Business Goa April 2021

APRIL 2021

VOL 7 ISSUE 4 PANAJI GOA

RNI No.: GOAENG/2015/59955

GOA’S ONLY BUSINESS MAGAZINE

POSTAL LICENSE No.: G-2/RNP/Monthly/Goa-19/2021-23

INDUSTRY DOSSIER

MAKING ‘IT’ BETTER IN GOA Four years since its inception, GOA TECHNOLOGY ASSOCIATION, under the leadership of Mangirish Salelkar, has become the voice of IT entrepreneurs in Goa and has played a stellar role to bring the Startup Policy and IT Policy to light

GOA STATE BUDGET FOCUS GOA

RAJESH JOSHI INTERVIEW

SAIPE AT HILTON GOA BON APPÉTIT

NEWS VIEWS ARTICLES INTERVIEWS PROFILES FOCUS ANALYSIS OPINIONS EVENTS FEATURES

SUN ESTATES

CONTENTS Cover Story 14

Four years since its inception, Goa Technology Association, under the leadership of Mangirish Salelkar, has become the voice of IT entrepreneurs in Goa and has played a stellar role to bring the Startup Policy and IT Policy to light

Focus Goa 20

CA Rohan Bhandare explains the Goa Budget for the year 2021 in a simplified dialogue format

Focus Goa 22

12

Vamona Navelcar is an artist who has lived, worked and expressed his art across three continents. It would be a deserving honour to award the Gomant Vibhushan to him during his lifetime

Starting Young 24

The Armacar Group’s latest venture – Delfino’s Taleigao, ushers in a new generation of the Group into the retail sector

28

34

Enterprise 26

Louise Remedios takes us behind the scenes at Reynold Weddings, revealing how she turned a family business into one of the most sought-after wedding planners in the country

22

Interview 28

Rajesh Joshi, CEO of Atal Incubation Centre at GIM is buoyant about Goa’s pitch as a startup destination

24 46

32 48

49

Professional Dossier 32

Romesh Dhamija is a much sought after ‘wedding photographer’ and specialises in destination weddings

Lady Power 34

Priyanka Da Cunha, speaks about her venture The Busy Bee and creating quirky products which make for excellent gifting options

Bon Appétit 46

Spectacular view, luxurious settings and delectable food is what makes Saipe at Hilton Goa Resort, a class apart; The Big Forkers is a web series focussing on good food, banter and fun together

COLUMNS

40 Beyond Classroom

43 Ad-Venture

41 Invest Right

44 Cabbages and Queen

Dr Pradeep Salgaonkar speaks about timely delivery of products which is the most crucial stage in online business

Mahesh Pai highlights the necessity of a proper retirement plan and the different pension schemes available

42 Corporate Citizen

Daniel Albuquerque on the Indian Council of Arbitration and its role as a mediator for trade and commerce related issues

06 | BUSINESS GOA INDUSTRY DOSSIER | APRIL 2021

Prabhakar Mundkur highlights the collaboration factor and the importance of teamwork for business success Nandini Vaidyanathan explains the importance of empowering employees to take ownership of customers

08 Editorial 10 Corpo Scan 30 Campus 33 BookShelf 36 CSR 38 Biz Bytes 48 Goa Buzz 50 Newsmakers 50 BG Quiz

EDITORIAL Normalcy Rescheduled APRIL 2021 Publisher & Editor Harshvardhan Bhatkuly Co-Publisher & Group Head Urvija Bhatkuly Advisory Board Datta Damodar Naik Ralph de Sousa Rajiv D’Silva Dr Vivek Mendonsa Swapnil Kamat Business Head Annalise Gouveia Chief Reporter Sybil Rodrigues Admin & Accounts Ashok Kolvekar Graphic Designer Govit Morajkar Legal Advisor Adv Raunaq Rao Distribution & Logistics Mayur Santinezkar Contributors in this Issue Daniel Albuquerque Mahesh Pai Nandini Vaidyanathan Prabhakar Mundkur Dr Pradeep Salgaonkar R Benedito Ferrão Vishwesh Kandolkar Editorial, Advertising & Administrative Office

Business Goa

409, Citicentre, EDC Patto Plaza, Panaji, 403001 Goa India Tel.: 0832-2437822 Email: businessgoa.media@gmail.com Unsolicited material may not be returned. The opinions in columns and other stories expressed in Business Goa Industry Dossier are not necessarily that of the publishers and the Publisher/Editor shall not be held liable for any inaccuracy or otherwise.

While great care is being taken to ensure accuracy of information, the publishers are not responsible for omissions or incorrect information. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the permission of the publishers.

Living in a State with miles of a beautiful coastline, we have gone from people who took pleasure watching the waves crashing on the seaside, to people who are terrified of the word ‘wave’ itself, slapped on us by Covid-19.

Goa being the sunshine State and a holiday destination, for both, domestic and international tourists, wherein tourism is considered to be the goose that lays the proverbial golden egg, is today reeling under the pandemic.

In 2019-20 the global crisis caused by COVID-19 saw international borders around the world close, airplanes and other forms of transport grounded, tourists forced to return home and people in many parts of the world locked down and confined to their homes.

Though a large number of domestic visitors travelled to the State at the turn of the year, the high-spending international tourists were missing – an absence that hit the hospitality industry very hard.

December went by without the usual flow of crowds. From the beaches in the North to the South, the seaside bore a deserted look.

Shacks looked desolate and local businesses struggled to make ends meet.

The lockdown helped locals reacquaint themselves with the reason they fell in love with Goa in the first place. Instead of branding Goa as ‘India’s favourite party destination’, the lockdown was associated with a period of new experiences and discoveries of hidden gems, in the form of lesser known but more picturesque places. Also, several people from other States, given the ‘Work from Home’ option, chose to make Goa their second home, where they could do both, work and relax.

Just as circumstances began to change, what with the announcement of a vaccine and the number of cases going down, the second wave has hit us. This one, more deadly and potent than the first, which seems to spell doom for an industry that was slowly limping back to normalcy.

Besides the cancellation in hotel bookings, the callow attitude of the tourist taxi operators,

Harshvardhan Bhatkuly

with their unreasonable demands, is adding fuel to the fire.

The coastal belt, besides other major tourist places and cities, are witness to a large downfall in the number of tourists. The nonGoa registered vehicles are not as visible as they were a month ago, indicating that drivein tourists are hesitant to travel.

With Covid having spread its tentacles across the globe, many Goans who were employed abroad and on the ship had to come back due to loss of jobs. A number of them would patronise the smaller and lesstouristy restaurants and shacks. Now with the uncertainty of getting a job and with their savings dwindling, this has put a huge dent in the earnings of local joints.

The weddings and events industry too has taken a blow, with limited and restricted people being allowed to attend.

The Department of Tourism needs to do a comprehensive mapping of each level and sector within the industry.

There is a growing consensus that the impact of Covid-19 signals the need for a drastic recalibration of how we live our lives.

For Goa’s tourism sector, there is an essential need to refocus resources and capacity to ensure the longevity of the sector in the face of climate change.

To revitalise this industry, Goa can envision a way to change its reputation and potentially rebrand itself. Updating some critical infrastructure in the State, such as transportation systems can be used as a way to create jobs while bringing back tourists.

Additionally, a tourism strategy that places sustainability and ethical tourism at the centre will support businesses longevity as well as ensuring the preservation of the Goan ecosystem.

With the ‘limping back to normalcy’ having been rescheduled, Goa will require high calibre planning and deft leadership to steer us through the uncertainty and volatility on this new wave of the pandemic

Printed, published and owned by Harshvardhan V. Bhatkuly and printed at Elegant Offset Printers, D2-31, Tivim Industrial Estate, Karaswada, Mapusa Goa 403526 and published at 409, Citicentre, EDC Patto Plaza, Panaji, Goa 403001. Editor: Harshvardhan V. Bhatkuly

08 | BUSINESS GOA INDUSTRY DOSSIER | APRIL 2021

CORPO SCAN

@businessgoa

Goa Mining Corporation likely by May 30

Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant stated that the government has set a deadline of May 30th to set up Goa Mining Corporation.

It is learnt that the Chief Minister will be the first Chairman of the Goa Mining Corporation.

Dr Sawant has announced the state budget for 2021-2022 that Goa Mining Corporation would be set up for restarting mining activities.

Iron ore mining activities

came to a halt in Goa in March 2018 after the Supreme Court cancelled 88 mining lease renewals that had been granted in 2015.

It is pertinent to note that the government had also decided to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the Mineral Exploration Corporation Ltd to carry out mapping of mineral resources in the State and identify potential mining sites

Erratic weather causes worry to cashew farmers

With the weather playing spoilsport in the form of extended rain, the cashew harvest is expected to be less than productive and the season may end earlier than usual. Experts from the ICARCentral Coastal Agricultural Research Institute (CCARI) said that poor weather conditions prevailing through most of last year and early this year will also have an impact on the cashew apple and nut size.

AR Desai, Principal scientist, ICAR-CCARI stated that development of fruit which usually takes three months has taken on 2.5 months this season, so the development of the cashew apple and nut size is small.

The cashew fruit is climate resilient as a species and can adapt to climate changes. As

a crop however, it has three flowerings so even if the first flowering period is affected, it can compensate in the subsequent flowerings.

Desai further said that even though the initial trend was good, now the flowers have been drying due to very high temperatures.

“Because of the sudden high temperature, cashew season is also going to end in advance by 15 days. The feni production will be affected if the season ends early.”

Farmers across Goa have been affected by this trend

TTAG firm in its support to GoaMiles. Says Govt should ignore political compulsions

Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) has urged the government to remain firm on its stand on the issue of tourist taxis while extending support to Appbased GoaMiles cab service.

TTAG President Nilesh Shah said “The law of the land is supreme and the government, irrespective of its political compulsions, must implement the orders of the Hon’ble Courts. TTAG appeals to the government to remain firm on their stand and assures its unequivocal

support to the government’s decision to promote GoaMiles and the implementation of taxi meters in all tourist taxis across the State. We also urge the government to deal with the unruly taxi operators with an iron hand and not allow them to disrupt the peace and harmony in Goa. TTAG has always stood firmly behind the government’s decision to introduce GoaMiles as we believe that app-based aggregators are the way forward for a tourism State like Goa”

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HOTELS TO SUBMIT ONLINE DATA OF TOURIST ARRIVALS AND STAY

Information on tourism footfalls in Goa may hopefully be available on time in future with the Department of Tourism asking all hotel establishments to submit online data of tourist arrivals and their duration of stay.

So far, the process of collecting the data was offline and the point of collection was at the Department office in North and South district.

Henceforth, the data on guest arrivals has to be submitted monthly and online by hotel establishments (including guest houses) and by the fifth of the subsequent month the said data has to be confirmed.

The Department of Tourism has commissioned a new service, Statistics Proforma as per Form XI, aimed at easing the process of collecting data on tourist arrivals.

The Statistics Proforma has to be accessed online from the service list of the Department’s website.

An online user manual is available to assist hoteliers to fill up the form and use the

application.

As per the Goa Registration of Tourist Trade Act, 1982, it is mandatory for every registered and operating hotel and guest house to submit every month the “Statistics Proforma as per Form XI” data of tourist visiting the State of Goa and their period of stay.

The Department of Tourism will collect a processing fee of `6,000 for A category hotels, `4,800 for B category and `960 and `720 respectively for C and D category hotels.

Statistics of tourist arrivals in the State are usually available after a delay of about six months with the Department of Tourism taking months to upload the latest arrival figures Presently data on tourist arrivals in the State is available only until November 2020, revealing a delay of five months. With the new system of online submission, tourism stakeholders are hoping for timely availability of information

Cochin Port Trust to construct cruise terminal at MPT The Cochin Port Trust has been entrusted with the construction of the fullfledged international cruise terminal that is coming up at the harbour.

Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) issued the work order to Cochin Port Trust.

MPT Chairman E Ramesh Kumar stated that since Cochin Port has already built a cruise terminal, it was decided to appoint Cochin Port Trust as the project management consultant for this project and the work order has just been issued.

MPT has an ambitious plan to develop a domestic and international cruise

terminal, which will include Ro-Ro and Ro-pax services, which will enable cruise passengers to directly travel by smaller ferries and boats to North Goa after disembarking.

The plan also includes a commercial hub, which will come up within the terminal building, so that foreign tourists who do not wish to travel can still experience Goa’s cuisine, culture and handicrafts.

The techno economic feasibility report was prepared by Feedback Infra Private Limited, while Team One India prepared the architectural cum engineering design

CORPO SCAN

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High Court gets new building at Porvorim

The new building of the High Court of Bombay at Goa was inaugurated by Chief Justice of India, Justice Sharad A Bobde in the presence of Union Minister for Law and Justice, Ravi Shankar Prasad along with Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant at Penha de Franca, Porvorim.

Judges of the Supreme Court, Justice N V Ramana; Justice B. R. Gavai; Chief Justice of Bombay High Court Justice Dipankar Dutta; Bombay High Court Judges, Justice A. A. Sayed; and Justice S. S. Shinde; Minister for Law, Nilesh Cabral; Senior Judge at the High Court of Bombay at Goa, Justice Mahesh Sonak; and Advocate General of Goa, Devidas Pangam were also present at the function.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Justice Bobde said that the new building will give the

State an opportunity for better administration of justice and will witness some of the best arguments. “I have been privileged to learn about the Uniform Civil Code. The Goa bench is fortunate to have some of the learned judges and lawyers of real eminence.

This new building is a sign of new times.”

Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad praised the State Government for completion of the project despite the challenges put forth by the pandemic. “In order to keep a sustainable development of the courtroom, we need to maintain its values. Every time when India suffered challenges, Judiciary has come up with a robust answer. And this has been only possible with the co-operation of the Government,” he opined

Stamp duty hike irks real estate industry

The decision of the State Government to fix rates of built-up properties for calculation of stamp duty has the Goan real estate industry concerned, with local developers disputing the rates and calling for a review of the same.

According to builders in the State, the government notified rates of built-up properties lacks transparency and will make it difficult to register residential and commercial property instead of easing the process for buyers.

Nilesh Salkar, President, CREDAI Goa, said “The broad categorisation of the property

will not only affect developers but also adversely impact investors and the secondary market for property.”

On April 1, the government notified rates for different categories of properties – residential, commercial and industrial – under the Goa Stamp (Determination of the True Market Value of Property) Rules, 2003, for the year 202122.

Until now in the State, stamp duty on flats, bungalows, commercial and industrial property was calculated on the land price and not on the built-up rates.

The government has

12 | BUSINESS GOA INDUSTRY DOSSIER | APRIL 2021

Governor stresses on rural sea farming

Bhagat Singh Koshyari

Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari stated that sea farming can provide a boost to development in the villages. The Governor was speaking after inaugurating oyster farming programme organised by the directorate of Unnat Bharat Abhiyan, Goa University in association with Marcaim village panchayat.

The Governor also stated that with the development of rural areas, the country would prosper more rapidly and everyone’s contribution

is important for the overall development of Goa. MLA Sudin Dhavalikar, while speaking on the occasion, said that sea farming business can provide employment to many people.

“Farmers who are trying to become self-sufficient by cultivating oysters, need government schemes. The government needs to come up with better plans for the growth of marine farming,” he added.

The Governor felicitated the representatives of the self-help groups which have taken to marine farming.

Certificates were also handed over to meritorious students of various competitions.

Prof Varun Sahani, ViceChancellor, Goa University and Laxmi Tari, Sarpanch of Marcaim also spoke on the occasion, while Dr Lata Gaude gave a powerpoint presentation on oyster farming

SIT directed to probe into illegal mining

DGP Mukesh Kumar Meena has directed the Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted to investigate into illegal mining to “speed up and complete the investigation”.

The DGP issued the direction during a meeting with crime branch Superintendent of Police (SP) Shobhit Saxena and police inspectors who are investigating the cases related to illegal mining.

The DGP has directed the investigating officers to complete the investigation as soon as possible and decide whether to file chargesheets or closure reports.

SIT has filed 16 FIRs in the illegal mining cases, of which eight cases have been chargesheeted, three cases have been closed and three have been transferred to

police stations.

