Business Goa October 2020

October 2020

VOL 6 ISSUE 10 panaji goa

RNI No.: goaeng/2015/59955

Postal license no.: G-2/RNP/Monthly/Goa-19/2018-20

goa’s only business magazine

industry dossier

tourism policy unveiled

hotels ready for guests focus goa

sc allows transporting of mined iron ore till jan 31

unlocking business interview

tns jewellers luxury brand

dr suhani mendonsa lady power

dr jayant vaidya

professional dossier

Rajkumar Kamat / executive director, bni goa region

the rainmaker The success story of BNI Goa and the entrepreneurial ecosystem that it has harnessed over a 10 year span

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News Views Articles Interviews Profiles Focus Analysis Opinions Events Features

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contents Cover Story 12

Rajkumar Kamat, Executive Director, BNI Goa Region on the sensational take off, struggle and success of BNI, on the occasion of its completion of 10 glorious years in Goa

Focus Goa: Industry 18

President of GSIA, Damodar Kochkar laments that the Government has kept industry at the bottom of its priority list

Focus Goa: Hospitality 20

Stakeholders in the hotel industry speak about the opening up of their resorts for tourism and safety measures put in place to welcome tourists

12 28

Focus Goa: Mining 24

Mining firms get till 31st Jan 2021 to transport excavated iron ore

Industry 28

Kineco flags off India’s first commercial, indigenouslymanufactured ‘Sonar Dome’ for Indian Navy warships

Interview 36

Goa’s industry captains discuss ‘Unlocking Business in Goa’ in an online panel discussion organised by Rotary Club of Panaji Riviera

Lady Power 42

Dr Suhani Mendonsa outlines her journey from being a mehendi artist at the age of 15 to juggling roles as a talk show host, social activist, mentor and guide

42

44

Professional Dossier 44

41

Renowned Goan-origin Doctor (Surgeon) and Professor of Surgery and Oncology at UCL, London, Prof. Dr. Jayant S. Vaidya shares details of his medical career in oncology and his groundbreaking breast cancer research, TARGIT-IORT – radiotherapy given during surgery for breast cancer

Luxury Brand 48

Nikunj Gupta elaborates on his family business, TNS Jewellers and their foray into the Goan market

36

COLUMNS

52 Corporate Citizen

56 Beyond Classroom

53 Legal Eagle

57 Farm Fresh

Daniel Albuquerque explains that business contracts, just like the matrimonial ones, can be dissolved with due legal processes Delano Furtado writes about the Tata v SP Group legal battle and the concept of shareholder rights and protection thereof

54 People Tree

Kishore M Shah writes on how the pandemic has impacted livelihood of those who are at the bottom of the industrial pyramid

55 Money Matters

V.B. Prabhu Verlekar discusses FCRA and the implications on those receiving foreign funding without registering for the same

Dr Pradeep Salgaonkar writes about the different types of perceived risks while making purchases Manguirish Pai Raiker writes about the new legislations brought in to bring prosperity to the farming community

58 Uncomplicate Business

Sunil Dias writes on whether flattery is acceptable in one’s business and the kind of flattery needed to make a good impression

06 Editorial 08 Corpo Scan 22 Tourism 26 Goan Brand 30 Enterprise 40 Campus 40 BookShelf 41 StartUp 46 NewBiz 50 Biz Bytes 51 Organisations 60 Bon Appétit 61 Hospitality 62 Newsmakers 62 BG Quiz Cover Pic: Aliston Dias

04 | Business Goa industry Dossier | october 2020

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editorial Explore New Avenues october 2020 Publisher & Editor Harshvardhan Bhatkuly Co-Publisher & Group Head Urvija Bhatkuly Advisory Board Datta Damodar Naik Ralph de Sousa Rajiv D’Silva Swapnil Kamat Business Head Annalise Gouveia Chief Reporter Sybil Rodrigues Admin & Accounts Ashok Kolvekar Distribution & Logistics Mayur Santinezkar Contributors in this Issue Ameya Nayak Daniel Albuquerque Delano Furtado Kishore M Shah Manguirish Pai Raiker Dr Pradeep Salgaonkar Sunil Dias V B Prabhu Verlekar Editorial, Advertising & Administrative Office

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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.

As per a survey that we have been conducting over the last 3 months, certain ideas have emerged that are pointing Goa in the direction of the future. These pointers are expressions from stakeholders who are keen that Goa’s economic opportunities could well be explored beyond its otherwise well known ‘bread-earning’ sectors – mining and tourism.

Mining has been crippled by legal skirmishes; and has since been banned by the highest court of the land, while covid-19 has severely impacted the prospects of the tourism industry. This exercise does not take away the importance of the two pillars of Goa’s economy – we are simply exploring new avenues that could buttress the financial system and fill in the void that has been created by the loss of revenue from mining and tourism.

Startups: In 2018, a big promise was made with a lot of fanfare – to turn Goa into a ‘startup hub’ of India. This promise had found favour with a lot of pink papers across the country – which believed that barring a few infrastructural glitches like electricity and broadband speed, the State was ideally suited to attract national and international talent to set up their ventures. We could have very well been the Silicon Valley of India. Sadly, our actions and promises made at events and conferences did not see a forward movement.

Logistics Hub: the new airport coming up at Mopa can be an ideal avenue for a logistics hub. Goa’s output from the pharmaceutical sector can fuel the logistics activity. Slowly, other industries can feed this source. Besides, Goa could also look at business from industrial hubs of Southern Maharashtra and North Karnataka to truly get the logistics vertical going.

Hardware Cluster: The Chief Minister, at a local industry event, spoke passionately about the technology or hardware cluster

Harshvardhan Bhatkuly

that is coming up at Tuem Industrial Estate.

With the new airport located close by, and if the State can attract big names in the electronics and hardware business – and retain them and their interest in Goa, it is a no-brainer that this route can help in the economic resurrection of the State – and create jobs, as well.

Education: Although Goa has been best suited to create world class educational hubs, we have not been able to pull this off.

The government could work closely with private players, who have a proven track record of running successful educational institutions – and overturn this impasse.

I’m reminded of the conversation that I had with ad guru Prahlad Kakkar, who believed that an education hub would also help in tourism of the State – not only fron visiting parents and family; but also from the alumni who would return back to the State, after forging a bond with its natural beauty, beaches and hinterland.

Goa’s economic challenge is peculiar.

Ours is a small State with a small population – that is sensitive about demographic, societal or environmental change. We can’t wish that away. It is important that whatever economic revival measures that the policy makers are toying with, they have to tick the above boxes – or else, we run the risk of unnecessary agitations and social strife. It is pertinent to note that big infrastructure or ecologically sensitive projects are bound to face opposition from civil society.

The above suggestions are not out of the world. Neither is this the first time that they are being talked about or shared as ideas. It is important for Goa to shake off its inertia and hubris from what was once an economy fueled by its loyal sectors.

The rules of the game have clearly changed. Just like everyone and sundry says that you have to live with Covid; we have to also live with the economic impact of the virus – and find new avenues to thrive in a challenging business climate

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

06 | Business Goa industry Dossier | october 2020

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Corpo Scan

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Goa Government announces program to make villages self-reliant Goa government has announced its ambitious programme to increase economic activities and make every village in the State self-reliant by “harnessing resources available within the area”.

Under the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat Swayampoorna Goa’ initiative, benefits of all the State and Central Government schemes will be brought to the doorsteps of people, Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant said.

“As part of the programme, government officers, teachers

and students will reach out to each and every village panchayat to ensure that every village becomes selfreliant, harnessing the available resources within the area,” explained Dr Sawant.

The programme will be implemented in three phases of one year each; beginning from October 2, 2020 and culminating on October 2, 2023. “Besides government officers, teachers and students, who will be called ‘Swayampoorna Mitra’, would also be involved in the programme which

British charters not to land in Goa till mid-December

In a major setback for Goa’s tourism industry, British charters will not be flying to the State this season owing to rapid increase in COVID-19 cases. If the situation prevails, stakeholders apprehend that Russian charter tourists might also hold back their entry into Goa and instead route to other countries.

TUI Airways, the only company bringing in UK tourists to Goa, has decided to cancel holidays from the origin country, at least till mid-December 2020.

TUI’s letter to the Goa government informs that the group has cancelled their package travel programmes to Goa up to and including December 18, 2020.

“The health and safety of our customers and colleagues is always our highest priority, and we will continue to closely monitor the situation regarding future departures, whilst working with the UK Government in relation to future travel advice and

the development of rates of infection in India,” the letter further said.

The agency will update the authorities in Goa on possible resumption of operations.

Goa had two companies bringing charters from the UK but with the sudden closure of Thomas Cook around two years ago, TUI increased their number of flights from four per week to five. However, with the latest development and Government of India delaying opening of airports for international movement, tourism in Goa could be further hit, at least in the first half of the tourist season.

President of Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) Nilesh Shah said that the Association is following up the matter with the State government. “We have been doing a continuous follow up with the Goa government requesting them to do a follow up the matter with the MHA to allow us to operate air bubble for tourism specific

08 | Business Goa industry Dossier | october 2020

will provide benefits of all the State and Central government schemes to village panchayats,” he said.

Under the programme, there would be skill mapping of the population and resource identification of villages to ensure that every village becomes self-sustainable, he stated. “We want to eradicate poverty from every village.

This is possible if locals and the State Government come together. We are expecting co-operation from you all,” the Chief Minister said in a video address to the State.

The programme will be banking on the data collected by various government agencies about social and economic assets and liabilities of each of the village, he said.

The Chief Minister said that private industrial sector would also be encouraged under this programme by facilitating ease of doing business. As a part of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat Swayampoorna Goa’, training programmes will be conducted during the entire year for people to enhance their skills

Centre leads the way for crackdown on illegal hotels, accommodations

Giving a shove to the State’s persistent efforts to weed out unlicensed operators in the local hospitality trade, the Centre has now made it compulsory for all hotels offering rooms and accommodation to register on an online portal under the National Integrated Database of Hotel Industry (NIDHI) Scheme.

The NIDHI Scheme by the Ministry of Tourism, New Delhi, aims at creation of a national database of accommodation in the country.

It is across States and for all types of tourist accommodations such as hotels, resorts, bedand-breakfast, home stays, timeshare units, apartment hotels and tented accommodation.

As per NIDHI scheme, all accommodation units

have to register and upload their data in the central cloud portal, hotelcloud.nic.in to provide the tourism ministry with a central database of all classified and unclassified accommodation units.

Goa Tourism has already bulk loaded 3,094 accommodation providers of the State in the portal. It has asked hotels and other accommodation providers to visit the online portal and make necessary changes regarding information about their unit in the portal.

‘Unlicensed hotels are a plague to the tourism industry in the State’, according to stakeholders such as the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) and the Small Hoteliers Association.

Towards licensing all hotels, the State has amended the Goa Registration of Tourist Trade (Amendment)

purpose from Russia and UK. In fact, our Chief Minister has already written a letter to the MHA placing our request.

He has also approached the Ministry of Civil Aviation.

But unfortunately, the Central Government has not taken a final decision on opening of airports and allowing free flow of international flights,”

he said.

TTAG is however expected a low international tourist season with second wave of COVID-19 hitting some parts of Europe and several visitors likely to postpone their plans for visit to other countries. Domestic tourism could prove a boom, Shah said

Corpo Scan

GST Council divided on compensation to States The GST Council has decided to extend the surcharge on taxes over luxury goods such as cars, and tobacco products beyond June 2022, but has been unable to come up with a general agreement on ways to compensate States for loss of tax revenue.

The panel, which decides on tax rates and structure after 17 Central and State taxes such as excise duty and VAT were subsumed into Goods and Services Tax, will meet again in midOctober to talk about the state compensation issue, Union Finance Minister Nirmala

Sitharaman informed after an eight-hour meeting.

The Council was divided on political lines, with 10 States ruled by non-BJP and its supporting parties, opposing the Centre’s proposal of

states borrowing to meet the shortfall in receipts.

The State compensation issue appears headed for voting in the Council, with the option chosen by majority States being implemented.

When the GST was introduced in July 2017, States were promised 14 per cent incremental revenue over their last tax receipts in the first five years of GST rollout. This was to be done through a levy of a cess or surcharge on luxury goods, but the collections on this count have fallen short with the slowdown in the economy

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since the last fiscal year.

To make up for this, the Centre has suggested that the States can borrow against future compensation receipts.

Sitharaman said 21 States have accepted one of the two borrowing options suggested by the Centre; but 10 States have not agreed to the same.

The Kerala Finance Minister said 10 States, mostly ruled by Congress and Left, want the Centre to borrow and give the money to States.

Sitharaman said the GST Council has agreed to extend the levy of compensation cess beyond five years

Indo-American Chamber of Commerce - Goa chapter launched With a strategic location, access to seas, rail connectivity and upcoming hubs for industry and marine facilities, Goa is ready to bring exportled growth to India, according to Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant Dr Sawant was speaking at the inauguration of the Goa chapter of the IndoAmerican Chamber of Commerce (IACC) in Panaji.

The bilateral forum aims to promote stronger ties in trade and commerce between India and the United States.

“We have the seaport and railways within 40kms of the airport, providing the right recipe to increase trade and investment and export-led growth. Good air quality, pleasant weather and constant upgrades to our infrastructure also make it a good place to live and work”, the Chief Minister said.

Dr Sawant heaped praise on IACC at the inauguration of a Goan chapter, saying it would enhance business opportunities for the State and the nation. “The launch of an IACC chapter in Goa will give an opportunity to our businessmen and industries to work together and facilitate economic, social and cultural ties between our two countries”, Dr Sawant added.

Saurabh Shah, Vice President of West India Council, IACC; Purnachandra Rao, National President of IACC; Dr Pramod Sawant (Chief Minister of Goa); and Naushad Panjwani, Regional President of West India Council, IACC at the launch of Goa Chapter of IACC

At the event, Dr Sawant painted a picture of the new avenues that the State had adopted to promote trade and ease of doing business. “My government will focus on setting up education hubs for knowledge-based industries, entertainment hubs, IT campuses and startup promotion policies. We are also enabling a red carpet and single window clearance for companies who would come in using the 100% FDI route.”

He also said that he expected a lot of business to come through from IT-enabled companies, manufacturing and ancillary units. “We expect a lot of investment to come through knowledge process outsourcing, the IT industry, focusing on the consulting developing, designing and

10 | Business Goa industry Dossier | october 2020

animation services. We also hope for more manufacturing tie-ups with the upcoming greenfield electronic manufacturing cluster (at Tuem), close to the new State airport (Mopa) – the best electronic product and component manufacturing units and ancillary units in areas like surveillance electronics, defence, consumer electronics and toys.”

“Goa is already the tourism capital of India, and I don’t see why it can’t become one of the top-five such destinations in the world. If it works on the ease of travelling, alongside the ease of doing business, it will become a hub for both hospitality and industry in the nation”, added Naushad Panjwani, Regional President of the West India Council,

IACC.

Dr Sawant joined Purnachandra Rao, National President of the IACC and Panjwani as they inaugurated the Goan chapter for IACC. The Consul Generals from the Indian Consulates for Houston, New York and Atlanta – Aseem Mahajan, Randhir Jaiswal and Dr Swati Kulkarni joined hands with them virtually for the occasion.

The event saw industry captains coming together for the launch of IACC’s Goa Chapter.

The occasion also became a backdrop for the inking of an MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) of cooperation between the Goan Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the new IACC branch

cover Story Rajkumar Kamat Executive Director, BNI Goa Region speaks about the sensational take off, struggle and success of BNI, on the occasion of its completion of 10 glorious years in Goa

Rajkumar Kamat / executive director, bni goa region

Pic: Aliston Dias

the rainmaker B

By ameya nayak

NI (Business Network International), known to be the world’s leading business networking and referral organisation, has also achieved tremendous strides in India – becoming India’s largest and most successful business networking organisations, as well. With core objectives of offering the best business opportunities, contact sharing and business referrals, BNI Goa strives to enable its members to thrive in the business scenario by

building relationships and creating a well thought-out and compassionate system of giving and receiving business referrals.

Narayan Bandekar, Chairman, NRB Group receives the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ at the hands of then Chief Minister of Goa, Manohar Parrikar at Goa Biz Fest 2018. Also seen in photo is Rajkumar Kamat, Executive Director, BNI GOA Region

12 | Business Goa industry Dossier | october 2020

Genesis of BNI Goa It was way back in 2008-2009 that Rajkumar Kamat was asked by GSIA (Goa State Industries Association) to form and Chair the Micro Industries Development Cell, wherein problems faced by micro industries were discussed at large. Paperwork and marketing were identified

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as key issues; following which there were proposals made to the Government to reduce paperwork, while also identifying consultants to help micro entrepreneurs in the State.

At this point, a decision was taken to strengthen the marketing aspect through improvements in the price preference rate contract system of the Government and Rajkumar was invited on the board of GHRSSIDC, which happened to be the nodal agency procuring items manufactured by the micro industries for Government Departments.

With positive support from the Board and Managing Director Nikhil Desai, some headway was made; however, Rajkumar realised that the results were not commensurate with the efforts that had been put in, which in turn led to the idea of targeting the private market segment.

During one of his trips to Pune in 2009, Rajkumar, for the first time, was invited to a BNI meeting. He stood absolutely mesmerized by what he saw – entrepreneurs coming together and helping each other elevate their businesses through passing of referrals and recommendations. It was at this juncture, that Rajkumar realised that ‘this’ is exactly what he was seeking for Goa! BNI encompassed all sectors – not just manufacturing, which GSIA laid focus on.

Thereafter, Rajkumar got in touch with the BNI India National Director, following which there was a detailed discussion and training that he received in October 2009. Knowing that this entire process would entail substantial allocation of time, Rajkumar, who himself is the Founder and Managing Director of EP Kamat Group, decided to switch his own business into auto mode; and from December 2009 onwards, worked towards the

Parag Loliyekar and Andre Shackleton, Deputy Area Directors for South & North Goa, respectively with Rajkumar Kamat

launch of the BNI chapter in Goa. About four months later, Aparant, the first chapter of BNI in Goa was launched in April 2010.

Growth Trajectory Having launched BNI Aparant in April 2010, Rajkumar recollects sitting

with members speaking about their growing business, sharing learning experiences, bonding with families and generally enjoying their journey. This is when, his close friend Arch. Devadutta Borkar, who was based in Margao, pushed him towards the idea of starting a BNI

bni goa: the performance matrix

The premiere chapter of BNI in Goa, Aparant is the largest chapter, as of end September 2020 with 82 members.

The second BNI chapter, BNI Mathgram brought laurels to Goa Region by pole vaulting to 7th position in the All India Chapter Traffic Lights.

The other BNI chapters in Goa – Dynamic, Champions, Elegance, Mandovi, Samudra, Titans, Gateway, Odyssey, Synergy, Tycoons and Coastal Stars, too have been growing in varying degrees.

In addition, despite the Lockdown situation prevailing across the globe this year, BNI Goa members have generated business at a level of a whopping 70% in comparison to the previous year.

BNI Goa has further touched the magnificent figure of 1500 Crores with respect to cumulative business, wherein 1000 Crores out of this figure

has been generated over the past four years. The average thus stands at a handsome 50 Lakhs per annum, per member.

Presently, BNI Goa has 568 members from 13 different chapters and is moving at a fast pace towards achievement its goal of reaching 1000+ members by end of 2020. There are new chapters that are being launched in North and South Goa – at Porvorim, Ponda, Sanvordem, Mapusa, besides 2 other unique chapters.

The goal by end of 2021 is to generate a business of Rs.8.5 Lakhs per member, per month. This works out to about One Crore per member, per annum.

BNI Goa envisions a process of growth within its members coupled with new businesses that will create new job opportunities for more than 10000 people in Goa by end of 2022

chapter in South Goa – a decision that Rajkumar had been postponing, considering the time involvement.

At one of the Chapter Meetings, Manoj Patil, the first President of BNI Aparant chapter, invited the then Leader of Opposition and Goa’s dynamic and visionary leader, Late Manohar Parrikar as a special guest. Parrikar, upon witnessing the events of the meeting, stood thoroughly impressed by BNI’s positive energy, transparency and potential that made him suggest taking BNI to every corner of Goa, thereby giving every interested entrepreneur an opportunity to grow their business by joining the network. Rajkumar says, “While we knew that there was scope for the growth of BNI in Goa, the requisite push and vision to make it happen was provided by Late Manohar ‘bhayee’ Parrikar!”

According to Rajkumar, from this point onwards, there was no looking back!

Arch. Borkar took on the responsibility of launching the BNI chapter in the South, while Ajay Gramopadhye took the task to mentor the new chapter and that is how BNI Mathgram was launched in February 2011, in Margao.

Thereafter, in 2012, Rajkumar’s good friend, guide and BNI mentor, Murali Srinivasan, District Director, visited Goa and mentored them in the formation of the Regional Team which would work on expanding the number of chapters and supporting entrepreneurs to grow their businesses.

