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BUSINESSGOA

50

Goa’s Only Business Magazine

www.businessgoa.net

PANAJI GOA VOL 4 ISSUE 9

15 MARCH 2013

and the award goes to...

The second edition of Goa’s only business awards was celebrated in style and grandeur with 33 awardees taking a bow

News Views Articles Interviews Profiles Focus Analysis Opinions Events Features

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Contents

15 March 2013

28 Industry

24

Arman Bankley has run a roller-coaster business from manganese ore to now making concrete blocks. A story of grit and determination

30 Goan Brand

Chirag Naik is ambitious about the hangout that he has created based on his international travel experiences. Canapé is coming to Panjim

12

34 Professional Dossier

12 Cover Story

Tulio de Sousa is a multi-talented person, besides being a busy Architect, he serves on the Board of a Bank and various organisations and institutions

Goa’s only business awards function took off in spectacular style at Tito’s on March 7th. A look at the awardees and the function

18 22

38 Lady Power

Focus Goa

Rajal Shinkre is the Principal of Goa College of Home Science. Under her lead, the College has seen changes that has brought in an air of vibrancy

Ramnath Pai Raikar takes a look at the year gone by under the leadership of Manohar Parrikar. An economic perspective

45 Bon Appétit

Starting Young

Casa Bhonsle has recently opened doors to a packed house. Serving authentic rich Goan cuisine

Andrea Dias always wanted to be a fashion designer. Here she is living her dream and passion.

A young girl’s drive to excel in a crowded market

38

24 Enterprise

Ricardo (Ricky) D’Souza of Tito’s is taking the brand overseas, to the UK. This home-grown entrepreneur is starting 3 verticals in the Queen’s Land

26 Interview

Pratima Dhond heads the Women’s Wing of the Goa Chamber. The Group recently hosted Asturi, an exhibition that provides marketing opportunities to women engaged in craft and small scale industry

30

COLUMNS

26

40 Serving Aces

The idea of success stems from the belief that one can achieve anything that one desires by conditioning one’s mind says Nilesh Amonker

40

34

06 Editorial 08 10 25 Business Goa 32 Campus 32 Book Shelf 32 BG Crossword 36 What’s Up Goa 47 Goa Buzz 50 Newsmakers 50 BG Quiz 04 Business Goa

15 MARCH 2013

40 44

42

42 Letter from America

Jay Dehejia looks at how American and Indian corporates view the roles played by women at the helm on affairs. A Women’s Day treat

44 Legal Eagle

Goa’s proposed industrial policy has a lot of expectations to meet. Looking at the Singaporemodel would augur well for Goa, feels Raunaq Rao

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BUSINESSGOA

50

Goa’s Only Business Magazine

www.businessgoa.net

PANAJI GOA VOL 4 ISSUE 9

15 MARCH 2013

EDITORIAL

hbhatkuly@gmail.com

AND THE AWARD GOES TO...

The second edition of Goa’s only business awards was celebrated in style and grandeur with 33 awardees taking a bow

Yesterday Once More

News Views Articles Interviews Profiles Focus Analysis Opinions Events Features

VOL 4 | ISSUE 9 | 15 march 2013

Editor & Publisher Harshvardhan Bhatkuly Co-Publisher & Group Head Urvija Bhatkuly Advisory Board Datta Damodar Naik Ralph de Sousa Rajiv D’Silva Swapnil Kamat Team Amol Ajgaonkar Alisha Patel Lyndon J Pinto Virali Govekar Valeny Fernandes Pritesh Naik Ashok Kolvekar Niket Talaulikar Advertising Sanil Shirwaiker 9890013551 Subscriptions Roland ‘Seby’ Colaco 9325620648 Contributors in this Issue Ramnath Pai Raikar Nilesh Amonker Vijay Dehejia Raunaq Rao Editorial, Advertising & Administrative Office SAVOIR FAIRE MEDIA Business Goa Dias Apartment, Monte-Pio Road, Near All India Radio, Altinho, Panaji, 403001 Goa India Tel.: 0832-2421422, 6456555 Email: businessgoa.media@gmail.com Business Goa is a monthly magazine dedicated to trade, commerce and business features and news.

Published on the 15th day of the month

Publisher & Printer: Harshvardhan Bhatkuly Printed At: Printek Printers, Bengaluru

06 Business Goa

15 MARCH 2013

Last year, your magazine set a benchmark by establishing Goa’s first business awards function.

It was an instant hit. When something you do for the first time becomes a hit, you are caught in what Ramesh Sippy may have described as the ‘Sholay Syndrome’ – the fear of not delivering something as good as your earlier performance.

Sure, everyone at Business Goa, had the fear of not doing something as good as last year at the back of our minds when it came to the Business Goa Awards (we ought to have read Nilesh Amonker’s thoughts pg.40, before the Awards expedition was launched). To make matters, more difficult, one could not fight the downturn that the Goan economy finds itself in, sentiment-wise.

But boy, the show was pulled off well. All credit to the team at Business Goa, the guys at Tito’s – who are the partners in this grand exercise and the sponsors who supported the event, regardless of the negative sentiment which I mentioned above.

The awards show has given me a huge sense of personal satisfaction. Not only because we honour the best business ideas and people that we have in Goa. But every time a ‘new’ unheard, unsung face goes up on stage to receive the coveted personalized plaque from this magazine, it reinforces its founding ideal – Goa’s business is growing and needs to be recognised.

Goa allows you room to plan your business ideas. Agreed, that we still do not have the most conducive and hassle-free environment where business can prosper. But we still have entrepreneurs – many first generation ones, who are refusing to be cowed down by the lack of infrastructure. So everyone, the Chief Minister included, is waging their own battles to create something out of nothing in Goa. Battling existential issues, fighting red-tapism, trying to www.facebook.com/businessgoa

create work-culture when the word is almost nonexistent in the Goan lexicon – doing every little bit to add value to their enterprise, getting and keeping customers and maintaining their books in black. But more importantly, entrepreneurism creates employment; it alleviates and elevates an entrepreneur’s personal and financial status and creates a buzz of positive activity in a State.

Last year, post-Awards, I was inundated with calls, emails and personal chats, wherein many who attended the function told me that they would work harder to either win the Business Goa Award or if awarded, they pledged themselves to stay true to the trust reposed by the magazine in their contribution. This is indeed a phenomenal takeaway because unlike many other ‘award’ ceremonies, we don’t just deliver the razzmatazz, and indeed, there is a great stress on the word ‘excellence’ hidden somewhere in the tablet. It is precisely this sense of excellence – perceived or exhibited, that makes a Business Goa Awardee, special. I am sure there are very many who deserve their moment in the sun and it is our endeavour to reach out to all the business achievers in this State. And in due course of time, we will get there. The Business Goa family is growing and we are keeping ourselves tuned to every business development in Goa – small or big.

Running businesses in Goa, which is perceived to be a place full of lethargic retards, is a gargantuan task for the sheer fact that one has to work doubly hard to make someone sitting out of Goa to take you seriously. And most of our Awardees have been doing exactly that. And this is the prime reason why they deserve to be applauded, encouraged and handed over the Business Goa Award for Corporate Excellence 2013. Cheers to all the Winners and everyone aspiring to be a winner from me and my team www.twitter.com/businessgoa

Unsolicited material may not be returned. The opinions expressed in Business Goa are not necessarily that of the publishers. 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.

BUSINESS GOA

GSCB launches CTS-2010 Standard cheques As per RBI directives The Goa State Co-operative Bank Ltd, has launched CTS-2010 Standard Cheque on March 6 in a function held at Panaji at the hands of Minister for Co-operation, Deepak Dhavlikar in the presence of Chairman of the Bank, Ulhas B Phal Dessai, Vice-Chairman, Avelino M D’Silva, Registrar of Co-operative Societies and other dignitaries

SEBI to have Stock Exchange in Panaji The board of SEBI has approved opening of six new local offices, including one in Srinagar and Panaji, besides the steps for enhancing market surveillance capabilities. Aiming to deepen capital markets, regulator SEBI has also announced measures to attract larger number of new investors to equities and also simplified the registration process for brokers.

Simplifying the procedural requirements for stock brokers, SEBI has also decided to introduce common registration

certificates for brokers across different market segments. The proposal, once implemented, would do away with the current system that requires stock brokers to get separate registration certificates from SEBI for every market segment they trade in.

3 trains for Goa announced in Railway Budget Perhaps for the first time in the history of Indian Railways, Goa has been showered with almost three local train services together in a railway budget, presented by railway minister Pawan Kumar Bansal. It includes Madgaon to Mangalore Express, Madgaon to Ratnagari passenger and Madgaon to Karwar DEMU (Diesel Electric Multiple Units) service developed to give faster service with an average speed of fast mail or express trains.

All are daily trains. There is no passenger fare hike announced in the budget. The main features

GCCI seeks better infrastructure in pre-budget memorandum The Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has in its prebudget memorandum to the Chief Minister, suggested measures to boost industry in the State.

Addressing mediapersons, GCCI President Manguirish Pai Raikar said GCCI has not asked for reduction in any of the existing taxes or rates considering the financial situation of the State.

“We have suggested that no new taxes should be levied and the rate of current taxes

should not be increased,” he added. Raikar said there was ample scope for the government to increase both; tax and nontax revenues by widening the tax base and plugging revenue leakages.

GCCI has also called on the Government to attract fresh investments in the manufacturing sector.

The prebudget memorandum has stated that the decline of the agriculture sector, stagnation in

Govt. to stop buying Reliance power Goa Government will stop buying power from the Reliance Power Plant from the coming financial year due to high tariff. The power purchase agreement entered with the plant will end on August 13, 2014 and it will be reviewed.

State Power Minister Milind Naik, in a written reply on the floor of the House, stated that as per the provisions of the power purchase agreement and subsequent agreements, the Goa Government is required to

purchase 19.8 MW power out of 48 MW generated by the plant.

Reliance power plant is allowed to sell the balance power from 48 MW directly to the consumers approved by Government, as per the provisions of the power purchase agreement.

The Government will have to arrange power for the industrial units which buy directly from Reliance power plant, as the plant could shut down after Government stops buying power from it.

manufacturing sector, increasing dependence of the services sector on tourism were areas for concern. GCCI has also called on the Government to speed up infrastructure development in the State, particularly by providing proper power, water and road connectivity as this would enable industrial expansion in the State.

Raikar said “Industry provides employment and revenue, so we need industries to happen.” GCCI has mooted

08 Business Goa

15 MARCH 2013

into Android development.

The event is aimed towards all students from Goan colleges who are interested in taking a step in the Android world. The Student Dev Day will focus on Android Basics. The core concepts of

promoting Goa as a tradingcum-logistics hub utilizing sea, rail, road and air connectivity.

Dharbandora and Colvale have been touted as locations for integrated logistics hubs, while an integrated container depot has been suggested at Verna.

GCCI has also called for starting of a Ro-Ro service across the Zuari river, pending construction of the Zuari bridge which has been closed for heavy traffic since 1997.

www.businessgoa.net

Goa Tourism wins PATWA award for Best Beach Destination at ITB Berlin 2013 positive steps being undertaken Goa Tourism won the Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA) award in the Best Beach Destination category.

The award was received by Dilip Paruleker, Minister for Tourism, Government of Goa. The award function was held at the International Congress Centre (ICC), Berlin. The award has been given in recognition of the

Goa Android User Group to host Student Dev. Day Goa Android User Group (GAUG), which is Goa’s foremost technical group, is striving hard to create a passion for Android among Goan youth. As such the Group has organised a Student Dev. Day to provide the students insights

of DEMU are fast and frequent service, no need for reversals at the terminals as it can be driven from either end, high acceleration, low capital and maintenance costs, efficient use of rolling stock and electro-pneumatic Brakes.

In addition, the MadgaonNizamuddin Express has also been extended up to Chandigarh.

The minister has also announced new IT-based initiatives to make passenger’s job easy, including free Wi Fi service on some trains.

Android development will be explained by renowned author and developer, Romin Irani. He will help participants build their own apps which can then be uploaded on the Google Play Store. There will be session from

by the Goa Government for improving the image of the State as a safe and attractive tourism destination by implementing the concept of tourist police, proper regulation of beach shacks and watersports, improvement of infrastructure on all beaches, formulation of a tourism master plan and a new tourism policy, innovative marketing.

Android expert, Prajyot Mainkar, who will list out the various steps to be taken to build a more useful app. The Student Dev Day will be conducted on March 23 at Hotel Delmon, Panaji from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. All participants will be awarded a certificate. For details, check www.gaug.in

BUSINESS GOA

Goa Shipyard Ltd bags Vishwakarma Award 2013 The Modernisation Project of Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) has been awarded the prestigious Vishwakarma Award for 2013. The award instituted by Construction Industry Development Council (CIDC) was presented to GSL under the Best Construction Project category. This will boost indigenous construction of high technology warships and vessels

Govt. to utilize full budgetary allocation for tribal welfare The Department of Tribal Welfare has set a target of financing 1,000 houses to tribals in Goa under the Atal Asra scheme this year, tribal welfare minister Ramesh Tawadkar said.