Presently four police officers are investigating the illegal mining cases, even as the main mining case is pending investigation. As part of its investigation into the `35,000 crore scam, the SIT is studying the documents submitted by the Directorate of Mines and Geology (DMG) with regards to 126 mining leases. The SIT is also co-ordinating with other departments to collect more documents. The investigating team had sought answers from the DMG to 19 questions pertaining to the leases, which were operational from 2007 to 2012. The documents provided to the SIT include environmental clearances (EC) issued to the leases, quantity-related papers, and EC limits

also fixed the rate for IndoPortuguese houses at not less than `20,000 per sq metre of the built-up area. According

to developers, there is a huge backlog of registration of sale deeds for properties with lower pricing

COVER STORY

Standing (LtoR): Mayur Virkar, Rohan Warty, Prasad Sawant, Yashvit Naik and Sujeet Shetty. Sitting (LtoR): Milind Anvekar, Mangirish Salelkar and Jervis Pereira

MAKING ‘IT’ BETTER IN GOA Four years since its inception, GOA TECHNOLOGY ASSOCIATION, under the leadership of Mangirish Salelkar, has become the voice of IT entrepreneurs in Goa and has played a stellar role to bring the Startup Policy and IT Policy to light

Team GTA with Chief Minister Dr Pramod

Sawant and IT Minister Jennifer Monseratte

14 | BUSINESS GOA INDUSTRY DOSSIER | APRIL 2021

Launch of GTA in 2017 with then IT Minister Rohan Khaunte in attendance

www.businessgoa.in

By HARSHVARDHAN BHATKULY

G

oans have made confident strides in the space of information technology over the years.

As programmers and tech professionals, Goans have been placed across the globe in IT and ITES business ventures. There are a significant bunch of techpreneurs who have been catering to a global market from Goa for a well over two decades. Many of them felt the need to formally come together as an umbrella organisation on an individual level, but it took a spirited effort of a handful of them to come together in 2017 to start Goa Technology Association.

The Need to Start GTA “Back in 2010, when I was a couple of years old in the business, I understood that there are many IT entrepreneurs in Goa struggling to find a common platform to meet and discuss their business problems.

There were various meets held trying to get everybody together and discuss various IT related issues, but the discussions barely got converted into action,” says Mangirish Salelkar, FounderPresident of GTA, whose term will end this July.

A deep need was felt to find a common platform where IT and tech companies had a common voice that would voice their pain points, share

Within 4 years of its inception, Goa Technology Association has done an excellent job in supporting IT, ITeS companies and startups. The efforts of GTA’s leadership team and founder members to build the IT Ecosystem and bridge gaps between the industry, academia and the government bodies in these initial years, will give best results for future. I will be happy to support GTA in all ways to uplift the IT Industry and mark Goa on the World IT Map” Dr. PRAMOD SAWANT Chief Minister, Goa

their views and suggestions for the effective functioning of the industry. The Goa Technology Association was constituted purely to unite IT business owners

– entrepreneurs as well as intrapreneurs (business heads of various IT organisations); to be the interface between the Government and other entities such as National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM), Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI), other such business-oriented forums and the industry.

The IT Industry Gets Its Flagbearer GTA’s journey since 2017 has been eventful, to put it mildly.

The organisation has been instrumental in providing exposure to its members and has been a springboard from which many interesting business decisions and events have ensued. The organisation has been instrumental across spectrum – from legislation to policy making; and from hosting events to bringing the academia in its fold.

“When we started GTA, we wanted to make IT Better in Goa, pin Goa on the world map and boost the IT ecosystem in the State. We had a strong desire to make the change and we had lots of hope that things would change for the better. Over the years, we have continued to be a focused association and have worked strategically towards increasing our

presence locally, nationally and globally in the process of building an IT ecosystem in Goa. This success would not have been possible without the efforts and commitment of each member of the Association. I am glad that we could get the IT Policy finalised and notified during the first two years and Policy implementation during the current term. Rolling out of the IT policy benefits by the Government to the IT companies and startups will be major game changer in attracting more IT companies, jobs and investment in Goa,” says Milind Anvekar, Vice President - Projects and Customer Services, Open Destinations and President Elect of GTA. Going Beyond the Call of Duty “GTA is more than an Association; it is an embodiment of the dreams

“The energy and enthusiasm which I have seen from the GTA team is immense. I am sure these founders will revolutionise the IT industry in Goa. Software Technology Parks of India has always supported every positive step taken by GTA towards supporting companies in exports and conducting workshops and events” SANJAY KUMAR GUPTA

Director, Software Technology Parks of India Goa Technology Association is known for its camaraderie among members

APRIL 2021 | BUSINESS GOA INDUSTRY DOSSIER | 15

COVER STORY and aspirations of software entrepreneurs from Goa to make a mark on the global technology stage. We at Tangentia are proud to be members right from inception and foresee a brilliant future for the GTA and technology and start up enterprises in Goa,” exclaims Vijay Thomas, President, Indo-Canadian Chamber of Commerce; and whose company Tangentia runs its business from Canada and Goa. Salelkar expresses his satisfaction with the kind of exposure and gravitas that the GTA has achieved in a short spell of nearly five years.

“GTA’s presence was felt at every step by the stakeholders and the IT ecosystem since it was established. We became a voice of the industry from the word go. As a group of entrepreneurs and IT professionals, we offered our expertise to the Government on many occasions – from helping to host the IT and Startup Day, to having a Goa’s IT Pavilion for the first time in Hyderabad, to hosting insightful interactive sessions with eminent speakers from NASSCOM. GTA was involved in drafting some labour related legislation.

We were also part of the team that conceptualised the curriculum for the Computer IT Engineering course for the Goa University. Yes, we have done it all; and that too in such a short span of four years,” says Salelkar.

Not stopping at being a policy enabler, GTA was also one of the key industrylinked components of the Vibrant Goa event held in October 2019, where many members of the Association were involved – either in showcasing their businesses or being technology partners to many of the constituents and exhibitors. GTA itself came on board as an industry body for the mega event.

Academia-Industry Connect One of the more satisfying

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Milind Anvekar elected President of GTA for 2021-23 Milind Anvekar has been elected as the next President of the Goa Technology Association for the year 202123.

GTA concluded its election process in March this year by electing the office bearers from the nine elected members for the next term.

GTA Managing Committee for 2021-23 will comprise of the following wellknown names from the IT ecosystem in Goa: President: Milind Anvekar (Open Destinations), Vice President: Sujeet Shetty (Team Inertia), Secretary: Rohan Warty (Xerviz Wlobal), Treasurer: Gajanan Kerkar (Best Tourism Deals), Immediate Past President: Mangirish Salelkar (Umang), Members: Prasad Sawant (Buoyancy Consultants), Jervis Pereira (Digital Kwills), Mayur Virkar (Codemax), Chinmay Kamat (Coppercodes).

“Milind has been one of the founding team members of Goa Technology Association and considering all the valuable contributions that he has made to the growth of the association, I am very pleased that he will head GTA in the coming term,” said President Mangirish Salelkar.

Anvekar thanked the members for the trust and honour to lead the association.

“I am honoured to be the incoming President of GTA - an association that has provided me with so many positive opportunities, allowing me to create

engagements that GTA has built over the last few years include the establishment of its Student Chapter which has flowered due to the vision of the organisation to build a bridge between industry and academia.

“Students in the IT domain is the insurance of the IT businesses for the future. Supporting colleges

16 | BUSINESS GOA INDUSTRY DOSSIER | APRIL 2021

Milind Anvekar

wonderful relationships with the most creative, passionate and innovative business leaders. Our IT success stories will continue to inspire and motivate the youth. We plan to reach out to the every Global Goan through our events,” he said.

Anvekar takes the mantle to alleviate the challenges posed to the IT industry in Goa. “The immediate objectives of the Association will continue with key focus on the ease of doing IT business in Goa, implementation of the IT Policy and better manpower and infrastructure availability in the State. I am pleased to lead the Association in the next term and I am going to do everything I can to strengthen GTA. I am thankful to our current President Mangirish for a solid foundation and looking forward to his continued support,” Anvekar added.

The GTA annual event is scheduled in June this year and Anvekar will take office from July this year

with workshops and having our Student Chapter is also a start to a strong relationship between academia and industry,” adds Salelkar.

A Peer to Peer Support Group The camaraderie and bonhomie of GTA members is famous in the industry.

Known for their work in their domain expertise and well

beyond, like hosting cricket tournaments and other events has added to the vibrancy of the organisation.

“I think GTA members have learned to work in collaboration and have ignored competition,” says Rohan Warty, treasurer of GTA. With the onslaught of the coronavirus, the organisation is facing the brunt of delayed payments from clients and disruption of the earlier orchestrated office systems with WFH. Add to it, Goa’s technology infrastructure which is abysmally archaic and needs to up its ante to support a growing bunch of techpreneurs, whose tribe only seems to be growing.

Nitin Kuncolienker, former Goa Chamber president and the current President of Manufacturers’ Association for Information Technology (MAIT), New Delhi makes an interesting observation and says “It is lamentable that the political leadership in Goa is not very focussed and serious about tapping the potential of Goa’s technology talent.”

Challenges apart, members of GTA don’t have an option but to surge ahead.

With business and clients spread across the world, their pitch and resolve to make Goa a model IT business destination only keeps growing. “People definitely have big expectations from GTA, as we are the only formal body representing IT companies in the State.

We have got a vibrant and dynamic founding committee.

Every member has put in lot of efforts to build this brand and the Association” adds Salelkar.

As an organisation that has been cohesive and forward looking, battling the challenge of business continuity in a Covid-hit world has been tough. But the members of GTA march ahead with their motto of ‘Making IT Better in Goa’

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Business Continuity is our top priority during the pandemic

Founder-President of Goa Technology Association, Mangirish Salelkar speaks about the Covid challenge; and what the government can do to help tech businesses in Goa

Tell us about GTA’s journey over the last few months?

2019 was a wonderful year for GTA and we thought will make 2020 ‘grand’. In 2020, we started with ‘Tech-Fridays’ and planned to make it as a quarterly event, However after the session we couldn’t implement it due to the lockdown. We had lot of other events planned for this year which also couldn’t be held due to lockdown.

What are the challenges faced by tech companies during this pandemic?

The Covid situation left all of us in shock. Multiple industries were hit very badly.

Initially, many felt that IT businesses would weather the Covid blow; however like the ripple effect, we too were directly or indirectly affected. Every week we are revalutating our Business Continuity Plans. Most of the time it has gone for a toss. Because things are still unpredicatable.

Shifting to 100% WFH mode was a complete new phenomena for all of us. It has been a nightmare to a number of companies. I know some companies, who had to deliver not just laptops but also desktops to their team members home. Some of the team members staying in villages across Goa have serious internet issues and some don’t even get internet or good telephone reception.

Team-communication and productivity was an issue due to the poor last mile internet connectivity.

What has been the contribution of GTA during the Covid crisis to uplift the morale of your members?

During the pandemic, GTA donated a sum of `1,00,000/towards Chief Minister’s Relief Fund to provide a helping

their level best for smooth functioning of the lectures.

I understand principals and TPOs will have a tough time with job placements this year. Placements this year may be a challenge, We will will try our best to support and accommodate the most deserving candidates. I also know of many companies that have already started hiring in the last few weeks.

Things will get back to normal for sure. And we have all been introduced to a new education policy which will change India’s education system. I hope that to will get into force soon.

Mangirish Salelkar

hand to the Government in tackling Covid-19 issues.

During the Lockdown 1.0 period, we tried to have, the lockdown talk series – to discuss and educate IT professionals and business owners about changing patterns of work and business; how to manage WFH; how to manage legalities, compliances and finances; and about internet connectivity issues.

I appreciate some members who have managed themselves very well and survived thus far. But, this pandemic has hit the industry hard and it has affected some of our members badly. There may have been pay cuts, jobs losses and defered payments from clients and this has affected our members. As President of the Association I have been actively interacting with the members who have been hit and wanted guidance from me or GTA to handle these difficulties. During the annual fee renewal process too, we thought of defering the renewals by 3 months, as some of our members are struggling with finances, and have chosen to take a back

“The pandemic has hit the industry hard.

There have been pay cuts, jobs losses and deferred payments from clients and this has affected our members. Shifting to 100% WFH mode has been a nightmare to several companies.

Goa also has serious internet connectivity issues that need to be sorted out really fast” seat this year.

Can you elaborate on the Industry-Academia connect that you have initiated?

We completed signing MOUs with all the engineering colleges in Goa last year along with few BSc, BCA colleges, as well. Many of our members have been resource persons at webinars conducted by these educational institutes.

We have tried our level best to support them in all possible ways. I am sure, like companies facing a challenge with Work from Home; colleges, teachers and students must be having a tough time with online classes. Colleges are ensuring that they are doing

How has been your interaction with the government with regards to the Covid crises and the challenges of business continuity of your members?

In April 2020, we conducted a survey which gave us a complete insight about many companies and entrepreneurs who have been affected by Covid. We listed out companies who were expecting some help from the government for their business continuity. This survey was later presented to the Chief Minister and the Information Technology Minister. We also raised problems faced by our members due to internet issues and demanded support for business continuity in an open forum with the Chief Minister. We have also had a video conference with the Information Technology Minister and Director, Information Technology, wherein we put forward our issues and presented suggestions for the industry revival.

We have tried to have sessions with Internet Services Providers (ISPs) to make sure we understand their issues and take it to the government

APRIL 2021 | BUSINESS GOA INDUSTRY DOSSIER | 17

COVER STORY

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True Representative of the IT Fraternity Explore Tech Business Opportunities

5 years of GTA has been an interesting journey. From being a Secretary in its first term to being elected the

Hub for Tech Advancement

Goa and IT have gone hand in hand for a long time. From having some notable ‘Sons of the Soil’ in the IT arena to the environment for innovation that is naturally found here, Goa is often an unsung destination for IT. Goan IT companies service 6 continents and around 60+ countries worldwide. It was only a matter of time for a body like the GTA to materialise.

Since its establishment, it has formalised the sector, by representing IT companies in the State. IT companies across the State now can become part of the only business body representing them specifically. GTA serves as a signal to the world that there is an IT industry!

Over time we hope that it will become the hub for technological advancement, research and education, and the home of an unparalleled IT niche. GTA has set this in its sights for the years to follow.

JERVIS PEREIRA

Partner and CEO , Digital Kwills L.L.P

current Vice President of GTA has been a proud moment.

The much-needed representation of the IT community had made its mark in Goa by GTA. The ball was set rolling for collaborations within the fraternity as well as lobbying with the Government for all its initiatives and policy making and with the academia for all its objectives for students, making it big in IT.

SUJEET SHETTY Co-founder, Team Inertia Technologies

In last few years, GTA has been able to bring the Goan IT Industry together, our members serve national and international clients and have a global footprint via their

A BRILLIANT FUTURE AHEAD FOR GTA

GTA is more than an Association; it is an embodiment of the dreams and aspirations of software entrepreneurs from Goa to make a mark on the global technology stage.

We at Tangentia are proud to be members right from inception and foresee a brilliant future for the GTA and technology and startup enterprises in Goa.

own business presence. Add to it, the inherent unique characteristics of Goa which can support knowledgebased economy on a much larger global scale. However, a lot needs to done to explore technological opportunities in various emerging industry sectors on continual basis.

GTA can continue to play a vital role in this journey. I feel IT and ITeS industry will continue to build its global presence and at the same time provide a lot back to the Goan society by creating new jobs, skill sets and highly green and efficient living standard for the local community.

PRASAD P. SAWANT CEO, Buoyancy Consultants & Engineering LLP

Collaborations galore at GTA

VIJAY THOMAS President, Indo-Canadian Chamber of Commerce; Founder-CEO, Tangentia

GTA supports IT business aspirations

After all these years, it’s good to have an organisation that

ITES companies to boost the industry. GTA has provided me a platform to connect with my prospective clients which has helped in my business.

Also being on the Managing Committee of GTA for the last two terms, connecting and networking with industry leaders has been an amazing experience.

GTA has brought the Goan IT ecosystem together!

Before GTA, many member companies did not even have the knowledge of each other’s existence.

The Goan IT industry employs thousands of engineers and technology professionals, offering services to almost every developed and developing country in the world.

However, such a statement seems highly improbable and unheard of given that Goa is largely known for being a tourist destination.

Hence, the primary objective of GTA has been to provide visibility to member companies and to showcase their products and services and offer a platform for collaborations.

Managing Director, Xerviz Wlobal; and GTA Treasurer

Co-founder & CTO, Teknorix Systems Pvt Ltd

helps support, organise, direct and showcase the needs, wants, aspirations and achievements of the IT Industry in Goa. It’s been too long that we been literally functioning in the dark.

Doing our own thing and making IT work.

RICKY NORONHA

Director, Online Productivity Solutions Pvt Ltd

A platform to network with peers

I am fortunate to be part of GTA since its inception. GTA has done fantastic work of bringing together Goan IT,

18 | BUSINESS GOA INDUSTRY DOSSIER | APRIL 2021

ROHAN WARTY

YASHVIT NAIK

www.businessgoa.in

At the forefront to create Goa’s IT Policy GTA has made strong efforts to needed to collectively put connect with ISPs been excellent. The bonding

GTA’s involvement in taking up suggestions and addressing Internet Service Providers (ISP) since 2017 has

Bridging the AcademiaIndustry gap

I feel great to mention that we have been Academic Partners of Goa Technology Association (GTA) since last 4 years. We have also organised our Industry-Academia meet ‘Colloquium 2018’ in association with GTA.