Rajkumar says, “It is at this time, that we, the BNI Team, brainstormed and created a vision of helping 1000+ entrepreneurs generate New Business of 1000+ Crores per annum thereby creating employment for 10000+ people”. We have been moving towards this vision steadily but have now accelerated the pace in this 10th Anniversary Year.”

october 2020 | Business Goa industry Dossier | 13

Cover story Values and Ideals BNI’s core philosophy is “Givers Gain” which happens to be an extension of the universal phenomenon of ‘what goes around comes around.’

That aside, BNI’s seven core values include: Positive Attitude, Lifelong Learning, Supportive Relationship, Tradition, Innovation, Accountability and Recognition. Their members are initiated into this system through continuous trainings and education.

Every activity that is carried out in BNI including the weekly meetings, further these core values, and ‘givers’ are recognized all along the way.

At the end of the day, every BNI member, in each chapter, works continuously towards identifying business opportunities for their fellow members. Rajkumar clarifies that with everyone working on more or less the same attitude of giving, everyone benefits.

According to Rajkumar, as supportive relationships develop within the network, entrepreneurs get deeply involved with the social aspects, as well. BNI therefore, becomes a complete package of business, fun, close support system and learning, besides of course, personal growth and evolution. All these benefits occur in different degrees based on the participation of the individual entrepreneur member in following the basics of BNI. “I believe the genuine desire of the BNI Team in Goa to support entrepreneurs and the unique system in place which ingrains the lofty core values, which have been enumerated, has been responsible for the organization thriving over the last 10 years,” exclaims Rajkumar.

The Dream Team Though Rajkumar may have sown the seeds of BNI in Goa and has been overseeing its overall progress in the State,

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Team BNI with Chief Minister Dr.Pramod Sawant and Chief Mentor Dr.Jagat Shah at the Launch of Vibrant Goa Summit in December 2018

Vibrant Goa GLOBAL Expo & Summit 2019: Putting Goa on the World’s Map

BNI Goa prides itself to be the nursery that sowed the seed of the Vibrant Goa Expo and Summit 2019, that was thought of by Late Manohar Parrikar and fully supported by the current decisive and dynamic Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant – and later became part of the wider organisation, the Vibrant Goa Foundation.

BNI Goa is indeed proud to have always been in line with their core philosophy, “Givers Gain” which they readily expanded beyond barriers of BNI, with the objective to involve the entire business community from across the State, to the Vibrant Goa Foundation.

Rajkumar wholeheartedly thanks the Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant, scientist Dr. Raghunath Mashelkar, Shrinivas Dempo, Dr. Jagat Shah, Manoj Caculo, Nitin Kunkolienkar, Anil Counto and various other industry tycoons and professional/ trade organizations from Goa and the entire business community – GCCI, GTA, IID, GMA, IIA, IIE, GPMA, TTAG, FSAI, GOA HR Forum, SKAL International Goa, National Institute of Personnel Management; besides the academia headed

by Prof. Varun Sahni, Vice Chancellor, Goa University, with whose indefatigable

(LtoR) Rajkumar Kamat, Meena Srinivasan (Chief Digital Officer), Mac Srinivasan (Global Markets President), Dr Pramod Sawant (Chief Minister, Goa), Graham Weihmiller (Chairman & CEO BNI Global), Atul Joglekar (Head, India Operations), Nimisha Kamat Nadkarni and Shreyash Nadkarni (ED, BNI Hubli Dharwad) at the Vibrant Goa Summit

BNI Goa has been nurtured and grown by many of its passionate BNI stalwarts, who have enthusiastically volunteered their valuable time, experience and efforts to bring it to the level that it

14 | Business Goa industry Dossier | october 2020

has reached today.

The North and South Goa regions of BNI are being led by Andre Shackleton and Parag Loliyekar, respectively; and are ably supported by Arch.

Devadutta Borkar, Arman

support, the Team was able to bring to fructification, the marquee event that focussed on boosting business in Goa. Moreover, Rajkumar also expresses his profound gratitude to Graham Weihmiller, Chairman and CEO; Mac Shrinivasan, Global Markets President, besides the entire leadership at BNI at the National as well as State level, who were nothing but compassionate of any requests from their side.

He also believes that the volunteering culture of BNI and Jaycee members and whole hearted support from the Goa Government, played a key role in the successful execution of the event Bankley, Ajay Gramopadhye, Valerine Fernandes, Anand Chatterji; and a host of other commendable leaders.

Prior to this, BNI Goa has witnessed the unrelenting contribution of Rasik Naik, Manoj Patil, Vinay Verma, Dinesh Dhulapkar, Rohit Mehta and Nimisha Kamat Nadkarni, who is Rajkumar’s daughter – all of who have substantially guided the growth of BNI Goa from its very inception to a membership base of about 500+ people and were well supported by more than 30+ Directors and Ambassadors.

Simultaneously, BNI Goa has also been actively organizing various programs

@businessgoa BNI Regional Team with Rajkumar Kamat

and events – all of which are aimed at business growth through the medium of learning and networking.

Adding Value It is indeed a commendable feat that BNI Goa, besides providing a platform for business growth to Entrepreneurs and employment to the community, also develops more than 100 leaders every year for the commune, as well. The term of a Chapter Leadership team is 6 months, wherein BNI organizes ‘Member’s Day’ or an Awards Night where outstanding contributors and leaders are recognised. This also includes entertainment, bonding and learning activities where speakers across various sectors are invited to offer valuable and critical inputs to entrepreneurs.

From 2015, BNI Goa started organizing the ‘Goa Biz Fest’ thereby offering learning, networking and growth opportunities to not just BNI members but other Goan entrepreneurs, as well. This Fest involved participation from various prominent industries, organisations as well as Government Departments wherein ace speakers namely Arokiaswamy Velumani, Founder and Chairman of Thyrocare; Ajai Chowdhry, co-founder, HCL Technologies; to others street smart Dabbawalas, Auto Anna – left the delegates

The Mathgram Chapter Leadership Team which pole vaulted the Chapter to Top 10 in India.

L to R: Mudit Agarwal (LVH), Zulfikar Khan (President), Gourish Dessai (Vice President) and Mansoor Halyal (Secretary/Teasurer)

spellbound! It did not stop there. Later, in February 2018, BNI Goa organized a three-day Goa Biz Fest which witnessed participation from organizations such as FSAI, GTA, IIIA and many others.

During the course of one of the sessions at the fest, Goa’s then Chief Minister, Late Manohar Parrikar, also shared

his vision for the future of Goa. Rajkumar recollects how the session had a long lasting impact, but to his dismay, Parrikar, was diagnosed for a life threatening illness, a week later.

BNI GIVER OF THE DECADE (GOA, NORTH)

BNI GIVER OF THE DECADE (GOA SOUTH)

Room for Growth While the 10 year old journey of BNI in Goa has been a

MANOJ PATIL

ARCH. DEVDATTA BORKAR

BNI APARANT

BNI MATHGRAM

FIRST PRESIDENT

FIRST PRESIDENT

super success, there have been a few limitations, here and there. Commenting on the BNI expedition in Goa, Rajkumar says, “So far, the BNI Journey in Goa has been quite exciting. We have completed one cycle of the ‘Start-Grow-Stabilize’ and are on the cusp of the second growth cycle. Considering the disruptions happening all around us, including the pandemic, I believe we need to be agile, responsive and target explosive growth.” The stabilization phase of BNI in Goa, in the past 4 years, has seen their 500+ members generate business of more than 1000 Crores. The goal here is to help more than 1000 entrepreneurs reach an average business of Rs.1 Crore per annum, with regards to business generation through BNI alone.

Rajkumar goes on to elaborate on various actions that are currently being worked upon. These actions include: a. Use of Technology – BNI Global has been innovating and making thing easier through use of latest technology. BNI has now shifted to online mode for conducting meetings, owing to the Lockdown.

The BNI ‘Business Builder’ app is also in the pipeline and is intended to make a debut this month. This will further make exchange of business referrals among BNI members easier across the globe thereby expanding

october 2020 | Business Goa industry Dossier | 15

Cover story the potential for ‘Business Beyond Boundaries.’ b. Focus on Startups and Millennials – BNI Goa has, by far, worked primarily on seasoned businesses for membership. However, with the Indian entrepreneurial system going ablaze with more and more ambitious and passionate startups and millennials, they wish to consciously extend their services to this exciting group, as well. c. Social Contribution – BNI Goa has been working on multiple fronts in terms of social contribution and in the days ahead, they wish to provide extended focus to helping Self Help Groups (SHGs) to market their products. Through this, BNI Goa wishes to go further and execute their mission of ‘Employment Generation Through Entrepreneurial Growth’.

Goa Focus Considering the fact that BNI in Goa has, so far, had a phenomenal journey and intends to take it to new heights, Rajkumar highlights certain areas of business that according to him, require more focus and harnessing.

He says, “Considering the literacy level in Goa, with large number of knowledge workers and the creative culture of Goa, including dance, music, dramatics, among others, I believe, going forward, the State should focus on making Goa a Creative Hub. Of course, all the existing industries should continue to be encouraged, but a special

business-goa

Chairman of Regional Board of Advisors, Anand Chatterjee with Board Members. L to R: Manoj Patil, Vinay Verma, Anirudh Walawalkar, Anand Chatterjee, Rasik Naik and Dinesh Dhulapkar (Arch. Rita Mody Joshi and Ajay Gramopadhye not in the picture)

bni cares: help in times of crisis

BNI Goa undertook various relief activities including ration packets and cooked meals on daily basis to migrants, workers and the needy; as well as to stray animals – in a bid to support the community during the pandemic lockdown.

BNI Goa Members also provided hand washes and floor cleaners, paper plates, tissues and paper cups to Quarantine Centres at TB Hospital and ESI Hospital, Margao. BNI Goa and Vibrant Goa Foundation also gave 1025 PPE Kits to the Health Department of Goa, for frontline warriors.

Put together, BNI Members were on a mission to do their best to help the

needy, especially to those affected worst, during the pandemic lockdown. Their efforts included 1,80,000+ cooked food packets, 7,000+ ration kits, fed stray animals, helped stranded people, reached out to people who needed assistance, besides the PPE Kits.

Every Chapter has been contributing on its own to different community causes which have reached out to them for support.

“Going forward, we at BNI propose to engage with the Self Help Groups & Individual Service Providers and help them markets their products and services,” says Rajkumar as he speaks about the ‘BNI Cares’ initiative

conscious focus needs to be beamed on encouragement to education, entertainment, tech startups and research and development. I strongly believe that these sectors would help in productively utilizing natural passion and aptitude of the Goan youth,

thereby helping Goa to flower into a ‘Creative Hub’ based economy.

Finally, speaking of his wish-list for the Government of Goa to encourage the entrepreneurial ecosystem and rope in State support is concerned, Rajkumar says

16 | Business Goa industry Dossier | october 2020

that the State currently needs to prioritize on 3 main aspects of business: 1. ‘Ease of Doing Business’ in the real sense. “I believe the Chief Minister has already taken action after 7 months of working on handling the pandemic,” says Rajkumar.

2. Implementing the ‘Vocal for Local’ policy wherein there needs to be a system where the State Government could maximise purchases, contracts and services from professionals, industries, contractors, and vendors from Goa itself. He says, “We do not require any complicated mechanism but a simple system which also ensures that the government does not have to overspend because of this. This can be worked out,” he adds.

3.

Focus attention on making Goa a ‘Creative Hub’.

The ten year long journey of BNI in Goa has made a strong impact on the entrepreneurial ecosysytem.

From here on, it looks to build on the strengths achieved over the decade www.businessgoa.in

focus goa / industry

www.businessgoa.in

GSIA president calls out on Government’s inaction to help industry

Damodar Kochkar, President of Goa State Industries Association, has commented that the Government has kept industry at the bottom of its priority list and instead of providing financial assistance; the Government is putting more hurdles by introducing legislative amendments during these difficult times

G

By sybil rodrigues

oa State Industries Association President Damodar Kochkar attacked the lukewarm attitude of the State Government and has accused the Chief Minister of forgetting his promise.

Damodar Kochkar stated that he wasn’t surprised to see Goa slip down to the 24th rank in the recent ‘Ease of Doing Business’ (EoDB) rankings and much as the Chief Minister had reacted to their concerns and announced that he would fix a meeting with the stakeholders once he was out of isolation, in order to address the issue; he has forgotten about it like all other political assurances.

Kochkar further added that the CM did call him midSeptember but there was no further action from his end.

“It looks like industry is also at the bottom of his priority list.” In the latest EoDB ranking Goa slipped from 19 to 24 in the all India list.

The GSIA president went on to add that the industry is currently struggling to survive in this pandemic, as the market is down, there is shortage of manpower and raw materials, payments are not coming in time, employees are getting infected

by COVID; and there is loss of working man hours.

“It is becoming extremely difficult for Goan MSMEs to make ends meet. We are

struggling to pay salaries, bank premiums and interests.

We were expecting this government to support us

“It is becoming extremely difficult for Goan MSMEs to make ends meet.

We are struggling to pay salaries, bank premiums and interests. We were expecting this government to support us during these difficult times.

Now forget about giving any financial assistance; on the contrary the government is bent on to make our life more miserable. It looks like all our shouts are falling on deaf ears” Damodar Kochkar

President, Goa State Industries Assoc.

18 | Business Goa industry Dossier | october 2020

during these difficult times.

Now forget about giving any financial assistance; on the contrary, the Government is bent on to make our life more miserable. It looks like all our shouts are falling on deaf ears,” Kochkar said.

Last year during the launch of Vibrant Goa, the Chief Minister had announced that anyone who wants to start a business in Goa will get all required permissions and approvals immediately and they can start businesses within a month. He had also spoken about sharpening powers of the Investment Promotion Board (IPB) to make it more effective and deliver what it was supposed to do, but this has turned out to be one more hurdle.

Kochkar is infuriated over inaction from the government, and said “The Chief Minister also had announced other support in various other forums like reducing of raw water supply rates, improving of e-governance, infrastructural improvements etc. None of the above has happened so far and on the contrary this government is adding more hurdles like bringing out amendments to Industrial Dispute Act, Factories & Boilers Act, which is absolutely not necessary in these times.”

“I really fail to understand

what this government is really up to. Already mining and tourism industries have come to standstill. Do they want to chase away manufacturing industries also?” Kochkar asked in exasperation

GIDC Chairman Glenn Ticlo addresses media; says, “need freedom for improvement; interference from Department has made it difficult for me to work”

T

he Goa Industrial Corporation Development (GIDC) Chairman, Glenn Ticlo, recently called for a press conference to address various issues mainly on account of reports doing rounds in the media wherein GSIA President Damodar Kochkar who is also a GIDC board member levelled corruption allegations against GIDC. Ticlo expressed his shock and surprised as he went on to elaborate on allegations made wherein he mentioned that GIDC was accused of fixing prices for allotment of plots. Ticlo further said, “I do not know what corruption Kochkar is speaking of and him being an active member and President of GSIA, if he

@businessgoamagazine

feels that there are issues like these present then he must raise them with the Board which can then be discussed and deliberated upon at the Board meetings.”

Ticlo further spoke of issuing a show cause notice to Kochkar to justify his allegation against GIDC as this was an unacceptable act. He said, “There must be some truth in the statements you make. I would like to ask Kochkar, what corruption he is talking about. If any corrupt acts exist, it is he who must ensure that there is no corruption as Kochkar himself is one of the members of the screening committee responsible for allotment of plots.” He clarified that in order to allot plots; there is a point system to which anyone can object strongly.

Ticlo also stated that if Kochkar is not fit, he must not be a member of the GIDC. He further said, “I am wondering

“After Parrikar, our dynamic current CM and Industry Minister stepped in. However, I need my own freedom to work to bring improvement.

There is too much interference from the Industries Department which is making it difficult for me to work” Glenn Ticlo

GIDC Chairman / MLA, Aldona

whether Kochkar is against the GIDC Board, the GIDC Chairman, and Chief Minister or against the Government itself.”

Speaking of what steps Ticlo had taken to enhance transparency in GIDC, he said that he has already started looking into everything wherever anything wrong is happening and GIDC has launched online services, however, very few units are coming forward to utilise these services.

In this regard, Ticlo also said that he was not getting any support from the Government and it was becoming tougher and tougher for him to operate smoothly. Ticlo also went on to say that he never received any support after the former Chief Minister of Goa Manohar Parrikar fell ill. He said, “After Parrikar, our dynamic current Chief Minister and Industry Minister stepped

in. However, I need my own freedom to work to bring improvement. There is too much interference from the Industries Department which is making it difficult for me to work”

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focus goa / hospitality

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Opening up of 5-Star Resorts and Hotels in Goa Stakeholders in the hotel industry speak about the opening up of their resorts for tourism and safety measures put in place to welcome tourists

I

By sybil rodrigues

t’s time to celebrate as India’s ultimate sun, sand and party destination has opened up for travel with a new fervour. One no longer needs to get tested for COVID-19 on arrival.

There is no need to provide a negative certificate or isolate oneself, either. There will be no restrictions on inter-state travel as well; and hence an e-pass to drive to Goa will no longer be necessary.

The State has also opened up bars, with all the necessary precautions such as social distancing, wearing masks and temperature checks.

Restaurants and cafés have been open already; and hotels are back in business, too.

Chief Minister, Dr Pramod Sawant has stated that social distancing norms and MHA guidelines will have to be followed in Goa. Meanwhile, Goa Tourism is working on a plan with its tourism stakeholders to help build a suitable recovery plan for the tourism sector and ensure that they emerge stronger after this crisis. It may be recalled that last year more than seven million tourists had visited Goa.

Even though the hospitality industry has reopened and five star hotels and resorts have thrown open its doors, there are a host of changes that have been observed. It would not be wrong to say that the

post-COVID world will have some landmark changes in the social behaviour of people. People will be more apprehensive of their hygiene wherever they go. Therefore the hospitality industry needs to keep abreast to cater to these changes of the postCOVID world.

Guitry Velho, General Manager, Heritage Village Resort & Spa, says that it’s a very good step on the part of the government to open up the borders so that tourists could travel to Goa. On the tourism front, Guitry says “The industry has gone through zero revenues for the last 6 months. The recovery is going to be very slow. We don’t know

“The customer mindset, expectations as well as travel patterns have undergone a sea change post the pandemic”

Ricardo D’Lima

General Manager, Fortune Miramar

20 | Business Goa industry Dossier | october 2020

It’s time to celebrate as India’s ultimate sun, sand and party destination has opened up for travel with a new fervour.

One no longer needs to get tested for COVID-19 on arrival whether foreign tourists will be coming in this year. We have to be dependent on domestic tourism. We know that corporate movement is not going to happen; weddings have restrictions as far as numbers are concerned.

Basically, all the segments for hotels are going to be slow, what with jobs having been lost, hotels closing down and the recovery for hotels from such a disastrous situation is going to be long drawn out.”

On the traveler profile, Guitry adds, “We have seen people from Bombay, Pune, Bangalore, Mangalore and Kolhapur, driving down to Goa. However, the numbers are low. It’s a start but the demand for Goa is very less.”

“We have a personal sanitization panel, thermal

checks, oximeters, contactless check-ins, contactless checkouts, QR code menus, QR code newspapers, fogging of all public areas, sanitisation stations for the guests and PPE kits for all our staff. The safety of our guests and associates is of utmost importance to us,” he adds.

Guitry has hopes for the upcoming tourism season this year. “I do believe that the last quarter of the season may pick up depending upon the pro-active steps that the State Government takes, along with the Centre. Bringing in of charters tourists will be one of the most important steps to be able to have some kind of a tourism season. Also, domestic travelers will be the key for survival.”

Ricardo D’Lima, General Manager, Fortune Miramar, says that opening up the borders for tourism is a good first step taken by the government to help re-boot tourism in Goa. Ricardo says, “Safety with value is the new buzz words today. While family holidays to motorable destinations are in vogue the ‘work trend’ is seen revolving around safe staycations, bizcations, workcations, foodcations and schoolcations. The focal point is a safe and hygienic hotel that promises to extend everything from high speed internet, laundry services, and gourmet in-room dining, along with other amenities – from the confines of its guest rooms – to facilitate a relaxing getaway; or a working pad away from home in the lap of modern day comforts.”

Ricardo says that initially they experienced trickling occupancies at the hotel.

However, the pattern has now changed to healthier numbers. They currently host a mix of business travellers on weekdays, leisure guests on weekends and long

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“We have a very strong domestic tourism market and a consumer base. In the recent months, we have seen a surge in demand in the domestic markets close to Goa”

Vishal Singh

Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Goa

stayers. The coming months look brighter and more encouraging.

Fortune Miramar adheres to ‘Safe Stays at Fortune Hotels’ which is set on 10 pillars of safety and hygiene. It comprises an all-encompassing protocol and best practice adherence.

These are: Deep Cleaned and Sanitised Rooms, Safe Public Spaces, Social Distancing for Hospitality, F&B Hygiene and Safe Handling Procedures, Safe Meetings, Hygiene Check Stations, Trained and Sensitized Staff Members, Hygiene Code of Conduct, Emergency Response Protocol and No Contact Payments and bill settlements.