Slamming the previous Congress government for neglecting the ST population of Goa during its rule, Tawadkar objected to the recent statements

by Congress leaders that the BJP was neglecting the ST population of Goa. Briefing the media along with Sanvordem BJP MLA Ganesh

Gaonkar, Tawadkar said that ever since he took over the Tribal Welfare Department, he has initiated work to start implementing the provisions of the Forest Rights Act in Goa. “The Congress has no moral right to blame us on this front. Of the 300 crore marked for tribal welfare, the Congress had utilized only 30 crore.

The Congress government did nothing about the 12 demands of the ST population in Goa,”

Tawadkar said.

He said that he has created proper office infrastructure for tribal welfare in the Shram Shakti Bhavan in Panaji.

In the last about six months, he has initiated about six new schemes for tribals in Goa. The budgetary allocation for tribals is neither diverted nor lapses and will be carried forward for the development of tribals, the minister said.

Excise Department to overhaul cashew zone auctioning Surprised by the poor response it has been receiving in the auctioning of cashew zones during the past few years, the Excise Department wants to overhaul the entire process of auctioning. The Excise Department has discovered that response for the first round of auctioning of cashew zones is poor. Though more zones are brought in the second round, the response is comparatively better due to a reduction in the price.

Majority of the cashew zones are disposed off only in the last phase of auctioning when the

Department leaves it to the buyer to offer the price. Excise Commissioner Menino D’Souza confirmed that the Department auctioning of cashew zones is not happening on expected lines. Few buyers come forward during first and the second rounds, he said.

The Excise Department auctions cashew zones every season. Traders who are into brewing feni from cashew apples take the zones on auction. This season too, the Excise Department was faced

with the same problem. When 1,370 zones were put for auctioning earlier this season, the Department could dispose of just 94 zones in the first round.

South Goa with 397 zones had only 40 zones taken by buyers in the first round. Not surprisingly, during second round too, the Department was not very successful. Of the 1,276 cashew zones of North Goa, only 61 were disposed of.

More than half of the remaining zones are disposed in the third phase when the Department is compelled to call for tenders. The Department is considering to review the rates of the zones which have not been changed for couple of years.

Dona Paula IT Habitat to be redesigned Plans are afoot to redesign the Rajiv Gandhi IT habitat at Dona Paula. The IT corporation of Goa has decided to call a meeting of experts by March 15 for suggestions. Subhash Phaldessai, Chairman of the IT corporation told TOI that they are concentrating on the Dona Paula Habitat and if all goes well they will be able to start re-allotment by June. Taleigao village panchayat had passed a resolution opposing the Habitat.

In 2007, Taleigao villagers ledby their then MLA Atanasio Monserrate held a violent agitation opposing the Habitat.

However, Dessai claimed that 10 Business Goa

15 MARCH 2013

Taleigao villagers had raised objections due to corruption in the allotment of plots. “We will take Monserrate into confidence and the villagers of Taleigao will be consulted. We will see that there is total transparency in the reallotment,” he said. He further added that Monserrate had made a statement in the Goa Assembly that he is not against the project.

What he opposed was the way allotment was carried out.

Six months ago the Government had revoked earlier allotments on the grounds of illegalities in plot allotment.

Allottees were returned their money totaling

138 crore. Recently, one of the companies whose allotment was cancelled has challenged the Government’s decision in the High Court. Phaldessai clarified that so far there is no legal hurdle. “There is no stay stopping us from proceeding with the re-allotment,” he said. The Government has already paid all the allottees whose plots have been taken back.

The re-designing of the Habitat will be done in such a way that plots will be smaller sized. Earlier plots were 40,00050,000 sq m. “We intend to make plots of 10,000 sq m, 7,000 sq m, 5,000 sq m and even 2,000 sq m.

Remove VAT on diesel to stop fare hike: Bus Association The All Goa Private Bus Owner’s Association has said that if the VAT on diesel is removed, bus operators will not need to hike bus fares. Addressing media persons, Sudip Tamankar, General Secretary of the AGPBOA said that the Government should remove the VAT on diesel like it did with petrol.

He said bus owners have demanded a doubling of the fares due to increased costs of fuel and spares as well as inflation. “If the VAT on diesel is removed, we will not need to increase fares,” Tamankar said.

He also said Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar was behind the move to form a rival bus owners Association that he inaugurated recently. Stating that Parrikar had inaugurated the AGPBOA too, and given bus owners assurances at that time too, like he has done this time, he accused Parrikar of adopting the divideand-rule policy and said the rival association consisted of puppets of the ruling dispensation.

Tamankar claimed that the rival Association was created since the AGPBOA was opposing corruption, and said “However much they try to divide us, it won’t affect us.”

Accusing the Government of being dishonest, Tamankar wondered why no FIR had been lodged in the HSRP scam.

Welcoming the Government’s move to increase the number of seats reserved for women, Tamankar urged women to ask men occupying seats reserved for them in buses to vacate the seats and said conductors will assist the women if required.

He also said the bus owners will comply with new rules necessitating ID cards for bus conductors. Tamankar, however, criticized the KTC monthly pass system and wondered how the KTC could revise fares as they wished while private bus operators couldn’t and needed Government approval.

www.businessgoa.net

COVER STORY

Night of the B

Awardees 2013

A

fter its spectacularly successful debut last year, the much awaited Business Goa Awards for Corporate Excellence were back, and this year, bigger and better.

So, while the sun set into the Arabian sea on 7th March, 33 businessmen, businesswomen and businesses took away a personalized award plaque amidst thundering applause and cheering from the Who’s Who of the Goan business fraternity.

Held at the popular Tito’s Courtyard in Baga, the event witnessed a spectacular turnout from friends, well-wishers and industry biggies. The Chief Guest for this stunning evening was Mumbai based, Ashok Advani, founder-publisher of Business India, the country’s first and leading business magazine.

The evening started off 12 Business Goa

15 MARCH 2013

with an introductory speech by founder-editor, Harshvardhan Bhatkuly, about the idea behind hosting the Business Goa Awards for Corporate Excellence. In 2009, Savoir Faire Media created a milestone when they launched Goa’s first Business Magazine; now over two years, the brand has created yet another milestone with the Business Goa Awards for Corporate Excellence.

Entrepreneurs are the backbone of any vibrant economy. This is especially relevant to Goa, which has in the past few years, seen a slew of individuals make their foray into the business world via their exciting and innovative business ideas. While earlier, tourism and mining were the chief drivers of the economy, today, thanks to the daring and entrepreneurial spirit of an increasing number

of Goans, as well as neo-settlers who have made Goa their home, a range of businesses including realty, health, media, lifestyle, retail, tourism and education have become great success stories. So when there are glittering awards ceremonies honouring the likes of actors, artists, musicians, etc, it was only a matter of time before these amazing entrepreneurs, too, were appreciated for all their hard work and efforts and after its debut grand success last year, the Business Goa Awards for Corporate Excellence were

back for the second year in a row. Endorsing this opinion were stalwarts from the industry who echoed these sentiments and congratulated Business Goa for initiating such awards and looked forward to them every year.

This year’s edition of the Awards, saw an introduction of a slew of new categories including those stories of success against all odds, traditional craftsmanship and works in the domain of education and healthcare. The illustrious list of awardees for 2013 included The HQ for the Best Dining Experience, Xavier Furtado of Fisherman’s Wharf for Preserving Goan Culinary Culture, Yellow Mehra’s Fiesta for Best International Cuisine, The Grand Hyatt Goa for Best International Hotel, Varun Albuquerque of Club Tito’s at Radisson Blu for Innovative

Business Stars The second edition of Goa’s only business awards was celebrated in style and grandeur with 33 awardees taking a bow

Tourism Concept, Cidade de Goa for Exemplary Contribution to Hospitality, Palacio as the Real Estate Company of the Year, Property Management Group walked away with the award for Real Estate Consultancy of the Year while Galaxy Healthcare and Centaur Pharma took away the awards for Healthcare Company of the Year and Pharmaceutical Company of the Year, respectively. Prabhakar Bhide of Rajhauns Vitaran walked away with the award for Publisher of the Year and The Bicholim Urban Co-operative Bank Ltd. was awarded for being the Goan Bank of the Year.

Honouring businessmen for making a mark outside the State, Sushant Tari’s The Production Terminus was awarded as the Services Company of the Year, while Desmond Nazareth of

Desmondji was awarded for Business Innovation. In the automobile category, Chowgule Industries Pvt. Ltd was awarded Best Auto Company of the Year (four wheelers) and Sitara Motors took away the award in the two wheelers category. The award for the Luxury Brand of the Year was grabbed by Manek Gem Art International, while Real Drinks Pvt. Ltd took home the prestigious award for the Goan Brand of the Year. This year, Business Goa awarded traditional businesses, and this saw Vijaydutt Lotlikar of Kalpavrukshakala for the Tradtional Goan Business award.

Applauding the efforts of the Goa IT Incubation Centre in creating an IT hub in Goa, the Centre took home the award for being a Catalyst of Entrepreneurial Change. Sesa Goa was awarded for its Contribution to CSR and

the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry was lauded for being the Business Institution of the Year. For not letting a physical disability get in his way of creating his business success story, Victor Fernandes was awarded in the category of Success Against all Odds.

Peter F.X D’Lima was awarded for his Notable Contributions to Education. The award for the Real Estate Personality of the Year went to Peter Vaz of Models Constructions and the Young Turk Award went to Sahil Adwalpalkar.

For the Most Promising Business Woman, Neomi Barnetto of Neomi’s took home the award and the Most Promising Business Man award was given to Nitin Desai of Exflor. The award for Professional of the Year was conferred on Advocate General of Goa, Atmaram N.S Nadkarni,

and for Exemplary Contribution to Goan Industry, Dr. J.C Almeida was awarded. For turning around the Navhind Times, Pallavi Dempo was awarded Business Woman of the Year, while Anil Counto was awarded Business Man of the Year for being a Goan entrepreneur in the real sense of the term. For taking collective risks yet staying focused for generations, Margao-based Nanu Enterprises were awarded the Business Group of the Year.

Business Goa believes that every business man and woman who has the guts to go out and pursue his or her dream to fulfillment, no matter how big or small their business may be, is a winner all the way. These awards are a token of appreciation and encouragement for their efforts and congratulating them for their success 15 MARCH 2013

Business Goa 13

COVER STORY

The man who is often credited for bringing in mall culture in the country – Jaydev Mody of Delta Corp, which created Crossroads in Mumbai, was the Guest of Honour at the Business Goa Awards for Corporate Excellence 2013

Business Group of the Year

Businessman of the Year

Businesswoman of the Year

Professional of the Year

Nanu Enterprises

anil counto

pallavi dempo

atmaram nadkarni

Exemplary Contribution to Goan Industry

Exemplary Contribution to Hospitality

Notable Contribution to Education

Most Promising Businesswoman

Naval Naik Sankalp Naik

Niresh Naik

Vinni Timblo

Akash Timblo

Dr. J c almeida

cidade de goa

peter f x d’lima

neomi barnetto

Most Promising Businessman

Young Turk

Business Institution of the Year

Real Estate Personality of the Year

Manguirish Pai Raikar

nitin desai

sahil adwalpalkar

goa chamber

peter vaz

Contribution to CSR

Success Against All Odds

Business Innovation

Catalyst of Entrepreneurial Change

P K Mukherjee

Tariq Mujahid Desmond Nazareth

sesa goa 14 Business Goa

15 MARCH 2013

victor fernandes

desmondji

Ashton Sousa

gitic

Crowds gave a thundering applause to Victor Fernandes as he picked his award for Success Against All Odds from Co-Publisher of Business Goa, Urvija Bhatkuly. The gathering was also charmed when Dr. Satish Shetye, Vice Chancellor of Goa University presented Chico D’Lima his award for Education

Best Dining Experience

Preserving Goan Culinary Culture

Innovative Tourism Concept

Best International Cuisine Yellow Mehra

Tanbir Grewal (R) collects the award from Prashant Choudhry of Cafe Mangii

Xavier Furtado

Vinay Albuquerque

the hq

fisherman’s wharf

club tito’s (south)

fiesta

Best International Hotel

Real Estate Company of the Year

Luxury Brand of the Year

Healthcare Company of the Year

Stefan Radstrom

Vinay Bhasin

Suresh Colvalcar

Sheetal and Anand Palan

grand hyatt goa

palacio

manek gem

galaxy healthcare

Pharmaceutical Company of the Year

Publishing Company of the Year

Services Company of the Year

Goan Bank of the Year

S D Sawant

Prabhakar Bhide

Sushant Tari

Umesh Zantye

centaur pharma

rajhauns vitaran

production terminus

bicholim urban

Auto Company 4 Wheeler

Auto Company 2 Wheeler

Real Estate Consultancy of the Year

Goan Brand of the Year

Tejashri Pai

rahul Naik

chowgule ind pvt. ltd.

sitara motors

Alan Viegas

property management group

Vinod & Dr Beena Shirodkar

real drinks pvt. ltd.