GTA through its member companies has been also helping us with recruitments, expert lectures and workshops. GTA is also helping our college in creating industry tie-ups with its member companies. Their dedicated attempt in bridging the academia and industry gap is simply phenomenal.

Overall I feel that progress done on the academic front

by Mangirish and his team is truly commendable and I wish GTA will continue doing more for the academic fraternity in the years to come. It’s a great and unique contribution to Goa and the IT field.

DR. V. MARIAPPAN Principal, Agnel Institute of Technology and Design

between Digital Networks Associates and GTA is very strong. Thanks to the President Mangirish Salelkar and his team members who have been working tirelessly to voice out opinions from every member and section of the IT ecosystem. Today, Internet is the basic necessity and we at DNA are determined and will always be ready to support to give the last mile connectivity to all Goans.

RAGHU SHETIYE Director, DNA Goa

GTA has been at the forefront for formulation of the IT Policy with the Government and is currently liasoning to get the various schemes for tech businesses implemented.

A forum of this kind was

forward our demands with the powers that be. GTA has also opened up informal collaborations between the IT fraternity leading to sharing of resources, knowledge transfer and generated a general camaraderie between its members.

NILESH NAYAK

Director, Sapna Group

Voice of the IT industry

GTA understands the industry pain-points

I signed up with the GTA as a member in 2017. At that time there was no formal association of IT companies in Goa. And we needed to have a body that was able to represent us. In 2019, while serving on the MC board, I realized that there was so much one could do for IT companies in Goa. From

bridging the gap between industry and institutions to creating more connections with the Government, the GTA was the right platform to focus on building up the industry. From a personal standpoint, GTA has been able to identify the pain points of individual businesses and aggregate them to solve many problems at once.

While the GTA is young, it is also dynamic and can make a lot of positive changes for the IT industry in Goa. In the future, I see that the GTA will be the nodal point of IT companies in Goa.

GTA under the leadership of Mangirish has worked hard over the last four years to bring the nascent IT industry together and act as the voice of the industry in Goa. GTA’s contribution has ensured that the Startup and IT Policies are now in place. Best wishes to the new committee under Milind.

GIRISH BHARNE

VP-Engineering, Persistent Systems

A ‘Unified Voice’

MAYUR VIRKAR CEO, Codemax

A PLATFORM FOR STRONG ADVOCACY

GTA deserves compliments for creating a platform for strong advocacy role to all the new startups as well as all budding entrepreneurs.

Prior to emergence of GTA, most of the trade bodies like GCCI, CII Goa, GSIA, had a will to help

entrepreneurs, but they could not give focussed attention to the startup and technology sector. This created a need to create a strong trade body which can provide confidence and support to startups.

Kudos to GTA leadership a dynamic team led by Mangirish Salelkar. Their perseverance has led to creation as well as sustenance of many startups.

It is lamentable that the political leadership is not very focussed and serious about tapping the potential of Goa’s technology talent.

NITIN KUNKOLIENKER

President, Manufacturers’ Association for Information Technology, New Delhi

GTA was founded to be a unified voice of the entire IT ecosystem in Goa; and comprises a healthy mix of core IT companies, academia and other entities involved with startups or tech-led entrepreneurship. The unified voice has helped push forth policies for the ecosystem in Goa with the help of the Department of Information Technology. Here’s wishing Milind Anvekar all the best in leading GTA here on.

GAJANAN NAGARSEKAR Founding Member GTA

APRIL 2021 | BUSINESS GOA INDUSTRY DOSSIER | 19

FOCUS GOA

@businessgoamagazine

Goa Budget 2021: Something for Everyone

The writer explains the Goa Budget for the year 2021 in a simplified dialogue format

‘Health for All’ initiative for the overall health awareness among Goans, which would involve comprehensive health check-ups, as well.

By CA.ROHAN BHANDARE

A

conversation between two gentlemen, A and B, over a bus ride. A sees B reading the newspaper article on the Goa State Budget A: The Budget again? Didn’t we just have one in February?

B: Yes, that was the Union Budget 2021. This is about the Goa State Budget 2021 which was presented by Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant on 24th March 2021.

A: Oh, could you give a quick summary? I am sure the pandemic has affected the numbers here as well.

B: Yes. The pandemic and the economic slowdown have posed severe fiscal challenges, and the lower revenue raising capacity and inherent difficulty in cutting expenditures has further piled up the borrowings. In exceptional times such as today, debt should not be a cause of concern as long a Government invests in quality productive expenditure, preferably in sectors having a greater multiplier effect.

Given that the Government has had to hear so many preBudget representations from various associations and trade bodies to provide relief to the beaten down sectors, the Government has done fairly well to cover most of the sectors and provide some form of relief. With the Centre also providing relief through its Aatmanirbhar packages and centrally sponsored schemes, the State could also benefit in sharing the goodwill pie if the schemes could trickle down to the intended recipients.

A: And what are the important numbers that we should know about?

B: The Revenue Surplus for the financial year 2021-22 is `58 crore. The gross budget size is estimated at `25,058.65 crore, which is a 19% increase from the previous year. The Capital Expenditure is approx.

`6,900 crore. The public debt is likely to increase further to `17,962.24 crore as per 2021 estimates.

A: So the Budget is all about Incomes and Expenditures right, let’s start with the Income.

B: The revenue receipts are estimated to increase at 16.39% over last year.

The State is banking on the support from the Central Government for grant aids and tax share. Just like the Union Budget, no major changes in the tax revenue streams have been proposed in the Budget.

A: Wait.. Why is there no increase in taxes like Luxury Tax, VAT and Entry Tax? The Government does need the additional money right?

B: Well, most State taxes such as Luxury Tax, Entry Tax and Goa VAT (other than Alcohol for Human Consumption and Petroleum products) have been subsumed with the advent of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in 2017. This would mean the States would primarily have to depend on the centre for its share of the tax revenues.

Individually, the States cannot toggle with the GST rates since they are determined by the GST Council. With the GST smartly plugging the tax loopholes and making its IT network robust, both the Centre and State expect better compliance and in consequence, a larger tax revenue.

20 | BUSINESS GOA INDUSTRY DOSSIER | APRIL 2021

The expenditure in public works and infrastructure has the biggest multiplier effect for the economy.

The Chief Minister has highlighted the various projects at the State and National level, which include national highways, water treatment plants and major road works to improve connectivity A: Maybe the Government had an eye on the upcoming elections as well. What would be the major expenditure allocations?

I heard the Budget speech is over 50 pages!

B: Sure, the theme of the Budget has been Swayampurna Goa. Using the letters S-W-A-Y-AM-P-U-R-N-A, here is a quick mnemonic for you to remember certain important budgetary announcements: S for Swastha The pandemic has compelled the Centre and States to increase its allocation to the Health sector, and Goa has followed suit with a budget of `1,719 crore, a hike of more than 19% from the previous year. Other announcements include the proposal to set up a medical college in South Goa district and the launch of

W for Works The expenditure in public works and infrastructure has the biggest multiplier effect for the economy. The Chief Minister has highlighted the various projects at the State and National level, which include national highways, water treatment plants and major road works to improve connectivity. The State would be using the new Goa Pragati Platform to monitor various developmental projects being undertaken in the State through various agencies.

Other announcements include: - Hot-mixing all the roads of the State lying in bad condition within the next four months.

- MLA local area development scheme to be introduced with a budgetary provision of `100 crore for smooth execution of development works.

- Construction of the tallest state-of-the-art Administrative Complex Building at Patto at a cost of `250 crore.

- An amount of `450 crore has been allocated for the development works through GSIDC. - Construction of Goa Bazar Project at Merces at an estimated total cost of `53 crore, for allowing selling opportunities to Self Help Groups.

A for Academics It is heartening to see that amidst the pandemic, the Chief Minister has given an allocation of `3,038 Crore to the Education sector.

The major announcements include the `25 crore which has been allocated for the

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CM Coding and Robotics Scheme, DISHTAVO – a comprehensive and holistic programme setup to create e-content of syllabus of colleges affiliated to Goa University. The Government has also issued a letter of intent to three private universities and has accorded in principle approval to the International Law University sponsored by Bar Council and Western Region Campus of Forensic University.

Y for Yojna Social Welfare is always a priority for any Government, and the pandemic makes it all the more imperative.

An amount of `350 crore has been allocated to the Dayanand Samajik Suraksha scheme. The Chief Minister has also proposed to revive the Goencho Dayaz Scheme for supporting traditional occupations such as coconut plucker, boatman, artisan, potter, coppersmith, salt extractor etc.

A for Agriculture The Government’s proposal to consider GI-tagging to Goa’s indigenous products such as Mankurad Mango, Bebinca, Taleigao Brinjal, Coconut Feni, Kunbi Saree and Saat Shiro Bhendi are welcome.

The Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries (Sfruti) would be used to revive the traditional agricultural practices in Goa. The government has also proposed to establish 12 Farmer-Producers Organisations, one each in every taluka for crop production, post-harvest management and marketing of agriculture produce.

M for Mining It wouldn’t be prudent to expect the Budget to provide a solution for the mining conundrum. As a step to restart mining operations, the Chief Minister has proposed the formation of Goa State

Dr Pramod Sawant

The pandemic and the economic slowdown have posed severe fiscal challenges, and the lower revenue raising capacity and inherent difficulty in cutting expenditures has further piled up borrowings Mining Corporation. The Government will also sign MoU with Mineral Exploration Corporation Ltd for carrying out mapping of mineral resources in Goa and identifying potential mining sites.

P for Paryatan (Tourism) Tourism has been one of the severely impacted sectors by the pandemic and we hope that the vaccination drive acts as a catalyst to boost this sector. The Government has proposed the Tourism Trade Support Scheme, wherein B, C and D category hotels/ accommodations and travel and tour operators registered with Department of Tourism, will be provided with an Interest Subvention on Working Capital Loans upto `25 lakhs. The Government will reduce the burden on chartered flights by bearing a part of parking and landing fees at Dabolim International Airport. Also, ‘Model Villages’ would be developed on unique themes such as tribal, agro, crafts, heritage and other such concepts, which would allow tourists to visit the offbeat locations in the State instead of concentrating only on the coastal belt.

U for Udhyog (Industry) The Chief Minister highlighted the major ease

of doing business initiatives taken by the Government, which include electronic ‘Self Certification Scheme’ and increasing the threshold limits of number of workers for applicability of the Factories Act. An amount of `10 crores has also been allocated for the development of industrial infrastructure.

However, the Budget could have achieved much more in this sector by showcasing the investment opportunities in Goa and synergising them with the measures provided by the Centre’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ to improve its low Ease of Doing Business ranking.

R for Real Estate To provide relief to the real estate sector, the rate of Infrastructure Tax would be reduced by 30% for a period of 6 months from April 1.

The incidence of doubletaxation in Stamp Duty and Registration Fees would also be streamlined. For low risk projects, the empanelment of Notary Architects and Notary Engineers for third party certification will be considered valid by TCP for issuing of Technical Clearance and completion orders.

N for Naukri (Employment) and Industry Skills The Chief Minister has announced that 11,000 jobs are ready in the Government sector with around 37,000 jobs expected to be generated through projects cleared by the Investment Promotion Board. To make the youth industry-ready, the Chief Minister has proposed to introduce skill-based courses for employment in shipbuilding industry. The Chief Minister’s Rojgar Yojana for engineering professionals has also been introduced to provide hands-on experience to young Diploma/Degree engineers in executing small works.

A for Alcohol and Excise

A new Feni Policy would be notified soon to provide long term vision and due recognition to Goa’s heritage drink. In excise related provisions, all existing licensees will be allowed to obtain additional licences on the same premises.

Casinos licensed by Home Department as well as all Class-A category hotels would be allowed to service liquor on their premises 24x7 with additional fees.

A: These are quite significant announcements. Do you feel the budgetary proposals could be implemented soon or are the numbers playing to the gallery?

B: Well, that’s the `25,058.65 crore question! The deviations between the budgeted estimates, revised estimates and actual numbers should certainly be analysed. The Chief Minister has explained that the Government has the scope to implement these proposals by December 2021, since the State may undergo Assembly Elections by early next year. We also need to keep in mind that like a game of snakes and ladders, the uncertainty of Covid-19 could disrupt our forecasts and bring us back to square one.

A: Here’s hoping for a speedy execution of the proposals.

Thanks for the information.

Anyway, this is my stop. Am off to take my COVID-19 Vaccine today B: That’s fantastic. Just like the vaccination drive, the Central and State benefits could be the two shots to jump start our economy. The benefits from the Centre are already underway. Here’s hoping the benefits from the State are implemented as soon as possible to get the maximum efficacy The writer is a practicing Chartered Accountant. He is an elected member of Goa Management Association’s Executive Committee. He also serves on the Taxation Committee of Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

Email: rohanbhandare@gmail.com

APRIL 2021 | BUSINESS GOA INDUSTRY DOSSIER | 21

FOCUS GOA

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VAMONA ANANTA SINAI NAVELCAR

In support of Gomant Vibhushan to Goa’s Global Art Icon

Vamona Navelcar is an artist who has lived, worked, and expressed his art across three continents. It would be a deserving honour to award the Gomant Vibhushan to him during his lifetime, opine the writers

V

amona Ananta Sinai Navelcar is an artist, whose roots lie in the coastal village of Pomburpa, and whose career has spanned several decades and three continents.

Vamona is little known in his homeland and his prestigious legacy is in need of recognition. His contemporaries, like V.S. Gaitonde, F.N. Souza, and Laxman Pai, have been recognised posthumously, which makes it obvious that Goan artists live in anonymity, whose contributions are under acknowledged as living testaments to Goa’s heritage.

The one thing that sets Vamona apart from his late contemporaries is that his canvas served as a chronicle of important moments in Goan, Portuguese and Mozambique histories.

Known as an artist of three continents, Navelcar still demonstrates to how the time he spent he spent in these colonially connected lands, continues to form part of his aesthetic.

As a young boy growing up in Goa, Vamona always showed a penchant for art and had the habit of drawing on pieces of paper. In 1953, he painted a portrait of Dr António de Oliveira Salazar, the Prime Minister of Portugal, and was granted a scholarship by the Prime Minister himself.

Much as he was hesitant to leave his homeland, Vamona travelled to Lisbon, where he excelled at his studies. As these were the years of decolonisation and as Goa was transferred between Portugal and India, his grant was withdrawn when he refused to sign a document denouncing Jawaharlal

Vamona Navelcar

Nehru’s actions against Goa as the territory was liberated from the Portuguese rule.

Having no other choice, Vamona journeyed to Mozambique (still a Portuguese colony at that time) to teach geometry and mathematics, though he continued to draw and paint.

But again, that country too found itself on the verge of decolonisation in the 1970s.

Again, impacted by the weight of historical transformation and embroiled in political machinations, he was incarcerated along with his

22 | BUSINESS GOA INDUSTRY DOSSIER | APRIL 2021

students in a prison camp in a remote forest area. Here too, Vamona found refuge in his paintings and his students helped him make murals.

When he was released, though disheartened, Vamona decided to leave Mozambique and his destination was once again Portugal.

In his biography, Vamona Navelcar: An Artist of Three Continents (2013) by Anne Ketteringham, it is well documented that though he made it to the end of his journey, his suitcase did not.

There were over a thousand

pieces of art that were never to be recovered, and with his caché lost, Vamona found it difficult to make a living as an artist in Portugal. The country was still recovering from The Carnation Revolution of 1974 and it was then that he decided that it was best to return to his native Goa. However, the Goa he returned to in the 1980s, after having spent his most productive years in other locations, was unfamiliar with this artist’s body of work.

Vamona excels in Christian figurative art and adopted the name of ‘Ganesh’ after an incident that caused him to be ‘reborn’ (Lord Ganesh is associated with new beginnings) and in memory of his late brother Ganesh. He has twice received the Gulbenkian Foundation Fellowships (1963 and 1971) and he won an international award at the International Exhibition of Art in Monte Carlo for his ink drawing, Angoch Woman (fisher woman).

Vamona is considered a “prolific master of line” with a specialisation in murals and bas-relief composed of metallic, wooden and glass structures and his works form part of private and museum

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collections worldwide.