Speaking on staff strength, Riacrdo says, “With some realignment, we have tried to do our best to buffer the business impact and retain most of our staff members by placing them in various operational roles that are essential to maintain the highest standards of safety, security and hygiene of the hotel. Social distancing protocols are followed and 33% manpower report per shift.”

Ricardo is optimistic about the tourism season ahead. “We are expecting

more people to visit us during the festive season,” he says.

Saurabh Khanna, General Manager, The Park Calangute, Goa, says “We are pleased with the developments.

Though it would have been an ideal scenario to have some sort of testing on entry; but maybe the infrastructure and systems were not supporting that. By now, most people have understood that COVID is here to stay till there is a vaccination. So we have to live with it, along with all safety and hygiene precautions and run our workplaces accordingly.”

Saurabh maintains that this pandemic has made them more cautious with customer touch-points seeing uplift in technology. Contactless check-ins, check-outs and services in Front Office and use of QR codes in the restaurants. This is part of the new normal, now. But being a service industry the values and ethos will still remain the same.

Saurabh says that the response to the coming in of tourists has been good so far. “Both our Goa hotels – The Park Calangute and The Park Baga River, had started operations as soon as permissions were given in July. Initially the response was ok considering that

“As soon as the lockdown was announced, our entire management went back to the work-boards to create a SOP for the new normal” Saurabh Khanna The Park Calangute, Goa

people were wary of travel and were not confident about visiting hotels. But I feel it was important to restart operations, as an industry, to build confidence in people about safety and hygiene in hotels and in Goa as a holiday destination.”

“As soon as the lockdown was announced, our entire management went back to the work-boards to create a SOP for the “New Normal”.

In June, we launched a program called S.H.I.E.L.D (Sanitization, Hygiene, ISO Standard Equipment, Excellence, Luxury Redefined, Distancing),” say Saurabh.

As a company, we have always had a very strong focus on the domestic tourism market and it will definitely grow many bounds this year.

The first long weekend (2nd October weekend) of the tourism season was a busy one for many hotels and this is a promising start to the season,” adds Saurabh.

Vishal Singh, General Manager – Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Goa adds that right up from procurement to service; emphasis will be laid on the safety and hygiene of guest experiences. Communication will be adapted to the digital space to minimize point of contact. F&B offerings will include holistic wellness options for the conscious customer.

“We have a very strong domestic tourism market and a consumer base. In the recent months, we have seen a surge in demand in the domestic markets close to Goa. While all the modes of transport have re-opened, a majority of guests prefer driving down to Goa in private vehicles, what we like to call as Drivecations,” says Vishal.

“As the world steps into the new normal, Tajness – A Commitment Restrengthened – is a mark of assurance of our authentic Indian hospitality, with an added comfort of safety, hygiene and physical distancing. In addition, we have also partnered with

“The pandemic has affected tourism the most. The industry has gone through zero revenues for the last six months.

It has been at its worst for ever so long. The recovery is going to be very slow. We don’t know whether foreign tourists will be coming in this year. We have to be dependent on domestic tourism” Guitry Velho

Heritage Village Resort & Spa

leading organisations and experts in the domain of safety and hygiene to share best practices and to source highgrade protective equipment and disinfectants for use at our hotels. Physical touch has been replaced by a touch of safety with the introduction of I-ZEST: IHCL’s Zero-Touch Service Transformation,” explains Vishal.

In his optimism, Vishal says, “Goa is already the preferred choice when it comes to gaining confidence of travelers and operators for the coming months. We are expecting this to gain momentum which will only increase in the subsequent months, going forward,” Hotels are a vital part of the tourism product. They contribute to the overall tourism industry through the standards of facilities and services offered by them. With people seeking to get away for holidays after an extended lockdown, the industry will pick up slowly, steadily but surely

october 2020 | Business Goa industry Dossier | 21

focus goa / tourism

www.businessgoa.in

Tourism Masterplan and Tourism Policy for Goa shifts from Beaches to Heritage and new Tourism Master Plan and Tourism Policy elaborates on the major areas Hinterlands The that the State needs to focus on in order to bring quality tourists to Goa T By sybil rodrigues

he State Cabinet approved the Tourism Master Plan and Goa State Tourism Policy 2020, which focuses on nature–based tourism and cultural tourism as one of the many pillars for Goa to reinvent itself as a tourist destination.

This policy calls for creation of high-quality infrastructure and facilities which can help attract high-end tourists to Goa’s hinterland.

Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant made the announcement at a press conference that the State Cabinet has cleared the Tourism Master Plan and Goa Tourism Policy 2020, which was waiting to take shape for many years.

The 25-year vision document is the State’s first serious attempt to chalk out a systematic path for the tourism industry. The vision of the Policy is to make Goa the ‘most preferred destination’ around the year for high-spending tourists in India by 2024, and a ‘world class international tourism destination’ by 2030.

The Masterplan illustrates the path that Goa should take, emphasizing on its various attributes that have remained out of focus, as the State yielded huge profits by concentrating on its beaches.

The Policy further states that regeneration of beaches will also be taken up as many of the beaches in the Northern coastal belt have been exploited due to commercial activity and their conservation won’t be neglected, even while promoting coastal tourism. The Policy states that environmental sustainability shall be the key determinant for coastal tourism development.

The Policy also said that the State will pursue blue flag certification or its comparable standard.

A recent certification was opposed and Goa lost out

“So far, Goan beaches were an attraction for the tourists. In the Tourism Policy, which was approved by the Cabinet, we will promote ecotourism, hinterland tourism, adventure tourism, education tourism, sports tourism, coastal tourism, culture tourism, heritage tourism and nature based tourism”

Manohar Ajgaonkar Deputy CM / Tourism Minister

22 | Business Goa industry Dossier | october 2020

on the opportunity to receive the tag while other beaches in India qualified for the certification.

The document lists various aspects that Goa’s tourism sector should concentrate on.

The Masterplan is divided into six modules, including development of an action plan to implement previous modules.

Deputy Chief Minister Manohar ‘Babu’ Ajgaonkar, who holds the Tourism portfolio, said a Tourism Board comprising stakeholders and various experts would be formed under the Tourism Policy 2020. He said the Tourism Board will work out strategies for promotion and marketing of Goa Tourism worldwide.

“So far, Goan beaches were an attraction for the tourists.

In the Tourism Policy, which was approved by the Cabinet, we will promote eco-tourism, hinterland tourism, adventure tourism, education tourism, sports tourism, coastal tourism, culture tourism, heritage tourism and nature based tourism. We want to showcase the natural beauty of Goa to the tourists. As per the Tourism Master Plan, the Tourism Board will guide the government in developing

the required tourism infrastructure in the State,” the Minister said, adding that the government will develop the infrastructure through a public-private partnership model.

Ajgaonkar further stated that the government wants to promote a drug-free Goa among tourists and also wants ‘rich and quality tourists’ to visit the State. “We don’t want tourists who come to consume drugs and cook by the roadsides. The image of Goa is getting tarnished due to such types of tourists,” he said.

Ajgaonkar maintained that the government has already implemented stringent laws to tackle the nuisance created by hawkers on the beaches in the State, as well as against tourists who cook in public places. “We are imposing fines against such tourists. Those failing to pay the fine would be imprisoned,” the Minister warned.

Ajgaonkar also urged Police to act against tourists, who fail to adhere to COVID-19 guidelines including wearing of masks and maintaining physical distancing. “There is no vaccine or medicine so far.

The only medicine is to wear masks, maintain social distancing, and maintain personal safety. All have to follow this,” he said.

The Tourism Minister said the State Government will also seek financial assistance from the central government for developing tourism infrastructure in the state.

“Projects on public private partnership (PPP) would be encouraged,” he said, adding, “It is time to rebuild the tourism sector, which is hit hard due to the current pandemic.”

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Ajgaonkar said that the Cabinet has also approved a proposal for waiving off 50 per cent fees for beach shacks. “Due to COVID-19 pandemic, our shack owners have faced huge losses. Thus, the Government has decided to waive off their 50 per cent fee for beach shacks. This will help the shack owners revive their business during the upcoming tourist season,” he added.

Goa receives around 80 lakh tourists annually, with more than 8 lakh foreign arrivals. But over the last few years, the arrival of foreign tourists has dropped.

Charter arrivals too are dismal as the State has lost out to competition from Sri Lanka and South East Asian countries.

The Masterplan is expected to facilitate and streamline the development of tourism

in the State with significant focus on infrastructure development and raising the quality tourism related facilities and services, with an emphasis on sustainable tourism development over short, medium and long-term periods.

A stakeholder said that with the masterplan in place, GTDC will now not be able to incur mindless expenses on projects as the Tourism Board will have a final say.

Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) president Nilesh Shah said that the industry is happy that the government has finally come out with the Vision Document and Policy, but that some of their important suggestions haven’t found a place in the Policy.

Hotelier Francisco de Braganca, who was part of the consultative process for

Decision to fill Tourism Board with Government appointees irks stakeholders

While the tourism industry in Goa is elated over the implementation of the long awaited Tourism Policy, the government has received flak over the presence of majority of government appointees on the Goa Tourism Board.

Nilesh Shah, President of Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG), while pointing out regarding the government appointees on Board stated that the Tourism Board will not be industry driven and the CEO is a government appointee and not a professional, as was requested.

Savio Messias, the Immmediate Past President of TTAG has also voiced his concern over the absence of tourism experts while comparing the appointment to municipalities/panchayats.

“It is fully loaded with government bureaucrats and government appointees. You may have an excellent Policy but if the Board has no tourism experts but instead some political appointees; it would be a very ordinary body like

most other bodies. We have 12 government appointees and only 5 stakeholders, out of which 3 will have tenure of just one year. It sounds more like our municipalities and panchayats that have a rotation policy.”

Regarding this decision of the government, former TTAG President Francisco Braganca has called the Tourism Board a creation of another Tourism Department and Goa Tourism Development Corporation.

The shack operators, on the other hand, have urged to include them on to the Board. President of Shack Owners Welfare Society Cruz Cardozo said they will make a representation to the government to include one shack operator from each district on the Tourism Board. “Like other stakeholders, we also want to have our representation.

Shack operators in both districts have different issues and including us will give us a platform to bring to the fore our issues,” he said

the Tourism Master Plan, said that what they had envisaged under former CM Manohar Parrikar when the process for creating it started in 2014 is missing in the document.

Braganca said that the roles of Tourism Department, Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) and proposed Tourism Board are overlapping, and that the new exercise will not yield the desired results.

The 12-member Tourism Board, with the Tourism Minister as Chairman will also have representatives of government and industry.

A vice-chairman will be nominated by stakeholders.

Given the State’s glorious past, culture and heritage tourism needs to be marketed in a better way. The Policy states that conservation, regeneration and promotion of Goan culture and heritage

are one of the key initiatives.

Goa Tourism Board would identify essential infrastructure and public amenity requirements for identified tourism assets of historical and cultural importance.

The Masterplan and Policy seeks to encourage tourists to visit Goan villages, especially to explore traditional Goan houses. The Goa Tourism Board will have to designate villages conducive for development as tourism villages, which could have a focus on old Goan houses, handicrafts and Goan cuisine.

The Policy also recommends that mangrove swamps, freshwater crocodiles, adventure and sports tourism, spice plantations and agro farms, need to be encouraged in order to give the State’s tourism sector a much needed boost

Tourism infrastructure worth `24 crore to be created at Dudhsagar through central funding

The tourism season at Dudhsagar waterfall season was officially inaugurated at a function at Collem, in the presence of Rajya Sabha MP Vinay Tendulkar, PWD Minister Deepak Pauskar and other officials.

Due to heavy rains and the rising water level in the river, tourists will be ferried to Dudhsagar only after the rains and river water level reduces.

PWD Minister Pauskar said that tourists have been facing a lot of hardships at Dudhsagar due to the limited facilities available there. In order to address these difficulties, he stated that tourism at the waterfall will be promoted by developing tourism related infrastructure at Dudhsagar, which would be worth Rs 24 crore through funding from the Central government. He added that the infrastructure will include improvement of rough forest roads leading to Dudhsagar; construction of toilet blocks; creation of drinking water facilities etc.

He said the NOC for the construction of improvement

of the road to Dudhsagar was given by the Forest Department at a meeting held in the presence of Chief Minister. Also a causeway will be built and money will also be sanctioned for the same.

“We are hoping to create a road at the forest leading to Dudhsagar waterfall, which would be made of mud pavers, just on lines of tourism at Matheran, which also falls in forest area,” said Tendulkar.

Meanwhile, the 400-odd Jeep operators who ferry the tourists to Dudhsagar, were firm on their demand that the forest department waives of the fee of `10,000 for this season against the backdrop of the pandemic.

Dudhsagar Tour Operators’ Association President Dilip Maynekar said that last year, each jeep operator paid a fee of `7,500 but could not get much business as the season was closed half way in March.

He questioned the decision to hike the fee to `10,000 while repeating their demand for the same to be waived off

october 2020 | Business Goa industry Dossier | 23

focus goa / mining

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Mining firms allowed to remove excavated iron ore till Jan 31st

The Supreme Court has allowed the plea to extend time to transport mined iron ore till January 31st 2021

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By sybil rodrigues

he Supreme Court has allowed time up to the end of January 2021, to the mining lessees for the removal of iron ore excavated/mined on or before March 15, 2018, subject to payment of royalties and other charges.

Chief Justice Sharad Arvind Bobde, in a 13 page judgment, said the quantity of mineral to be removed by each of the lessees shall be determined by the concerned officials with reference to the records of the government maintained at the pertinent point of time.

Mines in Goa are lying shut since the Court ordered cancellation of all leases in February 2018 and ordered

fresh auction of the mines with the environment clearance to restart them.

The Bench, which comprised Justices A S Bopanna and V Ramasubramanian, gave liberty to the State government to invoke power under Rule 12(1)(hh) of The Minerals (Other than Atomic and Hydro Carbons Energy Minerals) Concession Rules, 2016, if the lessees could not remove the mineral within the time given.

The particular rule empowers the government to confiscate the mineral not removed within six calendar months of end of the lease and dispose it without liability to pay any compensation to the

lessee.

The Court said the rule is clear that any property remaining on the lease land at the end of six calendar months after the expiry or sooner, termination of the lease term and not removed by the lessee within one calendar month is liable to be confiscated.

It said that Goa Foundation may be right in contending that the State government should have invoked the rule to confiscate the mineral allegedly lying at the site for the past more than two-and-a-half years. “But the difficulty today is that Rule 12(1) (hh) was not pressed into service before this Court when it rendered the judgment dated 30.01.2020.”

Mining Truckers to stay away from ore transportation

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ining truck owners have decided to stay away and not allow ore transportation until their demand for an increase in the rates is not fulfilled by the State Government, even though the Supreme Court has allowed transportation of extracted ore till the end of January 2021.

Balaji Gauns, President of Dharbandora Truck Owners’ Association, stated that the truckers have demanded a minimum rate of `22 per tonne per km and the market rate for diesel against the `12.33 per tonne per km and `52 as diesel rate.

Gauns further stated that the truckers have decided to remain firm on their demand until it is fulfilled. He said the truckers have also decided not to allow the transportation of ore by trucks other than the registered ones, and if such a thing were to happen then a law and order situation may prevail in the mining areas.

He said through the transportation of the extracted ore till January 2021, the truckers will earn

a maximum of `1 lakh “but the cost of maintaining a truck, payment of road tax and other fees comes to around `1.50 lakh per year and it’s not viable at all.”

Considering it, the truckers are demanding higher rates, he said. Goa Mining People’s Front (GMPF) has urged the Chief Minister to restart mining activities, stating that the Supreme Court Order allowing transportation of the extracted ore till January 2021 will benefit only 30 per cent of the mining dependants, while the others will continue to suffer.

Puti Gaonkar, President of GMPF said, “The Chief Minister should come clean on whether he can resume mining in the State so that mining dependants will know whether to wait with hope or else give up in despair,”

24 | Business Goa industry Dossier | october 2020

“Allowing transportation of ore for a few more months will benefit companies and the government, but mining dependants won’t benefit much, as the cost of maintaining vehicles are much more than what the truck owners will earn in a few months of ore transportation.

Instead, the Chief Minister should work on resuming actual mining in the State,” Gaonkar said.

Gaonkar added that he suspects vested interests in the government are not keen on resuming mining in Goa, as they could be aiming to make way for other big companies. He also said that if the Chief Minister cannot resume mining, the government should take over all the machinery, barges and vehicles of mining dependants and clear their loans

Hence, that judgment giving six months to the lessees to remove the material has attained completeness.

Chowgule and Company Private Limited along with other lessees had moved the Apex Court seeking more time to remove the iron ore lying on their sites. The request for extension was because the six months allowed to the miners in January were wasted in the formalities and delay on the part of the authorities to issue transit permits for transportation of the royalty paid ore and then the lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The time given by the Court expired on July 30, 2020 and the lessees sought an extension of time to transport the iron ore extracted on or before March 15, 2018. The plea was opposed by Goa Foundation on the ground that a month’s period granted to the miners in 2018 had included the time to remove the mined mineral. The Court rejected Goa Foundation’s objection that the lessees can still make payment of royalty at the time of movement of the ore or they can remove only the “royalty-paid ore”.

The objection was rejected on the ground that the two orders of April and May 2018 had used the expression “royalty paid ore” in the context of the mineral removed from the mines and brought to the jetties on or before March 15, 2018. Regarding the mineral mined on or before that date but still lying in the leasehold area, the Court took cognizance of the Advocate General’s statement that the government has complete details of the mineral already excavated on or before March 15, 2018 and as such the lessees cannot remove more than what is on the government records

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fresh patlo

Digitally ‘fruit’ful venture

Amey Parsekar and Rahul Kamat’s online store Fresh Patlo brings the best of fresh produce to one’s doorstep

Orders packed and ready for deliveries

(L-R): Amey, delivery executive Babu and Rahul

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By sybil rodrigues

resh Patlo is a one stop eshop offering a wide range of good quality fruits available across the state. Their motto is ‘Harvest to Table’ and have recently added exotic vegetables and organic spices to their list of products.

Fresh Patlo was started

by Amey Parsekar and Rahul Kamat who are both alumni of Goa Engineering College and later Goa Institute of Management (GIM).

They were contemplating on the idea of a website dedicated to fruits and vegetables for a long time, which would eventually focus on logistics and distribution.

The lockdown and people staying indoors, made them launch their idea earlier than

expected. Customers prefer convenience and they make it easier for people by building the best processes for their logistics and sourcing.

They started off with fruits and have now included exotic vegetables and some organic spices from local farms.

They have around 40 Stock Keeping Units (SKUs) with them and will gradually add other categories. Some fruits are sold with a replacement guarantee.

There is a dearth of fresh fruits and high quality exotic vegetables in the Goan market, though the demand for such produce is high, consumers often don’t find quality products at the right place and the right price point. Fresh Patlo is

26 | Business Goa industry Dossier | october 2020

Fresh Patlo is a one stop e-shop offering a wide range of best quality fruits available across the State. Their motto is ‘Harvest to Table’ and have recently added exotic vegetables and organic spices to their list of products an initiative that provides fresh and exotic produce to customers at one place with reasonable pricing.

Their target customers are people who understand convenience, value time and are looking for quality products. Customers have slowly begun to trickle in as fruits are something which people prefer to buy; and encouragingly, they have had repeat purchases after the first orders.

The pandemic and ensuing lockdown made the duo launch Fresh Patlo earlier than planned.

However people still prefer to go to the market and crowded spaces, out of habit and they are yet to reach out to many people.

Shifting of these customers will only be possible when a habit is created.

Amey and Rahul have had their fair share of roadblocks.

Their mainstay is logistics and good roads are the need of the hour. Another issue is people prefer ordering over calls and messaging services rather than placing the order on the website, as they are more comfortable placing an order that way. Fresh Patlo is building on a process to shift customers to place orders on the website instead of calling or messaging.

Amey and Rahul have a message to aspiring entrepreneurs. They say one must plan small victories, achieve those, and it will be easier to get to the top.

Listening to customers is also important as they provide the best insights which get them involved and helps build up a brand

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kineco

In the Service of the Nation

Kineco flags off India’s first commercial, indigenously-manufactured ‘Sonar Dome’ for Indian Navy warships

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oa based Kineco Limited, one of India’s leading composite technology provider for defence, aerospace, railway and industrial sectors has flagged off India’s first ever commercial Sonar Dome, at the hands of Chief Minister of Goa, Dr Pramod Sawant in a prestigious flag off ceremony held recently at Kineco’s manufacturing facility situated at Pilerne Industrial Estate.

The Sonar Dome is a critical component of a Warship as it houses the Sonar (Sonar Navigation and Ranging) Array – which is considered as the eyes and ears of a warship or submarine, used for detection, navigation, and ranging. The Sonar Dome, manufactured

by Kineco was flagged off to its esteemed customer Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited Mumbai (MDL), where it will be mounted on the Indian Navy’s P15 Alpha Warship.