15 MARCH 2013

Business Goa 15

COVER STORY

Ashok Advani started Business India in 1978, when India was just coming out of the Emergency. A practising advocate at the Bombay High Court then, Advani created a scoop of sorts when he put JRD Tata on the cover of his first issue with an elaborate interview inside excerpts from the chief guest’s speech

T

“Business is a huge catalyst for change” ashok advani Founder-Publisher Business india

chief guest

16 Business Goa

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hank you for inviting me to be here this evening. It looks like a wonderful evening to be here with you all and the team at Business Goa. I think your magazine is doing a terrific job here in Goa. I first came across the magazine when I was here in Goa on holiday and picked up a copy of the magazine to see what publications are available here, locally. And Business Goa immediately stood out as one of the outstanding publications and I was very pleased to see that although it was only four years old, it seems to have made a lot of progress during that time.

I think the question that Harsh asked in his welcome speech was, “Why a business magazine?” I guess many people asked me the same question, “Why Business India?” And all I can say is that we started at a time in 1978, just after the emergency, when business was quite a bad word. Profit was a dirty word and few people thought of businessmen as being contributing members of society.

But the truth is business is an enormous catalyst of change, Business can bring about changes that certainly most politicians cannot bring about. They create employment, therefore speeches by businessmen are as important as speeches by politicians as to what they feel and do. Businesses can transform societies and States and everywhere you look around in Goa and see what has happened over the last 30 years.

And although this is not a very popular thing to say, look at how the mining industry has changed Goa – for the better. How the tourism industry, the hotel industry, this entire beach strip right from here upto the south Goa, how they have changed Goa. How many jobs they have created, what is the wealth created. What is the dynamism brought about in society. And you suddenly realize that business has had a very important role to play.

Much of this business, and almost all of it is privately driven.

That doesn’t mean that State enterprises don’t have a roll to play. They have but a limited role. Like I said, we started long before the Soviet Union collapsed, before free markets were the mantra. And generally the world over, people have understood that if you want society to prosper you have to focus on a business friendly environment.

If you look at Goa today, it probably has the highest per capita income in India. This is in large measure due to the fact that so many businessmen from all over the country have made their way here and joined hands with local people and produced outstanding businesses.

Therefore, I must congratulate all the winners who in their own way are running outstanding little businesses.

The next question is “why business awards?” The answer is simple. If business plays an important social role and is a social catalyst, then there is no reason why we should not recognize the best there is in business. It does not mean to say that there is nothing wrong. There are things wrong everywhere and in all spheres of life. But it doesn’t mean to say that there aren’t good things happening, there aren’t best practices, there aren’t best ideas, there aren’t best employment policies, HR policies, environmental policies – which actually transform society and like I said earlier, business is a huge catalyst for change.

Again, I stress that Harsh is doing a fantastic job in celebrating entrepreneurship, celebrating the best that there is in Goa and to be honest, when I looked at the awards brochure and read why the awardees are being awarded the best in the category awards today, it becomes quite obvious to me that each of them in their own way, has been doing his or her best and deserves the award from Business Goa and not just Business Goa but deserves applause from all over the country

A U O Y E R A L L A M S R O MICRO ISE ENTERPR

G N I K O LO ?

S E L A FOR S . u o y r o f g n i k We are loo s registered e s ri rp te n e l l a m nd S > All Micro a r preferential fo le ib g i l e re a oa in the State of G d by Govt. te a lo f r e d n e t y treatment in an Departments

ves i t n e c n I e s a Purch l a i eme t h n c e S r e s f e e s r i r P p r e ll Ent a m S d n a o r for Mic For application forms and more information: www.goaditc.gov.in OR Contact: Mrs. Bertha Gracias, Mr. Satish Gaonkar OR Mr. Tushar Sawant AT 0832 2222241

The Facilitation Counter, First Floor, Udyog Bhavan, Panaji, Goa. GOVERNMENT OF GOA

Directorate of Industries, Trade & Commerce PARTNERING INDUSTRIAL GROWTH

special focus

www.businessgoa.net

one year of parrikar government

Goa and the financial vortex ramnath pai raikar takes an overview of the economic impact of the Parrikar Government in the last one year

T

he Financial Expert’, a 1952 novel by R. K. Narayan includes a phrase - “Money alone is important in this world.

Everything else will come to us naturally if we have money in our purse” – that encapsulates the economics and business achievements, or lack of it, of the Manohar Parrikar government during its first year in the power.

The Finance Minister himself, Mr Parrikar with an immense interest in the economics of the State, was already known for his out of the box revenue generation strategies when he took over the administration of Goa, last year.

Nearly a decade ago, during his first innings in power, Mr Parrikar used his non-conformist, creative thinking to generate regular income for the State Exchequer from various sources, the Panaji city based Inox Multiplex, being one of them. However, this year, there was limited money in his ‘public purse’, and hence ‘everything else’ did not come to

him naturally.

When the Bharatiya Janata Party was voted to power last March, fate perhaps had designed the following financial year in such a way that it posed several challenges before Mr Parrikar while generating the revenue. After being sworn in as the Chief Minister on March 9, 2012, Mr Parrikar had exactly 17 days at his disposal before presenting the budget. The government then suffered a major blow, with the demise of its Tourism Minister, Matanhy Saldanha just as it was set to present its budget in the State Legislative Assembly, which in turn, forced the rescheduling of presentation of the annual financial statement.

The Chief Minister is on record that last year, he did not get enough time to prepare the budget, and the same was more of a ‘freelancing, fast-track activity’, further promising to fill the gaps, this year. If Mr Parrikar,

anticipating victory of the BJP at the polls had started the budget preparation exercise at the personal level, and managed to create at least a rough sketch of the same before he was sworn in, then he definitely deserves praise as most of us are well aware of the BJP’s grinding election campaign and the omnipresent role Mr Parrikar played in it.

Everything seemed quite well when Mr Parrikar presented his ‘freelance, fast-track’ budget in the House on March 26, last year. However, trouble started from the very first day of the new financial year, when committed to follow the BJP assurance, Mr Parrikar brought down 22 per cent VAT on petrol to just 0.1 per cent thus pulling down per liter price of petrol from Rs 65 to Rs 54.96. That was a straight Rs 165 crore annual loss to the State treasury.

And then there was the “unforeseen” – in the words of Mr Parrikar himself. The

Supreme Court, in the first week of October 2012 stayed all State mining operations, including transportation of mined iron ore and manganese, until further orders, thus forcing the closure of the Goan mining industry readying itself to restart its activities after the monsoon.

“The shortfall of revenue due to the closure of the mining industry was never a problem for me,” he has gone on record, pointing out, “The fact that it all happened so suddenly created a little difficulty.” The ‘little difficulty’ however, could mean a direct revenue loss Rs 930 crore, as per the Chief Secretary, Mr B. Vijayan, who recently maintained that the targeted annual revenue collection was estimated to the tune of Rs 1,000 crore in the form of royalty collection on ore alone, but the government could fetch only Rs 350 crore so far. The top bureaucrat also observed that the total cumulative income loss to the economy of the State by way

Although the Chief Minister followed Kautilya’s advice during preparation of the budget for 2012-13, he chose to ignore it within next few months.

The State power tariffs went up by an average of 11.85 per cent in July 2012

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Rosario Estibeiro

Parrikar presents the 2012 Budget

special focus

In the Entertainment Tax sector, Entry Fee on casinos was reduced from Rs.2,000 to Rs.500 but their License Fee increased to Rs. 6.5 crore, these two measures expected to net themselves out.

The Entertainment Tax on casino games was also increased from 10 per cent to 15 per cent

of closure of the mining industry, would amount to Rs.17,600 crore, which is more than double the State’s revenue expenditure for the 2012-13 fiscal.

Goa’s own tax revenue from other sectors mainly comprises of Value Added Tax, State Excise Tax, Stamp Duty, Registration Fee and Motor Vehicle and Passenger Fee. The Sales Tax accounts for 67 per cent of total tax revenue. The government, this financial year, increased VAT on IMFL (Indian Made Foreign Liquor) and beer from 20 per cent to 22 per cent, on carbonated beverages from 12.5 per cent to 20 per cent, and on junk food and fast food to 20 per cent, while it levied a tax rate of 15 per cent on cars and Sport Utility Vehicles sold at more than Rs 15 lakh, 5 per cent VAT on textile fabrics, and increased Entry Tax on Naphtha from 12.5 per cent to 15 per cent, as well as tax on cigarettes to 22 per cent.

In the Entertainment Tax sector, Entry Fee on casinos was reduced from Rs.2,000 to Rs.500 but their License Fee increased to Rs. 6.5 crore, these two measures expected to net themselves out.

The Entertainment Tax on casino games was also increased from 10 per cent to 15 per cent.

The Luxury Tax provisions had space being rented out for use of commercial activities brought under the ambit of this tax at the rate of 5 per cent, and services provided in a beauty parlour or spa covered under Luxury Tax of 10 per cent. The Entry Tax on the other hand had a raise in its rate on coal and coke to 2 per cent, while increase in its rate on SUVs and bikes, which exceed Rs. 15 lakh and Rs. 2 lakh, respectively to 15 per cent.

All these major taxes and many more were collectively expected to raise additional revenue by Rs 470 crore.

The Chief Minister, while delivering the budget speech in the role of the Finance Minister had quoted Kautilya and said, “As the bee collects honey gradually from the flowers, so should the ruler fill the treasury collecting 20 Business Goa

15 MARCH 2013

According to Chief Secretary B. Vijayan, closure of mining would mean a direct revenue loss Rs 930 crore for the State revenue gradually.” He had further maintained, “I have spelt out several welfare measures to incentivize various sectors of the State economy to act as a catalyst for further growth of the State economy. Needless to say, all these welfare measures and schemes will require sufficiently large sums of money for their effective implementation and achievement of the desired objectives.”

And these measures as well as schemes did cost the government a fortune. A list of such schemes, which were either already under implementation or implemented during the ongoing financial year, provides a clear idea about the quantum of money that the government had to pour to deliver the moon to the people that the BJP had promised in its election manifesto. The Ladli Laxmi Scheme providing Rs.1 lakh to every Goan girl for her marriage, Housewife Allowance of Rs.1,000 per month, hiked monthly pension of Rs.2,000 under the Dayanand Social Security Scheme as well as that of Rs.2,500 under the Kalasanman scheme, increase in the support prices of rice, milk, coconut, areca nut and sugarcane... The list is endless. It was therefore, natural that in the process of keeping BJP’s word on record welfare schemes, the government missed the development bus. Although, few of the infrastructural projects such as bridge across river between Carona and Calvim villages were initiated, and some projects started by the previous government like South

Goa Collectorate building were completed, there is no impressive developmental project of the Parrikar government worth mentioning, this year.

It is interesting to observe that while the Chief Minister faithfully followed Kautilya’s advice during preparation of the budget for 2012-13, he chose to ignore it within next few months. The State power tariffs went up by an average of 11.85 per cent in July 2012. And finally, unable to place additional burden of any kind on the public, the government resorted to borrowing money to meet its expenditure by way of sale of its 10-year tenure stock (securities), on a number of occasions this financial year, including borrowing Rs.200 crore in September, 2012; Rs.150 crore in November, 2012; Rs.150 crore in January, earlier this year; and Rs.200 crore in March, 2013.

The State’s borrowing limit as set by the Planning Commission is Rs 1,300 crore per year.

The investment side, on the other hand, is also showing poor results for Goa. Some four months after taking over the State administration, Mr Parrikar addressed industry leaders at the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Investment Summit, in Mumbai. About 40 major companies including Siemens Ltd, Tata Power, Tata Motors, Coca Cola, Mahindra & Mahindra, Godrej Boyce Manufacturing Company Ltd, TCS, Persistent Systems, CISCO, Tata Motors, ITC among others were represented at the summit, with at least three

companies, including Microsoft and Intel expressing interest in setting up their operations in Goa, immediately. One still hopes that some of them would turn to Goa. The Government is yet to restart work at the Rajiv Gandhi IT Habitat, which could have attracted some investors.

The investment in the State by way of heavy industries, during the ongoing financial year has been Rs.19.03 crore, while that in micro and medium industries is Rs.62 crore. In fact, only nine large industries have come to Goa since April 2012, as against 26 in the fiscal year 2011-12.

The tourism industry, which is the backbone of Goan economy apart from the presently closed mining industry, also did not provide any reason for those involved in it, to smile. The Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG), which is an important stakeholder of the State tourism industry, maintained during the end of the last year that the ongoing tourist season has been gloomy for Goa. “The substantial increase in the airfare and 20 per cent increase in the travel packages due to various taxes combined, including luxury and entertainment taxes, have mainly contributed to this grim scenario,” the TTAG had observed.