In 2017, Casa de Goa, a centre for cultural activities which has promoted ties between Goa and Portugal for about 30 years, celebrated their 50th anniversary. As part of the celebrations, the Prime Minister of Portugal, António Costa was presented with a portrait of Portuguese poet Fernando Pessoa, painted

by Vamona. Costa’s father, Orlando da Costa, had once visited Vamona’s Pomburpa home and where the artist had drawn a portrait of da Costa Senior.

Vamona has had various exhibitions spanning decades.

His first exhibition was in the early 1960s at the Palacio Foz in Lisbon. As part of Semana da Cultura (a celebration of Indo-Portuguese cultural fusion) in 2011, Vamona’s work was displayed at the Sunaparanta, Goa Centre for the Arts in an exhibition titled “In dreams the work is born”.

The exhibition ran from 22 to 31 October 2011.

From 23 June to 9 September 2012, Navelcar exhibited his work at the Figueiro de Vinhos gallery, in the centre of Portugal.

A Retrospective Exhibition was held in Portugal from June to October 2012 curated by Vamona’s long standing friend and admirer, Professor Antonino Martins Mendes.

On 1 May 2017, an exhibition celebrating his life and work called “The Great Goan Art Festival” was organized by Marius Fernandes at Campal in Panaji. His works were displayed from 12 December 2017 to 12 January 2018 at the Fundação Oriente, Panjim, in an exhibition titled Goa/ Por tuga l/Mozambique: The Many Lives of Vamona Navelcar, featuring 16 of his works. The exhibition is co-hosted by the Al-

Zulaij Collective, and an accompanying book was released, with the same title as the exhibition. Vamona has lived and worked in three continental locations, which makes it pertinent to think about the artist and his life’s work as part of a global historical terrain. His is a story that others of his generation share in their journeys across the Lusophone world while still being connected to Goa, which itself received the cultural influences of these locations, making it the distinctive place it is.

As if Vamona’s sojourns in Mozambique and Portugal were not decades ago, one sees the artist revisit these places in how he represents them in his art though he now resides in Goa. Nevertheless, one must recognize the deep irony of the notion of ‘return’ in Vamona’s art, given the recurrent exilic experiences that he has endured at

multiple times and locations.

Vamona’s practice engages ideas of return, movement, loss of home, and displacement as they are informed by personal circumstances and historical forces. Efforts to give the artist, now in his 90s, his due in his native land, in the hope of securing his legacy while he is still alive. In so doing, recognizing Vamona will in turn inspire other presentday artists of Goan origin and those to come (This article has excerpts from R. Benedito Ferrão, Ph.D. Assistant Professor, English and Asian & Pacific Islander American Studies, The College of William and Mary; and Vishvesh Kandolkar, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Goa College of Architecture, from their letter in Support of the Nomination of Goan Artist Vamona Ananta Sinai Navelcar for the Award of Gomant Vibhushan)

APRIL 2021 | BUSINESS GOA INDUSTRY DOSSIER | 23

STARTING YOUNG

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DELFINO’S, TALEIGAO

Retail done right I

The Armacar Group’s latest venture – Delfino’s Taleigao, ushers in a new generation of the Group into the retail sector

By SYBIL RODRIGUES

f you’ve lived in Goa for the past decade, chances are you’ve shopped at Delfino’s.

With two existing outlets in the State – in Porvorim and Candolim, the family run business is known for offering a premium supermarket experience with a local flavour. Visit their stores, and it is easy to lose track of time while exploring everything they offer – from fresh vegetables, fruits, meats, and cooked food to home essentials, toiletries, and beauty products, kitchenware, bed and bath linen, pet products, home appliances, tools and a lot more.

Last month, riding on the success of their existing stores, Delfino’s opened a third supermarket – spread over 7000 square feet in the bustling village of Taleigao.

Besides expanding the business footprint of the Armacar Group, Delfino’s Taleigao is the first project in which the young generation of the Pereira family was directly involved.

After finishing their education and garnering a host of professional experiences in other sectors, four youngsters – Golda, Raisa, Louis, and Gabrielle Pereira joined forces

Golda Pereira

Louis Pereira

Raisa Pereira

Gabrielle Pereira

with their older generation in the nearly five-decade old family business.

At different points in the past four years, the youngsters of the Pereira family have returned home to

the business. Raisa completed her BBA and LLB, gained experience as a practicing lawyer and worked with HDFC Bank before joining the business in 2017. Louis studied Economics at St.

Stephen’s College, Delhi, worked in Management Consulting, and subsequently spending time in the startup ecosystem in Delhi. He moved back to Goa to work with the family in 2018.

Gabrielle – the youngest of the lot, graduated from St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai, with a degree in Economics and Statistics. She then moved to London to work in Finance before returning to Mumbai to work with ‘Teach for India’.

In March 2020, just before the world changed, she joined her cousins in taking the plunge into the family business.

Golda is an independent architect by profession.

She has worked with the Charles Correa Foundation, and currently specialises in restoring old Goan homes, while also freelancing as an interior designer. She handles the design and interiors of all of the Armacar Group’s new projects, and the interiors of Delfino’s Taleigao were conceptualised and executed by her. The airy, modern, and upscale aesthetic of the store makes it an experience that is unparalleled in Goa’s current supermarket ecosystem.

Besides the spacious aisles, well-stocked shelves, and extensive fresh and frozen

Spacious interiors at Delfino’s Teleigao

24 | BUSINESS GOA INDUSTRY DOSSIER | APRIL 2021

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food selection, what sets this outlet of Delfino’s apart is the presence of an on-site bakery. Chefs prepare a range of breads and snacks – from western-style breads and cakes, to local pãos and poees.

The bakery is visible from the shopping floor, and you can usually see the chefs at work, while picking up their freshly baked products directly from the shelves. When questioned about the level of competition among supermarkets in the area, the youngsters expressed that they are bullish about the

Besides expanding the business footprint of the Armacar Group, Delfino’s at Taleigao is the first project in which the young generation of the Pereira family has been directly involved

growth of organised retail as a sector. They stated that “Organised retail is still a small percentage of total retail

in the country. We do not look at the sector as a pie that needs to be carved up among existing players, but as one that will continue to grow in the years to come. Everyone will have enough. Besides, Taleigao and its surrounding areas have a residential base that is bound to increase over the coming decade. If things pan out the way we are expecting them to, there is room for everyone.”

When asked about future plans for the Armacar Group, the young generation

Delfino’s at Taleigao

mentioned that they are keeping an open mind – everything is on the table.

Expansion of the supermarket chain is one route that they still see potential in, but diversification into other businesses is also an option that they are exploring.

With the energy and determination from the younger generation, and seasoned experience of the generation prior, it seems like its still early days for the Armacar Group, and the future looks bright

APRIL 2021 | BUSINESS GOA INDUSTRY DOSSIER | 25

ENTERPRISE

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REYNOLD WEDDINGS

The Wedding Wizards

Louise Remedios takes us behind the scenes at Reynold Weddings, revealing how she turned a family business into one of the most sought-after wedding planners in the country

I

By SYBIL RODRIGUES

t’s almost time. The myriad lights twinkle softly overhead as the sea breeze whips across the lawn. Walkways are alight with flickering lanterns and an abundance of white flowers gush over tables. Romance floats lightly through the air.

Louise Remedios surveys the scene, and then stops to adjust a table piece. Everything has to be simply perfect!

It’s how things are run at Reynold Weddings. There’s not a dream they say ‘no’ to. The idea is to make the fairytale come alive. Since 2014 Louise has held the reins at Reynold Weddings, a division of Reynold Events and Promotions set up by her father in 1990. Today, she and her husband Benhail Antao plan and execute dozens of weddings across India each year, traversing cultural backgrounds, faiths and clients’ childhood fantasies.

Years of hard work went into creating the successful business Reynold Weddings is today. Louise’s grandfather had a factory in Calcutta manufacturing Reynold guitars. When her father moved to Goa, he set up a music shop and named it after the factory he had left behind.

Pursuing excellent foresight, he ventured into organising events at hotels around Goa and pumped his profits into buying sound and light equipment.

“Today, Reynold Events owns everything you need for an event – sound, lights, props, decor, staging, LED walls, generators, etc. We keep upgrading our equipment to ensure that we offer our clients the best. Our most recent investment is a highquality German hangar that can cover 16000 square feet,” explains Louise.

Incidentally, the feisty go-getter didn’t quite see

Louise Remedios at a wedding set

herself in the family business when she first started out.

She worked in a bank for six months and then switched to catering sales at Vivanta by Taj Panjim. “I always wanted to find my own way and I didn’t really know much about the business at the time,” she says, adding, “At Vivanta by Taj Panjim, I organised a whole variety of events, with food and beverage, anything that wasn’t residential. I interacted with a lot of people and really enjoyed it.”

Louise then moved to Grand Hyatt, where she was tasked with bigger, residential events. “For the two years I worked there, I handled destination weddings, looking after everything from rooming to food and beverage and everything in between. I learnt so much about planning and executing weddings, interacting with people of different backgrounds, working in a hierarchy and under pressure,” she recalls.

When her father asked her to help him out in the business, she could no longer refuse him. It was time. She had learnt everything she could and within months was able to get into the swing of things and change the scene.

She says, “My father had

26 | BUSINESS GOA INDUSTRY DOSSIER | APRIL 2021

a production team, but he micro-managed everything.

I started out in our own company, in human resources without a clue about hiring staff, which was the need of the hour. I put out ads and dived right in; eight years on, we have built a fantastic team who are able to manage everything. I now simply have to meet the client, get their requirements and plan it with the team. They can pull it off right down to the ‘T’.”

Family is incredibly important in the company.

Louise and her husband Benhail run the wedding business, while her brother looks after the corporate segment. Benhail came on board around the same time she did. They diligently harnessed his expertise as an engineer for set design and construction, building complex sets that required technical expertise. Together they have built Goa’s only Wedding Mall – 20,000 square feet of ever-changing set designs, decor samples and infrastructure.

“It was designed to be an exhibition of our work.

Clients can see how a mandap is put up with lights, decor and furniture, backdrops, and everything else weddingrelated. Reynold Weddings

sells concepts; one is usually unable to easily visualise these things before the actual day.

At the Wedding Mall, clients can see, touch and feel their dream day come to life. It’s our biggest USP,” says Louise.

It is also one of the perks of being your own boss. You get absolute creative freedom and Louise has been able to run with it. “I love being able to choose my own terms to work with so I am truly happy organising every wedding and event. Some of our clients are still in touch with me and cherish the day we planned for them. It’s a wonderful thing to be a part of people’s lives and gives me great joy,” she says.

Reynold Weddings sets itself apart through personal touch. Louise’s years of expertise in the business offer her invaluable inputs in creating events that are elegant yet stunning and memorable.

She says, “I am always open with my clients. My personal ideas do influence the way the decor turns out because for me, the themes are like poetry.” When asked about her next big project, she says that she is currently planning a very exciting wedding at the prestigious Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur, one of Asia’s most resplendent hotels.

The

www.businessgoa.in

client happens to be a repeat customer of hers and chose her after she stunned them with a birthday celebration they held at the Leela Goa a few years ago.

Unfortunately, like every other event company, lockdowns and uncertainty over Covid-19 have thrown the spanner in the works. Ever since the lockdown last year, many weddings have been cancelled, adding both mental and financial pressure on the team at Reynold Weddings.

Louise is most concerned about her staff and is hoping that the situation eases so that she can look after them without worrying about the future.

But even though work slows down, Louise doesn’t stop. She has poured her energies into a new venture; a wedding platform that she hopes will help the massive data base that she has built

Louise Remedios and Benhail Antao

over the years of vendors and venues including other event companies and service providers in Goa. For her, it’s just part of the package of being an entrepreneur. “Being an entrepreneur is like being a survivor. It’s never easy with the enormous challenges. But the support of my family has kept me sane and helped me think positively,” she says.

Through www. weddingsingoa.in, Louise offers a platform for all stakeholders in the wedding business to showcase their work and network while providing its niche audience

“We are not ambitious in a conventional sense. Our only ambition is to enjoy ourselves while doing what we love,” says Louise of clients looking to host a wedding in Goa with easy access to a one-stop solution for all their needs. It offers a comprehensive selection of the best wedding vendors and information on wedding planning through listings, newsletters and blog posts.

During the rare moments when she isn’t working, Louise can be found communing with her second love – nature.

Benhail is a popular wildlife rescuer and Louise is quickly learning the ropes. The couple also indulges in road trips to take a break from their busy life. Their last adventure was a

month-long ride from Goa to Leh-Ladakh.

“We are not ambitious in a conventional sense. Our only ambition is to enjoy ourselves while doing what we love.

When we take on a project, we want to do our best. We take on enough business that will make us happy,” Louise points out.

It is an advice that truly reflects the work ethic at Reynold Weddings. Every member of the team is enthusiastic about making the wedding they are working on a dream that became reality. Louise is an inspiration to many aspiring women entrepreneurs who often hesitate to take that all-important step. She says, “Don’t worry about what society will say about you; don’t listen to any negativity.

Just put your blinkers on and move forward. That’s the way to succeed”

APRIL 2021 | BUSINESS GOA INDUSTRY DOSSIER | 27

INTERVIEW

@businessgoamagazine

RAJESH JOSHI

“I anticipate some startups to spring up in the space of making Goa Swayampurna”

Rajesh Joshi, CEO of Atal Incubation Centre at GIM is buoyant about Goa’s pitch as a startup destination

By SYBIL RODRIGUES

Tell us about Atal Incubation Centre at Goa Institute of Management?

Atal Incubation Centre at Goa Institute of Management (AIC-GIM) is a sector agnostic startup incubator in the State. We assist entrepreneurs and support startups with incubation services like: 1. World class co-working spaces along with requisite infrastructure.

2. Providing access to talent and finance.

3. Support for market access, mentoring and technology development.

4. Linkages to academia, industry, government.

5. Products and solutions from our partner networks.

6. Skill development and training for entrepreneurs and their team.

7. Providing requisite knowledge and resources.

We have 3 types of Incubation: Physical, Virtual and first of its kind ‘On Demand’ Incubation. We are offering these services (including office space) without any charges to startups’.

Please share some insights on the journey of AIC-GIM? Firstly, we are proud that we are the first Goan Institution (academic or otherwise)which was selected by Government of India, NITI Aayog to house an Atal Incubation Centre (AIC). This is an absolute honour for us. We are one of the few AICs who have surpassed the targets given

by Atal Innovation Mission (AIM). Of course, this was also possible to achieve as we are housed at GIM. The Board and Director, GIM have lent us phenomenal support.

More than 800+ GIM students every year are perfect

Rajesh Joshi

candidates to be prospective entrepreneurs and startups.

GIM has an inherent support system to provide the requisite assistance. The GIM Board comprises of experienced business persons and professionals. GIM Faculty is top notch and has wealth of knowledge in requisite business aspects. GIM alumni are top industry professionals employed worldwide.

Some alumni are successful founders of startups in and out of Goa. This culmination of people and experience lends unparallel advantage to have an AIC at GIM. Since its inception in late 2018, AIC-GIM has assisted Goan entrepreneurs, mentored ventures and facilitated startup growth in Goa. About 30+ incubated startups have directly benefited and 50+ startups have participated in various boot camps, events, workshops, programs conducted by AIC-GIM. What is the aim of the ‘Goa

28 | BUSINESS GOA INDUSTRY DOSSIER | APRIL 2021

invest-a-thon program to be conducted by the centre?

Goa Invest-a-Thon has a dual purpose of enabling investments in Goan startups and promoting startup investment as an attractive asset class to HNIs, industrialists, business persons, well-to-do professionals in Goa. Part of this ‘Goa Investathon’ is a 12-week program on sensitising and educating these prospective investors, who will know about this new emerging ‘Investment Class’ which is ‘Investment in Startup’ and can understand how to make this investment successfully. We are even targeting specific class of startup investors to come and invest in Goan Startups. The first startup pitches of Investa-Thon held on 26th February was a great start, too. 3 Goan startups have received investor interest.

For startup growth in Goa, AICGIM has launched four new startup programs – iMagic,

(S4S) 3, ‘We-Nurture’ and RIVER, What are the programs about and which segments will they cater to?

We are grateful to Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant for inaugurating our new incubator and unveiling our startup programs for FY 2021-22. Our objective is to cover 100+ innovators and wannapreneurs, entrepreneurs and startups with these four programs.

Each program is respectively designed keeping in mind a specific entrepreneur and startup profile. iMAGIC is a first-of-akind entrepreneurial talent hunt in Goa. Individuals will be selected from this ‘entrepreneurial talent hunt’.

They will be respectively assigned to a startup venture as per their matching personal credentials. The winners of this Talent Hunt will be given a post of Co-founder, remuneration and equity stake in the startup venture upon completing tenure of 12 months.