The flag off ceremony was graced by the virtual presence of several dignitaries such as, Scientific Advisor to Chief of Naval Staff, Bhaskar Burman; Director Ship building of MDL, RAdm A K Saxena, (IN Retd), GM and Project

“It has been a privilege for Kineco to be a part of and significantly contribute towards the success of India’s first indigenous Sonar Dome Project. It is a gratifying moment for the entire Team of Kineco to see all our efforts translate into a milestone success for the Nation” Shekhar Sardessai

Founder-Managing Director, Kineco Group

Superintendent (P17A Frigate) of MDL, Biju George, Distinguished Scientist and Director General - Armament and Combat Engineering Systems (ACE), Pravin K Mehta, Outstanding ScientistDirector of Research & Development Establishment (Engrs.), a premier systems engineering laboratory

28 | Business Goa industry Dossier | october 2020

of Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO); V V Parlikar; and CMDE Adhikesh Vasudevan – (Warship Production Superintendent) and CMDE Sanjay Chhabra (Additional Warship Production Superintendent) of the Indian Navy.

Dr Pramod Sawant said, Sonar Dome

“It is a proud moment for me being the Chief Minister of Goa to flag off the country’s first indigenous Sonar Dome, which is in line with the Prime Minister’s ‘Make in India’ vision for the Defence Sector and the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives. It is also a proud moment for us that a Goan company has been nominated for the supply of the country’s first Sonar Dome, which is a very important component of the Indian warships for the Indian Navy.”

On the occasion, Kineco’s Founder and Managing Director, Shekhar Sardessai said, “It has been a privilege for Kineco to be a part of and significantly contribute towards the success of India’s first indigenous Sonar Dome Project. We are truly grateful to R&DE Engineers (DRDO), Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited and Indian Navy, without whose support this extraordinary success would not have been possible. It is a gratifying moment for the entire Team of Kineco to see all our efforts translate into a milestone success for the Nation. Kineco shall always endeavor to make many such noteworthy contributions to India’s journey towards selfreliance in defence”

enterprise

On the 10th Anniversary of Goa’s largest business networking organisation, Business Goa congratulates the

stars of

VIKASH DEORAH / GODRICH CORPORATION

Going the ‘Godrich’ way to find your dream property!

Well known realtor, Vikash Deorah shares his journey in his real estate venture Godrich Corporation and how the BNI connect has helped to scale up his venture

By ameya nayak

Starting his business Hailing from a business family from generations – with a solid experience of 38 years, Vikash Deorah started off his business expedition way back in the year 1995 with a tiles and sanitary-ware showroom in Panjim city namely ‘Deora Associates’. This eventually became a leading construction material outlet in North Goa. The demand for his outlet led to the opening of his ‘New Concept’ showroom at Mapusa that dealt with display of bathroom amenities which enabled customers to understand home fittings.

Vikash believes in “beautifying your home at a fraction of a price” which led to him further venturing into the business of floor decor with modern tiles, which also gained quick popularity across Goa. However, Vikash’s knack for skilled communication with property brokers that convinced them to sell properties at impressive rates is what led to the creation of yet another venture on his part – Godrich Corporation, which he started in 2007.

Speaking of the idea behind Godrich, Vikash says, “The principle behind Godrich Corporation was never to earn profit at the rate of cheating someone but was always to help people into not getting cheated!” Vikash further mentions that the name ‘Godrich’ is a combination of his grandparents’ names, Godawari and Richhpal.

Godrich is a RERA registered real estate agency which exclusively deals with purchase, sale and lease, project management of properties including apartments, villas, sea side properties, bungalows, open plots in gated complexes, agricultural lands, farmhouse properties, commercial offices, shops, hotels, restaurants and so on. Speaking of what led Vikash to start the Godrich Corporation and keep it going, he says, “buying and selling a property is the most vital decision that a middle class person takes hardly once or maybe twice in his entire lifetime. Therefore, I believe, it is my responsibility to ensure that all the documentation involved is authentic and the price is just right!”

In addition, Vikash is also an active member of the Goa Association of Realtors (GAR) – a credible voice that represents the community of realtors 30 | Business Goa industry Dossier | october 2020

Vikash Deorah

from across the world and is presently a members of its Governing Council.

The BNI connection Speaking of his link to the BNI network, Vikash mentions about how he was constantly invited by members to attend BNI meetings, following which he was amazed to witness the core values of BNI – ‘Givers Gain’, its traditions, innovations, opportunities for lifelong learning, accountability, relationship building skills and so on. This naturally inclined him towards the network. From then on, he has been an active member of the BNI network and where his mission is to guide and help entrepreneurs in BNI with the sole aim to aid their growth and success.

Elaborating on his participation with BNI, Vikash says, “to earn, one needs to learn. BNI conducts training sessions online through the BNI University where I feature amongst Top-10 in India. BNI also recognizes the givers where I have passed more than 1000 referrals and motivated my fellow BNI members into making a fortune.”

Vikash also mentions how his association with BNI has helped him to elevate his own levels of income and to gain trust from his referral partners across India and the globe, at large.

At present, Vikash is serving the BNI Goa region as the Regional Launch Ambassador and aiding the launch of the 14th Vibrant Chapter – ‘Victory’

in Porvorim. He says, “BNI is a life changing opportunity that is offered to all entrepreneurs who wish to grow together. I owe my deepest gratitude to our Executive Director, Rajkumar Kamat for building a strong BNI organization in Goa.” The COVID-19 Challenge According to Vikash, the challenge in their kind of business is competition from ‘fly by night’ brokers who negatively impact the image of ethical realtors and consultants as they make use of unfair trade practices which resultantly dampens the trust for genuine realtors.

Further, speaking of the COVID challenge to business, Vikash says that BNI has morally lifted spirits of its members to a huge extent. The top level officials at BNI have initiated several moral boosters by means of webinars organized to keep members motivated at all times. Through these webinars, members learn to regain contact with old connections, as well as establish new ones. Vikash humbly expresses his deepest gratitude to the BNI organization for strengthening his own e-network knowledge at this time of the pandemic which has enabled him to work across various business platforms with utmost ease.

Current strategy/ future of business Revealing his business strategy, Vikash mentions certain parameters such as – 1. Gaining trust from customers and referral partners 2. Understanding client needs 3. Utmost attention and patience with clients 4. Easy availability and visibility across the internet 5. Business ethics and sincerity 6. Adapting to client tastes and remaining constantly updated with market conditions.

Finally, shedding light on his future plans for the business, Vikash says, “my plan is to expand my business all over Goa, in fact across the globe and with time, I assure everyone that Godrich will be the most sought after organization and the premiere choice of every home seeker, real estate developer, hospitality industry and institutions that look for buying, selling or leasing their properties in Goa and around the world!”

enterprise

On the 10th Anniversary of Goa’s largest business networking organisation, Business Goa congratulates the

stars of

ASHFAQ SHAH / gem power solutions

‘Backing-up’ the ‘Battery’ business!

Ashfaq Shah speaks about his power back-up solutions business, Gem Power Solutions, his association with BNI and its role in expanding his business network

By ameya nayak

Starting his business Ashfaq, a prominent businessman hails from the field of IT, having significant experience working with leading multinational companies for over 10 years.

Speaking of his business venture and how it all began, Ashfaq mentions that most of his family members come from a business background, following which, he felt the need to join the family business and expand its dimensions across various areas in Goa, that had already been in existence and operational for over 40 years.

Ashfaq primarily deals in the business of batteries and power back-up solutions and has been proudly associated with Exide since their arrival in Goa. Subsequently, he started dealing with allied industries like the business of inverters, generators, stabilizers and most recently with solar solutions.

Speaking of what led him to start his business, Ashfaq says, “Most people look for a single city in search of optimal business opportunities and we realised that the business environment in Goa was very conducive. Also, the customer base and vendors here are trustworthy and the level of competition is always based on good service rather than on price alone!”

While elaborating on the challenges that he has faced in

Ashfaq mentions that BNI has enabled him to understand multiple businesses as he meets different businessmen each week. He says that BNI has taught him the importance of long term business goals that are always built on strong relationships running the business, Ashfaq says that the varieties of cars and automobiles on Indian roads have grown manifold following which they are expected to maintain over 50 different types of batteries in stock at all times.

The demand for inverters and constant advertising strategies compel them to have multiple brands of inverters. So also, logistics is also a challenge in Goa with local transportation requiring improvement, he says.

The BNI Edge Speaking of his association with BNI, Ashfaq speaks of how he has always missed formal meetings and corporate culture in the business world. He further speaks of how he finds it strange that his initial motive behind associating himself and his business with BNI was solely to attend a formal meeting once a week and

32 | Business Goa industry Dossier | october 2020

Ashfaq Shah

after over eight long years of being associated with BNI, he realised and completely understood how vital it is to be part of a well connected networking group.

Further, he mentions that his connection with BNI has enabled him to understand multiple businesses as he meets different businessmen each week.

According to Ashfaq, this is a practical example of how collaboration can work if utilised in the right manner.

Ashfaq also mentions that 60% of his business comes from referrals that he receives through BNI. The COVID-19 challenge Speaking of how the ongoing COVID pandemic has affected his business, Ashfaq says that almost every business has been adversely affected, no doubt; however, in his case, most of the business comes from the tourism

sector via hotels, casinos, taxi services and so on.

Nonetheless, he has utilised this opportunity to work on his business retail counter, clearing pending paperwork, accounting chores and well as staff training.

The Future of Business Ashfaq says that BNI has taught businessmen such as himself the importance of long term business goals that are always built on strong relationships. He further says, “we are working on building relationships with our existing clients, who in turn, constantly refer us to new customers.”

Finally, commenting on his overall opinion on the business scenario, Ashfaq signs off saying, “We are doing well in our current scope of work and look forward to expand our footprint by adding 2 more stores in the next 2 years”

enterprise

On the 10th Anniversary of Goa’s largest business networking organisation, Business Goa congratulates the

stars of

Vrushali Parsekar / Happy Investments

A ‘happy’ homemaker and a successful Parsekar speaks on striking a right balance in being a businesswoman and a homemaker businesswoman Vrushali V By sybil rodrigues

rushali Vivek Parsekar describes herself as a successful businesswoman and a prosperous homemaker, not necessarily in that order.

Her firm, Happy Investments, is a professional financial planning and wealth advisory firm, offering services since 2000. They deal with insurance, pension, mutual funds, equity, wealth management, and real estate.

Over the years they have evolved into an eminent financial planning enterprise which deals in doling out fiscal advice that is trusted for their professional competence, relied on for top quality of advisories and depended upon due to their integrity, ethics and trustworthiness.

This makes her firm one of the most experienced financial planners and advisors and boasts of two offices – in Panaji and Mapusa.

Vrushali speaks on her business. “We have an expert team consisting of qualified and competent financial planners, to create holistic financial plans for you. Our plans are constructed after incisive analysis and with the help of strategic inputs from all planners involved to ensure that we deliver clarity and outstanding value to our clients.”

“Our clients find us to be trustworthy, dependable, ethical and professionally top-notch. Their testimonials speak for us.”

Vrushali’s formal education peaked with a Master’s degree in pathology, but Ms. Parsekar now ‘diagnoses’ and advises her clients on the fiscal aspects of life – right from insurance, investments to real estate and is now considered the gold standard in Goa, as far as professional excellence and customer satisfaction goes.

It is not easy being one of Goa’s top independent sales and investment consultants in a professional life and at the same time, nurture a family and build a home with equal zeal, passion and satisfaction.

But Vrushali Parsekar has seamlessly merged the two to create a fulfilling story of holistic success.

Vrushali elaborates on her business. “We specialise in goal and need based financial planning with a long term goal, considering our clients’ risk taking appetite as well.

As the old saying goes “Save for a rainy day” COVID 19 pandemic is one such incident which has taken the world by surprise. Our long term strategy has helped our clients and us in realising the goals and dreams.” She adds that technology is the way forward and having systems in place has helped greatly in tiding over these difficult times.

Her success is evident from the fact that she has been a ‘Million Dollar Round Table’ life member for 15 years, a ‘Top of the Table’ performer once and she has spent two years as ‘Court of the Table’ – a performer par excellence as a financial consultant with the HDFC Life Insurance. Her pursuit for self development, spiritual grooming and the urge to scale professional summits, is perhaps reflective of her other passion, trekking – which has taken her to Kulu-Manali, Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and the icy heights of the Gomukh.

Her outstanding career has summoned her on professional calls to USA, China, Switzerland, Istanbul, South Africa, Europe, Greece and the UAE, where she was invited to participate in conferences and impart training and conduct sessions

34 | Business Goa industry Dossier | october 2020

for both, the rising stars, as well as the masters of her trade.

According to Vrushali, the core of her personality was developed early at St. Xavier’s College in Mumbai, where she was judged as the ‘Best Outgoing Student’, won the ‘Ms. Xavier’s title and was not only an outstanding student, but also notched top achievements in co-curricular activities, as well during her stint in the National Social Service.

Most crucially, on the home-front too, Vrushali wins laurels. “My husband Vivek and children Adarsh and Sharvani, make up the other indispensable and integral parts of my life.”

Association with BNI Vrushali always believed that she would retire at 50 and travel the world. She has already travelled half of the globe; and thanks to BNI, she has started a second office at 50 and is pursuing an E-MBA at GIM. She believes in giving more than receiving. Vrushali has given Rs. 6 crore plus per annum as referrals in the last 6 years, at BNI Mandovi to fellow business referral partners, who are more like family and friends.

She adds that Rajkumar Kamat, Executive Director of BNI, Goa Region is a friend, philosopher and guide. She has attended national training workshops at Mumbai and Bangalore and an International conference in California, USA. Vrushali is happy to be associated

with Mac Srinivasan, President Asia Pacific and Meena Srinivasan. She had an opportunity to meet and interact with Dr. Ivan Misner, Founder Chairman and Beth Misner, President BNI Foundation; and CEO, Graham Weihmiller.

“BNI trainings have helped in enhancing my personality and leadership skills while serving as Ambassador in regional team and as Past President of BNI Mandovi,” she says.

Vrushali reflects on her career and says, “when I advise you on matters related to your own hard-earned money, accept it, because, my own investments have paid off both at work and home”

Vrushali Parsekar

interview

Unlocking Business in Goa

www.businessgoa.in

online panel discussion

Rotary Club of Panaji Riviera in association with Business Goa organised an online panel discussion with industry captains – Ralph de Souza (Chairman, de Souza Group), Shekhar Sardessai (Founder- Managing Director, Kineco Group), Kirit Maganlal (Founder-CEO, Magsons Group), Blaise Costabir (Managing Director, GMI Zarhak Moulders Pvt Ltd / Chairman, CII-Goa Council) and Vijay Thomas (Founder-CEO, Tangentia Technologies). Editor-in-Chief of Business Goa, Harshvardhan Bhatkuly moderated the discussion. We bring to you excerpts of ‘Unlocking Business in Goa’ more revenue. In order to help the State, the government has to help the tourism industry.

(Clockwise) Vijay Thomas, Harshvardhan Bhatkuly, Ralph de Sousa, Blaise Costabir, Shekar Sardessai and Kirit Maganlal

Harshvardhan Bhatkuly: Vijay, one of the businesses that have thrived in this lockdown has been technology. How would you look at adapting global benchmarks that would work in Goa – keeping in mind – culture, ethos and demography?

Vijay Thomas: In today’s world diversification is important. If there are different kind of things that you’re going after, if one of the units gets affected, the other will definitely pick up. I think more and more people should look at diversification.

Based on its demographics, I think, Goa has a very educated workforce. They are worldlywise. They know of things around them. They are well spoken. You can put them in a meeting with people in the US and UK. They will hold their own, which is a very important capability – and it’s not just about technology. We should be looking at higher growth areas, which require people with coding skills, communication skills – and Goa has all of that. You can be an agile startup, build a collective network across the world and take on bigger companies as well. You just need to get together a group of people and take it off from there.

HB: We ran a poll wherein we

have asked the people what businesses will bring in revenue for the State and the common man. We gave four options – manufacturing, tourism, retail and technology. More people are looking at tourism to generate revenue. Ralph, do you think the government and the Tourism Department are in-sync with the challenges of the tourism industry? What would be your advice to the stakeholders of tourism in the current situation?

Ralph de Sousa: As far as the pandemic is concerned, it has affected everybody. In this case, this is something unprecedented. It’s a long

“We need to articulate well that Goa offers a superlative quality of life. There are startups out there, which would relocate to Goa. Some like Delhivery, already have” Vijay Thomas

Founder-CEO, Tangentia Technologies

36 | Business Goa industry Dossier | october 2020

term problem where the industry is totally stuck without any revenues. For it to revive, we require help from every corner. As far as the government is concerned, we require assistance from both, the Central government and the State government.

The tourism industry is going through a big financial problem. It is a labour intensive sector. We have a huge number of people working here. Salaries need to be paid and many employees were paid salaries even though their workplaces / hotels were shut. The other area where the government has to help out is international tourism. As far as Goa is concerned, we have seen what Goa sells. We have people who travel to Goa and stay for a long period of time and generate business and revenue. There is a notion that Charter tourists don’t churn in much money, but believe me they do. We have various segments in charters also.

There is another area where the Central Government has to act. There are no visas issued to come to India. So they have to start the process of issuing visas. These are the main areas where we require help and understanding from the government. Once the tourists come in, not only does the industry survive, the government also will earn

HB: Blaise, one of the big challenges being faced today is that people are facing fund crunches across all sectors.

You spoke about crowd funding for businesses. How would you explain it to us in terms of your ideas?

Blaise Costabir: When it comes to crowd funding I’ll give an example of a bus.

It is chugging along; and if it stops, the driver tries to crank it, it doesn’t work, and people get out of the bus and start pushing it. So what I am saying here is the bus is the economy, the driver is the government and the people in the bus is the common man.

So the common man has to get out and do something because the driver, as in the government, can do nothing as they don’t have the money to propel the economy. One of the things that I hear people say is conserve cash. If the economy grinds to a halt or slows down, inflation is going to go up and your money will not be worth much. I am not saying one must go out and splurge; but buy the essential

“There is a wrong notion that charter tourists don’t churn in much money; but believe me they do” Ralph de souza

Chairman, de Souza Group

@businessgoamagazine

stuff, do what you have to do and don’t hold back. That will prime the economy. That will give the government money through taxes; there will be money to give people to spend through salaries, as right now people are cutting back on salaries on employment. If the population creates economic demand, that’s where we will get our crowd funding from.

This is what I meant when I said crowd funding the economy.

HB: Kirit, one of the road-blocks for the retail sector has been for the small trader, the mom and pop shops How do you see their fate from here?

Kirit Maganlal: Retail starts from agriculture and this is the primary sector for the State. The government is going to run either by way of providing livelihood to people or by earning revenues. The most important sector is

“If the economy grinds to a halt or slows down, inflation is going to go up and your money will not be worth much” Blaise costabir

MD, GMI Zarhak Moulders Pvt Ltd

agriculture. We see a number of businesses shutting shop. I understand there are nearly 500 establishments in the State, who have surrendered their trade licenses. Many have changed their business models and have got into sales of grocers and other essential items. I have seen many small groceries, mom and pop

shops, large supermarkets – mushrooming all over Goa. The healthy option today would be for large, established shops to innovate their offers.

They should focus on their core competencies like their IT and tech expertise. They have to use their channels and hyper local modes more effectively today. There is a whole eco-system out there beginning from farm growers, manufacturers, midlevel traders, distribution networks up to the stores who are involved there. Whatever effect the economy has, organised retail will be the front runner for the growth and consumption that we are talking about.

HB: Shekhar, there is definitely some kind of potential business upsides to this pandemic. How do you look at those affecting business dynamics in a post Covid world?

Shekhar Sardessai: There are many teachings to be kearnt from this pandemic. One of the lessons is how we take care of our people. In our business, we have strategised contract labour as an important element of our business in the long run. There are several other lessons that we could learn from this, too. How can we use our assets to the maximum – which every office is trying to do. Today, we are looking at each and every asset in our companies and seeing how these capacities can be optimised and how we can sweat them for more revenue. Thirdly, regarding diversification of business, our core competencies are important. Within the core competencies there are also diversities that are possible; Diversities in terms of geography; diversities in terms of markets; and diversities in terms of product offerings. All

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interview these three can be strategized in our business model. All in all, both with regards to cost structure, business offerings, strategies of geographical risk tiding; and many other aspects of business, which we didn’t think about prior to this pandemic are lessons we have learnt and these lessons will be applied by most businesses in the future.

HB: Vijay, Goa was touted to be the next startup hub. What do you think Goa needs to do to be a startup destination, because people feel that individual entrepreneurs are going to make a difference in the new normal?

What are your thoughts on the same?

Vijay: If we can sell a story that you’re a startup or entrepreneur and you have a better quality of life in Goa by bringing / shifting your headquarters to Goa, we are sitting on a gold mine. We just need to articulate that really well and sell it. We do not need huge investments and if things like internet connectivity and electricity are taken care of, we might be able to do something about it.

We need to get a few people on board and collaborate our successes. I firmly believe in technology. There is a need to create ‘Brand Goa’ not just for tourism, but for industry, as well. We pay money to create a brand and make sure that it’s pushed into the market. I still think there is an opportunity when it comes to startups, and some of it is happening, as we speak.