As Goa awaits the second budget from Mr Parrikar, one remembers his recent statement as regards “things having reached boiling point in the mining belt of the State and that it won’t be a surprise if violence breaks out or suicides are committed in the future.” One sincerely hopes that this situation does not spread outside the mining belt and encompass the entire State. If the budget 201314 is able to give some indication about the existence of light at the end of the dark tunnel of Goan economics, then one could say that much has been achieved through this annual financial statement The writer is Special Correspondent at The Navhind Times

ramnathraikar@gmail.com

STARTING YOUNG andrea dias

Andrea gives utmost importance to client feedback. “There is no better judge of your work than the person who wears it,” she says. This is one aspect of her professionalism that will take her places

fashion designer

Taking the High Street Fashion Designer Andrea Dias talks to Lyndon Pinto about her passion for fashion and where she is going to take it Andrea takes a bow at the Goa Fashion Week

Andrea launched herself at the Goa Fashion Week in April 2011 and by 2015 she sees herself being a name to reckon with, having her own boutique and also seeing herself as a designer who specializes in weddingwear

W

ith Goa having a number of fashion divas adorning its shores, it becomes difficult for an upcoming designer to make an impact. Nonetheless, Andrea Dias is made of sterner stuff. She ventured into a field knowing well that there will be a lot of pressure and competition. She has enough confidence in herself to be able to set up shop and strive to achieve

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a name and fame.

Having always been intrigued by what people wear and growing up as a fashion conscious child, Andrea says that her love affair with fashion began at a young age. Andrea’s mother Eusebia had a keen interest in fashion and wanted to pursue a career in that stream right from her childhood days.

Eusebia used to stitch uniforms right from the eighth standard.

She even enrolled for classes later on but had to quit due to her responsibilities of motherhood.

Andrea says that her mother’s skills have been passed on to her. “My mother dreamt of being a fashion designer but today I am carrying that dream forward and although it sounds like an inherited dream it is not so, as I am equally, if not more, enthralled and interested in fashion. I loved watching my mother sketch and my interest developed from that time.”

After finishing her Higher Secondary School education, Andrea moved to Mumbai and enrolled herself at Shreemati Nathibai Damodar Thackersey Women’s University (SNDT) at Juhu. During her three year

course at the University, she also completed an internship with Pantaloons. Once she completed her course in 2010, she moved back to Goa and started her line of clothing called Andrea Dias “I specialize in drapes” says Andrea and adds, “I use stretch material which is basically Lycra and Jersey. Clients specially come to me for these kinds of garments and designs. Clients also find the prices reasonable and appreciate the quality finish that I provide to my line.

The journey has been full of hardships claims Andrea but says “in this field, there is a lot of competition and you have to be on top of your game all the time and strive to be the best. You have to stand out more because everyone is unique, everyone is special but if you want to make it big, your designs and your clothing has to be top notch.

You need to reinvent yourself everytime.”

One difficulty, confesses Andrea, is the dependency on staff and in particular tailors, who are difficult to control. They are available sometimes and missing at other times. She also says that there are times when you have to instruct them properly but no matter what, human error does creep in and the design is ruined.

But she also praises the work of the tailors and says “Once the tailor is well trained and has mastered your style, then work flows much more easily and more efficiently. My tailor was initially into Indian wear. I had to teach him western wear. It is not easy to find reliable and skilled tailors.”

Andrea points out that all the difficulties that she has encountered have helped her grow and it is a constant learning curve for her. “When some clients don’t like something, they

come back and tell me what is wrong with the product which in turn aids my growth. Initially i did not pay heed to what they said but I realized that their comments would make my product better. In this industry, a client’s feedback is of utmost importance as, if a client likes your product they will act as ambassadors and tell their friends about you and your brand.”

As for the future, Andrea wishes to start a boutique or open up a store but is unable to do so at the moment as the real estate prices are relatively steep and she is not ready to make that kind of an investment, yet.

However she says that “I am instead focusing on building up my client base. I want to increase the number of clients and focus more on them. Besides, once the store is up and running, I will have walk-ins as well. That said, I do not want to rush into hasty decisions, hence I will build my brand up and then move into a store.”

Andrea launched herself at the Goa Fashion Week in April 2011 and by 2015 she sees herself being a name to reckon with, having her own boutique and also seeing herself as a designer who specializes in weddings and custom made weddings, right from the bridal gown to bridesmaid wear and flower girls, and decorations and everything that would be included in the bridal package.

She has already completed a couple of bridal gowns and bridal entourage dresses.

She concludes by saying “Keeping the client in mind is very important. If they are not happy then it’s a total loss. If you successfully convince them and satisfy them with your product then will keep coming back and bring in more people, as well”

ENTERPRISE ricardo d’souza

Brighton is located by the sea, is posh and Goa as a brand is already well recognized and received by the locals there. “ The place reminds me of Goa,” says Ricky

tito’s

London Dreams

Ricardo D’Souza of Tito’s opens up to ALISHA PATEL about his plans to diversify and expand operations in the UK

Ricky at Kaia in Baga

W

hen you think of entertainment in Goa, the first thing that pops in your mind is partying, and when you think of partying, the first name that springs to mind is Tito’s. After revolutionizing the party scene across the country and creating a brand that is much respected, Ricardo D’Souza, one of the partners behind the name that speaks for itself, is going global with the launch of Tito’s in the United Kingdom.

“Tito’s is known for entertainment, and what most people fail to realize is that shopping is a major form of entertainment. People tend to spend more on shopping than at a restaurant. Keeping this in mind we are launching a furniture store, a clothing line and living up to the Tito’s brand appeal – a nightclub,” informs Ricardo.

Delving into details about the stores which will be operational by mid-May, this year, Ricardo explains that their line of home furniture will comprise of exclusive pieces of art designed by some of Britain’s best designers as well as sourced from across Europe – from Denmark, France Sweden, 24 Business Goa

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Holland and other European countries.

Their line of clothing too, which is marketed under the brand name Kaia was initially launched in Goa as an experimental global brand. Kaia has proved successful and will be widely promoted in London, too.

“We have seen huge amounts of potential in Kaia and the natural choice would be to take it to London,” states Ricardo, who is currently in the process of registering the business and says that as ideas developed, they thought of going one step further by offering upcoming designers the opportunity to showcase and sell their garments online for a minimal fee. “A lot of designers across Europe have the talent and the ideas, but unfortunately do not have the funds to invest in a store, or pump money in any forms of advertising and publicity. For a minimal fee, we would offer these designers web space and a chance to sell their products online,” he explains.

The third business Ricardo says will be their traditional club, which will include a restaurant and pub, as well. “The funds are in place for this. All we are

Tito’s are launching a furniture store, a clothing line and living up to its brand appeal – a nightclub in the UK waiting to do is finalize the exact location as we need to keep in mind demographics and local licensing laws. This however will be six months down the line.”

“Brighton reminds me of Goa,” says Ricardo when asked about what made him zero in on Brighton for the international launch of Tito’s. Brighton, says Ricardo, is located by the sea, is posh and Goa as a brand is already well recognized and received by the locals there.

Currently, Ricardo is in the final stages of setting up his stores. “The properties have been taken up, staff have been hired and we are working on the décor of the stores which we expect to be thrown open to the public by mid May” he informs.

Launching a new brand, especially in new territories is a daunting task, and to make

his work simpler, Ricardo has taken on board advertising and public relations firms, who he says are doing an excellent job and are more cost-effective than their Indian counterparts. Social networking and direct sales too, will be a part of their marketing strategy.

“Business is a risk” says Ricardo. “Looking back at the risk we took when Tito’s first began over forty years ago, we would have never thought that we would be where we are today.

We have grown so much that today this whole street is known as Tito’s lane.” He says pointing out to the lane in front of where his landmark nightclub is situated in Baga. However, he is quick to state that he expects more from London. “The moment your business is successful, the Government there backs you to the hilt. Interest rates are low, and the Government understands that it is a part of your business as you are paying taxes” Ricardo states and wishes that the Government in Goa should adopt a similar approach. He is hopeful that the current Government has the necessary leadership to make this attitudinal shift.

“Fortunately for me, I did not face any major struggles along the way when establishing my base in the United Kingdom,” says Ricardo. The society in the United Kingdom is more liberal and receptive to new ideas and establishments, he explains, and having an English wife too, gave him an easier introduction to the European markets.

Keeping in mind that the European markets are shrinking, Ricardo feels his entry comes at the perfect time. “Currently the markets are at level zero, and with my entry, I cannot go below that, I will reach at least level one.

Irrespective of what happens, we will capture a share of the market and grow from there” he says with a confident smile

BUSINESS GOA

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Atul Pai Kane is Chairman for CII Goa State Council for 2013-14

Atul Pai Kane, Managing Director, Power Engineering (India) Pvt Ltd has been elected Chairman of the CII Goa State Council for the year 2013-14, along with Kirit Jaisinh Maganlal, Director &

CEO, Magsons Network Pvt Ltd as the Vice Chairman.

Atul Pai Kane founded Power Engineering India Pvt Ltd in 1989 a manufacturer of Diesel and Gas Generator sets, based out of Goa but selling across the globe.

He completed his Diploma in Structural Engineering. He owns and runs the Pai Kane Group having interests in Engineering and contract manufacturing with 7 plants and about 15 Engineering products.

Kane is an avid reader, believes in the imparting of good quality education to all and socially conscious to bring about change in every sphere of life in India amongst the less fortunate.

GoaFest on 4 April Goafest 2013, the annual South Asian advertising festival - and India’s largest - will be hosted from 4 and 6 April at the Zuri White Sands, Goa. The theme chosen for this year is ‘Just What You Unexpected’.

As is now the norm, the biggest draw at Goafest, the Creative Abbys awards night, will mark the culmination of the festival – on 6 April. This is the sixth consecutive year that the Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) and The Advertising Club are coming together to deliver the Abby Awards. The Media Awards will be announced on 5 April, alongside the Digital, Design and Direct category winners from

the Creative Abbys. Last year, Goafest saw the introduction of Marketing Wizards, an initiative by which young client delegates could avail of a special ‘under 30’ delegate fee, and provided free accommodation.

Over 70 delegates from client organizations had availed of this offer. An Industry Conclave will be held on 4 April, acting as the customary precursor to the festival. According to the Goafest Committee, this year the conclave will focus only on speakers from client organizations to bring perspective to the advertising industry.

Arvind Sharma, president, AAAI, said, “Goafest is the festival for all in South Asia who are involved in creating ideas, including agencies from other countries in the region.”

15 MARCH 2013

Business Goa 25

INTERVIEW OF THE MONTH

Pratima dhond Chairperson of the Women’s Wing of GCCI

“The GCCI along with the Women’s Wing will always be there to support women entrepreneurs” Pratima Dhond, Chairperson of the Women’s Wing of the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry chats with ALISHA PATEL about Asturi and the works and vision of the Women’s Wing What is the mission of the Women’s Wing of the Goa Chamber?

The Women’s Wing of the GCCI was formed in 2005. We comprise of about fifteen women and our committee’s aim is to raise the number of women entrepreneurs in Goa along with providing upcoming entrepreneurs with avenues for their products to not only reach markets in Goa, but also go beyond the geographical boundaries of the State. The Women’s Wing is also looking at carving a niche market for women entrepreneurs in the State. Though we do not offer them jobs, we organize various entrepreneurship development programmes and training sessions in both rural areas as well as at the Chamber headquarters.

Who are the members of the Women’s Wing?

When it comes to being a part of the Women’s Wing, we do not discriminate based on qualifications or other criteria.

What we look for are women who wish to be self sufficient and create employment for women from all walks of life. We have women from across the State as a part of the Women’s Wing, ranging from architects, advertising professionals, hoteliers, businesswomen and Government servants.

What has been your role over the years in promoting women entrepreneurs?

I have been working to create awareness and a spirit of entrepreneurship among women for the last twenty years. I have been holding regular workshops for women in rural areas. I gave them their first big boost during the first fruit festival, when I approached the then 26 Business Goa

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their produce. So we decided to give these women the platform that they deserve to display and sell their products. The first edition of Asturi was held at Kala Academy and the response was so overwhelming that we began receiving requests from women about the next edition of Asturi and some even appealed to us to host it twice a year! The participants since then, have shown high levels of enthusiasm and wait eagerly for Asturi every year.

Pratima Dhond

Commissioner Sanjit Rodrigues to allot a few stalls to rural women to sell their produce. The response that they received was phenomenal and I received rave reviews from the participants that they sold more than they had ever imagined.

that there was an abundance of women producing items on a small scale. These items ranged from food products, handicrafts, clothes etc. However, they did not have the right markets to sell

Have you faced the brunt of gender discrimination?

Not at all. In fact our male counterparts have always extended their full support to us, and in fact a lot of the sponsorships received for Asturi have come from men.

How did the idea to host Asturi come about?

Shortly after the formation of the Women’s Wing, we realized

Stalls at Asturi 2013

How does Asturi work to promote women entrepreneurs?

Asturi provides a platform for women to display their goods and sell them. We encourage the participants to produce a large variety of goods. We want to see more and more stalls every year.