‘We-nurture’ is a quarterly program for nurturing women micro-entrepreneurs with the help of corporate partners.

Every quarter, we will have a startup cohort of 10 women micro-entrepreneur who will receive our incubation services.

(S4S)3 is an accelerator program for growth startups to become sustainable and scalable. This accelerator program will admit social impact startups. 21 such startups are expected to be part of this (S4S)3.

‘RIVER’, is a one-year program for Entrepreneursin-Residence (EiR). 12 EiRs will work on an idea, create startups and make them scalable ventures.

According to you what kind of

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startup growth will happen in Goa in next few years?

I will answer this question from two aspects. The first is startups from which industry/sector will be in Goa and second is what kind of entrepreneur profile will do a startup in Goa. The innovator, entrepreneur is important to focus on, as well.

So from the sector point of view, presently startups in Goa are across diverse sectors. From urban to rural, from agriculture to industry, from ocean to forest, from locals to tourists, from hotels to restaurants, Goa has all the market segments which need new products, services and solutions. Hence, many startups will come from these sectors. With ‘Vocal for Local’ and ‘Swayampurna Goa’, I anticipate some startups to spring up in the space of making Goa self-reliant. These startups can then expand pan India and worldwide.

There is great breadth of entrepreneurial talent here in Goa. Entrepreneurs from all over, have started their ventures in Goa. Due to the pandemic, many Goans who have worked outside have either come back due to job loss or to be with family and are working from home. I would believe these experienced working professionals can be possible startup founders.

At the same time, Goa’s attractiveness as a ‘workation’, should attract Indian entrepreneurs and global startups to move base here. If this happens, it can provide local employment and contribute positively to the economy of Goa. During the pandemic, the movement of people to Goa has given a moment for Goa to capitalise and build an alternate economy development model. Startups can fuel the next growth engine for Goa. Post pandemic, Goa can see the mushrooming of the industry of creative class or

Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant inaugurated the new Incubator at AIC-GIM and unveiled the startup programs for FY 2021-22

like I like to call the Class of DREAMERS (Developers, Researchers, Engineers, Academicians, Makers, Entertainers, Recyclers, Startups).

From a dream tourist destination, Goa can become a destination for DREAMERS. Apart from encouraging entrepreneurship in Goa, it is important to attract leading startup investors in the State.

genuine interest from investors to contribute in the GAIN fund.

What are your future plans as CEO of AIC-GIM? Apart from successfully conducting our programs, our immediate plan is to organise a 2-Day ‘Goa Innovation & Entrepreneurship Summit’ in April/May 2021. This Summit will be the start of

showcasing and promoting Goa as an entrepreneurship and innovation hub.

During Q1 & Q3 FY 202122, we have plans to launch two more AIC-GIM satellite centres in Goa. We want to integrate India’s startup ecosystem with Goa and vice versa so to that end we plan to have one AIC-GIM satellite centre outside Goa. AIC-GIM mission is to be an enabler for startups and startup ecosystem stakeholders including government, industry, students, investors, service providers. We conceptualised a startup festival last year and were preparing to do in April 2020. Due to the pandemic, we had to cancel it. So, we will look to do the first Goa Startup Festival this year in December 2021. I believe that will also be the time Goa will be rightfully recognised as an emerging top startup hub

How do you intend to develop a local investor network in Goa? We are in discussion with leading syndicate investment funds, venture capital firms, startup investors across India, which apart from investments in Goa, also includes to operate out of Goa. We will soon announce our partnerships with them. One of the leading angel marquee Indian Investor has shown interest in funding one of our RIVER Startup.

We are evangelising a ‘Goa Angel Investor Network (GAIN)’. This network will be a catalyst of startup growth in Goa. With ‘GAIN’, Goan startups will benefit and investors will receive multiple gains on their investment. Our target for the first year was to create a syndicate ‘GAIN’ Fund of 20 entities with total corpus of `5 Crores. With this fund we were targeting investment in 10+ startups.

We had hopes to start this in Q2 of FY 2021-22. Maybe we will start sooner in Q1 as we already have received APRIL 2021 | BUSINESS GOA INDUSTRY DOSSIER | 29

CAMPUS

business-goa

V M Salgaocar Chair for Wildlife Studies at Goa University

L to R: Dr Radhika Nayak, Officiating Registrar, Goa University; Dr Varun Sahani, Vice-Chancellor, Goa University; and Dattaraj V Salgaocar, Chairman, V M Salgaocar Trust

A Memorandum of Understanding establishing ‘V M Salgaocar Chair in Wildlife Studies’ at the Goa University was recently signed between the Goa University and the V M Salgaocar Trust.

The MoU was signed by Dr Varun Sahni, Vice Chancellor of Goa University and Dattaraj Salgaocar, Chairman of the V M Salgaocar Trust.

The ‘V M Salgaocar Chair in Wildlife Studies’ has been established in the name of the founder of the V M Salgaocar

Through this MoU, V M Salgaocar Corporation has reiterated its commitment to wildlife and environment, and ecology and sustainability Corporation.

As a part of the Visiting Research Professor Programme of Goa University, the Chair will focus on research in wildlife, flora and fauna, and conservation and habitat management.

An eminent and renowned person in the field of wildlife studies would also be selected as the visiting professor of

the ‘V M Salgaocar Chair in Wildlife Studies’.

In addition to the Chair, the V M Salgaocar Trust will also support one PostDoctoral Research Fellow (PDF), engaged in wildlife studies. V M Salgaocar Post-Doctoral Fellow will undertake wildlife research, train students in wildlife, flora and fauna, and conservation

and habitat management, conduct workshops / teaching and so on. The Post-Doctoral Fellow will further publish research papers in peerreviewed journals.

The V M Salgaocar Trust will financially contribute to Goa University for these activities and programmes, and has already contributed for the current year.

There will be a joint evaluation of activities undertaken under the particular programme including performance appraisal of the Post-Doctoral Fellow.

Through this MoU, V M Salgaocar Corporation has reiterated its commitment to wildlife and environment, and ecology and sustainability.

This initiative in wildlife studies is to encourage and sensitise the youth of Goa towards the environment, and flora and fauna in the State as well as the country.

Dattaraj V Salgaocar, who is passionate about wildlife and an acclaimed wildlife photographer, is the driving force behind this program

21st edition of GIM WIZBIZ 2021 held. Jayakanthan R from TCS emerges winner GIM WIZBIZ 2021, the flagship event of premier B-school Goa Institute of Management saw corporate teams step out of the boardroom and onto the virtual stage to battle it out for the top spot at one of India’s popular corporate quizzes. Jayakanthan R of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) emerged as the winner in a closely contested quiz.

Conducted by popular quizmaster Avinash Mudaliar, GIM WIZBIZ witnessed participation from leading corporate houses across the country. The top ten teams that made it to the finals were Jayakanthan R of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS); Shantanu Sharma of Indian Institute of Technology

Organized for the past 21 years, GIM WIZBIZ has escalated its standards with every passing year (IIT), Gandhinagar; Francis Rodrigues of HDFC Life; Meghashyam Shirodkar of QuizCorp; Ayush Awasthi of Ernst & Young; Kapinjal Chowdhury of The Bank of New York Mellon; B Naveen Kumar of Sai Mitra Constructions; Deepak Jain of Infosys; Cherian Varghese of Indian Oil Corporation Limited; and Ayush Patni, student of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati.

After intense rounds

30 | BUSINESS GOA INDUSTRY DOSSIER | APRIL 2021

of the fierce battle of the intellect, Jayakanthan R of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) emerged as the winner of WIZBIZ 2021 followed by 1st runners up Kapinjal Chowdhury of The Bank of New York Mellon and B Naveen Kumar of Sai Mitra Constructions.

Organised by MECCAThe Marketing Club of GIM, WIZBIZ 2021 held in virtual mode from the GIM campus in Sanquelim was

a success with enthusiastic participation, challenging rounds and exciting prizes won by the participants and audience alike. Having been organized for the past 21 years, GIM WIZBIZ has escalated its standards with every passing year.

Participants from corporate organisations from across the country logged in to participate at GIM WIZBIZ. The audiences watched as the titans of corporate quizzing clashed amongst each other to win the top spot and prizes.

The event was sponsored by companies from all over India like HDFC, Grandmark, Subway among many others.

Quizmaster, Avinash engaged everyone with his quick wit and interesting trivia

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PROFESSIONAL DOSSIER

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ROMESH DHAMIJA

“I want to immortalize strings of stories through photography”

Romesh Dhamija started off his career with the doyen of the film industry, Yash Raj Films. After 4 years with YRF, he set off to work towards his passion and ended up assisting some great photographers. His company, Romesh Dhamija Productions, have shot scores of weddings and specialise in destination weddings

By SYBIL RODRIGUES

Something about yourself...

I love weddings. I love the stemmed idea that photography can be sprinkled as magical pixie dust on your wedding day to seize precious moments. I believe pictures should not be about twirling or jumping or play up to the camera. It should capture the unobtrusive moments, candid moments.

I recognised timelessness at a young bubbling age and realised that every frame should tell a story, one that is captured naturally.

I believe that photography isn’t slapping warm filters on everything; it is about capturing the vibrant essence of moments. A moment of the couple exchanging their vows, with hugs and laughter hung in the air. Moments of friends of the groom gorging sweet and savoury dishes until their mouths are stuffed with joy; along with so many other moments worth capturing.

All of these moments are a part of me; it makes me a person who I am today.

What attracted you to photography?

For me, it all started with my father’s passion, which was stemmed from collecting vintage cameras, clicking pictures and saving them in the trinket box of life. Later in life, I grew up and started working with Yash Raj Films as a Graphic Designer. To be honest, photography has always been a hobby even when I was working for 4 years in their Home and Video Division. My gut feeling told me to commence my journey towards my passion – photography.

One fine day, my friend wanted me to capture treasure clicks on his wedding day. As

genuine reflection of your emotions; the photographs are merely pieces of paper.

One should look back in time and say “We did it” with elation, that’s when you know there is really something you have done

For me, it all started with my father’s passion, which was stemmed from collecting vintage cameras, clicking pictures and saving them in the trinket box of life

Romesh Dhamija

much as I was reluctant, I didn’t want to say no to him.

Today, when I look back, nothing makes me happier than remembering his face eloquent of magic and sheer happiness when he first saw the fresh prints. His happiness made my chest swell with pride as I was able to breathe life into the pictures just the way my father did. After I realised this, there was no looking back. I knew that this is what I wanted – to immortalize strings of stories through photography.

You specialise in wedding photography. What made you choose this particular subject?

After I quit my job at Yash Raj Films, I assisted commercial photographers like Colston Julian followed by Joy Datta. I obviously wanted to chalk out a path towards fashion and studio portraiture. However, my friend’s wedding turned out to be a blessing in disguise for me and I knew in a snap that this is what made me

32 | BUSINESS GOA INDUSTRY DOSSIER | APRIL 2021

the happiest. With the perfect blend of capturing moments to rewriting stories through pictures, I discovered my love for wedding photography.

How would you describe your photography style?

Scores of people ask me this question. However, even today, I have the same answer.

It is hard for me to describe something that comes straight through my heart.

But one thing is for sure, I love imprinting contentment in the hearts of people through pictures so that they can look back to the happiest days of their lives Nowadays almost everyone has access to devices with which it is possible to take pictures. What do you think is the difference between a professional photographer and a hobby photographer?

I believe, no matter how much a person has access to technology, if one doesn’t believe in capturing the

Which pro photographers have influenced your work, and how do you incorporate their techniques into your photographs?

When we started out, wedding photography was not considered a niche hence, there weren’t many whom we could refer to for inspiration from India. Nevertheless, I got my source of inspiration from photographers from UK viz. Salshan. Commercial photographers like Zack Arias, Joey L and few others were my steering wheel of motivation. I thank my stars for I have been guided under immense expertise and passion, which is wellreflected from their work.

What details do you believe make the best photographs?

How do you go about focusing on them in your work?

Emotional chronicle of events make the best photographs, which captures a lot of human emotions. More than sticking to trends and asking couples to pose, I believe in capturing them in their true essence.

Couple sharing their first glance, seeking blessing from their loved ones, exchanging warm smiles and hugs, tears rolling down the cheeks, and enthusiasm filled during dance performances – all of these make the best strings of memories of a wedding Since photography techniques and equipment change quickly, it is important to stay up-to-date.

What do you do to keep up with

BOOKSHELF

@businessgoamagazine

AUTHOR: SARAH FRIER

No Filter The Inside Story of Instagram

In 2010, Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger released a photo-sharing app called Instagram, with one simple but irresistible feature: it would make anything you captured look more beautiful.

The co-founders cultivated a community of photographers and artisans around the app, and it quickly went mainstream. In less than two years, it caught Facebook’s attention: Mark Zuckerberg bought the company for a historic $1 billion when Instagram had only thirteen employees.

That might have been the end of a classic success the times?

I believe that staying abreast of changes when it comes to technology is significant since it gives more scope to experiment with pictures loaded with novel ideas.

However, when it comes to trends, I don’t ‘mimic a trend’, I try to bring out the best of the couple in their most candid forms. Be it under the deep blue skies, or by the vibrant pastel decors – wherever they feel they are in their cocoon.

What is the most difficult part of being a photographer for you?

How do you connect with difficult clients?

If you’re lucky you find difficult clients while climbing your graph of success. Trust me, it makes you a better professional. I believe that more than a difficult client, you will find people with whom you can’t tune ideas with, and that is human. I take this as an opportunity armed with skills, knowledge and patience to turn the client positively.

What is the most rewarding part about being a photographer?

I believe that my greatest

Sarah Frier

story. But the co-founders stayed on, trying to maintain Instagram’s beauty, brand, and cachet, considering their app a separate company within the social networking giant. They urged their employees to make changes only when necessary, resisting Facebook’s grow-at-all-costs philosophy in favour of a

strategy that highlighted creativity and celebrity. Just as Instagram was about to reach a billion users, Facebook’s CEO Mark Zuckerberg – once supportive of the founders’ autonomy – began to feel threatened by Instagram’s success.

Sarah Frier draws on unprecedented access – from

the founders of Instagram, as well as employees, executives, and competitors; Anna Wintour of Vogue; Kris Jenner of the KardashianJenner empire; and a plethora of influencers worldwide – to show how Instagram has fundamentally changed the way we show, eat, travel, and communicate, all while fighting to preserve the values which contributed to the company’s success. “Deeply reported and beautifully written” (Nick Bilton, Vanity Fair), No Filter examines how Instagram’s dominance acts as a lens into our society today, highlighting our fraught relationship with technology, our desire for perfection, and the battle within tech for its most valuable commodity: our attention www.businessgoa.in

accolades are the faces, which light up when they see their pictures quintessence of love and deep emotions.

Nothing makes me happier than their joyous faces.

At the end of the day, their smiles are my inspiration to wake up the next day filled with zeal and zest and deliver my best at work.

Future plans and career goals...

For now, saturation has hit hard in life and I am forever grateful for the way things have turned out.

Today, weddings have been ingrained in us and we aim to continue knitting memories for beautiful couples.

Furthermore, since weddings are getting mainstream there seems a great scope on the OTT platforms. When the time is right, we would love to dip in the pools of OTT, imprinting our work in the hearts and heads of people Destination wedding pics

by Romesh Dhamija APRIL 2021 | BUSINESS GOA INDUSTRY DOSSIER | 33

LADY POWER

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THE BUSY BEE

Creating a Buzz with The Busy Bee

Priyanka Da Cunha speaks about her venture The Busy Bee and her passion to create quirky products which make for excellent gifting options

P

By SYBIL RODRIGUES

icking up gifts for any occasion has always been a challenge. We are all on the lookout for unique gifting solutions that will make the receiver remember you and cherish the moment.

Priyanka Da Cunha with her brand The Busy Bee curates some very interesting and creative gifts that people love to receive.

A full time mother, homemaker by day and crafting wizard at The Busy Bee by night, Priyanka conceptualises her products, sews, packs and finally delivers the finished product to the courier or post to sometimes even hand delivering it to the client, all the while managing her regular home maker duties.

Growing up, Priyanka was always surrounded by both, her grandmother and aunt – sewing, quilting and making a lot of innovative things to be used for the house like a stool out of a Nido tin or a quilt with all the scraps leftover from making dresses for her and her cousins.

Her mother taught her how to crochet and always made something new for the house on every occasion. So it was natural that Priyanka too loved creating with fabric and thread.

Priyanka Da Cunha

She went on to graduate in Commerce from Dempo College and then took up a teaching job at a pre-school in Goa, which left her with very little time for sewing.

Once she moved to Oman in 2014 she took up her needle and began sewing again.