HB: The pandemic has proliferated the number of new entrepreneurs, mostly out of compulsion as they did not have a means to eke out a living. How do you see the growth of such entrepreneurship in Goa? Blaise Costabir: The word I use for this is crowd entrepreneurship.

Today, because they have lost their jobs people are trying to work ideas that they may have had or thought about but didn’t

@businessgoa

“The healthy option today would be for large, established stores to innovate their offers” Kirit Maganlal

Founder-CEO, Magsons Group

have the courage to take the plunge. It is possible that after this wind blows over they decide they don’t want to continue and get back to their work. A few will make it big; and we will have a future generation of entrepreneurs.

But those who are starting now should look to add value.

They have to do it right and while there may be people who drop off, there are going to be a lot of entrepreneurs in the future who have started in these times and that’s actually something positive.

Questions from our viewers.

Question from Miguel Braganza.

Can we look at raw materials and processed food retailing system as a recovery agent for business?

Kirit Maganlal: Agriculture has to be one of the most important aspects for the State. Agriculture should be top priority. The minute you have a ‘farm-to-home’ kind of set up, this is what is going to boost the economy and trade businesses in Goa. Food being very important, we have to also place emphasis on manufacturing; on the cold chain aspect till it reaches the gate of the consumer. We have to concentrate on how we are going to maintain and preserve this aspect of the economy.

Shivanand Naik feels that the entertainment industry plays a major role by providing a minimum turnover of 3000 Cr

38 | Business Goa industry Dossier | october 2020

annually through weddings, concerts, events. Why isn’t Goa marketed as an event destination to the world? What role could industry associations play here?

Ralph de Sousa: Goa is much sought after for weddings, parties, engagements, reunions. But we have to focus more on promoting Goa as an entertainment destination. For that, we require a Goa Tourism Board.

This Board will consist of people from the trade, the government and professionals with proven experience. They will be able to focus on the promotion of Goa and target the right markets and places.

This Board will also make sure that the USP of Goa is not diluted, something which has brought tourists to Goa in the first place. So a proper Board which will focus on bringing the right type of people to Goa and promoting the industry that needs to be brought will be taken care of.

The entertainment industry can sustain a large chunk of Goa’s tourism industry and we must encourage it.

Question from Nitin Kenkre. After Goa’s slip on the ‘Ease of Doing Business’ what steps should the Government take in this regard?

Blaise Costabir: The first step has already been taken by the Government! They have

“Each panellist put across his views on the way forward and the challenges involved in opening up business in Goa”

Ryan Costa

President, Rotary Club of Panaji Riviera

called for a meeting next week and seem to have paid heed to what is happening. There is a lot that has to happen. The government cannot do much during this pandemic but at the same time they are putting up a lot of hurdles. There is a big job ahead and we believe that in this meeting, there will be some realisation that they have to do something. If the government can’t do it, then they should leave it to people who can. That is something we are looking forward to in the coming days.

Question from Heta Pandit. What is the future of heritage tourism in Goa? Ralph de Sousa: I think heritage tourism has a good future because people are looking for natural locales.

We are trying to get homestays to restart again – this way houses that are crumbling can be rebuilt from the incomes that are earned from these homestays. This is what is required to be done, as one of the USPs of Goa; and preserve its natural beauty. There is a huge demand for this kind of tourism and hopefully we will protect our heritage. This will help not only the tourism industry but also empower the locals to make a living.

Question from Prasad Pawar.

How can the government pitch in to help the industries that have been too conservative? What is your opinion on banks pitching in to help entrepreneurs; and people who are facing a cash crunch?

Shekhar Sardessai: The Government itself is facing a cash crunch and to expect anything from it would be a huge fallacy. As far as banks are concerned, the Government and RBI have taken a number of steps to ease liquidity during and post the lockdown. For small borrowers, restructuring option is available, extra 20% of working capital is available and a few more concessions are available under the

@business-goa

Atmanirbhar Bharat Package that was announced. Some limits are still available. In addition to sweating your assets, look for products and services that you can avail of with the same investments and make sure that your head is above water.

Question from Dinesh Sinari.

The outfall of the pandemic is Artificial Intelligence. Will this not add to the misery of existing jobs? What is your take on this?

Vijay Thomas: It is something that is inevitable. Automation will happen.

Mundane, repetitive tasks that humans do will go to machines. I think people will have to be re-skilled and people at the highest level are talking of re-skilling. If you don’t reskill, you will not have the skills that the economy needs.

Why wouldn’t we consider something that is cheaper, works 24x7 and is better in every way? It would be unfair to one’s business to not consider automation.

Question from Ruben Quadros.

Opening of schools, casinos and multiplexes will cause an explosion of COVID cases and further damage the economy.

How can we delay it?

Kirit Maganlal: The question here is for how long can one reign in those pent up emotions. People need to come back to normalcy; else there will be a lot of emotional and sociological trauma in peoples’ lives.

Borders have opened up, free flow of people has been enabled, and businesses have started. However, remember one thing, wherever it matters the most, people are being cautious. We do not know what life would be hereafter.

I think society has to move on, life has to move on, we have to be cautious. We will end up having a life that is more fulfilled, spiritually, financially and end up being better human beings. We got to take the situation as it comes, retain maximum

“We have many lessons to learn from this pandemic.

One of them is how we can take care of our people” Shekar Sardessai

Founder-Managing Director, Kineco Group

caution and move on.

Question from Denzil Xavier.

The deficit of trust between the government and people of Goa is hurting businesses. Take for instance the imbroglio and the opposition to the marina...

Ralph de Sousa: Goa is blessed with a large coastline.

We have places where we can have marinas. But these marinas should be proper ones, which will not interfere with the marine life. The project should be properly designed and introduced to the people and government together. It all depends on the kind of technology one will use. If you have choices, use the better technology.

Goa is a small place. We can’t have extensive tourism here. We have to have limited number of people with higher revenues. If we are going to have extensive tourism with a large footfall, we are going to destroy everything that has been created. We have to have higher end tourists coming in.

We have to get into activities in tourism that will attract such kinds of tourists. This way, revenue will come to Goa that will sustain its expenses.

faces is how do we go on with business while protecting jobs and social responsibility that goes along with it. How do we balance the two? To sustain businesses, we should not sack anyone but have pay cuts across the board. Everybody understands that this is a crisis and everybody is ready to cooperate in terms of taking pay cuts and making sure that all jobs are protected. In the process, you may lose a few people who always have an opportunity elsewhere but its definitely a wise and socially responsible decision to allow people to leave rather than make people leave.

Question from Aliston Dias. What would be the pathway for an unorganized service provider like a digital content creator?

Vijay Thomas: Today, there are websites that allow you to put your content online.

There is a global market place and at some point you can play to that market place,

look for what the pricing is, you are competing with people around the world – and so look at the world as your canvas. There are multiple places where you can vend your services and I truly believe there are huge opportunities and you have got to cast a wide net by putting up the services that you offer. Ensure that you can provide that over the internet and market your services well.

Summing up, Ryan Costa, President of Rotary Club of Panaji Riviera said, “We were joined online by 5 eminent captains of Goa’s industry, involved in businesses such as hospitality, manufacturing, retail and the IT sector along with attendees from across Goa. Each panellist put across his views on the way forward and the challenges involved in opening up business in Goa, the current scenario and the future prospects”

Question from Alan D’Souza.

Employees have been laid off across industries. Should cost saving for businesses come at the cost of saving lives or careers?

Shekhar Sardessai: The dilemma that every industry october 2020 | Business Goa industry Dossier | 39

campus

BookShelf

‘DISHTAVO’ to help college students realise their dreams

Funding your Startup and other nightmares

C

hief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant launched DISHTAVO – Digital Integrated System for Holistic Teaching And Virtual Orientations – an online learning platform involving YouTube channel, which is first of its kind initiative in the country.

Teachers from colleges across Goa, under this project, participated in recording lectures in all higher education disciplines and degree programs including BA, BSc, BCom, Music, Home Science and so on.

The in-house program undertaken by the Directorate of Higher Education with the assistance of Goa University will be largely useful in conducting higher education classes for the academic year 2020-21, during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, and will also be useful for online classes.

The Chief Minister, who also holds the education portfolio, said the DHE will provide a boost to e-learning in colleges around Goa, through its own YouTube channel, DISHTAVO, where students would be able to view recorded lectures.

“DISHTAVO is a comprehensive and holistic program to create e-content in the form of video lectures of syllabus pertaining to the colleges affiliated to the Goa University,” said Dr Sawant.

He further said that although online classes have resumed in all colleges in Goa, poor network connectivity and unavailability of powerful

gadgets with students have proven to be major hindrance in this e-learning process.

“DISHTAVO will overcome all these hurdles,” the Chief Minister added, pointing out that the particular educational project aims to provide students, access to the academic content for 24 hours.

The academic year will witness around 10,000 lectures being uploaded for the benefit of students, with every lecture video of 10 to 12 minutes duration. Given a large number of degree programs and disciplines in the colleges, seven recording studios have been set up at the Goa University campus, with a technical team comprising expertise from within the colleges and the university.

Dr Sawant said the entire project is a result of the dedicated efforts of the DHE, GU and college teachers.

He further added that the project was completed at an unbelievably low cost, and said that such an initiative is a step towards making Goa an education hub.

Dr Sawant also mentioned that DISHTAVO will make ‘Swayampurna Goa’ initiative, a grand success.

Director of Higher Education, Prasad Lolyekar said that DISHTAVO is an additional platform providing educational resources to students, and would not replace classroom teaching.

Consultant for teaching and learning Anil Dinge was also present at the occasion

40 | Business Goa industry Dossier | october 2020

www.businessgoa.in

Authors: Dhruv Nath & Sushanto Mitra

A

new book analyses funding in startups through stories of success and failures and also highlights various scenarios in these companies amid the coronavirus pandemic.

In Funding Your Startup and Other Nightmares, authors Dhruv Nath and Sushanto Mitra recommend that founders should evaluate their startup or potential startup using a ‘PERSISTENT framework’.

This framework is about solving a problem, earnings model, risks and how to mitigate them, size of the market, innovation, scalability, team, entry barriers, identifying a large niche where the entire market is crowded and traction.

Nath and Mitra, founders of the angel fund Lead Angels, say that successful startups tend to fit into this framework, whereas failures miss out on one or more parameters such as size of the market, team or risks.

“Therefore, it is useful to evaluate your startup within this framework,” they suggest in the book, published by Penguin Random House.

The book has a foreword

by Sanjeev Bikhchandani, founder and vice chairman of naukri.com.

When quizzed, does every startup need funding? “If you are building a solid product,

you would most likely need money to build it. If you are in a business where rapid growth is the only way to stay ahead of competition, yes, you would definitely need funding – perhaps lots of it. If you are trying to build a consumer brand, you have no choice – you must raise money,” the authors say.

“Also, even if you do need to raise money, funding and valuations should not be your focus. Focus on building your business. If you can do that, the funding will come.

Don’t chase funding. Build a successful business, and let funding chase you,” the writers affirm.

On the impact of COVID-19 on funding, Nath and Mitra say that businesses have slowed down, even if temporarily, and people have lost money. “That doesn’t mean they (people) will not invest, but they will perhaps be far choosier. And that brings us back to our favourite theme–ensure that your startup is PERSISTENT, and you stand a better chance of getting angel funds. By the way, this is true for any crisis, and not just COVID-19,” they say.

According to the authors, while the COVID-19 crisis has made things tougher for everyone, at least in the short term, it has opened huge opportunities for some companies.

They also say that policymakers have realised that startups provide growth in the economy and generate jobs. “And all in double quick time with limited capital.

Therefore governments across the world – including the government of India – are going all out to support startups. Not only does the government provide grants, it also gives significant tax exemptions to startups registered with Startup India,” they say

StartUp

@businessgoamagazine

Bodhami wins at ‘National Startup Award 2020’

The online, e-learning platform matches students and jobseekers to counsellors; and offers advanced learning mediations

M

argao-based IT Company, Bodhami became the only Goan startup to win at the ‘National Startup Award 2020’ competition, providing a boost to the State’s startup ecosystem.

A certified startup of the state Startup Promotion Cell, Bodhami won in the rural impact category of the contest where 36 startups won awards out of 1,650 Indian startups that had participated in the competition.

Bodhami has its head office at Malbhat, Margao, and is promoted by Damodar Pai Patnekar.

The startup is an online, e-learning platform that matches students and jobseekers to counsellors and offers advanced learning mediations. Bodhami was founded in 2018, and has about 10 employees.

Eight Goan startups had participated in the national contest. Bodhami is a beneficiary of the Goa Startup Policy and received seed capital grant from the State.

Patnekar said that it is a milestone for his company, and he is delighted at being as one of the winners.

“I feel proud that we are the first startup to take Goa to national and global levels,” Patnekar said. He has mentioned having received support from the State IT

Damodar Pai Patnekar

Department and government officials.

National Startup Award 2020 is the first edition of the competition by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) of the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

The Awards were given across 12 sectors such as agriculture, health, education, fintech, food, etc. Besides, there are special categories such as startups having rural impact, women-led startups, best incubator, etc.

The winner received a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh each, along with opportunities to present their solutions to relevant public authorities and corporates. The Award winners also come under the watch of global investors

october 2020 | Business Goa industry Dossier | 41

Lady power

@businessgoa

dr suhani mendonsa

“I want to use my energy to engage in social work and help people” Dr Suhani Mendonsa outlines her journey from being a mehendi artist at the age of 15 to juggling roles as a talk show host, social activist, mentor and guide

Dr Suhani Mendonsa

By sybil rodrigues

D

r. Suhani describes herself as a rebellious, fiercely independent, confident and vibrant person, burning with a passion to do something. Her urge to be independent along with creating an empathetic corner for the needs of others, made Suhani break all norms, at the tender age of 15. It was this wide experience that helped her later in all her roles as a social activist, mentor, and guide.

Suhani’s began working at a very young age and her first means of earning was by being a ‘mehendi’ artist. It was followed by being the ‘first clown’ of Mumbai. She entertained children at birthday parties, hosted shows, worked as a singer and choreographer, gave private tuitions, and did backstage jobs at fashion shows and numerous marketing jobs including market surveys. Her marketing experience included door to door marketing and selling products at petrol pumps, cigarettes to ladies outside clubs, and various products at traffic signals. These early experiences were unknowingly transforming her into the entrepreneur that she is today.

Suhani’s work afforded her the opportunity to interact with various high-profile people, too. While working 42 | Business Goa industry Dossier | october 2020

As a woman, I feel that in life, there are many challenges and hardships that come our way.

Some may say it is a struggle for women, and yes it is true.

The core of it is to be positive, to love and respect oneself.

Without qualities like optimism and constructive thinking, the brunt of those hardships and struggles is felt even more; and also with the support of your near and dear ones, nothing is out of reach” part-time as a salesperson at a furnishing store, she had the good fortune of serving Kokilaben (wife of Late Dhirubhai Ambani) as her client. Also, working backstage in a fashion show, she had her first stint with glamour and met models like Arjun Rampal and Meher Jessia. It was a phase of invaluable learning.

Suhani’s experience in event management led her to start Yellow Spider Events. The company organises a variety of verticals in event management like weddings, talk shows, corporate events, stage shows, art shows and raising funds for charities through events. The reason behind Suhani’s success as an event conceptualiser at Yellow Spider Events is that every event is equally important to her. For her, everything needs to be perfect. To look after people and manage events comes naturally to her. Today, she covers stage shows and art shows and takes care of the technical as well as the entire coordination part.

Dr Suhani has her own talk show called Tete-a-tete at Suvee’s Power Meet. A unique concept, it showcases people who excel in their own fields, but seldom get the credit that they deserve. With Tete-aTete at Suvee’s Power Meet, Suhani’s aim is to create a knowledge sharing platform, provide real-time education with practical proven ideas, and recognize the

real-life heroes and their success stories while creating opportunities for likeminded entrepreneurs to come together and explore potential collaborations.

Suhani’s experiences with people, have given her an insight into the way people think and react – enabling her to empower the youth and work as a child counselor. Motivating and counseling parents is another area where her intuitive and rational thinking has helped her.

After 25 years of working in the events business, Suhani has submitted her work credentials to CIAC. Her credentials matched their requirements and she received her honorary doctorate in 2017.

Suhani’s contributions to social causes began at a very young age. She attended meetings at the Hornbill House and listened to lectures by well-known social reformers. She devoted physical hours as well as provided monetary support.

Suhani believes that individually she can support a limited number of people, but collectively she can reach out and help a bigger number of people. She, therefore, urges more people to come up and help.

In her words, “My life has reached a stage where I want to use my energy to do social work and help people. To fulfill my pursuit to provide social support to people, two things are needed – money and hands. The number of people who need help is increasing every minute”.

Having a son born with a bilateral cleft lip palate, Suhani not only became aware of the condition but understood the plight of other children with a similar challenge.

This led her to work for such children and their families. Further, Suhani’s belief in self-sufficiency and financial independence of women inspires her to work for young girls and women.

Her focus to ease the suffering of migrants, daily wage earners and the underprivileged led her to provide Daily Essentials Kits to them during the early days of COVID-19. In association with Mendonsa Foundation, she and her driver Lalu would do the daily distribution during the lockdown period. The Daily Essentials Kit was created to suffice a

family of 4-5 members for a month.

Suhani has been invited at various events across Maharashtra to spread awareness about the use of eco-friendly Ganesha idols and the impact of noneco-friendly idols on the environment during Ganesh Chaturthi. Her contributions to other social causes includes her role as the project director of Mendonsa Foundation, financially helping and supporting underprivileged families for cleft lip palate surgery of children, as a board member of an NGO, empowering women through skill development to make them independent and self-sufficient to meet all challenges of life, as a board member of the Don Bosco Foundation Society (slums) and Women Build India Foundation, helping families of farmers, who commit suicide, to rebuild their

homes. She is also part of the Menstrual Hygiene Society, educating the underprivileged girls about menstruation and hygiene along with providing them free eco-friendly sanitary towel kits.

Suhani is married to her college sweetheart, Dr. Vivek G. Mendonsa and has two lovely sons, Jai and Krish.

She plays the roles of both, wife and mother to perfection and the balance between her family and her professional life was always interesting and ever-challenging.

For Suhani, her mother was her greatest inspiration.

Till she got married, her mother remained her confidante, friend, anchor, and pillar. Back home from work, she would rush to her mother narrating the tales of her day, tracing out every event in detail. When she met Vivek, he became her inspiration, strength and lifelong partner, who motivated

MEDIA PLATFORM FOR THE STARTUP ECOSYSTEM www.startupnationnews.com

and supported her.

Suhani concludes with a message to women who want to make their mark in the world. “As a woman, I feel that in life, there are many challenges and hardships that come our way. Some may say it is a struggle for women, and yes it is true. The core

of it is to be positive, to love and respect oneself. Without qualities like optimism and constructive thinking, the brunt of those hardships and struggles is felt even more and also with the support of your near and dear ones, nothing is out of reach� www.businessgoa.in

october 2020 | Business Goa industry Dossier | 43

professional dossier

business-goa

prof. dr. jayant s. vaidya

“Think critically and do not be afraid to question dogmas with compassion”

Renowned Goan-origin Doctor (Surgeon) and Professor of Surgery and Oncology at UCL, London, Prof. Dr. Jayant S. Vaidya shares details of his medical career in oncology and his groundbreaking breast cancer research, TARGITIORT – radiotherapy given during surgery for breast cancer and treating every patient to the highest level of care, on a day-to-day basis.

By ameya nayak

Early Life and Education I grew up in Panaji, going to MushtiFund Saunstha, People’s High School and then Dhempe College and Goa Medical College. I would like to mention here that, during my GMC days, Dr Ramesh Dhume helped me get my first grant and complete my first research project in physiology. Throughout my life, my parents Dr Sharad Vaidya and Dr Nirmala Vaidya and the large joint families that I came from, inspired me and encouraged my curious mind to explore new avenues all the time.

I went to Mumbai to pursue my post-graduation in surgery, and then specialisated in surgical oncology at Tata Memorial Hospital. I learnt cancer surgery from several eminent surgeons.

Dr Praful Desai was my supervisor for my MS degree and Dr Indraneel Mittra and Dr Rajan Badwe nurtured my thirst for research. About 25 years ago, we moved to London for my PhD and FRCS. I have continued my clinical work side by side with research.

What made you choose the medical sciences as your career?

My quest is to help people and improve the well-being of humanity. The most satisfying way to do this is by directly looking after those who are unwell as a surgeon; and by making progress in medical science by doing research.

Taking preventive community action such as eradicating tobacco-use from society can have a huge impact. In all approaches, working with open-minded people has been the greatest pleasure of all.

What made you specialize in Oncology?

In my opinion, cancer is an enigma wherein a lot of work has been already done in the field and so it is mature for advanced research.