This year, we have a participant who began her journey with us producing tie and die batik works. Initially, she produced only wall hangings. With our encouragement and support, she attended a training session in Bangalore and today she sells a variety of products including bags, and her business has increased. They women taking part in Asturi are charged a nominal fee. Most stalls, this year,

“Interestingly, our male counterparts at the Chamber have always extended their full support to us, and in fact a lot of the sponsorships received for Asturi have come from men” were sponsored by corporate houses like the NRB Group, De Souza Group, Magsons, Wallace Pharmaceuticals, Sinari Ventures and PSU Banks including the State Bank, Bank of India, Dena Bank, Canara Bank, Saraswat Bank etc. These were offered free of cost to Self Help Groups.

What is the Women’s Wing’s vision for the future?

We wish to see more and more women take up entrepreneurship in the coming years. We want the number of stalls at Asturi increasing as well as the number of products produced by the participants. The Women’s Wing along with the GCCI does everything it can to help their businesses take off and offer them the right training and teach them to abide by the rules of the Chamber and prevailing Government regulations.

It

would be a dream come true if the Government established an incubation centre exclusively for women producing food products.

These incubation centers would make it easier for women to manufacture their products under hygienic conditions and simplify the process of obtaining

The first edition of Asturi was held at Kala Academy and the response was so overwhelming that we began receiving requests from women about the next edition of Asturi and some even appealed to us to host it twice a year!

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Grabbing a bargain at Asturi 2013

the required licenses. We are also toying with the idea of setting up outlets in each and every Taluka in the State where the women under our guidance and assistance, can sell their products. This will also generate employment to the women managing the store.

As for going national, who knows what the future holds?

Asturi has all the potential to become a national event. In fact, the Chamber recently supported two of our women who got the opportunity to visit China for

training and got a chance to interact with entrepreneurs on a much larger scale.

What is your message for upcoming women entrepreneurs?

I sincerely wish that women would not chase after jobs, but would rather take up entrepreneurship, in whatever field they maybe in. The GCCI along with the Women’s Wing will always be there to support women entrepreneurs. Even if you fail at first, do not give up

Entrepreneurial training session

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Business Goa 27

INDUSTRY

After extensive market studies, and a foresight that laterite availability would be hit back due to mining related activities, Arman diversified into manufacturing concrete blocks as an alternative to laterite stones. “The idea clicked as concrete blocks are more durable and easily available in

ar mines industries

Concrete Ambitions Arman Bankley takes ALISHA PATEL through the journey of Ar Mines Industries

Arman Bankley

A

r Mines Industries, situated in Kakoda, South Goa is today extensively recognized as one of the most prominent manufacturers, suppliers and exporters of Manganese Dioxide Powder in the global market. After Arman Bankley graduated from the Bombay Institute of Technology majoring in Chemical Engineering in 1990, he worked for a mineral processing industry in Vasai, Mumbai for a period of two years. There he gained the experience required to set up his own industry. In 1993, he began his mineral trading firm in Mumbai and in a span of one and a half year developed good contacts for Manganese Ore Powder market from Chemical, Glass and Dry Cell Battery Industries, which led to his dream of setting up his own production unit. Due to the rich abundance of Manganese Ore available in Goa, the State was the obvious choice to set shop, and in 1995, just when the industrial boom was hotting up in Goa, Arman started Ar Mines Industries with little

to no competition in the nearby vicinity.

Despite being a mere twenty three year old, Arman had the herculean task of convincing the authorities at GIDC and MSFC to grant him the necessary requirements and finance to set up his industry. “Having not much experience, no business background and the inability to offer any collateral security

made things tough, but thanks to the then MSFC Regional Manager who saw through my plan and placed his confidence in me, I got my loans sanctioned and by the end on 1996, I was able to start my first plant for processing Manganese Ore,” reveals Arman. Since then, the journey has been turbulent with Arman facing various problems including generating working capital as mineral products produced by him were being sold on a cash and carry business and it became extremely difficult to survive under such situations.

“Luckily for me, I was able to pull through with the help and support from Late Megheshyam Naik and Ramakant Angle who put their trust in me and readily supplied me with manganese ore and allowed me the liberty to pay as and when possible.” This, says

The concrete blocks manufactured by Ar Mines are widely used by construction biggies including Commonwealth Developers, Milroc Good Earth, Nanu Group, the new Goa International Airport Terminus

Arman. was the break that he needed and he gradually gained confidence to carry out day to day business operations and win over banks for finance.

By 2000, Arman had cleared all his loans and was able to concentrate on taking Ar Mines Industries to the next level. Ar Mines Industries’ primary operations included processing of manganese ore powder. Gradually by 2002, Arman expanded and opened three plants including a plant in Belgaum for manufacturing Low Carbon Ferro Manganese lumps. Ar Mines Industries also trade Quartz Powder, Potassium Bichromate, Sulphur Powder and Iron Ore. 2003 however, saw a closure of mines due to the declaration of the Netravali belt as forest area. As a result, the availability of manganese ore drastically decreased and Ar Mines Industries survived merely through imports.

Taking stock of current market situations, which were only set to go further downhill, Arman was forced to diversify into other avenues. After extensive market studies, and a foresight that laterite availability would be

Concrete block making

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15 MARCH 2013

a uniform size as compared to laterite blocks. The idea took off in a very short span of time and within a month, we began manufacturing Hydraulic Operated Machine Made Concrete Blocks,” he says hit back due to mining related activities, Arman diversified into manufacturing concrete blocks as an alternative to laterite stones.

“The idea clicked as concrete blocks are more durable and easily available in a uniform size as compared to laterite blocks.

The idea took off in a very short span of time and within a month, we began manufacturing Hydraulic Operated Machine Made Concrete Blocks,” he says.

Speaking about their products, Arman reveals that they supply the purest manganese ore mineral. Pure manganese ore is black in colour and quite hard, informs Arman who further explains that what they offer is manganese ore obtainable in a raw form as lumps/grains and is largely used in dry cell batteries, Vat dyes, chemicals, ferro alloys, glass, ceramics, explosives etc. Ar Mines Industries also deal with activated manganese dioxide powder, low carbon

ferro manganese, natural quartz powder, natural magnesium oxide powder, potassium bichromate and sulphur powder.

“Ar Mines Industries has its own processing plant, adequate warehousing facilities, modern and fully computerised offices with well experienced and professional executives providing support. We also have our own analytical laboratory with well qualified chemists to analyze both, raw materials and finished products. We also employ the best of technology, including a 3 Roller Raymond Pulveriser with imported classifiers and a fully automatic hydraulic operated machine to ensure world class finish to all our products,” informs Arman.

Ar Mines Industries is no stranger to struggles. Being a mining a mining dependant industry meant that following mining bans, they were forced to turn to importing ore from

Sorting Shed for raw material

Indonesia and Africa to meet their requirements.

“Since mineral products are based on grades, there is plenty of scope to cheat and hence a lot of time gets wasted in inspections and personal visits to the sites,” laments Arman who reveals that during recent times, their imports from Indonesia were halted due to Government restrictions which made them shift focus to importing raw materials from Australia. The concrete blocks division too, faces stiff competition from the unorganized sector, as their products are untaxed and are more in demand than concrete

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blocks manufactured by industries.

Having come a long way since 1995, Ar Mines Industries is today a supplier of minerals to major stake holders including Hindustan Zinc Ltd., Colortex Industries Ltd, Organics Industries Ltd, Libox Chemicals Ind. Pvt Ltd and many more. The concrete blocks manufactured by them are widely used by construction biggies including Commonwealth Developers, Milroc Good Earth, Nanu Group, the new Goa International Airport Terminus etc.

“Through sheer dedication and hardwork, Ar Mines Industries has been named as a trsuted manufacturer and supplier of Manganese Ore in India. Our ultimate goal is to keep up this reputation and fulfill our customers’ requirements in the most economical way that we can” concludes Arman

15 MARCH 2013

Business Goa 29

GOAN BRAND

Chirag says that Canapé will definitely undergo expansion and spread all over Goa, but at the right time. “By 2015, we will be spreading over North Goa and then to places outside Goa, as well.”

canapé

Food, friends and a place to hangout

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asty food, multiple cuisines and exceptional quality are perennially associated with Goa but now the State has another reason to be put on the foodie’s map – Canapé Miramar.

Canapé started in Fatorda and has now branched out into Miramar. Chirag Naik, CEO of Canapé says that the thought of Canapé came to him during one of his many international travels and although there were many thoughts and ideas, only Canapé has seen the light of day, yet.

The reason behind the concept of Canapé Miramar is a place where all the five senses of a customer can be satisfied claims Chirag. He adds that, “If you go to a Café you may not like the food but you may like the ambience. At some places you may not like the ambience but you may enjoy the music or the aroma of the food. At Canapé every sense of your’s is taken care of and you will receive a wholesome experience as you enjoy sublime taste, exceptional quality, a wide variety of dishes, breathtaking ambience and soothing music.”

Canapé, just now, cannot be categorized into a particular area of dining and hence Chirag says that the company is still in the process of coining a term to describe Canapé. “Canapé is not a restaurant nor a café nor a lounge but it is a combination of all these things. You get dishes of international varieties at a place where you can relax and meet people.”

To sample the entire range of available dishes, a person would have to visit Canapé everyday for close to six months, says Chirag.

This is the kind of a variety that they possess. He confirms that the brand’s ambition is to provide a wholesome experience by saying “We go into details of all sorts as we don’t only concentrate on the food profile.

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Harsh Kamat

Chirag Naik speaks to LYNDON PINTO about the gastronomic sensation that is about to hit Miramar, soon The Fatorda flagship Canapé

Chirag Naik

At the Miramar outlet, we have divided the place into various pockets. You can expect a different experience at each place. We have a lounge area and different kinds of seating arrangements. We are also concentrating on a quick delivery system. We focus on the entire customer experience right from the time a customer walks into Canapé up to the time she leaves.”

In addition, Canapé has a very unique marketing strategy.

They have undertaken a detailed analysis with regards to location of the place and the people that they are catering to as well as the available varieties of food.

Canapé Miramar is situated along the main road.

The interiors have been very carefully planned and the food is special. To taste different types of cuisine you do not need to travel to different places in Panjim you only need visit Canapé. You have the entire range right from pizzas to pastas, from sandwiches to burgers and mini meals to desserts. There is an elaborate menu that is available says Chirag and adds, “As time goes by, we will be able to gauge what the market desires and cater specifically to those needs. Also, Panjim is densely populated with tourists as well as locals and Canapé is for everyone who is young at heart.”

Chirag states that Canapé has

Canapé is a combination of a restaurant, a café and a lounge. You can experience food of international varieties at a place where you can relax and meet people no direct competition as such but adds “Canapé is not an easy model to follow. All other cafés or restaurants have a limited menu or stick to a specific area, whereas at Canapé, we capture a full variety of cuisines with an elaborate menu. All the food will be produced at Miramar itself.

Every single thing will be made at Miramar hence making us a totally in-house produced outlet.”

With regards to marketing he says, “I want to voice out to the whole of Goa through our marketing strategies and our jingle that Canapé is one of the foremost ‘eateries’ in Goa and it is not to be missed out on. I must also add that there has been a lot of hard work gone into Canapé and it is not just marketing or operation handling. It is a product and hence you have to start from scratch and concentrate on your infrastructure and then move on from there. But all the different hurdles that we come across are all part of the whole start up

process.”

Canapé has grown from a little outlet in Fatorda to a multi faceted venture in Miramar but the entire decision to grow and spread is an outcome of an indepth analysis and studying of the market says Chirag and adds that the decision to start Canapé in Panjim is also due to the fact that Panjim has a perennial flow of people and hence when given the opportunity he grabbed it instantly.

As for the future, Chirag says that Canapé will definitely undergo expansion and spread all over Goa, but at the right time.

“By 2015, we will be spreading over North Goa and then to places outside Goa, as well.”

Chirag confidently says “Canapé Miramar is a fresh model that people will try to reproduce but will find very difficult to replicate. It is a labour intensive industry for which you cannot rely on machinery and since we have different categories of food, it becomes all the more challenging. Canapé Fatorda is the older concept as it is three years old and it has been renovated but it is the original concept, where as Canapé Miramar is the new, improved, next generation concept and I don’t want people to get confused between the two.”

“Canapé came into existence only because I got the opportunity to start it. On returning home after every international trip, I am filled with ideas of giving Goa an international experience.

Today, I can proudly say that with Canapé Miramar, I have achieved this. Canapé Miramar is classy, elegant and has finesse written all over it. It is an original concept that has come through observation. Moreover, we have a product profile that caters for all age groups,” concludes a happy Chirag

CAMPUS GOA

BOOK SHELF

WizBiz at Goa Institute of Management

santosh nair

GIM team with Avinash Mudaliar

(GIM) in association with Goa Tourism Department organised its annual corporate quiz WIZBIZ 2013. This year’s edition of WIZBIZ saw a tournament of different events.