Priyanka explains on coming up with the idea of The Busy Bee. “In Oman I would sew during my free time between laundry, school drops, cooking etc. I remember setting up my tiny Janome sewing machine in a corner of my bedroom and sewing, cushions, curtains, runners and a whole lot of other things that I needed

Advent Calendar

34 | BUSINESS GOA INDUSTRY DOSSIER | APRIL 2021

around the house. I tried out almost everything I saved on my Pinterest board.” Her friends and family loved all her new creations and urged her on to start selling what she made, which led her to finally create her passion project, The Busy Bee. At The Busy Bee, all the products are handcrafted by Priyanka – right up from the magic pouches, tote bags, sling bags, makeup pouches to ‘The Busy Book’. Everything is made with different types of fabrics and in vibrant. quirky prints.

Her most popular product is ‘The Busy Book’ which Priyanka elaborates on. “The

Busy Book is an activity book for kids made out of felt fabric.

The book is customised to a child’s needs and each page consists of a fun activity so that the child can play while learning a new skill. It is brilliant to keep the child busy at home, while travelling or at a restaurant. This book is for children between the ages of 0-8 years. It is entirely made of felt and is hand sewn, with a fabric cover. The inside has binder rings which allows one to add pages as the child grows. Each Busy Book is personalised with the child’s name on the cover. While every page focuses on a skill which helps the child learn as they play. The pieces on each page are detachable so that the child can place them wherever they need to.”

Further, she also curates gifts for special occasions and celebrations like the ‘Advent Calendar’ for Christmas and the ‘Bunny Baskets’ for Easter.

“The Christmas Advent Calendars and stockings are great gifting options or even for keeping for your own home. They come in bright prints and colours and can be used year after year. For Diwali, I had created these bucket bags in festive fabrics, which could be stuffed with gifts and made for lovely gift hampers. The bunny and

Activity Page

@business-goa

Chicken Little baskets are the cutest and stuffed with chocolates, Easter eggs or even books which make a fantastic gift. They can also be used as room décor or a diaper or book caddy…My son uses his to keep his Dr Seuss book collection on his bookshelf,” adds Priyanka.

Priyanka has loads of beautiful fabrics in various designs and describes herself as an absolute fabric hoarder, she states that she can never have enough fabric. “From fabric stores in Oman to fabric markets in Mumbai and all the other places I have travelled, I have picked up fabrics. I also have the best friends who buy me fabric from places that they travel to, as well. I love working with different types of fabrics and textures. One of my favourites is denim. I love turning old jeans into cool new bags.”

Easter Bunnies

Regarding the response to her concept, Priyanka says that although many people are very label-conscious and are scared to give handmade a try, she has been extremely lucky to have so many clients who have trusted The Busy Bee and have gone home happy with the product and come back to re- order too.

The one roadblock that Priyanka is working on is

At The Busy Bee, all the products are handcrafted

by Priyanka – right up from the magic pouches, tote bags, sling bags, makeup pouches to ‘The Busy Book’. Everything is made with different types of fabrics and in vibrant, quirky prints

sourcing of hardware and materials. She considers herself truly blessed to receive unconditional support from her family as well as her friends.

“They are always encouraging and motivating me to try new products and relying on some of their suggestions has helped me improve over the years.”

Juggling varied roles as an entrepreneur, a mother and homemaker, Priyanka concludes with a message to aspiring businesswomen. “It isn’t easy playing all those roles day in and day out, there will be days when everything will go wrong and you will want to give up but the feeling you get when you hold a product that you have made yourself, is a feeling totally worth it all. So I would say close your eyes and take that leap”

APRIL 2021 | BUSINESS GOA INDUSTRY DOSSIER | 35

CSR

@businessgoa

Keeping fit in an eco-friendly way

Real estate and hospitality entrepreneur, Suraj Morajkar distributes cycles to Nerul citizens, so as to make commute easier while keeping fit

Real estate and hospitality entrepreneur, Suraj Morajkar with Saligao MLA, Jayesh Salgaonkar and Nerul Sarpanch, Reshma S. Kalangutkar and citizens of Nerul

C

itizens of Nerul Village received cycles at the Nerul Village Panchayat.

In an effort to empower the locals, the cycles were distributed and sponsored

by Suraj Morajkar, Director and Founder Sun Estates Developers; and owner, Hilton Goa Resort, in the presence of Jayesh Salgaonkar, MLA of Saligao.

Morajkar who believes in

giving back to the community and help its residents take care of themselves and their village said, “By using the cycles the elderly can stay fit and have an eco friendly way of commuting, thus, helping keep the environment clean”.

Organized by the Nerul Village Panchayat who also gave the wooden benches to the village, the purpose of the event was “to help the

senior citizens by giving them something they can put to good use and for leisure as well”, said Reshma Sanjay Kalangutkar, Sarpanch, Nerul Village Panchayat. The event also saw local ladies participate in a ‘Rangoli’ competition and the winners were rewarded cash prizes for their creative talents.

For over 25 years, Sun Estates has built a legacy of

landmark properties that maintain a balance between design and purpose. Each project seamlessly blends modern aesthetics with traditional sentiment and its natural environment.

Keeping in mind the charm and aesthetics of the beautiful Goan culture, their homes are a reflection of what they believe in: ‘Homes with a Heart, Mind and Soul’

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अअ: सुखमारा​ा: सुखतरमारा​ाते िवशेषष: | |ानलवदू​ूवददं ािप तं नरं न ररयित ||

You can guide the ignorant effortlessly with tact; the wise

men, driven by their intellect, are naturally led towards wisdom; but no power, here or elsewhere, is capable of

instilling sense upon the ones deluded by ignorance and false knowledge.

Bhartrihari in Neeti Shataka

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BIZ BYTES

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6th edition of ‘Sofa Carnival’ at CMM Arena, Merces The Sixth edition of ‘Sofa Carnival’, an annual event organised by CMM Arena will be held at CMM ARENA Megastore-Merces from 7th April to 11th April 2021.

Over 40 options in sofas will be exhibited during the carnival. In addition to that recliners and lounge chairs to fit any cozy atmosphere at

home or business premises will be on display.

Spot offers and exchange

on old sofas will be a grab for customers. Various side events will be held like ‘IFB

Cooking Classes’ on 7th April and ‘Samsung Masterchef ’ on 8th and 9th April. CMM Arena in association with Rotaract Club of Panjim has ‘Book for Book Exchange’, Dance Competition, Fancy Dress Competition to be held on 11th April 2021. Goan Heritage Games and Sweet Dish Competition will be held on 11th April 2021

Kineco Kaman honoured by BAE Systems Fruzzanté launched in Goa President & General Kineco Kaman Composites Manager, Composites stated, India Pvt Ltd has received “It is an absolute honour to a BAE Systems Partner 2 receive both these awards.

Win ‘Supplier of the Year Our team at Kineco Kaman Award’ for Command, continues to exceed customer Control, Communications, expectations by suppling Computers, Intelligence, superior composite aviation Surveillance and products on a global scale at Reconnaissance Systems a very competitive price. This (C4ISR) for exceptional award is recognition of the performance and successful partnership Kaman contributions to supply has formed with Kineco, and chain success in 2020 for we look forward to BAE Systems Inc.’s continued support of Electronic Systems BAE and other OEM sector. programs.”

Kineco Kaman BAE Systems’ also received a Gold Partner 2 Win Supplier award for program is designed maintaining a 100% to achieve operational on-time delivery excellence and rating and 100% eliminate defects quality performance in its supply chain with BAE Systems in by raising the bar 2020. Kineco Kaman of performance was honoured at a expectations to virtual ceremony and meet the demand of was selected from the current and future pool of suppliers that customers. As part worked with BAE of the program, Systems in 2020.

BAE Systems meets Shekhar Sardessai, Founder Promoter of Shekhar Sardessai regularly with its suppliers to transfer best Kineco Group and Chairman practices to ensure that the & Managing Director of components and materials Kineco Kaman said, “Team that compose BAE Systems Kineco Kaman is excited to products meet the highest receive this extraordinary quality standards. dual recognition from BAE “We are proud of the Systems. These dual awards partnership we have with are a testament of a successful companies like Kineco collaboration between Kaman that delivered the Kineco and Kaman, the JV highest quality products Partners and BAE Systems, on-time, despite the our most esteemed customer. challenges presented by a We deeply appreciate BAE’s global pandemic,” said Kim rock-solid support and Cadorette, vice president of encouragement over the last operations for BAE Systems’ 8 years to this program.”

Electronic Systems sector Mark Withrow, Vice

38 | BUSINESS GOA INDUSTRY DOSSIER | APRIL 2021

Fruzzanté, a sparkling alcoholic beverage, is now available in Goa. The company recently launched all its five variants namely Pineapple, Mango, Chikoo, Starfruit and Strawberry Fruzzanté products can be brought from retail stores in Goa and also some dine in places. The beverage is distributed by Russ Enterprises in Goa. Russell Marchon, owner, Russ Enterprises is very upbeat about the brand and asserts “The new generation consumer gives importance to the aspects of authenticity, novelty and reliability while making consumption decisions and I believe that’s exactly what Fruzzanté as a brand stands for. Fruit wine is

Russell Marchon

Priyanka Save

here to stay. It was an absolute no brainer for me whether or not to bring Fruzzanté into the Goa market because it was a concept I genuinely believed in.

Speaking about this, Priyanka Save, Founder & Managing Director, Hill Zill Wines, said, “#goagetsfruzzanté! We are now available in the favourite tourist destination, Goa. It is both an exciting and humbling time for us since we have managed to maintain a steady growth during the pandemic as well.”

Fruzzanté is made completely from fresh fruits.

It is a gluten-free, vegan drink with no added colour or flavour

BEYOND CLASSROOM / DR. PRADEEP SALGAONKAR

Serving the Last Mile The writer speaks about timely delivery of products which is the most crucial stage in online business

S

ome of us must have experienced, in this world of online retail, that on-time delivery is an issue and many times, especially when the consignment is urgently required, the delivery is invariably delayed, thus causing hardships. Most of the time, this is due to sheer negligence and/or lack of willingness on part of the people involved in delivery, to ensure that consignments reach their designated customers on time.

With advancements in technology and digitisation there has been a spurt in online businesses and every other person is trying to get into online business mode.

Retail business is a major player in this category and most brick and mortar operators or manufacturers are trying to exploit this channel by getting online in some way or the other. However, these online players, with no exception of big or small brands, are not short of problems when it comes to serving customers in the last mile, which ultimately leads to unsatisfied customers.

Mr. Naik, my next door neighbour, received the consignment of fresh grapes from his friend in Nagpur (a farmer trying to sell his produce online), four days after the scheduled date of delivery. The result was that the majority of the grapes were spoiled and in damaged condition due to mishandling of the package and rising temperature. The package was dispatched from Nagpur on a Saturday and was scheduled to be delivered in Goa to the customer on Monday. The package reached Goa on time as scheduled, but was lying in the warehouse of distributor situated just about one kilometre away from Mr. Naik’s house, which he learnt about after receiving the delivery. The online tracking showed ‘Parcel reached distribution destination, will be delivered soon’. The helpline number given was not working and besides that no other local contact details were available. The big tag marks on the package announcing “perishable items” were of no use. The delivery boy had a standard reply ‘There is too much load for delivery. Sorry for the delay’. Who is at loss and who is to be blamed for this loss due to delayed delivery?

Yet another example is a case of a young student who was to move back to institute hostel with a new piece of a mobile handset, that was ordered online.

It is just not sufficient to have a unique and fantastic product. The product should reach the customer at the right time and in good condition, if you want the customer to value the product With advance payment made, the handset was scheduled to be delivered two days before her travel. The story repeats. The product arrived in Goa and was sitting at the local distribution point, just a few kilometres away from the customer’s house, without any clue to the customer.

The delivery date lapsed and the student had to travel without the new mobile phone back to hostel. The package was delivered five days after the scheduled delivery date with standard replies from the delivery boy. The parents then had to send the package to their daughter at the hostel, through another courier service of course, incurring additional cost and hardships. Imagine the stress that the customer might have gone through.

Is it worth the trouble one takes? Any form of communication indicating the exact position of the product would have enabled the customer to go personally and collect the package from the distribution warehouse. But there is no such system or any willingness to communicate with customers, especially when the delivery is getting delayed. And the result: customer is at loss and has to face hardships.

It is just not sufficient to have a unique and fantastic product. The product should reach the customer at the right time and in good condition, if you want the customer to value the product.

The customer’s perceived value increases with effective and on-time delivery of products and for this, serving the last mile effectively becomes a critical factor for online retail business.

The last mile delivery is the final stage in online distribution channel where the delivery happens from the distribution hub to the door step of the customer and is normally carried out by delivery people engaged by the company. Serving the last mile is the most crucial stage in online business as it accounts for more than 50% of the total cost incurred in distribution channel of online businesses and is the

deciding point of customer’s satisfaction or dissatisfaction with the brand.

This last mile delivery is the only link in the online retail distribution chain that directly connects with the customer in a face-to-face interaction between delivery person and the customer, mostly on the door step of the latter. This interaction is a critical one as it is a moment-of-truth whereby the delivery person represents the company, the brand, the business image and its reputation, and this will create a lasting memory that will stay with the customer, reflecting their overall experience with the online purchase transaction, the delivery process and emotions towards the company and brand. And, it is based on this experience with last mile delivery, that the customer will judge the company and spread positive or negative ‘word of mouth’.

Research shows that 84% of customers are unlikely to buy from a company again after they had a bad last mile delivery experience, and 98.1% of them say that effective delivery is important for creating and enhancing brand loyalty.

Rather 57% of customers say that a sameday delivery will make them very happy and more loyal to a specific brand. The customers do expect a certain amount of communication from the company as regards the status of their packages. It is not sufficient to provide online tracking support, which mostly is incorrect or not updated regularly. As per available research, about 80% of online customers stated that they expect real-time tools to track their deliveries, so as to get factual status and position of the packages.

Serving the last mile is a big challenge to all online businesses. No doubt there are issues which are beyond their control. However, every online retail business should work towards serving the last mile delivery in the best possible manner to a customer’s satisfaction. One of the cost effective and sure to work strategy available with every online business is effective communication with the customer. Keeping the customers updated time and again about the status of the package and delays, if any, would help in managing customer expectations.

Thus, everyone engaged in online retail business should focus on improving last mile delivery and serving the last mile most effectively

The writer is Founder Director, Saldots Academy; corporate trainer and facilitator; former chairman of Goa Management Association. Email: pradeepsalgaonkar@gmail.com 40 | BUSINESS GOA INDUSTRY DOSSIER | APRIL 2021

INVEST RIGHT / MAHESH PAI

Importance of Individual Pension

The writer highlights the necessity of a proper retirement plan and the different pension schemes available

I

n today’s challenging and competitive environment of business, people forget to make a proper provision for their retired life. A business owner is always running after money but forgets the main motive of getting into business which provides a quality life for him and his family. They are constantly investing and reinvesting only into their business, which is the main reason behind not planning for a pension. As per a report 88% people in India go through a bad phase when they are supposed to be enjoying their retired life. We need to understand the different types of pension and why individual pension is the most important.

There are mainly 3 types of pension: 1. Social Pension Social pension is always given by the government or the state when the citizen of that state retires. This facility is available only for senior citizens and is provided to them until they die. It is impossible for the government to provide pension to every senior citizen. Another reason is the Fiscal Deficit of the country due to which the country cannot afford to pay pension to all senior citizens.

2. Occupational Pension Occupational pension is when the employer provides pension to employees for services rendered to the company.

In India none of the private companies give occupational pension in fact even the government companies have stopped with occupational pension since 2004.

However there are companies which provide their employees with gratuity after calculating all the years the employee worked for that one company respectively. The gratuity is usually paid as a lumpsum.

3. Individual Pension This is the most important type of pension. Individual pension is when you plan for your own pension. When you don’t get a social pension or an occupational pension you have to make it a priority and take charge to plan your individual pension plan. Under individual plan you can start getting your pension as and when you want, you don’t have to necessarily wait until you reach the age of 60. You can also retire early with the help of an individual pension but one cannot retire early before making a provision for an alternate source of monthly income.

Importance of Individual Pension Since life expectancy in India has increased, retirement planning has become mandatory all the The reason of life expectancy increasing could be advanced medicines available, better medical treatment, self-awareness (taking care of your own body in terms of diet and fitness) and a good health cover which allows you to get the best doctors and avail the best treatment.

Longer life expectancy in future will need more money for retirement compared to today.

Another major reason why we need to plan for retirement is because of the Lack of social security system. There is a. No free medical services for senior citizens. b. Senior citizen health care is costly. c. Free pension is not available by the government.