Further, cancer is very common – almost every family has someone afflicted by it. So, successfully treating patients with cancer and hopefully improving cancer treatments with research can be both challenging as well as fulfilling. I am currently Professor of Surgery and Oncology at University College London, 44 | Business Goa industry Dossier | october 2020

Prof. Dr. Jayant S. Vaidya

London, UK. My clinical practice is at Harley Street, at King Edward VII Hospital, the London Clinic and HCA. Noteworthy experiences over the years Long ago, contributing to the tireless work of my father, mother and colleagues at the Goa Cancer Society and National Organisation of Tobacco Eradication, on education about tobacco and research into how to eradicate was a fulfilling experience. This has led to a substantial fall in the number of deaths from heart attacks in Goa. Our research showed how sports sponsorship by tobacco industry initiated children’s use of tobacco.

The Goan Anti-Tobacco Bill in 1999 was the first of its kind in India. I am glad this work continues under the leadership of Dr Shekhar Salkar.

I had the honour of presenting the excellent results of our new treatment (TARGIT-IORT) for breast cancer – which allows women to have their radiotherapy during their surgery, at the largest breast cancer conference (San Antonio Breast Cancer Conference), to lead the team of researchers in one of the largest clinical trials in breast cancer radiotherapy, and publish our results in major journals such as the Lancet, Journal of American Medical Association- Oncology and the British Medical Journal. There is great satisfaction in speaking with, diagnosing

More about TARGIT- IORT We developed the technique of ‘TARGeted Intraoperative Radio Therapy’ (TARGIT-IORT) along with Professor Michael Baum and Professor Jeffrey Tobias at UCL in 1998. With TARGIT-IORT, women can have their surgery as well as radiation treatment for breast cancer at the same time.

We tested this approach in randomised clinical trials along with clinicians from over 50 centres around the world. This has led to a conceptual change in breast cancer treatment and it has now been adopted around the world, with at least 45,000 patients already treated in 260 centres in 38 countries.

Traditionally speaking, breast cancer is treated by removing the cancerous lump with a margin of surrounding normal tissue.

Radiotherapy to the remaining breast after such a lumpectomy reduces the risk of cancer coming back in the breast. Traditional external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) is given to the whole breast a few weeks after surgical removal of the cancer. As it is not focused, it needs to be given in daily small doses over three to six weeks.

So, when working in Tata hospital in Mumbai, I had to tell patients with breast cancer that if they cannot stay in Mumbai for 1-2 months after their operation they could not preserve their breast – they had to have a mastectomy.

We have now shown that risk-adapted single-dose TARGIT-IORT when administered under the same anaesthetic can replace the traditional form of radiotherapy in suitable patients. It greatly cuts down on the amount of time spent in hospitals and women can recover faster and go back to their normal lives at the earliest. For four out of five women given TARGIT–IORT, this single-shot of radiotherapy is the only radiotherapy they will need. It therefore substitutes the conventional and prolonged treatment that lasts several weeks. The long-term results show that it is as effective, so it should be made available more freely in every hospital that treats breast cancer and must be accessible to all health-care

www.businessgoa.in

providers. Patients should be informed about this treatment before they have their surgery for breast cancer because it is administered during their operation.

After a cancer has been removed from the breast, and while the patient is still under the general anaesthetic, radiotherapy is delivered using the TARGIT-IORT technique. It is focussed to the area where tumour had been and is given from within the breast. A small ball-shaped radiation applicator of the Intrabeam device is precisely placed in the tumour bed – the cavity left behind when the tumour is removed. TARGIT-IORT is administered over about 25 minutes, the applicator then is removed and the breast skin is surgically closed. Intrabeam TARGIT intraoperative radiotherapy effectively treats the tissues where cancer might have come back while avoiding radiation to the skin and other healthy tissues such as the heart and lungs. This method has been used worldwide (over 260 centres in 38countries) to treat over 45,000 patients.

One important finding of the latest research is that with TARGIT-IORT, considerably fewer women have died

from causes other than breast cancer. In addition, previous studies have shown that TARGIT-IORT has fewer radiationrelated side effects compared with conventional whole breast radiotherapy, with less pain, a cosmetically superior result and a better quality of life.

I am very keen for this treatment to be available all over India. It is a better treatment and costs less than traditional treatment because it takes less time and the equipment is much less expensive.

Advice to people and cancer patients Eat healthy food, with plenty of fruits, vegetables, grains and nuts and reduce the amount of fat in the diet. Exercise regularly. Don’t use tobacco either for chewing or smoking. Consider all evidence-based options for treatment, balancing their benefits and side effects.

The outcomes have greatly improved, so there is every reason to be optimistic.

As an accomplished surgeon and professor of oncology, what would be your success mantra for the youngsters out there who want to pursue the same career?

Develop critical thinking and do not be

afraid to question dogmas. Have great compassion for everyone around you.

Have the courage of your conviction and do not give up – keep at it, despite all obstacles.

Suggestions for dealing with oncologyrelated health issues during COVID times Cancer treatment needs to continue during COVID-times. TARGIT-IORT is the ideal option for suitable breast cancer patients, especially during these times, because, the radiotherapy is administered during lumpectomy for breast cancer, so they can avoid daily trips to the hospital for the long course of radiotherapy.

So, TARGIT-IORT can help greatly to reduce viral exposure to such a vulnerable population. It should be made more widely available to breast cancer patients.

Future Plans My plan is to continue treating patients and doing research with the goal of improving the length and quality of life.

There are very exciting developments, so we can look forward to new breakthroughs!

october 2020 | Business Goa industry Dossier | 45

Newbiz

@businessgoamagazine

Sweet Nation

Sweetness all around

S

By sybil rodrigues

weet Nation is a onestop shop for fine Indian vegetarian cuisine.

This includes sweet meats, desserts, ‘namkeens’, ‘farsaans’, savouries, snacks, ice-creams, ‘kulfis’, ‘chaat’ and more.

They also sell their ‘farsaans’ and cookies in various retail chains across the state.

Namita Tripathi, founder of Sweet Nation, elaborates on the unique aspect of their product line. “The kind of food products that we have, especially in Goa is vended out by small establishments where quality and hygiene are an issue. Secondly, there has been very little innovation in this space. Lastly, we also have a state-of-the-art production facility and kitchen designed according to global food safety standards.” There are 4 main pillars of Sweet Nation and its products. These are Supreme Quality, Indigenous and Indian, Hygiene and Cleanliness and Natural Ingredients.

Namita goes to speak about how she started the venture. “In a sense, it was a bet. Our family and friends have always appreciated great food. My husband, Deepak has always had the dream of having his own store selling

the best food in Goa. The State had been missing world-class Indian food stores serving sweets, savouries and snacks.

One night, he had pitched this idea to his friends who initially laughed it off. This then turned into a friendly bet. We did our ground-work and research starting in 2018, and managed to launch this venture in 2020, during the pandemic.”

Namita further adds that Goa as a State has people from many different backgrounds and is generally a receptive market. “People who live here are no strangers to the quality of food available here, and always appreciate a good, honest meal. We saw a space in the market and targeted it. A large portion of the population is also familiar with the innovative chains opening all around the country, and we wanted be a part of that movement, giving Indian food its rightful place at the top.” Namita states that the pandemic has hit everybody hard. People tell her that the location of Sweet Nation is off the beaten path but that doesn’t deter her.

Namita says that the quality speaks for itself and the best strategy for any establishment are customers who are

46 | Business Goa industry Dossier | october 2020

Namita Tripathi speaks about her venture, Sweet Nation and products offered by them

Namita Tripathi

satisfied with the quality of the food and service.

When asked what promotional strategies they have planned for Sweet Nation, Namita says, “We do have a growing social media presence on Facebook and Instagram and have made some brief efforts on traditional outlets such as newspapers and radio. We’re eager to see how the global situation pans out and play it by ear.”

Regarding her shortterm business goals keeping in mind the tough situation prevailing today, Namita says that the first and foremost intention is to keep their employees happy, fulfilled and able to sustain themselves.

“This is quite an underrated

endeavour in most businesses today; however, it pays off in the long run. They will in turn keep our customers happy, and the heart of Sweet Nation beating. Secondly, we would like to continually satisfy our repeat customers.” They haven’t been able to place their entire menu forward due to various supply chain issues, however, they intend to offer the full menu this month, which should help them sustain better.

Namita also speaks on her plans for growth and expanding their brand presence in Goa. “Growth is a fleeting goal in a receding market. Packaged food, medicine, diagnostics, and other such industries have seen a surge in demand due to the pandemic. We followed the path and launched our packaged products in the retail chain, where we have seen some success in the last two months, we have read the market, and modified our product mix, pricing and policies effective from October. This should help us drive sales further than before. Not to mention, we have a fantastic sales team to enable this move. As far as our signature store is concerned, there is only one Taj Mahal. As mentioned earlier, we are working on expanding our offerings based on the pandemic situation, and how best we can avoid problems to public health.

We have opened our dine-in facility from mid-September onwards while abiding by all the public health and safety norms. We have also gone live on Swiggy and Zomato. Our final frontier in this sense is starting our live counters.

Given the nature of the operations, we are working on measures to reduce the risk of cross contamination to our staff and customers, while providing the unmatched experience of live cooking”

Luxury Brand

@businessgoa

TNS Jewellers

When words fail, jewellery speaks Nikunj Gupta elaborates on his family business, TNS Jewellers and their foray into the Goan market

TNS Jewellers Panaji Sales team with Nikunj Gupta (seated right) and his daughter Vrinda Gupta

T

By sybil rodrigues

NS Jewellers is one of the leading wholesalers of jewellery in India. Nikunj Gupta’s family has been in the trade of manufacturing, wholesale and retail of jewellery for almost 76 years.

The Mumbai office was established by Nikunj in the year 1996 after graduating in Computer Science (B.E). from Bangalore. Over the years, their main business has been sourcing cut and polished diamonds and gold in bullion form and manufacturing diamond jewellery. This finished jewellery range is supplied in wholesale to retailers all over India. They have worked with leading Jewellers in West Bengal, Orissa, Jharkhand, Bihar, U.P, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

Sensing the growing competition and the unease in business conditions in

the wholesale sector, TNS Jewellers decided to foray into retail and chose Goa. They started having quarterly exhibitions from 2012; and based on the positive response the brand received, they decided to have a permanent retail store in Goa. The first store located at Mall de Goa in Porvorim, was inaugurated by the then Chief Minister of Goa, Laxmikant Parsekar in February 2016. Following this, they opened another store in Panjim, opposite Don Bosco School in 2017 and a store in Margao in 2018.

TNS Jewellers will run special offers for the festive season wherein they are expecting better sales from October onwards as festivals begin. With the fear of COVID decreasing and as people go on with their lives adhering to safety and precautions, business seems to be getting

48 | Business Goa industry Dossier | october 2020

back on track. TNS Jewellers is offering attractive discounts of up to 25% on gold jewellery making charges and on the gross amount for diamond jewellery. Understanding the need of the hour that people might want to recycle their old gold jewellery, they are also offering 0 % deduction on the purity of old gold for exchange.

Nikunj opines on businesses opening up after the lockdown and the plus points of investing in jewellery.

“The current period starting from March 2020 has been a challenge for all of us across different sectors. Although Goa was one of the earliest States to open for business in May, the sales figures have hovered around 20% to 25% till September end-month on month compared to previous years. The reassuring aspect for this trade was

that because of global disturbances owing to the COVID situation and other socio political conditions, Gold prices strengthened throughout and continue its upward journey. This further increases the faith and confidence in the consumer’s mind about investing in gold and diamonds as their money remains secure and grows with time. These hard times reiterated the fact that purchase of jewellery should be ranked higher compared to other lifestyle purchases for its dual benefit.”

The customers of TNS Jewellers appreciate the extensive range of designs that they have to offer. Having a pan India reach their collection is a eclectic mix of designs from all regions of India. Their jewellery is 100% hallmarked and certified.

Nikunj adds, “Other than what is on display, we customise our designs as per customer requirements/ budget. TNS Jewellers has been a part of the process where diamond jewellery grew out of the realm of the very rich and reached out to middle and upper middle class buyer. Our target audience is everyone who is fond of diamonds – be it men or women. Our range appeals to all – right from the first time buyer to the more seasoned and more experienced buyer of diamond jewellery.”

Nikunj concludes with a message to potential customers.

“We offer personalised service to every customer and forming strong relations with every buyer is a priority here. Giving importance to every need of our buyers is something that we take very seriously.

Our prices are our USP, as they are comparatively more affordable than other brands offering similar products” www.businessgoa.in

biz bytes

www.businessgoa.in

EEMA in association with GEVA (Goa Event Vendors Association) hosts “India is an Event – We’re ready for Safe Events”

W

ith Unlock 4.0, the Government of India has allowed opening of social, religious, cultural events in most parts of the country to resume with a maximum gathering capacity of 100 people effective from 21 September 2020.

Event industry’s apex body EEMA in association with GEVA (Goa Event Vendors Association) organized a special event titled ‘India is an Event – We’re Ready for Safe Events’, which showcased a simulated corporate event setup displaying all necessary procedures and safety protocols for clients, invited guests, organizers and the technical crew for smooth and successful execution of events.

This event was put together to collectively address the Government and industry stakeholders to understand the suggested protocols in

a physical environment to experience the impact of the same and then further develop and adapt as per requirement from event to event.

EEMA had recently unveiled the proposed SOPs for conducting Safe Events through a digital event that was well accepted and appreciated by the industry.

Following the success of the SOP release for the industry, this simulated showcase was essential to be organized to provide a platform for the Government decision makers and industry stakeholders to have a first-hand experience as a guest and as an organizer to analyze and improvise as per their requirements.

EEMA took this opportunity to inform, educate and communicate to industry stakeholders from different cities to ensure

that they conduct thorough planning to make their events safe for all.

At this event, many government dignitaries, decision makers, industry stakeholders, partners and media persons were present.

A Safe Events Workshops was also conducted by experts, enabling industry stakeholders to seek more information and details towards better event planning.

EEMA envisages this event to build more confidence in the local Government stakeholders and fuel their thoughts to increase the limited to a more sustainable one in terms of management and at the same time a commercial viability for organizers to revive and re-surge again.

Marriott Bonvoy partnered with EEMA as the Hospitality partner by

providing venues for this multicity event and ensured that all safety protocols were being followed.

Wearing masks along with installation and use of ‘Aarogya Setu’ app was mandatory for all. All the attendees were instructed to maintain a 4 Sq. Mtr. physical distance and not have close contact with anyone.

Provision/use of alcoholbased hand sanitizers was made at the time of arrival and accessible to use wherever feasible on the venue. Signage and digital messaging was highlighted throughout the venue and was informed to all participants.

On the other hand, all venue staff was allowed with PPE and post checking of their body temperature. All the manpower of the event was insured through medical insurance.

Also, in regards to the food and beverages served during the event, Food-grade sanitizers and disinfectants were used in the kitchen/ caterers’ stores and godowns.

All staff delegated for the event had been Certified/ Verified with a hygiene training program

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organisations

@businessgoamagazine

Amin Ladak elected Chairman of Goa Management Association

G

oa Management Association held its 45th annual general meeting on 24th September.

President of GMA, Nitin Kunkolienker chaired the AGM, while outgoing Chairman of the Executive Committee, Harshvardhan Bhatkuly conducted the proceedings of the meeting.

“The one remarkable trait of the organisation has been its single minded devotion to the subject of scientific management practices – be they industry focussed or academic in nature,” said Bhatkuly.

“GMA has to harness its thought leadership by playing a key role in advising institutions in the postpandemic scenario,” said Kunkolienker.

Amin Ladak, Director Business Relations of the Fomento Group, took over as new Chairman of Goa

Amin Ladak

Management Association for the term 2020-22. “GMA relies on team work and we have a very talented new team elected with youthful exuberance and experienced management professionals,” said Ladak.

Ladak is a mechanical engineer who graduated from Sardar Patel College of Engineering in 1973. He had a long and fruitful stint at Larsen & Toubro starting out

as Junior Engineer in 1973 and leaving the infrastructure major as Branch Manager, Vizag. He later served as General Manager of Swedish multinational, Svedala. Ladak started his own mining equipment sales and service organisation, Kaenat in 1998.

Earlier, this year, he took up his latest assignment with the Fomento Group.

Ladak has attended management development programmes at ASCI Hyderabad, 1984 and IIM Ahmedabad, 1994.

He has been closely associated with the Aga Khan Development Network at various apex levels in social goverance.

Some of the new members elected to the Executive Committee 202022 are Deepak Bandekar, Executive Director, Bandekar Brothers Pvt Ltd; Chartered Accountant Rohan Bhandare;

business consultant Sunil Dias; Nilesh Dessai, Chief Manufacturing Officer, Zuari Agro Chemicals Ltd; Virendra Acharya, HeadTreasury, V M Salgaocar and Brother Pvt Ltd; Dr Saidas Khorjuvekar, Vice President Production and Materials, Timblo Drydocks Pvt Ltd; Professor Venkatesh Naga of Goa Institute of Management; R P Hedge, CFO, Wallace Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd; among others.

Some members attended the meeting physically and others via video conferencing.

The office bearers of GMA were later duly elected at the first meeting of the newly constituted Executive Commitee under Ladak’s leadership.

Deepak Bandekar was elected Vice Chairman, while Nilesh Dessai was named Hon Secretary and Sunil Dias was elected Hon Treasurer

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october 2020 | Business Goa industry Dossier | 51

corporate citizen / Daniel Albuquerque

Corporate Divorce: After 70 Years, the Tatas and the Pallonjis Split

The author explains that business contracts, just like the matrimonial ones, can be dissolved with due legal processes. The analogy of the frayed relationships in a marital divorce illustrates the pain of the dissolution of a business relationship. For the affected are not only the legal entities but also the stakeholders – promoters, employees, shareholders, the government and the people

T

he Parties to the dispute: The Tata Group (Tata) and Shapoorji Pallonji Group (SP Group).

The Case History: Tata Sons versus Shapoorji Pallonji is a very big corporate dispute. It is going to end. The two giant entrepreneurships were cemented together 70 years ago, in the early years of India’s independence, fired by an idealism to advance the enterprise of the young democratic republic. After the progress and prosperity of all these years, it is time to part. Here is the story and a couple of lessons for other entrepreneurs.

Tata Group, founded in 1862 by Jamsetji Tata has grown into a worldwide conglomerate affecting the lives of the people of not only India but the world.

While every industry sector has been well covered with a wide range of verticals, at the same time it has an extensive philanthropic network across the globe.

The Tatas operate on twin models that are unique in the world: it is owned by charitable trusts of the family, which is a means to fulfil the noble purpose of investing in people; its business model consists of value creation for stakeholders and corporate citizenship which allows every company in the group to strive for excellence. Ratan Tata has been the chairman of the Group for over two decades; although doesn’t hold this position presently, but he is still the Pater Familias – the father figure of the Tata industrial family who still holds and exercises his moral authority over the entire conglomerate. The Tata board, after much deliberation, had appointed Cyrus Mistry, a non-Tata as the Chairman of Tata Group and successor to Ratan Tata in December 2012.

Shapoorji Pallonji Group is a conglomerate with worldwide focus on infrastructure, industrial engineering and real estate. It was founded by Pallonji Mistry, the grandfather of Cyrus Pallonji Mistry, the party to the tussle with the Tatas, in 1865. Thus, both the great entrepreneurial groups started their ventures merely three years apart.

Jamsetji Tata and Pallonji Mistry were not only friends but also related to each other through several family liaisons.

Seventy years ago both the families

joined together in the enterprise of Tata Sons, the largest component of the Tata Group as a minor shareholder. The large family of Tatas hold 81% of the shares while the SP Group 18%. Presently, this partnership is going to be dissolved as per SP Group’s submission before the Supreme Court of India. The Tata Group is going to accomplish it by buying back the shares as it has deposed before the said Apex Court.

Causes of Dispute and Respective Positions: S P Group: Cyrus Investments Pvt. Ltd., and Others versus Tata Sons Ltd., and Others on 18 December, 2019 - Company Appeal (AT) No. 254 of 2018 in National Company Law Appellate – the position of the SP Group becomes clear. a) On 24 October 2016, Cyrus Mistry, the chairman, is dismissed by the Tata Sons Board. The appellant, SP Group felt it as grievance and moved application under Sections 241 and 242 of the Companies Act, 2013, the sections are concerned about the oppression of the minority shareholder and the ground for appeal under the power of the Tribunal, respectively.

Section 241 of the Act reads as: Any member of a company who is of opinion that (a) The affairs of a company are conducted in prejudice to public interest, any member or company’s interest, or (b) any material change, not being a change brought about by or interest of creditors that can be through an alteration in the board of directors or managers or in the ownership of the company’s shares; if it has no share capital, in its membership; or in any other manner.

Tata Group: The defendant argued that the removal of the executive chairman is a matter of directorial complaints under Sections 254 and 268; in other words not within the scope of 241 of the Companies Act, 2013. Further, in the close to four years of Mistry’s tenure had lost complete trust of the Tata Trusts, the majority holders, and had failed to deliver all that was stated in the terms and conditions accepted at the time of appointment.

Mistry also failed to lead the Tata Group in a cohesive manner as exhibited by

The columnist is a writer with Oxford University Press and a published author. Email: albuquerque.daniel@gmail.com 52 | Business Goa industry Dossier | october 2020

unilateral and harmful decisions and did not deliver as a leader to maintain the ethos of the company.

