Goa government and the church ensured that religious ceremonies and logistical operations harmonized seamlessly.
Drawing from Experience
This was not Jacques’ first encounter with large-scale event management. In 2013-14, as the Executive Director of the Sports Authority of Goa, he managed the Lusofonia Games, a multi-sport event for Portuguese-speaking nations. Coordinating between sports federations and the local government, Jacques ensured the event was delivered successfully despite tight deadlines.
Reflecting on the Lusofonia Games, Jacques said, “We had to oversee the construction of new stadiums and refurbish old ones within a limited timeframe. It was challenging but rewarding.”
Summing Up
The St Francis Xavier Exposition showcased how strategic planning, quick decision-making, and teamwork are essential for large-scale event management. Jacques’ innovative approach and adaptive leadership ensured that eight million visitors experienced the event safely and memorably. His journey from a medical background to civil services is a powerful reminder that resilience, teamwork, and the willingness to embrace change can lead to extraordinary achievements.