Your income is going to stop one day but your expenses will continue.

Retirement planning is no more an option but has become a necessity and you cannot consider your children to be your retirement plan. With inflation and increased standard of living the expenses for your children will be very high as compared to today. A guaranteed monthly pension will let you and your family live a stress free life tomorrow and for the days to come.

Guidelines Before Investing Before investing into an individual pension fund you need to check whether the pension is taxable or tax free and also check if the pension rate is guaranteed or variable. This will determine the standard of living while you retire.

There are mainly two common types for individual pension in India.

1. A combination of Accumulation and allocation.

People accumulate money till the age of 60 and then invest it into a pension fund. Under this you keep accumulating a certain sum on money on regular intervals and then use all the accumulated corpus in a pension fund as and when you want. It is the process of building the corpus for the purpose of retirement. E.g.

SIP or PPF Drawback: In the process of accumulation there arrives occasions where you need to withdraw your funds,

The writer is an investment consultant and business coach. Email: mahesh@maheshpai.in

it could be for your child’s education or marriage or business expansion or even funds needed for a startup of your child.

2. Deferred Pension Plan You keep saving a certain amount of money and earn interest on it but only at the age of 60 you will receive the pension.

Example NPS has become very popular financial instrument, Atal pension Yojana for the people of age below 40 with a maximum of 5000 pension.

Drawback: Under NPS, pension rate is not guaranteed and the pension is taxable. Whereas Atal Pension Yojana cannot give more than 5000 pension It is never too early or late to start investing in retirement plans. However sooner, the better; whether you are salaried or entrepreneurial, there are a variety of individual pension plans: 1. Deferred Annuity: Here a lump sum or a systematic payment can be paid over a period of time. Pension begins after completing the term, No taxation (unless you withdraw the corpus) 2. Immediate Annuity: Only lump sum investment allowed in this plan and Pension begins immediately after investment.The nominee can claim the pension or the entire corpus after the death of the investor 3. Annuity Certain: The pension is disbursed for a specific period. The investor can choose a period (say, age 65-70) and the nominee can claim the pension after the demise of the investor.

4. With Cover Pension Plan: Comes with a ‘cover’ -investor’s dependents are entitled to a lump sum after he/she expires. The investment amount is not large as most of the amount goes towards building the corpus 5. Life Annuity: Here the pension is paid until the death of the investor.

However there is a ‘with spouse’ option where the spouse continues to receive the pension after the investor passes away.

6. National Pension Scheme (NPS): This Plan has been launched and managed by the Central Government.

7. Guaranteed Period Annuity Plan: The investor will receive the pension only for a specific term like 5 to 20 years.

If you are a person who is looking for a safe and secured pension with over and above the prevailing interest rate then today is the time to begin. Don’t be a burden in your old age to your children but be their strongest support APRIL 2021 | BUSINESS GOA INDUSTRY DOSSIER | 41

CORPORATE CITIZEN / DANIEL ALBUQUERQUE

Indian Council of Arbitration (ICA)

The author trains his focus on Indian Council of Arbitration (ICA) whose aim has been to be a mediator for trade and commerce related issues; and lays stress on conciliation and arbitration. However, the author’s analysis will illustrate that this institution has potential for more action

T

he arbitral tribunal shall make the award as expeditiously as possible, preferably within six months, from the date of the reference subject to a maximum limit of two years from the date on which the arbitral tribunal entered into reference in terms of Rule 38. The Arbitral Tribunal only in case of extreme necessity, may request the Registrar to extend the time to make the award and the Registrar may in consultation with the Chairman of the Arbitration Committee, extend such time for a period not exceeding one year, if such request is found to be reasonable and necessary – ICA Rule No. 63 Rule No. 38 concerns the role of the Registrar who is responsible to send all documents received from the parties to the Arbitration Tribunal that is duly formed under Rule No. 22 by the Chairman of the Arbitration Committee.

In the event that the parties to the dispute fail to submit all the requisite documents, the Registrar may forward to the Arbitration Tribunal all that material available and the proceedings may commence.

The Case: This is a case where the Indian Council for Arbitration (ICA) itself is in the dock with an accusation that it has failed to follow its own rules. Narmada Clean-Tech filed a suit before the Gujarat High Court. A two-judge bench delivered its verdict on 19 August 2020 (C/LPA/308/2020. Earlier the appellant company had suffered a setback, where a single judge had dismissed the writ petition with the reasoning that it was not maintainable due to the order passed during the course of arbitration cannot be challenged under Articles 226 and 227 of the Constitution of India.

The Dispute: The origin of the dispute lay with a duly contracted deal with a contractor for laying pipeline and other related works. The contract had a clause for dispute settlement where the arbitrating agency would be the ICA. Sometime down the line there arose a dispute between the appellant company and its contractor. The ICA was approached which set up the tribunal and the dates for the proceedings. However, the appellant company did not attend the proceedings even after repeated

appointments and postponements.

To the surprise of the ICA Tribunal, the appellant moved an application to cease proceedings under ICA Rule No. 63 citing the provisions of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996. All this happened after four meetings with the ICA Tribunal and the proceedings were not ceased. This was followed by an application by the appellant company for the recusal of the arbitrator. Irrespective of the order of the lower court that had rejected the appellant’s writ petition on the grounds already stated above that it is illegal to move to the court while the arbitral proceedings were still going on.

The Judgment: The High Court Bench of two judges, one of whom was its Chief Justice, deliberated diligently, applied its mind through various precedents which showed that there was no instance where court proceedings were conducted amidst the ongoing arbitral proceedings.

The court also noted the binding nature of the arbitral order under the law.

Accordingly, the court declared that there was no error in the order of the arbitral order of the lower court or any failure in the ICA Tribunal’s proceedings.

Further, it said: “We accordingly dismiss this Letters Patent Appeal and request the Arbitral Tribunal to proceed with the matter and deliver the award after affording due opportunity of hearing at the earliest so that there is no violation to the limitation provided under the ICA Rules. Consequently, the connected Civil Application also stands disposed of.”

Analysis: The above case demonstrates two elements: a) the stubborn attitude of the Narmada Clean Tech vis-à-vis the accommodative attitude of the Arbitration Tribunal; b) vitiation of the very purpose for which an agency of arbitration exists, namely to settle commercial disputes efficiently, quickly and amicably.

Further it demonstrates that somewhere down in its history since 1965 the ICA has lacked the initiative to convince its clients about its own motto adopted from none other than the greatest arbitrator of the world, Mahatma Gandhi himself: I realized the true function of a lawyer was to unite

The columnist is a writer with Oxford University Press and a published author. Email: albuquerque.daniel@gmail.com 42 | BUSINESS GOA INDUSTRY DOSSIER | APRIL 2021

parties riven as under. The lesson was so indelibly burnt into me that a large part of my time during the twenty years of my practice as a lawyer was occupied in bringing about private compromises of hundreds of cases. I lost nothing thereby – not even money, certainly not my soul (See its website, http://www.icaindia.co.in).

It is a very large organization: Member Corporations 5000, cases administered 2000, International Cooperation Agreements 46, Expert Arbitrators 2000, and Branches in India 8.

The question is why the arbitral parties finally end up taking recourse to the courts? The answer is not very far to seek. As stated above the ICA is governed

by Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, which again is amended several times. It is also answerable to several ministries such as that of Law, Commerce and Industry, Finance, Secretary to the Government of India and also to the Departments of Expenditure, etc. In the final analysis it ends up as another government agency. Hence the migration from ICA to a court of law is a compelling necessity.

Consequently, those companies desirous of an acceptable and completely independent arbitrator move to arbitration councils in Singapore or England and Wales because their systems have adopted International Commercial Court’s (ICC) rules which are stable and its rulings are always binding internationally. Its recent rulings concerning Vodafone and Cairns, both concerning retrospective taxation, are an example why companies prefer ICC. The ICA on the other hand is ad hoc in nature.

Its rules are based on United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) Arbitration Rules where room is made for compromises and concessions, etc.

Conclusion: India lags behind woefully in the ease-of-doing business. To remedy this malady, India’s policy making agency, NITI Aayog organised a ‘Global Conference on National Initiative towards Strengthening Arbitration and Enforcement in India’ in November, Continued On Page 44

AD-VENTURE / PRABHAKAR MUNDKUR

The iPhone was not invented

by Steve Jobs alone!

The writer highlights the importance of collaboration and how teamwork is important to an organisation’s success

your potential. It is about bringing your many gifts to the table and sharing them in pursuit of a common goal.

W

hen one thinks of the iPhone one instinctively thinks of Steve Jobs.

But did Steve Jobs invent the iPhone? No. Steve Jobs has his name on 313 patents in all, not all of them as breakthrough as you might imagine and only 7 are iconic, but none of them has only his name on it. It also has the names of several others who worked with him on the patent; which proves that team work is crucial to the success of a project.

Similarly when one thinks of the electric car, one can’t help thinking of Elon Musk. But if you go through the numerous patents applied by Tesla Motors you will always find a number of inventors’ names on the patent. And you may not even find Elon Musk’s name.

When this simple fact was mentioned in a LinkedIn #DailyRundown piece a few months ago it really made me think.

Partly because I was reminded of a case where a key senior manager thought she was so brilliant that she started working alone and by excluding key members of the teamwork. Over time she had alienated most people at work. When I was consulted on this case and the reasons for successive failures on projects, my analysis was that projects failed because of lack of teamwork.

Why are people wary of collaboration?

There could be many reasons but certainly one of them is ‘over-inflated’ egos. When you think you are more important than everyone else and you are better than them, you tend to leave people out of important tasks. Your objective is no longer to build a team.

Some people feel threatened by collaboration. They obviously feel that if they work with others, credit will be taken away from them. But that has never been true. This mindset actually demonstrates that the person who is not willing to collaborate is insecure. Because when a company wins, everyone wins.

Unfortunately, in some companies, everyone wants to be a star. This narcissistic mindset is endemic to many corporate cultures today. But unfortunately, this attitude can pose a dangerous threat to your business and career if you are unwilling to work with others in a productive way. It can also pose a threat to your company. One should understand that collaboration isn’t about giving up your individuality.

It’s quite the opposite. It is about realizing

Why collaborate?

Team Work is crucial to Success.

Collaboration is taking over the workplace. As businesses are becoming global, teamwork is being seen as being vital to organizational success. Today’s workforce is more collaborative than it has ever been in the past. In fact, the time that managers and employees spend collaborating has increased by at least 50 percent over the past two decades, according to the Harvard Business Review.

“If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” said Isaac Newton.

An Ernst and Young report has shown that “A work environment that doesn’t encourage teamwork is one of the top 5 reasons why people quit their jobs.”

As the HBR article, The Collaboration Imperative says “Countless efforts by companies to work together to tackle the most complex challenges facing our world today - including climate change, resource depletion, and ecosystem loss - have failed because of competitive self-interest, a lack of a fully shared purpose, and a shortage of trust. In other words, collaboration is taking over the workplace.”

There seems little doubt that the smart leaders of today will find collaboration a winning formula to success

As businesses are becoming global, teamwork is being seen as being vital to organisational success.

Today’s workforce is more collaborative than it has ever been in the past

The author is a veteran advertising person, and now a prolific commentator and writer. He spent 17 of his 42 years in advertising with J Walter Thompson; working with the agency across 3 continents. He has also worked with Havas and Hakuhodo. He has recently started a videocast called ‘Turning Point’. Email: prabsy@gmail.com APRIL 2021 | BUSINESS GOA INDUSTRY DOSSIER | 43

CABBAGES AND QUEEN / NANDINI VAIDYANATHAN

What’s the good word?

The author explains about the importance of empowering employees to take ownership of customers by sticking to their vision statements

R

ecently I was in a heated discussion with a branch manager of a reputed bank. The bank had frozen my current account because even after repeated reminders, I had not done the KYC. Fair enough, my tardiness and I deserved the punishment. When I submitted all the documents for KYC, the bank had a spate of holidays. So practically a whole week was written off. Then when the bank reopened, I requested the branch manager to get the approval through and release my account. I got a very surprising response that he is helpless because he is not the concerned person. I said to him, for me you are the face of your bank, so it is your job to get it done.

This made me ruminate over the most obvious and disturbing question: why do organisations not foster a culture where everybody takes ownership of the customer?

In my 20 years as a corporate professional and 14 years as an entrepreneur, my pet peeve has been that organisations create vision and mission statements for the express purpose of hanging in their reception areas, much as they would hang a Matisse. To be admired from afar by people waiting in the reception. To be admired for the artistry, and not so much for the relevance of those words in their corporate culture.

All vision statements, if you notice, have the following elements: customer is king, employees are their biggest asset, value-guided profit is their ethos, growth is their anthem. And rightly so because these are the bedrock of why organisations come into existence in the first place. But the chasm between these motherhood statements and ground reality has frighteningly widened to a point where both customers and employees have used these to create memes, poking fun at the organisation.

I have also noticed that some

When will organisations learn that empowering employees to take ownership of their customer is a tried and tested bullet-train ride to growth, success, and branding?! employees go out of their way to demonstrate their ownership of the customer. And sadly each time, it is not the organisation culture that has facilitated it but the employee’s own sense of professionalism and how seriously s/he has crafted her role.

I love sharing this example often.

I had gone to a restaurant in Bangalore many years ago with some friends. It so happened that I was the only vegetarian in the group. So when we placed the order, I told the waiter to make sure mine was not mixed up. True enough, when I dug into my first forkful of Schezwan fried rice; the first thing that rattled is a piece of bone! We brought the roof down and left.

Years later I went back to the same restaurant, not knowing it was the same restaurant, as the name had changed.

But as soon as we walked in, my mouth was full of bile, remembering the past experience. The waiter came, took the order, looked at me and said, I am so glad to have you here ma’am, I was the waiter who served you 7 years ago, I was not responsible for the chicken in your rice, but I felt very bad that I didn’t get a chance to apologise to you then, I’m so glad I have the chance today!

You see my point? His bosses had not told him to apologise. He did it because he took ownership of me.

When will organisations learn that empowering employees to take ownership of their customer is a tried and tested bullet-train ride to growth,

success, and branding?!

As an extension of this, I want to dwell on yet another point. Corporate is all about power. Not just having it but showing it. Whom do the employees show it to? Immediate target are people working under them and with them.

Then it’s a show of brinkmanship with customers. Office rage is more common than road rage. Rudeness is the expression of office culture. Divisive politics is the most favourite game of one-upmanship.

I have also noticed in the last one year that corona virus has brought out the worst in us. We are rude to everybody.

We shout at everybody. We behave entitled. We think we are privileged. A mentee told me that when her husband who is an IT professional gets on a zoom call from home, the kids are frightened because there is literally a Kurukshetra created out there. No holds barred.

Is that how we want to be remembered? I always say this to everyone, YOU ARE YOUR BIGGEST BRAND AMBASSADOR. Just as you have a responsibility representing your organisation, you have a bigger responsibility representing yourself. Do you want your image as that of a bully?

Or as someone who enriched lives around him/her?

It costs next-to-nothing to be polite. I remember I was stopped by a policeman in Goa for parking wrongly.

I was profusely apologetic and told him that I had been late for a meeting, so even knowing that I shouldn’t be parking there, I had. He asked me, are you a teacher? I was taken aback and said so.

He said in Hindi, and it sounds much nicer in Hindi, you explain so politely and affectionately, so I thought you’re a teacher! My grandmother used to say, live a life where people remember you when they want to remember the best things in their life

The Columnist is about to commence her fourth professional avatar with her bakery and restaurant business in Jaipur (www.concoctions.fr) with her French Michelin-star chef life partner. Email: nandini@carmaconnect.in

Continued From Page 42 2016. At that time India was ranked 130 among 190 countries in the world for ease-of-doing business. Addressing the conference Prime Minister Narendra Modi had proposed for ‘a robust legal system with a vibrant arbitration culture’ as of vital importance. The conference 44 | BUSINESS GOA INDUSTRY DOSSIER | APRIL 2021

deliberated on the overloaded judiciary with litigation. The conference resolved to create a conducive environment to create a stable Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). Elimination of ad hochism and adoption of a stable and trustworthy system was stressed. Steadily India’s standing has improved to 63 but it is nowhere close to its 5th position in the

rank of top world economies.

However, various governmental controls remain still unchanged. With a little more of ease of doing business it could have been just behind the top two economies that is the United States of America (USA) and China. Remedy lies in making the ICA an autonomous institution

BON APPÉTIT

@businessgoamagazine

HILTON GOA RESORT

Gastronomic opulence Hilton Style

Pics: Shanice D’Souza

Spectacular view, luxurious settings and delectable food is what makes Saipe at Hilton Goa Resort, a class apart Mala Chicken

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By SYBIL RODRIGUES

aipe, the in-house restaurant of Hilton Goa Resort is inspired by the vibrant vibe of Goa. An all day dining restaurant, it presents a unique dining experience, which serves multi-cuisine specialties in a relaxed ambience that celebrates the best of Indo-European design sensibilities.