What then follows is a corporate saga rarely witnessed in Indian business world.

Allegations and counter allegations followed, suits and counter suits were filed against each other. The Mistry camp accused Tatas of highhandedness and refusal to change according to modern needs and setting up of efficient corporate systems. The Tatas defended that the Group will not budge from the basic principles of ethical standards which have set them apart as a caring and compassionate corporate house. However, the above cited case in the NCLAT, although given its major part of the judgment, which it kept at abeyance but reinstated Cyrus Mistry as Chairman for the next four months, until his term would end.

The Cyrus Capitulation and Tata Buyback Run: Post judgment in December 2019 brought gloom and dismay to Cyrus and in early January 2020 he gave up; he declared he didn’t want to be the Chairman. Some more to-and-fro run to the Supreme Court of India exacerbated the patience of SP Group. At the same time Cyrus was aware of the Pallonji family’s self-esteem and would explore options to claim his rights as minority shareholder. After due consideration, finally the decision to exit from Tata Group was taken and was conveyed to the Supreme Court in the final week of September 2020. The Tata Group approached the Court with the offer to buyback SP Group stakes.

But staking the claim for SP Group is not easy even for the Tatas if it is Rupees Two Lakh crores! The Tatas will bargain, of course – that would be a long and arduous ride of valuation and negotiations from professionals. Corporate India will be watching it with bated breath for several months after the process begins.

While Cyrus the Chairman of the SP Group will aggressively pursue his goal to strike the bargain in his family’s favour, the onus of guiding the Tata Group is upon the new Chairman of Tata Group N Chandrasekaran who has for over three Continued on page 55

legal eagle / delano furtado

The Tata v SP Group battle focus on Shareholder Rights and Constraints The writer explains shareholders rights and protecting their interests when pledging their shares in order to raise funds for their own group business

T

he shareholder disputes between the Shapoorji Pallonji Group (SP Group) led by Cyrus Mistry and the Tata Group continue to make headlines and shape corporate law in India. The current legal tussle began when the SP Group (a long term minority shareholder in Tata Sons) decided to pledge a portion of its shareholding in Tata Sons Private Limited (Tata Sons) to raise funds for its own group business and to deal with the outcome of the ongoing pandemic.

The Tata Group filed proceedings in court objecting to any further pledge or transfer of shares in Tata Sons by the SP Group. While a larger corporate battle between the two shareholder groups has been ongoing, the current proceedings in the Supreme Court bring out new legal issues relevant to financial and strategic investors, as well as shareholders and joint venture partners in India.

Legal Issues A fundamental legal question that has arisen in this case, is whether the creation of a pledge (i.e. common form of security created over company shares in favour of a lender) of shares of Tata Sons in favour of a third party lender would constitute “transfer”? The common law jurisprudence is clear that shares are movable property and like any other movable property carry with it an intrinsic right of the shareholder to mortgage or pledge such shares for securing a loan, unless agreed otherwise contractually.

A pledge may act as a mode of transfer of voting rights without transfer of shares. A pledgee or the lender may contractually enjoy voting rights over such shares although there is no actual transfer of shares by execution of a share transfer deed.

However, fundamentally, all the rights and benefits attached to the shares otherwise remain with the pledgor or borrower. Therefore, from a legal perspective, it is only upon invocation or enforcement of the pledge that the pledgee becomes the beneficial owner of the pledged shares and no residuary interest in the pledged shares remains in the favour of the shareholder. Mere creation of encumbrance only creates an interest in the shares in favour of the

pledgee and does not by itself completely transfer ownership of the shares from the pledgor to the pledgee. As per news reports, the Supreme Court in its preliminary observation stated that a pledge may not amount to a full transfer but was indeed a limited transfer of shares.

This observation and interpretation of the Hon’ble Supreme Court (though said to have been made orally) could open the door to similar challenges and more shareholder disputes.

While the Articles of Association of Tata Sons (as available on the website of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs) do not specifically restrain any member from creating an encumbrance on its shareholding, the articles do contain specific restrictions in relation to transfer of shares, typically referred to as Rights of First Refusal (ROFR) in shareholder agreements. Interestingly, certain judicial pronouncements have stated that a pledge may not have the effect of transfer, particularly if under the articles of the company, the company shares have to be offered first to the existing members and on their refusal to any outsider, whom directors would approve. In practice, courts have also upheld such ROFR rights of a shareholder and allowed shareholders to enforce such rights at the time of sale of pledged shares to a third party upon invocation of a pledge by the lender.

‘Squeeze out’ of minority shareholders – the Articles of Association (i.e. company bye-laws) of Tata Sons empower ‘Tata Sons Limited’ at any time to compel a transfer of ‘ordinary shares’ of any of the minority shareholders by passing a special resolution. The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal 2 Order (which has been currently stayed by the Supreme Court) had restrained the Tata Group from exercising its rights under the Articles against the SP Group. Minority squeeze out provisions under Indian company law require a shareholder to make an application to the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) for buying out minority shareholders wherein the NCLT is required to approve such an arrangement between shareholders after following due process.

and Outcome Pledging of shares of investee companies by a shareholder is a common method adopted when looking to raise funds for corporate expansion or restructuring plans undertaken by such shareholder groups. Hence, such limitations on fund raising for corporate groups whose finances and revenues have been adversely impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic could be damaging. Shareholders typically negotiate their shareholder agreements to allow a shareholder to pledge their shares in the company subject to: (i) approval of the other shareholders; (ii) rights of first refusal for the other shareholders; and (iii) any other terms and conditions mutually agreed.

It is possible that Tata Group’s concern emanates from a potential scenario where it may be forced to pay a higher value to purchase SP Group’s stake in Tata Sons, if such shares are being sold by SP Group’s lenders (i.e. upon invocation of pledge) to a third party investor prepared to pay a premium for the SP Group’s stake in Tata Sons.

While it is fair to expect other shareholders to impose restrictions on transferability of shares of a privately held company to protect their own interests in such company, a shareholder should be permitted to raise some level of liquidity against a pledge of its shareholding in times like these and for genuine corporate needs.

The Supreme Court has for now issued a status quo order regarding transfer and pledge of shares until the final hearing on 28 October 2020. The Supreme Court’s judgment could have far reaching implications for the rights of minority shareholders to pledge shares of their investee companies.

Going by media reports, it appears that the SP Group may be willing to offer its stake in Tata Sons to the Tata Group for sale in the event that it is unable to pledge its shareholding to raise funds for its own business. This outcome could be to Tata Group’s benefit. Whether the ensuing corporate tussle between the Tata Group and the SP Group will see the Supreme Court uphold the rights of a shareholder to pledge its shareholding or

Impact of the Supreme Court’s Decision

Continued on page 55

The writer is Partner of top tier law firm, Trilegal. He heads the Mumbai offices at the Firm. His primary practice areas are mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, corporate restructuring and disposals, private equity and venture capital. Email: delano.furtado@trilegal.com october 2020 | Business Goa industry Dossier | 53

people tree / kishore m. shah

Re-engineering Philanthropy

The writer is the Managing Trustee GDP foundation www.gdpideaz.org Email: shahkishorem@gmail.com

The writer speaks on how the pandemic has impacted lives and livelihood of those who are at the bottom of the industrial pyramid

M

any companies present their vision, mission statements, values, equate their employees to “assets”, passionately talk about their loyalty and priority towards stakeholders, which is all about canvassing the intent of their best practices. But in a certain world, there are very few occasions, opportunities to demonstrate such practices, so such slogans and statements often go unnoticed and untested.

However, the Covid-19 pandemic has exposed and explored industries by throwing multi-fold opportunities to practice what they have genuinely or rhetorically preached, and this is an acid test for them. Time will tell how many sacrificed the temptations of short term RoI, monetary goals for their values, vision and mission. This may sound difficult but it is not.

Let me explain the logic. The top and middle management are not going to be hit because they have always drawn hefty pay packets and perks. Their insurance policies are in place, as also their asset management, which put all together can help them remain afloat for the next few years. Investors, venture capitalists may experience a downward spiral in profits but they will not go bankrupt instantly; even in a worst case scenario as when there are restraining forces, there are also driving forces evolving for them.

The real challenge of life and livelihood is for the laid off workers, contract labourers, small businesses, vendors, supply chain value adders. To me they are like a small boat without sail, rudder, oar, anchor – all left in the raging seas to fend for themselves. They are struggling for their next meal to feed themselves and their families.

I recollect Honore de Balzac’s quote “Bureaucracy is a giant machine driven by dwarfs” and such a metaphor suggests that machines do not have empathy; neither they can run on their own or respond. So to expect something well planned and result oriented from Government will be an over expectation as bureaucracy runs on defined rules, regulations, laws for a ‘certain world’.

Neither is bureaucracy oriented nor trained to manage uncertain situations of a pandemic’s magnitude spread over a long period of time successfully, as we do not have a legacy to fall back and for a

54 | Business Goa industry Dossier | october 2020

country of our size and complexities, it is more complicated.

During the pandemic, several individuals, associations came forward and extended a helping hand but without a robust administrative machinery (which a bureaucracy generally has to be) to support and sustain, these initiatives got exhausted and they faded out.

Industries by their very nature are more resilient and responsive as they are constantly facing uncertainties of market; but instead of the required integrated efforts, each industry seemed to work in silos or limited themselves to provide suggestions or donate money to relief funds which in itself dampened the collective response time and the local community was left high and dry, which also included their very own employees.

The pandemic is here to stay, impacting lives and livelihood and hence to avoid any further slide, this is the time to ‘Re-engineer – Philanthropy’ such it will help all of us to contribute in rebuilding the entire world and such an initiative will be remembered for decades.

Corporate history has several cases where huge loss was internally absorbed as a priority to avoid even a single starvation/death due to its product/ service malfunctioning. There are several cases of product recalls, free replacements which were in several millions and billions.

It is quite understandable that business leaders face stressful pressure from investors and bankers to ensure bottom line at any cost but investors, merchant bankers will not face an immediate survival crisis; and neither will their coffers empty quickly.

Even those who have seen their savings drying up, can expect to see the stock market bounce back as long as they hold their shares. Writing off costs is not new to industries. The reasons could be restructuring, product failures, or acquisitions that have gone haywire.

Here is how we can re-engineer philanthropy to support those who are at the bottom of the pyramid like employees, micro vendors, health care providers and communities; because they are the link to kickstart the economy.

1. Companies can even pay less. This may not qualify as CSR or philanthropy, but it

will help all to float and swim back when the economy bounces back.

2. Companies can reincarnate a part of it as internal bank and provide soft loans which will facilitate fast disbursal and also prevent their employees, micro vendors to get trapped into the web of treacherous money lenders who would fleece them.

3. Industries can alternatively provide collateral security and facilitate bank loans for their micro vendors, contractors, laid off employees who have dedicatedly worked for years.

4. Industries are huge markets for insurance business. Using this clout, industries can and should negotiate to provide health cover for their workers, local community and the marginalised.

5. Industries should resist the age old habit of demanding credit, delaying payments and rather release advance payments to their small suppliers, which they desperately need – cash in hand to restart it like a thanksgiving or a gift voucher which makes the customer return back to your shop again to redeem.

6. Hot spots and Cold spots: The pandemic wave is at different stages in different countries hence the need/ demand for masks, sanitisers, PPE, ventilators, oxygen cylinders etc. will vary from one area /country to another.

Instead of duplication, there can be grid/ hedging where healthy exchanges can take place so that the inventories are purposefully utilised thus saving time, effort and money.

7. Large scale Community Integration: Every community has all the required ingredients and resources to combat such calamities but what is missing is a sustainable integration platform which is swift, simple and smart. Creating such will be the game changer. Industry associations should take the lead to build an IOT platform and integrate communities which in turn could run Covid facilities, canteens, clinics, providing employment.

In times of calamity what matters is your ability to collectively brain storm and find sustainable solutions. It does not need a herculean effort but with simple, swift, superior collective thinking, feeling and action – we can re-engineer ‘philanthropy’ and rebuild the world together without burning out

money matters / V. B. Prabhu Verlekar

The Foreign Contribution Regulation Act

The writer speaks about the FCRA and the implications on those receiving foreign funding without registering under the same

T

he Foreign Contribution Regulation Act or FCRA is a law enacted

by Parliament to regulate foreign contributions by way of donations of money and articles, provided by certain foreign individuals and associations to NGOs and others within India, to safeguard national interest. NGO means non-Government organizations and covers charitable institutions registered under Society’s Registration Act, 1860, Indian Trust Act, Section 25 of the Companies Act; associations like Rotary Club, Lion’s Club, Jaycees, religious institutions, and other social, cultural, educational organizations.

Recently, the Home Ministry of GOI has initiated criminal investigations of several NGOs after they were found misusing money for anti-social and anti-national activities. Registration certificates of many others were also cancelled for not complying with reporting requirements stipulated under the Act. FCRA applies to ‘Foreign Contributions’ received from ‘Foreign source’. ‘Foreign contributions’ include any articles (other than for personal use of individual) exceeding `25,000/-; foreign or Indian currency or foreign securities like foreign bonds, stocks, shares and income generated from these securities and interest on designated bank accounts.

‘Foreign sources’ includes foreign governments and their agencies, foreign companies, any foreign associations or society and citizens of foreign country which covers foreign citizens of Indian origin like OCI card holders but not non-resident Indians living in foreign countries.

Certain categories of persons are completely banned from accepting foreign contributions or hospitality such

FCRA applies to “Foreign Contributions” received from “Foreign source”. “Foreign contributions” include any articles (other than for personal use of individual) exceeding `25,000; foreign or Indian currency or foreign securities like foreign bonds, stocks, shares and income generated from these securities and interest on designated bank accounts as election candidates, persons connected with newspapers and electronic media, government servants, MPs, MLAs, office bearer of political parties, etc. If an individual Indian receives gift from his foreign relatives in excess of Rs one lakh, FCRA requires reporting to central government in Form FC-1 within 30 days. Ban is not applicable for payment of remunerations, scholarships, remittance received in ordinary course of business through official channels.

In order to be eligible to receive foreign contributions as above, the NGO should have definite cultural, economic, educational, religious and social programs, provided, they are either registered with Home Ministry of Central government under this Act or takes prior permission for receiving such contribution. For prior permission, application should be made in FC-3B electronically. This is donor specific, recipient specific and purpose specific.

For general registration, application should be made electronically in Form FC-3A. Application granted is valid for five years and renewal of application should be made six months before due date of expiry. Transfer of foreign contribution funds to any person or

organization which is not registered or has not obtained prior permission to receive foreign contribution are not permitted.

Any contravention, to the provision of the Act attracts imprisonment for six months to five years and /or fine ranging up to five times the amount involved.

These offences are compoundable.

A registered association can receive and use foreign funds only through a designated bank account. Deposit of non-foreign funds is not permitted in this account. Separate independent accounts are required to be maintained of foreign contributions and its utilisations and audited statements with reports of use in Form FC-4 duly certified by Chartered Accountant should be filed with Home Ministry every year before 31st of December, immediately after the end of the financial year. Nil report is required to be filed even if no FC is received or utilized during the financial year.

Very recently FCRA is being amended to restrict administrative expenses to 20 per cent, mandatory furnishing of Aadhaar number for all office bearers, ban on “public servants’’ to receive any benefits, power to stop utilization of foreign funds by an organization by a ‘summary enquiry’.

There are a few NGOs in Goa who receive foreign donations unknowingly in good faith without complying with registration requirements. Given the recent actions taken by the Government against several charitable organizations, it is imperative that all organizations that receive foreign contributions review the FCRA norms and compliance requirements in detail and follow them meticulously to ensure that they do not come under the scanner of the Government for non-compliance

The Columnist is a senior Chartered Accountant and has authored many books on accounting and taxation. Email: verlekar@bsnl.in

Continued from page 52

decades held top leadership positions in one or the other Tata Group of Companies.

Until then there is enough opportunity for the companies, whether big or small to look at themselves, their governance structures and above all their vision

and mission that anchors their enterprise. From the SP Group the lesson to be learnt is take the litigation path only as a last resort. From the Tata Group it is to hold on to the fundamental principles of the organization as would a democratic country hold on to its ‘basic structure’ of the constitution

Continued from page 53

from being forced to sell out to the majority shareholder, remains to be seen.

While a carefully negotiated and drafted shareholders’ agreement can help a shareholder enforce its rights without the need for a long drawn out and

expensive court process, some corporate battles such as this one, involving highly reputed shareholder groups and years of history, collaboration and relationships attached to them may favour an amicable resolution to the dispute keeping long term business interests in mind and relationships intact

october 2020 | Business Goa industry Dossier | 55

Beyond classroom / dr. pradeep salgaonkar

Coping with Consumer’s Perceived Risks

The columnist speaks about the different types of perceived risks and how marketers should focus on managing and reducing the same

H

ere’s a ‘purchase decision’ incident of a middle class, middle aged, working lady, whom I would classify as a ‘not so vulnerable’ consumer. She purchased a 50 inch LG smart TV with K4 HDR technology. The need for buying a new bigger TV emerged when she visited a friend’s house, where she saw the big TV’s picture quality and probably started comparing it to the 32 inch TV that she had at home. The obvious next step was a preliminary search on internet for different models and features of TVs. This was followed by a visit to a showroom to get a firsthand look at models available and get more information. She collected basic details of a few models and different brands.

Though she collected information of all brands available, subconsciously somewhere she was inclined towards LG, as her previous two TV sets were from LG. A loyal customer you could say.

Few days passed, the customer could not make up her mind regarding which TV to buy. The choice of brand was easy as she decided to stick to the same brand she had owned. She had faith and trust in this brand and her perceived risk was very low as far as products from this company are concerned.

More search on the internet and a second visit to the showroom enabled her to collect more information about the product. But, now she was introduced to newer features like Nano technology, 4K UHD, HDR, QLED, OLED and more – from different brands, comparison of picture quality and also varying sizes and pricing. She was more confused now and wanted more time to make her purchase decision, owing to technical specifications of different models. Back home, she searched for more information on various features, including online reviews by customers.

Having decided the brand and the retailer, she now decided to go for the third time and make the purchase. This time she was certain about the model that she wanted to buy. But to her luck, that particular model was not available with the store. So she had to choose another model now. It took some time though, but this time she placed the order for purchase as she could understand the features in different models better.

Although this was not a very high value purchase, the confusion was due to her perceived risk associated with the product. Though the brand was decided, advanced technology backed features made the decision on a specific model difficult. Marketers and Customer Service Executives (CSEs) should understand that the perceived risk, in case of products backed by technology is usually high for many customers. And if this aspect is not handled properly then there are chances of losing the customer.

Types of perceived risks A customer’s decision could be influenced by any of the following types of perceived risks: (a) Functional risk – risk perceived with the performance of the product.

Whether the features would function properly, whether one would be able to operate the product easily or not, what if the product fails to perform properly because of too many technical features in it, and so on. (b) Physical risk – risk perceived with any physical damage the product may cause. (c) Financial risk – risk perceived with the price that is being paid for the product. Whether one is paying the right price or not, should one spend more on another brand and get better quality, will a credit/debit card information be safe with the retailer, and so on. (d) Social risk – risk associated with social status. The thought, what will my friends, colleagues and relatives think and feel about my purchase. (e) Psychological risk – it’s about how one is feeling about a purchase. (f) Time risk – it is time loss risk. Loss of time in searching information, delayed delivery and installation, product not functioning properly and has to be returned or repaired, and so on. The intensity of any of these types of perceived risks, operating in any customer, will depend upon few factors influencing the customer to take decisions in that context. One of the important factors which affects perceived risk is the consumer’s budget and price of the product. For many customers, budget and price of the product are of great concern and that impacts their level of perceived risk and decision making process. Urgency of need and time available to shop are other factors which affect perceived risk. In case there

is urgency of buying the product then the customer compromises easily on the perceived risks involved. Whereas if the customer has lot of time at his disposal then the customer tries to reduce the perceived risk by information gathering.

Thus, amount of information available and easy availability is yet another important factor that impacts perceived risks. Number of alternatives available also impacts customer’s perceived risk. More the alternatives more is the confusion in a customer’s mind and thus higher perceived risk. Likewise, a customer’s previous experience and knowledge certainly influences the level of perceived risk involved in decision making.

Reducing perceived risk Although it may not be possible for any marketer to control and eliminate the perceived risks associated with their products and services, they should work towards reducing the perceived risks of all customers. What best they can do in general, is make more and correct information available easily to customers.

Besides, during sales transactions, work on reducing functional risk by ensuring that customers are buying the right product that will satisfy their needs.

So, understand a customer’s needs first and offer products accordingly.

Address financial risk by highlighting benefits of products, highlight value associated with product, explain utility and hedonic need fulfillment, and ensure safe financial transactions. Reduce time loss risk by speedy transactions, accurate information and quick expert advice when required. Reduce social risks by sharing adequate knowledge about the product, boosting confidence in the product and reinforcement of the fact that the customer has done the right purchase.

Psychological risk could be handled best by product demonstration and educating the customer, offer guarantees, showcase testimonials, and convincing on money’s worth in the purchase.