WIZBIZ 2013 brought together members of the corporate world from various sectors across the country.

The event provided the 16 participants an ideal platform for fierce intellectual competition and also allowing them to harness their talents. L&T Finance Ltd., IBM, HDFC, TCS, Oracle, SBI,

Metro Cash & Carry, Morpheus Human Consulting were some of the participating corporate institutions.

Quizmaster Avinash Mudaliar conduced the quiz for the 11th time. The winners, Rohan Khanna and Amit Pandya of Genpact Quest were glorifying in their victory. Runners-Up R Jayakantan, Sreekanth G of TCS, were not far behind either.

However all participants were seasoned quizzers, most of who had been quizzing for the better part of their lives

Kala Utsav by St. Xavier’s College

As part of its golden jubilee celebrations, St. Xavier’s College Mapusa organized Xavier’s Kala Utsav – a cultural entertainment programme, celebrating the talents of the students, teachers and ex-students of the college.

The first of its kind event was held at the Dinanath Mangeshkar Auditoium, Kala Academy.

The programme received a resounding response with students, parents, teachers, ex-students and well wishers of the college in attendance.

Secretary of the Goa Diocesan Society of Education, Fr. Zeferino D’Souza, Principal of St. Xavier’s College, Dr. (Fr.) Walter de Sa, Vice Principals, Ursula Barreto and Herwin Furtado graced the occasion. A solo invocation dance performed by a second year student of the College, 32 Business Goa 15 MARCH 2013

marked the beginning of the programme. A perfectly enacted mime, beautifully portrayed how today’s youth are misled to the wrong direction in life and take up to life-threatening practices like alcohol consumption and drugs. Another eye-opening act was the Marathi skit ‘Shod Mansacha’ that lamented on the changing attitudes and behaviour of human beings towards women in a so called civilized society.

What attracted the crowd’s attention was the faculty band that comprised Aaron Paul Fernandes, Brian D’Souza, Worrel D’Souza, Vernon Lobo, Alice D’Cruz, Heram Aiya, Debora and Samuel Pinto.

A group of ex-students put up a play under UV lights. The play titled ‘The Last War’, originally written by Neil Grant was directed by Megha Gulati. “If you want peace, do you really need war?” This is the question raised through the well performed act.

Several other performances like Goan Folk dance, Mandos, Portuguese and Konkani songs depicted the cultural heritage of Goa

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Eleven Commandments of Life Maximization - Be a Leader for Life The book ‘The 11 Commandments of Life Maximization’ articulates the author’s zeal and enthusiasm for life in a very candid and lucid manner. In this book, he challenges every aspect of life and demonstrates how he has demanded excellence from himself, disregarded difficulties, defied accepted norms of society, said no to conventional thinking and always remained W.I.P (Work in progress). He also emphasizes how one can consciously maximize life by following 11 simple commandments towards living an extra ordinary life, not just for oneself but also to transform others around them.

The author also emphasizes on the importance of doing things differently, challenging the status quo, and experimenting when there is no obvious need to do so. Having reached the peak of business/career, when everything is going well, life is steady and productivity is at its best; it becomes challenging to experiment, innovate and create ripples. A belief that the future is an extension of the past restricts greater possibilities Publisher:

Jaico Publishing House

BG CROSSWORD 40 1

2

QUIZZARE

3 4

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11 12

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Across: 1.Travel booking website which launched in India in 2012 (7), 4.Indian Premier League, in short (1,1,1), 6.Six Sigma is about improving _______ (7), 7.Brand of tablet computer (4), 9.Premium watch brand (5), 10. ____-West Airlines, former Indian domestic carrier (4), 12. ______ Frommer, publisher of travel guides (6), 14.Clothing item named after a nuclear test site (6), 15.Popular jeans brand (3) Down: 1.Men’s magazine published by the Hearst Corporation (7), 2.Italian fashion label specializing in luxury goods (5), 3.Global system of interconnected computer networks (8), 5.Brand of sports shoes by Bata (5), 8.Lowest level of information, typically stored in computers (4), 11.German supermarket chain (4), 13.A web address is also known as a ___ (1,1,1) answers to crossword 39 Across 1.Dreamliner 5.Lacoste 6.Cessna 11.Store 12.Eric 13.Herman 15.Life 16.PE Down 1.Dolce 2.Escrow 3.Lutyens 4.Redtape 7.Skoda 9.Roche 10.Bell 14.NP

professional dossier

Tulio is a multi-talented person, besides being a consummate professional. He serves on the Board of a Bank, has been advising various State organisations and educational institutions. Is involved in social work and even contested an election to the State Assembly

tulio de sousa - Architect

“Difficulties – large or small, help you grow”

“I have no regrets whatsoever with the career that I chose, as from a young age I was interested in working with building up spaces”

Tulio de Sousa

T

he reason for getting into the architectural profession dates back to my school days when art and aesthetics, coupled with my interest in building and everything dealing with construction caught my attention. Since then it has only been looking ahead and no looking back.

After completing my intermediate at St. Xavier’s HSS, I applied only for architecture.

I successfully got a seat and completed by graduation with a Bachelor of Architecture degree through the University of Bombay in 1988. After completing my auxiliary courses, I worked with many senior architects in 34 Business Goa

15 MARCH 2013

Bombay, Pune as well as in Goa. In 1992, I started Tulio de Sousa – an Architectural Firm, my own practice and have been steadily growing since then.

It has been a long journey as things have been difficult. Being a young architect, many clients don’t entrust you with work but this gives you a chance to do a lot of research, indulge in experimentation and brings out the basic desire to prove yourself in the midst of a very competitive environment.

I have to my credit, a vast portfolio of completed projects which have been recognized as landmarks in their respective category of design. Some of the

completed projects include a major Township for Power Grid Corporation of India in Goa, a residential Township for Army Welfare Housing Organisation near Panjim in Goa, a building for Punjab National Bank at Gandhidham in Gujarat and a church for the Parish of Vengurla at Sindhudurg in Maharashtra.

I have also completed some hotels like the Lemon Tree Hotel at Candolim and have designed some ongoing hotel projects at Calangute and Arpora. I have completed a number of residential houses besides being on the approved panel of consultants for prestigious organizations like the NIO, MPT, State Bank of India, Uniworth Resorts, Tata Housing Development Co. Ltd., Goa University, Goa Tourism and several other organizations.

Recently we have completed a commercial building at Patto called Myles High. We have also built residential complexes for private developers. We are currently completing the renovation of the State Bank of India, Zonal Office on a floor by floor basis. We have already completed their training center at Panjim.

I have been keenly associated with the program on Green buildings and have been at the forefront of using many of the energy saving features in the design and construction in these projects. I have participated in a number of Architectural competitions and have won the competition for Low Cost Housing Module for the Goa Construction Housing Corporation which was a Goverment of Goa Undertaking.

I have been a Member of the Advisory Board of Goa College of Architecture constituted by the Government of Goa under the Chairmanship of Architect Charles Correa. I am also a Member of Board of Studies of Architecture of the Goa University. I have served as a Member and Director of the Goa State Pollution Control Board

and Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation with merit.

In addition to architecture, I have also actively involved myself in various forms of social work. I have been closely associated with the Comunidade Movement in Goa and have been the Attorney as well as President of the Comunidade of Guirim for several years. During my stint, I worked hard to see that agriculture is promoted. We played a big role in seeing that land is cultivated and dissuaded farmers from selling their land.

I am also involved in sports and played a role in getting the village ground at Sangolda completed.

Today, it is world class and off late, we have tied up with Dempo Sports Club to use that ground for their practices.

Currently, I am serving as a Vice Chairman of the Mapusa Urban Co-operative Bank of Goa Ltd. and I have been so, for close to seven years and I have played a key role in turning around the fortunes of the bank. Back in 2003, the bank was in the red but now we are back to being in the positive again. I have also been Director with the Rotary Club of Mapusa, Goa. I contested the Goa Legislative Assembly Elections in March 2012 for the Constituency of Saligao and stood second, which speaks volumes for the social work that I espouse and do.

With regards to my career, I have no regrets whatsoever, as from a young age I was interested in working with building up spaces and believe it or not – every day is a learning curve for me and I love and enjoy every minute of my job.

Difficulties, large or small aid your growth and as time goes by, you start having your own style and in Goa you need to have a mixed portfolio – a few resorts, residential complexes and commercial establishments As told to LYNDON J PINTO

Wishing You A Happy Gudi Padwa MERCES |PANAJI|CALANGUTE

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Conference table starting at `11500

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Sofa set starting at ` 28990

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Carpets starting at `1200

HOW TO REACH US

Store Timing: 10.00 AM - 8.00 PM Sunday : 11.00 AM - 6.00 PM Renovadi, Merces, Goa, 403 005 ,Tel: +91 (832) 6634962 to 66 Email: shopping@cmmgroup.in, Website : www.cmmmegastore.com

WHAT’S UP GOA

The Goa Project to host a Collaborative ‘Unconference’ by the Beach On March 28th and 29th, thought leaders from various disciplines will convene in Goa for an event that promises to bring confluence among interesting and diverse people. The Goa Project is a two day unconference, made up of six tracks entrepreneurship, film, society, performing arts and music, fringe, and visual arts.

Goa Marriott Resort & Spa celebrates Thai New Year!

Goa Marriott Resort & Spa heralds in the Thai New Year with the Songkran Festivities food festival at Wan Hao, the oriental specialty restaurant, from April 13-24! Partake in a plethora of Thai-infused flavours amid a celebratory ambience in a quaint oriental courtyard!

Savour exquisite delicacies from the Land of Smiles, including starters like Kung Sarong (Wonton Wrapped Prawns) and Chicken/ Prawn Satey, and soups like Tom Kha and Tom Yum. Relish scrumptious main course

of non-vegetarian dishes such as Pad Prik (Stir-fried Chicken/ Seafood/ Prawns), Chilli Basil Crispy Squid, Tord Man Khao Pord (Thai Corn or Fish Cake with Sweet Chili Sauce), while vegetarians can opt for Hed Phad Khing (Sautéed Assorted Mushrooms with Onion, Ginger and Soy), among other delicious offerings.

A selection of rice and noodles including Khao Phad (Chicken/ Veg/ Prawn Thai Fried Rice)

and Stir Fried Glass Noodles to captivate your taste buds. Also sample the delicate flavours of Thai curries.

Culminate your gastronomical journey with traditional desserts that will guarantee a sweet ending to a sumptuous meal.

Join in festive Songkran celebrations only at the Goa Marriott Resort & Spa! For reservations, please call 08322463333

India International PR Conference The India International Public Relations Conference scheduled to be held from April 25 to April 28 is designed to reflect on the recent changes in the PR industry and will host challenging debates on some of the hottest issues. The India International PR Conference is a platform for

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public relations professionals providing professional development, setting standards of excellence and upholding principles of ethics for its members and more broadly the multi-billion dollar global public relations profession.

The conference will

also advocate for a greater understanding and adoption of public relations services and act as one of the industry’s leading voices on the important business and professional issues of our time

www.businessgoa.net

Gastronomic extravaganza at Grand Hyatt Goa Grand Hyatt Goa offers wide variety of gastronomic and entertaining options this season.

On March 31, an exquisite Easter Sunday Champagne Brunch has been planned for families and friends to enjoy. One lucky couple stands a chance to win two nights stay at the magnificent Park Hyatt Goa Resort and Spa. To renew the spirit of fun and laughter, Camp Hyatt® is all geared up for its famous Bebo’s Kids Easter Party. Watch your children chuckle and cheer as they join in on the Easter egg hunt, bouncy castle, face painting, games and much more.

Try out Easter chocolate or marzipan bunnies that will be available at the Confeitaria from March 20 onwards, along with all your favorite Easter goodies like Easter eggs, hot cross buns, chocolate Easter lollipop, innovative cakes and more

LADY POWER

The Goa College of Home Science established a Handloom Weaving and Training Centre in August 2012, which strives to revive the Goan Kunbi saree and which contributes woven faric to Wendell Rodricks’ Studio

Rajal Shinkre

Home Minister

The Principal of Goa College of Home Science speaks to ALISHA PATEL about her career

A

s a teacher, I reach out to my students on a personal level as well and offer them much more than just bookish knowledge. I inculcate in them values and always tell them that duty comes above everything else,” says Rajal Shinkre. As Principal of the Goa College of Home Science, Rajal has not only raised the standards of the College, but has also taken it to new heights with the numerous projects undertaken by her students.

As a child, Rajal always knew that she wanted to be a teacher and was passionate about teaching right from a tender age when she would pretend to be a teacher. “My weak areas were Maths and Physics and when I stumbled upon Home Science, I developed a strong interest in the field of nutrition and how diet plays such a strong role in a person’s life. I graduated from the Nirmala Niketan, College of Home Science in Mumbai and immediately after completing my Post Graduation in 1989, I joined the newly started Goa College of Home Science as a Lecturer in Food and Nutrition,” reveals Rajal on her entry into the field of teaching and nutrition.