My partner-in-crime, Shanice D’Souza and I decided to go for lunch and sat indoors, grabbing a seat near their large windows, so we could have a breathtaking view of the lush Goan landscape in the distance and their infinity pool.

Chef Ashley Nunes greeted us and opened up about the restaurant and their dining options. Pooja Sharma was our server and promised to make our time there enjoyable.

Chef Ashley requested the bar-in-charge to whip up some of their special drinks. We were served a drink called the Glittery Shadow, which had Vodka, tonic water and edible orange glitter served in a tall goblet.

When stirred, one could see the magic the glitter created and was more of a delight to look at. The Barrache Kaling

Railway Lamb Curry

was a specially curated Goan drink concocted with watermelon juice, whisky, and garnished with basil leaves.

A little cocktail skewer with watermelon balls lay gently on top of the glass which made for a pretty picture.

Tangy and refreshing, it was a perfect thirst quencher.

Chef Ashley laid out different kinds of starters for us, as he wanted us to savour a little bit of everything.

First was a Quinoa Couscous Chaat which had a mix of quinoa, couscous, bell papers, tamarind chutney, and sriracha sauce, served with nachos. Described as summer salad, it was light and pleasing to the palate and something that one would love to have on a hot summer’s day. Next Prawn Thai Green Curry

46 | BUSINESS GOA INDUSTRY DOSSIER | APRIL 2021

Garlic Prawns

on the list of starters, were the lamb chops. It was soft and juicy, given that their lamb is specially sourced from Jaipur. The Garlic Prawns followed which were served along with olive oil, chillies and mutli-grain bread. The prawns were tender and a delight to bite into. Chef Ashley was extremely kind to share his recipe with us and then we went on to taste the Mala Chicken, which is a North East dish served with a sprinkling of Lazazi chillies which hit the right notes with just a small hint of spice. The Murgh Baladari Tikka, was a typical Indian tandoor starter with the perfect balance of spices and masalas. The Vegetarian Manchurian Pops, an Indo-Chinese dish that

would delight any vegetarian and one can go on popping these little balls of goodness with no end in sight. Shanice and I decided that the winner was the Garlic Prawns. This is one appetizer no guest should miss out on, when here.

After stuffing ourselves with the starters, Chef Ashley said that there was still more to come and went on to serve us a veritable feast. First was Yo-Choy, which consisted of stir fry Asian Greens, which could be eaten on its own or as an accompaniment to another dish. Though served in a little sauce of its own, the greens were crunchy and it was the first time, greens slid down my throat so easily.

We then helped ourselves to the Jasmine Rice served along with Prawn Thai Green Curry. The fragrant white rice paired with the creamy curry had big chunks of prawn which transported us to foodie heaven. Shanice dug into the Railway Lamb Curry with gusto, which had pieces of their delicate lamb meat swimming in rich red gravy, and had to be eaten with garlic naan as an accompaniment. Next we on to taste the Chicken and Egg Fried Rice which had bits of chicken, egg all mixed with the quintessential

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The Big Forkers: Fun ‘n Food Online

Good food, banter and fun – in a web series showcasing various cuisines and best places to eat

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part from its party tag, Goa is now being looked as a dining destination which has brought The Big Forkers here, with their honest reviews, scrumptious food and humour, all packed in one series.

A brainchild of cousins Sid Mewara and Shanky (Shashank Jayakumar). Sid was born in Delhi, became a chef, dabbled in the corporate world for a few years, started his own companies and then decided to create a Food and Travel show.

Shanky, who grew up in Mumbai, is a serial technology entrepreneur, an advisor to the World Bank, a biker and is known for his humour and travelling in search of a particular meal even if it is 300 kms away.

The first season of The Big Forkers was shot in Mumbai and it was decided to shoot Season 2 in Goa, with 20 episodes shot and now in post production. Till date 5

Asian sauces and flavourings.

The Dal Makhani, another vegetarian favourite; to be had with naan or rice, had little baby potatoes, peeking out from a thick, luscious gravy and was enjoyed by us both.

Despite being full, we had one last dish to relish. The Mafu Tofu, as its name suggests had little cubes of tofu, served in a garlic curry accompanied by Chinese greens. The tofu was soft and silky and just melted on one’s tongue. Want to enjoy tofu? This place is your best bet. All their Asian dishes are served in stoneware bowls. I tried to go easy on the main course as I wanted to keep place for desserts, but it was impossible. For me the Prawn Thai Curry with the Jasmine Rice excelled as far as this course was concerned, while Shanice declared her Railway Lamb Curry as number one on the charts.

Sid Mewara (Left) and Shashank ‘Shanky’ Jayakumar

episodes have been aired on YouTube and Instagram. Their mission in this season is to throw light on the range and variety on offer, and highlight the lives of people that share cuisine and culture. Given that Goa has so much to offer from Goan cuisine (Hindu, Christian, regional, tribal); to

a range of international, fine dining, nouvelle cuisine and street food, this is their way of highlighting the Goan life, understand and respect the locals.

The Big Forkers encompasses their experiences, repartee and joie de vivre for food, drinks and

Sticky Chocolate Cake with Basil essence

Tiramisu

We took a break for a little while, chatting with Pooja, all about her life in her hometown in Bihar and how she came to be here. Finally it was time for my favourite part of any meal. Pastry Chef Amit Chatterjee, brought us three types of desserts. The first was a New York Cheesecake served with a berry coulis, passion fruit, pate de fruit and a dollop of citrus cream. This dessert was a treat to one’s visual sense had the right amount

of creaminess with a hint of a citrusy, tangy flavour. The second dessert was a sticky chocolate cake with basil essence.

A mound of moist chocolate cake hidden inside tall shards of hardened chocolate, we dug our spoons in. Chef Amit said he wanted to try out something different by mixing a herb in a dessert dish. Shanice was clearly smitten by this one, and slowly dragged the plate towards her.

life by describing their own take on various cuisines – making it easier for people to choose their food and dining options.

They have a cult like following of diehard fans, a group that is slowly gaining ground across media platforms The last one is my personal favourite, the Tiramisu. An Italian dessert, this one has layers of lady finger biscuits, mascarpone cheese, kahlúa liqueur and espresso coffee.

Sinfully delicious, every spoonful was scrumptious and a perfect ending to any meal.

We couldn’t have asked for a better place to feast at. Chef Ashley was kind and helpful when it came to explaining about the dishes that were served. Had it not been for Covid, we would have kissed his hands.

The service was excellent and Pooja made sure we had a relaxed and enjoyable time there.

Amazing food, a luxurious ambience, polite and helpful staff and a fantastic view, is what makes this place worth visiting. Do go there and thank us later

APRIL 2021 | BUSINESS GOA INDUSTRY DOSSIER | 47

GOABUZZ

COMO opens at Porvorim

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fter a year in pyjamas and casuals, it’s time to bring back that much-need splash of colour, verve, style and sassiness. And that’s all within arm’s reach at one place: COMO. In March, Designers’ Collective launched its new flagship store in Porvorim, a gorgeous space that brings back the joy of shopping with racks showcasing exquisite work from global runway platforms. Wines and cocktails kept spirits abuzz.

Now, Porvorim boast of having refreshing new fashion enthusiasts who have come together and curated the whole vibe. “We have an unrivalled variety of clothing that spans casual and resort wear to formal wear, with a lot of menswear and a wider range of sizes added to our collection. There’s something for every mood, occasion and pocket!” says CEO of COMO, Pallav Ojha.

Spread out across 2000

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Minister for Science and Technology, Ports, Rural Development, and Waste Management, MICHAEL LOBO inaugurated the store Michael Lobo

square feet of indoor space and 1500 square feet of garden area, COMO has been designed to offer a bright and airy tropical urban sensibility that is equally reflected in the brands it showcases.

COMO’s Chief Curator and co-founder Neha Asthana said, “Our vision is to get the perfect mix of price, quality and design, with a unique shopping experience, all under one roof for men and

women.”

Currently on the racks are stunning pieces from Deme by Gabriella, Philu Martins, Stephan Lalan, Mehendi Sharma, Mahek Punjabi, Meraki, Payal Singhal, Ninoshka, Deepika Arora, Terra Tribe, Studio Moda, Jebsispar, Priyanca Khanna, Danba, Zeal Doshi, Abkasa, Jeet, Mohid Merchant, Ken Ferns, Arjuna Khanna, Soul, Ara

by Aradhna, Esme, Kaabish, Aquapoise, Purocosa, Dragon Flies, Kavith, House of Doro, Eclectic Designs, Duet Luxury, Ritika Goel, Noupelle, Kaeros, Dream Shoes Club and Keisha, the latter debuting in Goa at COMO with its resort wear collection.

COMO Designers’ Collective in Porvorim is located opposite Copperleaf, just off CHOGM Road, and invites every fashion lover in Goa to #BeComo

Pallav Ojha

Romesh Dhamija

Rani Ojha

Ranjan Ojha

Neha Ojha

Shruty Tiwari

Siddharth Kerkar

Scarlet Rose

Nadia Dias

Rajeev Chandan

Rajesh Anand

Yellow Mehra

Utkarsh and Darpan

Catherine Demianova

48 | BUSINESS GOA INDUSTRY DOSSIER | APRIL 2021

Vishal Kapoor

Matasha Rodrigues Gomes Naasir Walker

Petula Colaco

GOA VINTAGE AND CLASSIC VEHICLES CLUB HOSTS

www.businessgoa.in ‘PALACE TO PALACE’ VINTAGE AND CLASSIC VEHICLES DRIVE

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owners of such priceless vehicles and excite the passion in people for heritage vehicles.

There were a variety of magnificently maintained vehicles like the Austin 1933 and 1934, which were some of the oldest.

Other vehicles included Morris 8 (1937), Jaguar, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Mercedes Benz limousines, varieties of VolksWagen cars, varied types of foreign Jeeps, Dodge, Fiats, Premier Padminis, Ambassador, and a showstopper – Leyland Bus (1961).

Minister of Transport Mauvin Godinho, flagged off some of these vehicles at the event, while Kunal, IAS, Chief Election Commissioner and Patron Member Shrinivas Dempo, were present to flag off some of these beauties.

The event was also the Trust’s tribute to their departed trustee, late Jeetendra R. Deshprabhu, former legislator and scion of the Rauraje Deshprabhu Royal Family of Pernem

Pics: Sanket N. Patel

he ‘Goa Vintage and Classic Vehicles Club’ (GVCVC) is a registered Trust, with Gautam Pai Kakode, Rupa Deshprabhu, Bryan Soares, Krishnakant M. Kamat, Upendra Gaunekar, Anil Dalal, Vaibhav Tamba, Varun Albuquerque and Adv. Ninad G. Kamat, as its trustees.

Recently, GVCVC organised an exhilarating ‘Palace to Palace Vintage Drive’.

This unique drive from Panaji’s Adil Shah Palace to Deshprabhu Palace at Pernem, was aimed to create awareness amongst

Varun Albuquerque

Shrinivas Dempo

Gautam Pai Kakode Dr. Alethea Barbosa

Byas Nambisan

Anil Dalal

Mauvin Godinho

Cedric Vaz

Rupa Deshprabhu

Manjunath Dukle

Tulio De Souza

Bryan Soares

Krishnakant M. Kamat

Harsh Rajani

Vaibhav Tamba

Dr. Ravi Prakash

Viraj Dhond

Upendra Gaunekar

Pravin Sirvoikar

Aditya Deshprabhu Mrinalini Deshprabhu

APRIL 2021 | BUSINESS GOA INDUSTRY DOSSIER | 49

NEWSMAKERS Kishore M Shah appointed Director General of Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry

Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry has appointed Kishore M Shah as its new Director General.

Shah is an electrical engineer and postgraduate in organisation studies and human resource management and a certified Talent Analyst from Chally, Ohio. He has worked with Wipro Lighting, Secure Meters Ltd and CMS Computers Ltd at senior management roles and as organisation development consultant to various MNCs in India and overseas. He has 12 years of industry experience and 18 years of consulting experience, both in private as well as government sector. He is a recipient of ‘Business Goa Corporate Excellence Award’ (2014) and is a ‘Limca Book of Records’ holder in Literature. Shah will replace current Director General of GCCI Ramakant S Kamat, who retires at the end of April

Purti Savardekar bags ‘Best Actress Award’ at Filmfare Short Films Awards 2021

Purti Savardekar, assistant professor at the Goa College of Engineering, Farmagudi has won the ‘Best Actress’ in the recently concluded ‘Filmfare Short Film Awards’ for the film The First Wedding, written and directed by Akshay Parvatkar.

The film was written, shot, directed, edited and completed in 60 hours, for the ‘60 Years in 60 Hours’ film contest on the eve of the 60th Goa Liberation Day. The film won the ‘Best Film’, ‘Best Director’, ‘Best Editing’ and ‘Best Actress’ awards, decided by a jury comprising four time national award winner Umesh Kulkarni

Astrid Fernandes and Nishad Hegde Dessai win National ADR Quiz

Astrid Fernandes and Nishad Hegde Dessai, both of IVth year B.A. LLB. students of Vidya Vikas Mandal’s Govind Ramnath Kare College of Law, Margao have been declared winners at the National ADR Quiz competition 2021, organised by the AURO University School of Law, Surat, Gujrat held recently. The objective of this competition was to encourage students to test their knowledge on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and to establish a relationship between theory and application of the learnt concepts. The competition involved preliminary, quarter final, semi-final and final rounds wherein the participants were quizzed about the laws, conventions and treaties relating to ADR at national and international levels. Their knowledge about the landmark judgments of national and international courts on ADR was also tested at the quiz 50 | BUSINESS GOA INDUSTRY DOSSIER | APRIL 2021

business-goa

CA Santosh Kenkre co-opted as member of Corporate Governance Committee of ICAI

CA Santosh Kenkre has been coopted as a member of Corporate Laws and Corporate Governance committee at The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, New Delhi.

The Committee works in collaboration with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs and various other departments of the Government of India. Kenkre has been tasked with studying the existing corporate laws and conducting research in the difficulties faced by the private sector.

Kenkre is a Chartered Accountant who been practicing in Panaji for the last 35 years. He was the former Chairman of the Goa Branch of Chartered Accountants. He has co-authored three books on taxation, including a book published by the ICAI. Kenkre has written several newspaper articles on GST and is a regular on TV debates. Currently, he is the director of Economic Development Corporation of Goa Ltd (EDC)

Sunil Kumar appointed General Manager at soon to launch The Westin Goa

Sunil Kumar has been appointed as General Manager of the soon to be launched ‘The Westin Goa’. With over two decades of extensive career in world class luxury hotels, Sunil brings to the role his dexterity in hospitality operations and management.

A passionate hotelier, Sunil has a strong business insight along with strategic planning and team development that has led him to be the key driver behind some very successful hotel openings.

With a history of working with brands such as the Oberoi hotels, St Regis, Westin, Hyatt and more, Sunil Kumar has extensive knowledge of organisational development and growth, process orientation and personnel management 142 1. Which bank was founded in February 1937 by M. Chidambaram Chettyar?

2. Which ice cream brand is owned by Mumbai-based Kamaths Ourtimes Ice Creams Pvt. Ltd? 3. Which video on demand app is owned by Vibhu Agarwal?

4. Go Air, Bombay Dyeing, National Peroxide are owned by which family?

5. Aashirvaad is a brand of staple food and kitchen ingredients owned by 6. Which orange carbonated soft drink was started in India by Parle Bisleri under the initiative of its founder Ramesh Chauhan?

7. Which Indian fashion brand for women was founded

by Meena Bindra in 1988?

8. Which brand of white goods were manufactured by Mirc Electronics?

9. Logo of which organisation?

Answers to BG Quiz 141: 1. Scott Adams 2. Buck 3. Lijjat Papad 4. London Stock Exchange 5. Amartya Sen 6. Burberry 7. Farzana Contractor 8. Coco Chanel 9. Reserve Bank of India Email your answers to businessgoa.media@gmail.com First all correct entry will get 1 year’s subscription to Business Goa

Winner of BG Quiz 141: Shruti Gauns

Registered with Registrar of Newspapers of India under RNI No.: GOAENG/2015/59955 Date of Publication: 10th day of every month. Posted on or before 30th day of the month. POSTAL LICENSE No.: G-2/RNP/Monthly/Goa-19/2021-23