However vulnerable a consumer may be to technological advancements, marketers should focus on managing and reducing every consumer’s perceived risks. Cope with consumer’s perceived risks to succeed

The writer is a Founder Director, Saldots Academy; corporate trainer and facilitator; former chairman of Goa Management Association. Email: pradeepsalgaonkar@gmail.com 56 | Business Goa industry Dossier | october 2020

farm fresh / Manguirish pai raiker

Reforms in the Agriculture Sector

The writer speaks about the new legislations brought in to bring prosperity to the farming community

I

ndia was known for its agriculture heritage. Villagers would survive on agricultural produce and also supply them to the cities. Later, due to continuous droughts, agriculture was neglected and the farming community left the villages in search of jobs in the industries. Agriculture was not worth due to natural vagaries and uncertainties.

There were millions dependent on it. But they were left with little choice until the irrigation schemes were put in place and supply of water and electricity was made available to them. Mechanization brought in further comfort to this sector. During the pandemic, every individual was only concerned about the availability of food products. In this context, the position of the farmer has come to the fore. His status as a provider became an important factor. The Government also realized this aspect and took into consideration the farmer’s role and made several provisions for the agriculture sector.

Growth in agriculture was falling short of the total economy and its share in the national output had declined drastically over a period of time from around 50% in the beginning to 17%. The Central Government made concentrated efforts to improve the gaps and provided monetary stimulus through banking channels, making them direct beneficiaries. Lot of other incentives including support price were introduced by the states. Agriculture is by far the largest employer throughout the country.

Today, we have excess commodities even after providing food to over 1.35 Billion people of this country. This is possible only because of the toiling farmers; who at times, are left to fend for themselves.

The Government realized that because there was surplus food available, economic growth was possible. Having surplus money or mineral wealth does not suffice if there is no food to eat.

There was also a realization that farmers were not getting the right remuneration for their efforts. More attention was given to this aspect and new schemes were introduced to motivate and promote farming activities. This helped to substantially increase the yield of horticulture, dairy products, poultry produce, floriculture, and others like piggery etc. Farmers were also provided with inputs like soil analysis, fertilizer

requirements, pest control advisories, mechanical equipment, control farming implements and timely resolutions of their grievances.

The Government brought in laws to make ‘ease of doing business’ in agriculture. The Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation), the Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance and Farm Services and the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act are now implemented. This hopes to end both, the License Permit Raj and inspector raj in the agriculture sector. This is a much needed reform which was not a part of the major reforms undertaken in 1991 to end the ineffective remnants of the socialist era. This would also end years of systematic policy bias against farmers. Combination of two sets of laws namely the Essential Commodities Act (ECA)and the state level Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee Acts, defined how the supply chain of the farm produce were managed in India.

ECA was enacted in 1955 to control production, supply, trade, and storage of certain commodities deemed to be essential. The Act itself did not lay out the regulations but allowed the states to issue control orders related to dealer licensing, maintaining stock limits, the power to control prices, obligatory purchases and restrictions on transportation. The authorities had the draconian powers to raid hoarders, impound the goods, and cancel the license with also imprisonment of the offenders.

The Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee system forced farmers to sell their produce only through designated channels. The disadvantages of the system were well documented and demands

were raised for change. Some attempts were made to reform it partially but the system had remained the same until now.

The system was very unfair to farmers, and was never able to achieve its main purpose of price stability. It was very clear that the Essential Commodities Act and the Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee system had failed to achieve its goal. Farm produce is collected according to harvests, and price stability depends on storage. By forcing farmers to sell their produce through designated channels, and placing arbitrary restrictions on inventory, the system discouraged price discovery and storage.

Anyone who invested in storage ran the risk of being called a hoarder and facing prosecution. Thus, every year, India would see the prices of onions swinging wildly.

These reforms will help to accelerate growth in the sector through private sector investment in building infrastructure and supply chains for farm produce in national markets. The small farmers who don’t have means to either bargain for their produce to get a better price or invest in technology to improve the productivity of farms will now benefit from these reforms and will also allow farmers to sell their produce outside the APMC to whoever they want.

Farmers will be able to get better prices through competition and cost-cutting on transportation. All commissions are eliminated causing loss to the APMC operators. The legislation on contract farming will allow farmers to enter into a contract with agri-business firms or large retailers on pre-agreed prices of their produce. The Essential Commodities (Amendment) Bill, 2020, has removed the list of essential commodities ending the imposition of stock-holding limits except under extraordinary circumstances.

Elimination of middlemen, all types of commissions and cess will bring prices under control and the farmer will be able to get the market price for his produce.

This will also encourage the youth to take agriculture as a career instead of running to the cities for employment, thus reducing the pressure on urban areas.

Additional employment generation will happen and better realization of the produce will bring happiness and prosperity to the farming community

The author is an industrialist and Chairman of the MSME Council of ASSOCHAM. He was president of Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry. Email: rsaawni@gmail.com october 2020 | Business Goa industry Dossier | 57

Uncomplicate Business / sunil dias

Does flattery work? And should you use it in your business?

The writer discusses whether flattery is acceptable in one’s line of business and the kind of flattery needed to make a good impression

D

ale Carnegie’s ‘How to Win Friends and Influence People’ is one of the bestselling books of all times. It has sold more than 30 million copies since its publication more than 80 years ago. It offers some solid, timeless advice – always offer a smile, be a good listener and admit faults willingly and quickly. A lot of the advice in the book centres around doing things which make others feel good. And while some of it, like smiling, seems like a win-win situation for all, many others sound like flattery. The examples, for instance, for praising people at every opportunity. As Carnegie says, ‘Always make the other person feel important.’

Flattery certainly can make people feel good. And it’s nice to make people feel good. Yet, take it too far and it morphs into manipulation. Something done solely to gain something in return. So, in the continuum between ‘make people feel good’ kind of flattery to the ‘get people to do what I want’ kind, what’s acceptable?

We’ll try to find out in this article.

Does flattery work?

No one is immune to flattery. We like hearing people say good things about us.

We have this tremendous need for selfenhancement. This continues even when we are aware that someone is buttering us up to get something in return. Researchers in Hong Kong got shoppers to favour a clothing store using a simple tool. They distributed flyers inviting the potential shoppers to visit the store. It mentioned that the shopper got the flyer since they are ‘fashionable and stylish’. Despite a clear ulterior motive, it flattered people enough to influence shopping preference.

Will flattery work on that potential client of yours? It will and we do it often enough. Some types of flattery are innocuous. For instance, dressing up well for a client meeting. Or knowing the clients likes and dislikes. Both flatter the client. You are signalling to the client that they matter. But you need to be careful of not crossing a line where flattery is the sole focus and it becomes too obvious. The location of the line depends on the type of person and the type of organization they represent. Narcissistic people are more amenable to flattery.

People in organizations with high power distances and bureaucratic structures are

We like hearing people say good things about us. We have this tremendous need for self-enhancement. This continues even when we are aware that someone is buttering us up to get something in return

your idea. If you hear someone mirror your views on a topic, it reinforces your views. That feels good.

more flatterable.

Will flattery work on your boss?

Various studies have shown that flattering the boss can produce excellent returns. The Stanford professor, Jeffrey Pfeffer in his book Power lists flattery as key to a happy boss. He cites unpublished research from Professor Jennifer Chatman of University of CaliforniaBerkeley. Professor Chatman believes that flattery has an inverted U-shaped relationship. Up to a point, more flattery gives more returns. After that, flattery becomes ineffective. People perceive the flatterer as insincere and a ‘suck-up’. The point where the U turns depends on the boss and the type of organization.

Tip #6: Don’t sound too smart We like to be the smartest person in the room. So, be careful not to sound too smart in front of someone you’re trying to flatter.

How to flatter So, how do you flatter someone without them knowing that you are? Here are 6 tips adapted from a paper by Ithai Stern and James Westphal: Tip #1: Frame flattery as likely to make someone uncomfortable Before flattering someone, mention that it might make them uncomfortable.

We like being perceived as someone embarrassed by praise (instead of seeking praise).

Tip #2: Ask for advice Being asked for advice makes us feel wise.

That we’re considered experts whose advice is sought flatters us.

Tip #3: Argue then agree The argument before agreement gives value to the persons power of persuasion.

And validates their point of view.

Tip #4: Find out and articulate the views of the person you want to flatter Figure out the boss’ views from someone else, and then say them to him as if its

Tip #5: Complimenting the person to someone else If you keep saying good things about the person to others, they’ll learn about it soon enough. And they’ll be flattered when they do.

What kind of flattery is acceptable?

Flattery is one form of ‘impression management’. We need to make a good impression in business and there’s not too much wrong in that. Beyond that, what is ethical and what’s manipulation is very subjective. Yet, what’s clear is that if your business uses flattery as a key component to win business, it isn’t sustainable in the long run. Your product or service should speak louder than any flattery you offer. It isn’t flattering to have someone buy your product just because you flatter them.

Finally, examine how amenable you are to flattery. Every flatterer lives at the expense of those who listen. So, keep an eye out for those flatterers. Machiavelli offers an interesting way to avoid flatterers and staying grounded. “…of flatterers, of whom courts are full, because men are so self-complacent in their own affairs, and in a way so deceived in them, that they are preserved with difficulty from this pest, and if they wish to defend themselves they run the danger of falling into contempt.

Because there is no other way of guarding oneself from flatterers except letting men understand that to tell you the truth does not offend you; but when everyone may tell you the truth, respect for you abates.

Therefore, a wise prince ought to hold a third course by choosing the wise men in his state, and giving to them only the liberty of speaking the truth to him, and then only of those things of which he inquires, and none of the others; but he ought to question them upon everything, and listen to their opinions, and afterwards form his own conclusions”

The author runs iv-advisors, a consulting firm helping businesses become bigger and better. Email:sunildias@iv-advisors.com 58 | Business Goa industry Dossier | october 2020

bon Appétit

@businessgoa

andy’s khaana

Cooking up a Colonial Storm

Andrea Crizzle highlights her culinary journey which began in her family kitchen and led to Andy’s Khana

Roast Chicken with veggies and gravy

A

By Sybil rodrigues

ndrea Crizzle was born in Kolkata and brought up on tea plantations, where her father was employed and life was lived on a grand scale.

Andrea describes the meals, that she had, as a child, which were greatly influenced by the British. “Breakfast was always very British consisting of eggs, bacon, sausages, baked beans, fresh fruit juice, etc. Lunch was more or less of Indian flavour with the usual curries and ‘rotis’ and veggies and salad followed by a leisurely siesta. High Tea was daily and an extremely elaborate affair. Dinner comprised of roasts and soups and mainly simpler stuff!”

Her mother is an Anglo Indian and would always cook up delicious mulligatawny, a ‘khowsuey’, a beef roast or Shepherd’s pie or simple ‘dal’ and rice, to name a few. So right up from her childhood, Andrea has been exposed to good food cooked by her mother and the staff on the tea gardens. Holidays in Kolkata meant delicious food cooked by her grandmother who was a fabulous cook as were her aunts and grand aunts.

Andrea’s culinary journey began in the kitchens of a loving family amidst great laughter and loads of love.

“Cooking came naturally to me. I love feeding people. So half my battle is won!” says she, on venturing into the culinary world. As part of cabin crew with Jet Airways, Andrea sampled cuisines from across the country and incorporated it into her daily flavours. Over the years it gave her an opportunity to hone her skills and perfect a few recipes. “Good food tastes even better when it looks and smells good. This gives me the opportunity to incorporate colonial aesthetics from my tea garden days to my current repertoire

60 | Business Goa industry Dossier | october 2020

Momos with a hot chilly sauce

of dishes. I wanted my cuisine to appeal to all the senses – taste, smell, sight and touch.”

Her home based venture is called Andy’s Khana which all began with a friend of hers requesting to cater for a party. “My friend wanted to offer her guests something different and asked if I would help. I jumped at it because it involved feeding people! The food was well appreciated and she pushed me into taking orders. I was extremely apprehensive at first being untrained and cooking only by instinct and relying on my recipes passed down the generations.

My friends call me Andy, hence the name Andy’s Khana.”

She soon started getting orders from friends and then their friends; and word of mouth being so powerful, she started getting many orders and went on to cater for parties. Andrea can cook up Anglo Indian food and some north Indian food, but was apprehensive on whether the Goan palette was ready to try a different style of cuisine. But four years down the road, she is still going strong.

Andrea’s cooking is greatly influenced by flavours of the past. The food cooked by her mother, grandmother and aunts, have left an indelible mark on her style of cuisine. “I don’t have any one particular signature dish, but rest assured you wouldn’t have tasted it anywhere else!

The ball curry and yellow rice or pepper water, ‘jhalfrezie’ or ‘khowsuey’, the spare ribs I make are also different to what you would eat elsewhere. I make a burger which is different in flavour and well stuffed, greatly appreciated by children and adults alike.”

Each dish by Andrea gets the same importance as the next. Her two different kinds of flavoured oils, was created by her when dabbling in something different for

Andrea Crizzle

her children’s palate and today, is a hit amongst her customers.

Andrea believes in never saying no to her clients and has taken orders on short notice, whether it’s a simple roast or cooking an elaborate meal for a party of around 70 odd people.

Andrea has had her fair share of roadblocks. “Being a home chef isn’t easy.

The lack of space is a daily battle. But I’ve managed to master it. I cook only on orders thus ensuring that I procure fresh ingredients. Whether it’s cakes or muffins, roasts or quiches it’s done at home by me. Right from purchasing my ingredients to cooking, I do it myself.

My daughters and my husband help when they can. I buy my stock of veggies and meats and dry ingredients, making sure it’s the best quality wise. Both my daughters are into competitive sport. So I make sure the food that I cook is healthy and well balanced.”

Andrea goes on to add that the initial stages of the lockdown were terrifying and she didn’t know whether her little business would sustain itself. But she slowly began getting orders and it has picked up speed, which keeps her busy and happy at the same time. Andrea has gained a lot of new clients and gets loads of positive feedback which is heartening.

“To sustain, cooking a different cuisine for a client base that enjoys eating my food is such a good and satisfying feeling” she adds.

Regarding her future plans, Andrea harbours a dream to have a food truck or a little café that has an old world charm with a touch of her favourite colonial era.

She signs off with a message to aspiring home cooks and culinary artists.

“I feel if you do something, do it with heart and soul or don’t do it at all. Be humble, be different, and be honest”

hospitality

@business-goa

Hotel Association of India appoints members of HAI State Chapter for Goa

I

n its 84th meeting of the Executive Committee of Hotel Association of India held on the 21st September 2020 on a virtual platform, it was decided that utmost priority should be given to driving quality membership across the country, with the HAI State Chapters playing a key role in this drive.

Victor Albuquerque, Chairman and Managing Director of Alcon Victor Group, Goa has been appointed as a member of HAI State Chapter for Goa along with Vincent Ramos, Area Director, IHCL Goa and General Manager Taj Hotel & Convention Centre, Goa. Victor Albuquerque is a graduate in Civil Engineering with over 40 years in setting up and management of hotels, hospitals etc. Widely traveled, Albuquerque has conceptualised and has been

Victor Albuquerque

Vincent Ramos

the pioneer for many projects, both in tourism and medical tourism in Goa. He was the first to conceptualise the ‘Rent Back’ concept in Goa, which immediately became a runaway success.

Vicent Ramos has 27 years of hospitality experience and has won the coveted “Best Hotel of the World” Trip Advisor 2016, as General Manager for Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur.

The HAI Goa Chapter

will be the eyes and ears of the Association as well as be promoters of HAI initiatives among the members in their respective Region. It will also play a major role in creating a HAI pressure group that can assist in broadening the membership base in the State. The main aim of the organisation is to work hand in hand with the State Tourism Department to serve one common agenda of inclusive growth and of

creation of jobs while earning valuable foreign exchange.

Hotel Association of India is an exclusive forum of the Indian Hotel Industry.

It provides information. advisory, consultative and representative services to the industry and Government; and serves as a national point of reference for the industry in India. HAI functions through a federal three-tier structure at the National level, State level and City level through voluntary chapters. The organisation acts as a catalyst for industry action with regard to quality, productivity and human resource development. It is represented on all major policy making bodies concerned with the industry.

HAI organises seminars, workshops, research studies in the interest of the hotel industry

october 2020 | Business Goa industry Dossier | 61

NewsMakers Shashwat Gupta Ray wins Psychiatric Society of Goa’s annual award for journalists

Former editor of Gomantak Times and content curator of YouTube channel Uncovering India, Shashwat Gupta Ray has won Psychiatric Society of Goa’s (PSG) annual award for ‘Sensitive and Responsible Reporting on Mental Health Issues’ for the year 2020. PSG organises an annual competition by inviting entries from journalists in Goa to send their entries on the subject of mental health.

The award was given for Gupta Ray’s video feature highlighting ‘Impact of social stigma faced by adolescents living with HIV in Goa and fear of uncertainty caused by Covid-19 on their mental health.’ “While physical health related issues are widely reported in the media, the challenges posed by mental health conditions don’t get highlighted by mainstream media unless there’s is a celebrity involved. The stigma attached with mental health complicates the matter further as it prevents affected persons from seeking help,” says Gupta Ray

Tallulah D’Silva wins laurels at the 2020 Golden Door Awards

Architect and environmental activist, Tallulah D’Silva has won a shared second prize at the 2020 Golden Door Awards, the world’s first ‘International Awards for Truth & Integrity’ of printed literature and digital content.

The award recognizes non-fiction writers not only for the quality of their writing but also as agents of truth and integrity. Tallulah D’Silva won the joint second prize in the essay and blogs category which she shared with another distinguished healing therapist, Roshani Shenazz. Tallulah who is a columnist with the Herald, has been a prolific writer on topics as varied as architecture, relationships and values to name but a few. These subjects are tackled on her blog called environmentally write

www.businessgoa.in

Nitin Kunkolienker elected for third term as president of MAIT for 2020-2022

The Governing Council of Manufacturers’ Association for Information Technology (MAIT), the apex body representing India’s ICT and Electronics, have elected Nitin Kunkolienker, Director (Member on Board) at Synegra EMS Ltd as the President of MAIT for a third term.

Nitin has been part of MAIT’s management team and has played a key role in shaping the electronics landscape of the country. MAIT is the apex electronics industry body constituted by leading global and Indian electronic IT, mobile, OA, datacom, consumer electronics, white goods and industrial electronics companies. “I am excited to continue my role at an interesting juncture when it has been a year of turbulent geo-political developments and policy announcements like PLI that impacted the electronics industry in a big way,” said Kunkolienker on leading MAIT

José Lourenço launches new book The fever and other stories

Civil engineer and writer, José Lourenço releases his latest book called The fever and other stories, which is a collection of 12 short stories featuring people, villages and towns of Goa. His short stories, essays and translations in Konkani and English have appeared in various anthologies and periodicals. He is the author of The Parish Churches of Goa-A study of Façade Architecture and The Wit and Wisdom of Ancient Goa, a collection of Konkani proverbs. He has worked on the editorial teams of Goa Streets weekly, and Peacock, the IIFI festival magazine, and has served as the vice-president of Konkani Bhasha Mandal-Goa and Goa Konkani Akademi. He is a founder member of the Goa Writers Group, and co-edited the GW anthology Inside Out

Dr. Lidita Khadeparker bags Dr Anna Mani National Award for Woman Scientist 2020

For Dr. Lidita Khandeparker, Principal Scientist, this award recognizes her outstanding contributions in the field of aquatic microbial ecology, marine biofilms and their relevance in the oceans. The award carries an amount of Rs. 1, 00,000 and a citation.

Dr Lidita is the Principal Scientist and heads the Biological Oceanography Department at National Institute of Oceanography, Goa and was the recipient of the CSIR Young Scientist Award. Dr. Lidita has made important contributions to understand the significance of microbes in the realms of diversity, food web dynamics, bio-communication, spread of pathogenic bacteria and functioning of the tropical monsoon influenced marine environment. Her studies have indicated that bacteria, which form a major component of biofilms of the intertidal habitats, play a significant role in the recruitment of marine invertebrates especially the sessile and sedentary forms.

Her studies have characterized microbial communities from geographically close habitats and elucidated that the population structure is significantly influenced by localized interactions 62 | Business Goa industry Dossier | october 2020

136 1. Who launched ‘Adsense’ in 2003?

2. Which French term, meaning ‘leave alone’ is used to describe the free play of economic forces without government intervention?

3. Which blog and news website was acquired by AOL in 2011?

4. What is the colloquial name for a stock speculator, who is convinced that the prices of his shares will soon drop?

5. In 1602, which company was the first to issue stocks and bonds?

6. Product, price, promotion and place are collectively known as 7. Which consultancy firm was renamed Accenture?

8. Launched in 1822, which Gujarati daily is the oldest existing newspaper in Asia?

9. Identify this startup founder Answers to BG Quiz 135: 1. Subroto Sengupta 2. Greg Norman 3. Veena 4. Hazira 5. Ritu Beri 6. Boston Consulting Group 7. Piramal Group 8. Tim Ferriss Email your answers to businessgoa.media@gmail.com First all correct entry will get 1 year’s subscription to Business Goa

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