Rajal’s career has been an enriching one, and it was only a matter of time before she moved up the ladder and assumed a managerial position and took over as Principal of the Goa College of Home Science in 2003.

Since then, Rajal has gone through several experiences and recalls no two years as ever being the same. “New students come in every year, new memories are created, new bonds are built, and these bonds last forever,” she says and recollects the rapport that she has developed with her students. “My students don’t only see me as a teacher and a guide, but also as a friend and confidant.

I have had students come and share personal problems with 38 Business Goa

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me and seek more than just academic coaching from me,” she humbly admits.

While Rajal admits that as Principal of the College, there have been struggles along the way, she has been fortunate to have never faced the brunt of gender discrimination. “When I first donned the mantle of Principal, there were times when I didn’t know what to do and I sought advice from my higher authorities. But with time and experience, I have learnt how to handle tough situations, when they crop up” she says. When it comes to balancing between her family and her professional life, she confesses that it has been tough, as working women are “Superwomen” and it amazes her when she looks back and realizes how much she has done.

“My husband is my pillar of support and my mother-in-law, who lives with us, too, has been very encouraging. Even though my parents do not live with me, my mother still prepares certain dishes, and sends them home to make my life easier. My children too, have grown up independent, though there have been times I wasn’t always able to be there for them, they have never held it against me and allowed me to continue working. These are the people who have supported me throughout my journey,” says Rajal.

Under Rajal’s able leadership, the Goa College of Home Science has witnessed a metamorphosis of a kind. She introduced a slew of extracurricular activities, encouraged team work and has been instrumental in hosting a number of firsts in the College.

“The first ever Annual Day took place in January 2004, we also held our first Sports Day. From there, I initiated our annual exhibition to showcase the works of our students and creating awareness and publicity for the College. We also organized

“Duty above all” is not only the motto of the Goa College of Home Science but also the motto by which Rajal abides by Rajal Shinkre

enrichment programmes for society and Higher Secondary Schools,” informs Rajal. “The ultimate aim of Home Science education is to improve the quality of life, and so we have a lot of workshops, and talks on health, human development and other issues,” she adds and goes on to open up about the number of projects that she has worked on since taking over as Principal.

“In 2003, I took part in the Canada India Institute Industry Linkage Project where we focused on improving the competency of students and we worked on certain thrust areas for the same. The second major project that I worked on was a capacity building project on street food safety. The nutrition department of the College conducted baseline surveys and investigations on food vendors around the city and later trained them on hygienic practices and how to increase the nutritional value of their products and issued certificates to them,” explains Rajal.

Currently, the College is working along with Nestle India Ltd. to host nutrition awareness programmes for adolescents, especially girls in rural and semi urban areas. Under Rajal’s guidance, patronage of ace designer Wendell Rodricks and hard work of her team, the College established a Handloom Weaving and Training Centre

in August 2012, which strives to revive the Goan Kunbi saree and which contributes woven faric to Wendell Rodricks’ Studio.

The College also has tie-ups with numerous organisations in conducting community enrichment programmes.

“Duty above all” is not only the motto of the Goa College of Home Science but also the motto by which Rajal abides by.

Rajal admits that it is completely natural for most people to pick their families over work, but she asks her students to reflect on it and think about their priorities in life. “I always advice my students to build their character; I firmly believe that if wealth is lost nothing is lost, if health is lost something is lost, but if character is lost then everything is lost. I also try to inculcate in them values of honesty, sincerity, commitment etc. In the long run these will be their backbone,” asserts Rajal.

On a personal front, Rajal loves travelling and writing.

“Meeting new people and visiting new places really excites me and its fascinating to see how each place has its own unique flavours, sights and sounds,” she says. For Rajal, the road ahead is left to fate. “I wouldn’t want to think too much about the future, I would rather take things one day at a time and see where it takes me,” she says with a smile

SERVING ACES

During World War II, a young surgeon named Henry Beecher who was treating the wounded Allied soldiers at a makeshift hospital on the battlefront ran out of anaesthetic. Quite on impulse, he instructed the nurse to administer a salt water injection to the injured soldier who had to be operated on immediately!

Make place for Placebos The idea of success stems from the belief that one can achieve anything that one desires. The only trick is to condition one’s mind with such self-belief says the writer

Nilesh Amonker The Writer is a natural entrepreneur.

An alumnus of the prestigious Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies, he traverses diverse businesses like info-tech and real estate. nileshamonker@yahoo.com

T

hat you need to excel in your chosen field is not disputed. That it takes thousands of hours of purposeful practice is not disputed either.

But merely being good at your craft or having the abilities or skill set is seldom enough. These might be necessary conditions for success but they are certainly not enough. What is necessary however, is the ability to translate this ability into peak performance at the opportune moment – the moment of truth! And this is what separates the best from the rest.

You do not have to be the best but you have to believe that you are the best. Without this belief, no matter how good you are, you are likely to wallow in the face of competition and succumb to the angst and anxieties that stem 40 Business Goa

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from such competition.

Mind you, these beliefs do not need to necessarily be true but the belief itself – even if its false – should be total, without any kind of doubt. That’s half the battle won!

During World War II, a young surgeon named Henry Beecher who was treating the wounded Allied soldiers at a makeshift hospital on the battlefront ran out of anaesthetic.

Quite on impulse, he instructed the nurse to administer a salt water injection to the injured soldier who had to be operated on immediately. What was astonishing was that the solider was not only comforted from the pain but could bear the agony and trauma of surgery with merely salt water running through his veins. Over the following days, Beecher treated scores of wounded soldiers with no anesthetic but plain salt water. The sheer belief that an anesthetic had been administered miraculously had made the pain disappear! In medical parlance, this is popularly referred to as the Placebo Effect.

Outwardly a Placebo might seem to have negative connotations. But nothing is further from the truth. A Placebo saves millions of patients from pain and suffering; it saves lives in cases of patients allergic to life saving medications and in many cases, doctors manage to put patients at ease without actually administering any drug.

The Placebo effect has been researched in great detail over the years following the War and the experiments have repeatedly indicated that what the mind believes as true is the only thing that matters. The contents or pharmacological properties of the pill or injection do not count, what counts is that you believe

Make place for Placebos – whether it’s a colleague at work, or an employee or your kids at home – try to instill in them the set of beliefs that will boost their confidence and help them achieve the objectives critical to them that the drug will be effective – and lo and behold it works like magic.

The power of the Placebo effect is illustrated so well in the movie, The Wizard Of Oz. The wizard doesn’t actually give the scarecrow a brain, the tin man a heart and the lion courage, but they all feel better anyway!

The mind than is indeed an incredibly powerful tool and if used properly to create the right set of beliefs, it can go a long way in ensuring your success whether in your personal life or business. If you expect the best and believe that you can lead yourself to the best outcomes in a situation, you are far more likely to produce the desired outcomes.

What is required is removal

of doubt and building your conviction in your own capacity to achieve and produce that outcome. Given the ability, skillset and the right resources which are prerequisites, your mind has the uncanny ability to bring into being any realistic outcome that you fervently believe in. This is the Performance Placebo!

Make no mistake – the skill or ability to perform comes first which undoubtedly would only follow hundreds of grueling hours of training to achieve the required skill. This would be followed by provisioning of resources and building the right conditions which are conducive to the outcome. Couple this with self-belief and you can hitch your wagon to a star.

We often see the Performance Placebo at work in organizations as well. A company hires the services of a consultant – a domain expert – who studies the systems, processes and operations of the company and submits a report with a ‘new’ business plan. The Consultant has used his expertise to put a structure in place with a framework to draw focus to the vital links in the system and to channelize energies in the right direction. In reality, the organization has not ‘changed’.

Of course, now there are weekly targets and reports, metrics to be monitored and long meetings

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with detailed agendas and action plans. And the employees go to work on the new business plan. There is a new vigour and energy. And most important of all, there is belief within the organization that they are moving ahead. And move ahead it does!

What has changed apart from a structured framework is merely the belief that the organization is moving ahead and it is this belief in a positive outcome that makes all the difference. Classic Performance Placebo at work!

It’s a win-win for everyone.

The consultant gets a fat cheque, the company sees improved performance, the shareholders get better returns, the customer gets better services and products and the employees get to claim bonuses and incentives. The star performers get awards and with public recognition comes new found confidence, a sense of achievement and a renewed sense of belief in one’s performance! And the cycle repeats itself putting everyone who’s in the loop on a growth trajectory.

Make place for Placebos then! Whether it’s a colleague at work, or an employee or your kids at home – try to instill in them the set of beliefs that will boost their confidence and help them achieve the objectives critical to them i.e. their Key Result Areas or KRAs in management jargon. In the end, remember it’s not about whether the word

“Life’s battles don’t always go to the stronger or faster man. But sooner or later the man who wins, is the man who thinks he can.” Vince Lombardi Placebo has positive or negative connotations. It’s about getting the job done. It’s about achieving desired outcomes. It’s about choosing and instilling a healthy set of beliefs.

Vince Lombardi summed it up well: “Life’s battles don’t always go to the stronger or faster man. But sooner or later the man who wins, is the man who thinks he can.”

Mind over matter – that’s all that matters... you have to first believe it to see it!

The Voice of Business in Goa BUSINESSGOA

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BUSINESSGOA

Goa’s Only Business Magazine

50

VOL 4 ISSUE 7 PANAJI GOA

15 JANUARY 2013

s Magazin e Goa’s Only Busines

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PANAJI GOA VOL 4 ISSUE 9

15 MARCH 2013

AND THE AWARD GOES TO...

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Goa’s Only Business Magazine

PANAJI GOA VOL 4 ISSUE 8

15 FEBRUARY 2013

ARMADA LIQUER 28

Spicy new high ETHEL DA COSTA

34

Radio Gaga

Global Footprints KINECO KAMAN JOINT

VENTURE

Kineco (Goa) Aerospace (U.S.A) and Kaman have come together to put Goa on the aerospace and defence road map

BUSINESS NETWORK INTERNATIONAL

GIVE. AND GAIN 12

ing This business network opportunities organisation is creating unique motto: in Goa – with an shall receive” “Give. And thou Director, BNI Goa Executive Rajkumar Kamat, of BNI, Dr. Ivan Misner with founder

CIBA at Fr. AGNEL,

Verna

24 Handholding s new businesse

SPECIAL FOCUS

Goa’s 16 media boom

JAVERI’S

REWIND

Blast from the past 42 The second edition of Goa’s only business awards was celebrated in style and grandeur with 33 awardees taking a bow www.businessgoa.net

For all 28 that glitters KORNELIA SANTORO 34

Cooking with Kornelia

PANKAJ DUBEY

“Polaris create a buzz at the 24d India Bike Week”

SPECIAL FOCUS

The Spa Image

Challenge 16 News Views Articles es Views Articles Interviews Profiles Focus Analysis Opinions Events Features News Featur Interviews Profiles a.net is Opinions Events www.businessgo Focus Analysis Opinions s Focus Analys Events Features Interviews Profile News Views Articles

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Business Goa 41

letter from America

A recent report published by Grant Thornton shows that companies fare well in the stock market when there are more women in senior management positions. There also appears to be a correlation between better performance and women on Boards

Empowering Women The writer feels that both, America and India have a long way to address women’s issues

Jay Dehejia The writer used to be a senior corporate executive, now a social entrepreneur. He spends his time between Goa and New York jay@dehejia.net

T

his year International Women’s Day (IWD) was celebrated on March 8th.

President Obama signed the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act into law. He said: “A promise is a promise, time for action to end violence against women.” As you may have seen in the Indian media, US Secretary of State John Kerry, in the presence of First Lady Michelle Obama, used that day to posthumously honour ‘Nirbhaya’ with the ‘woman of courage’ award. It is truly extraordinary that the courage of a young woman from Delhi has evoked such enormous interest in the plight of women around the world. We hope to see actions and not just words from leaders as well as all of us ordinary people to ensure that women enjoy their rightful place in society.

IWD was first celebrated in the United States in 1908. That 42 Business Goa

15 MARCH 2013

year 15,000 women working in the textile industry in New York staged a protest to highlight the inhumane conditions and low wages. They adopted the phrase ‘Bread and Roses’ symbolizing economic security and a better quality of life.

Over the years, March 8 has become a global day of celebration and recognition of women.

Over 20 countries around the world have declared March 8 as a holiday.

In the United States, there has been a lot of discussion about women in business. This year FORTUNE magazine’s list of 50 ‘most powerful’ women in business worldwide included Indra Nooyi, Chairperson and CEO of Pepsi as the second most powerful. The list included three other women from India, Chanda Kochar of ICICI Bank, Shikha Sharin of Axis Bank, and Naina Lal Kidwai of HSBC. It is an honour to see these names among well-known and wellrespected individuals around the globe.

Marissa Mayer CEO of Yahoo (#14) and Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook (#7) brought about both positive and negative comments about women in business. Both are in their mid forties as opposed to their peers who are in their mid to late fifties. Both have young children. Ms. Myers was pregnant when she took over as CEO. Ms. Sandberg just released her latest book called ‘Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead’ where she advises young women about leadership in business. Ms. Myers’ first action at Yahoo was to stop all telecommuting. Her reasoning was that morale at the office was low and making sure that all employees were at the office

Even though women now out-number men in college graduations they seem unable to bridge the gender discrimination in this country.

Only 6 percent of businesses are led by women in the US, as opposed to 10 percent in India would improve the situation.

There has been a lot of debate on this topic. Ms. Sandberg advocates in her book ‘Lean In’ that women assert themselves both at work and at home, and that ‘equality between partners leads to happy relationships.’

Her office has a posting that says: ‘What would you do if you were not afraid?’ There has been much criticism of Ms. Sandberg’s book for mostly seeking publicity rather than giving useful advise to young women entering the work force. Others think that Ms. Sandberg is too elitist and that she is too prone to blame women for failing to get ahead. We will watch with interest what impact these two women have over the

years.

In their latest report, International Labour Organization mentions that only half the working-age women worldwide are currently active in the formal global economy. In the United States there are around 66 million women in the organized sector. Of those about 17 percent (14 percent in India) are in senior management positions. Women hold less than 16 percent of Board seats in the US (7 percent in India). Across the spectrum of jobs in different sectors, women earn 77 percent of the salary of their male counterparts. Even though women now out-number men in college graduations they seem unable to bridge the gender discrimination in this country. Only 6 percent of businesses are led by women in the US, as opposed to 10 percent in India. US still has a long way to go before it can speak about empowering women. Many surveys have been done on and about women in the workplace.

A recent report published by Grant Thornton shows that companies fare well in the stock market when there are more women in senior management positions. There also appears to be a correlation between better performance and women on Boards – Eighty four percent of all women with children say

US Secretary of State John Kerry, in the presence of First Lady Michelle Obama, used Women’s Day to posthumously honour ‘Nirbhaya’ with the ‘woman of courage’ award. It is truly extraordinary that the courage of a young woman from Delhi has evoked such enormous interest in the plight of women around the world that they are just as committed to their jobs as women without children. Sixty three percent of the women believe that they are as productive at work as men.

Forty three percent of younger women believe that they have more frequent stress in their lives. Most importantly, forty eight percent of all Americans believe that businesses have not done enough for modern families. The big question still remains on whether there is a ‘warm and secure’ relationship between the working woman and her children. I would like to weigh in with my own view that working mothers have a positive impact on their children.

Ms. Myers and Ms. Sandberg may be exceptions among the large number of women working in America. Most women do not have the luxury of an Ivy League education or an appropriate support system.

They do not have the possibility or the power of their own to push for better wages or better

Marissa Mayer

working conditions. The present administration therefore set up the White House Council on Women and Girls, helping them among other things, to fight for equality in pay, tax credits for working families, promoting workplace flexibility, attracting women to STEM (education in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).

Government can only help push businesses to do more. It is for business leaders to take up the challenge to improve the lot of

Marissa Mayer CEO of Yahoo and Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook brought about both positive and negative comments about women in business. Both are in their mid forties and have young children.

Sandberg just released her latest book called ‘Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead’ Sheryl where she advises Sandberg’s book young women about leadership in business

working women in this country.

Returning to the subject of empowering women in the context of rape in the US, it may be shocking to some of you to hear that every six minutes a women in raped here in the US. ‘Rape Abuse Incest National Network’ (RAINN) reports that 80 percent of rape victims are under 30, 54 percent of sexual assaults are not reported, and 97 percent of the rapist never spend a day in jail. America has to do a lot more to improve the situation and bring rapists to justice.

Mariska Hargitay, a well-known actor better known for her role as Oliva Benson in ‘Law & Order: Special Unit’ TV show in the US, recently launched a ‘No More’ campaign to her advocacy group called Joyful Heart Foundation.

Her work has brought closure to thousands of rape victims in New York City alone.

Let us in India and America join together to empower more women

15 MARCH 2013

Business Goa 43

LEGAL EAGLE

What is it that goes into making of an industrial policy? As someone said, “learn from thy neighbour”. Singapore has for more than one reason, been a source of fascination for our elected representatives and bureaucrats, be it administration, the uniforms or the vacation part of it

Goa Industrial Policy 2013 Goa’s proposed Industrial Policy has a lot of expectations to meet, feels the writer

Raunaq Rao The Columnist is a practicing advocate and takes keen interest in public affairs and socio-legal issues raunaq.rao@gmail.com

G

oa Government’s new draft Industrial Policy 2013 is in the offing. As has been informed, the Policy will be thrown open in the public domain for comments and suggestions.

The task is as herculean as it is daunting. Not only does the Government have to rebuild that lost investor confidence but it also has to attract new investments to Goa – the lure being various incentives schemes, interest subsidies, incentives to encourage consumption of local raw material scheme, Goa State employment scheme and incentives to women entrepreneurs’ scheme.

But what is it that goes into making of an industrial policy?

As someone said, “learn from thy neighbour”. Singapore has for more than one reason, been a source of fascination for our elected representatives and bureaucrats, be it administration, the uniforms or the vacation part of it. Thus far what we may have learnt from our visits there is ‘res ipsa loquitur’ (the thing speaks for itself). This however, would not undermine Singapore’s reputation of being 44 Business Goa

15 MARCH 2013

an administrative and economic superlative. Fact remains that the change we saw last summer has raised many hopes. But what are the lessons that we ought to learn from Singapore?

Dr. Henri Ghesquière, a Belgian economist spent several years studying Singapore for the I.M.F. In his book, “Singapore’s Success – Engineering Economic Growth”, he highlights three key reasons for Singapore’s success. According to him, firstly, Singapore has an integrated approach to Government, with policies and cultural values, institutions and political dynamics reinforcing each other. Secondly, there is a distinction between basic principles and core functions, and their applications.

This is merely a polite way of saying that Singapore strikes its own path, oftentimes an unpopular path which does not follow the political fashions of other countries. Lastly, he talks about leadership, and the importance of this factor for continued success. We are amiss in all the three.

According to Ghesquière’s theory, an integrated approach could be said to mean that at the core of any approach, must lie an important national goal that most people can agree on and sense a belonging. The SEZ debacle appears to be a text book example of what is not an integrated approach, in so far as Goa is concerned. In Singapore’s case, its economic strategy had been the common goal and the top priority for the last 50 years.

In the eyes of many, any failure in Singapore’s economy will likely lead to the weakening of the Peoples’ Action Party (PAP).

One can easily compare this situation to Goa. Secondly as he says, to retain legitimacy, a political party must stay true to its political goals and vision, even in the face of overwhelming odds.

This means that any policy need not always be what the majority

Singapore and her GDP should set Goa thinking

Like Singapore, Goa being a small State, it would be a waste not to tap every single brightmind, to consult every single community and to weigh every issue on the table would want to hear but, what is right for the economy – although it may be unpopular. Thirdly, any policy should reflect the idea of the masses. Singapore’s PAP despite being a dominant political party, does not have a monopoly of ideas. Just like Singapore, Goa being a small State, it would be a waste not to tap every single brightmind, to consult every single community and to weigh every issue on the table.This turns on the strength of the sharing of power, a new “consultative” style of Governance through consultative and participative processes and avenues.

Although it will take our elected representatives and their bureaucrats many more trips to Singapore, what is it that the ‘mango people’ are set to see in this year’s industrial policy is anyone’s guess. The

main objectives of the Government would be to identify industries which need special attention. It appears that since Mopa is set to be made a cargo airport, it could be Government’s step to depict Goa as a centre point for Imports and Exports.

Revival of Education, Service and IT/ ITES industries may also be important for the Government.

This assumes further significance as there exists a need to generate employment opportunities for the youth in rural and semi urban areas. Medium, Small-Scale and Cottage Industries that have been thus far neglected may also receive some respite in form of subsidies. Reforms on agro-based industries are also awaited.

The otherwise notorious PPP model of investment may also receive better clarification.

Encouragement to women entrepreneurs has also been the constant effort of the Government.

The measures so far have been far from successful. Reforms on this quarter are also awaited.

Environmental reforms also may play an important role.

Currently there is no proper garbage disposal system – in almost 80% of the State. Plastic which was being sold to factories in the neighbouring States has also come to a stand-still. It therefore appears that industries for disposal of dry, wet and plastic wastes may receive lucrative incentives. Similarly, industries which can transform industrial waste such as slag into useful products like bricks may also become viable proposals.

We have to wait and watch and participate at the public hearings

BON APPÉTIT

casa bhonsle

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The best of Goan cuisine LYNDON J. PINTO gets a sample of rich, authentic Goan cuisine at the newly opened Casa Bhonsle

Top: The signature stuffed crabs and Below: The hot favourite rice plate

Casa Bhonsle offers you simple Goan food with an extraordinary amount of richness. Missing out on a meal here would mean missing out on an authentic Goan culinary experience

W

hen a place renowned for its vegetarian food makes a jump to fine dining, you seem apprehensive about the quality of the food, but Casa Bhonsle blows away any of these inhibitions as the proprietary family has a number of eateries attributed to their family, says owner Milind Bhonsle.

Located just above the famous Café Bhonsle, Casa Bhonsle has the swank, the elegance and the ambience to pass of as an over-priced fine dining restaurant but the reasonable pricing will surprise you, pleasantly.

As you take the stairs to the restaurant, you are greeted with the finesse and touch of class, the sparkling tiles, the shimmering lights and the spotless glass adorning the walls, not to forget, the courteous and smartly dressed attendants.

You are deprived of the aroma of freshly fried fish and the majestic smell of freshly prepared curry emanating from the kitchen, but as you wait for

your order to arrive the whiff of the food from the neighbouring table is enough to spurn an appetite of gigantic proportions.

A five minute wait after placing your order seems like an eternity but is totally worth it as the sight of the stuffed crabs and the delectable flavor that they harboured clawed away all other stuffed crab experiences and made me want another plate.

But as my luck goes, rawa fried mussels, masala fried prawns and chonak were graciously placed before me to satisfy my almost amorous relationship with sea food.

If that wasn’t enough, there was also prawn curry and rice to add to the wholesome experience mixed again with my soft corner for chonak – this time however it was rawa fried. My appetite seemed insatiable, leading me to try out the chicken xacutti which I must say is probably one of the best I have come across – spicy yet tangy enough to give the urge to lap it up like a soup.

The meal made

me feel that my trousers unexpectedly tightened around my waist but when it comes to dessert, adjustments can always be made. The tender coconut soufflé may not have been soaked in flavour but it gave an aftertaste that was nothing short of heavenly.

Casa Bhonsle offers you simple Goan food with an extraordinary amount of richness. Missing out on a meal here would mean missing out on an authentic Goan culinary experience. Milind advises patrons to try their stuffed crabs which are extremely fast moving and their fish thali which is the rage for office goers and not to forget the delicious chicken xacutti

Prawn fried in Goan masala 15 MARCH 2013

Business Goa 45

Fine Dining Restaurant for the Family Tito’s Lane, Saunta Vaddo, Calangute, Baga, Goa. www.titos.in Helpline: 9822765002

Night of the Business Stars

Business Goa Awards had swept all the invitees and winners off their feet, last year.

But naturally, the expectations of a sterling show was on, this year round, too. Editor Harshvardhan Bhatkuly in his opening remarks had conveniently absolved himself and the team by stating that “Even if we put a show as good as last year, we will have done a good job.” And as the evening unfolded, many felt that Goa’s only business magazines had raised the bar several notches

Nandan Kudchadkar gives away the Award to Yellow Mehra Vishwajeet and Dr Deviya Rane

higher than what it had done a year before. Newer, most refreshing categories were created much to the applause of the crowds who were cheering the winners. Clearly, this is the best that Goa hands out to business achievers and as David of Tito’s remarked with a wink, “Boy! we have to put a better show next year,” Team Business Goa could finally breathe normally after the marathon effort of putting the awards function together

David D’Souza

Svetlana and Stefan Radstrom

Nitin and Roopa Kunkolienkar

Vijay Sardessai

Ashok Advani and Jay Gidwani

Pallavi Dempo

Urvija and Harshvardhan Bhatkuly

Atul and Gaurapriya Pai Kane

Nilesh Amonker and Rohan Khaunte

Jaydev Mody gives away the Award to Atmaram Nadkarni

Dr Satish Shetye

Bhakti Dempo

Anil and Nutan Counto Dr Sanjyot Nadkarni

Akash Timblo Vinni Timblo

Manoj and Meghna Caculo 15 MARCH 2013

Business Goa 47

GOABUZZ

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Babu Kamat

Rajesh Colvalcar

Hanish Timblo

Dr Sangam Kurade

Neeta Sen

Tapan Acharya

Binayak Dutta

Akshaya Dempo

Rajkumar Kamat

Ashna Khatwani

Gautam Amonkar

Praveen Zantye

Emily Trems & Darryl Pereira

Swapnil Kamat

Sonia and Gaurang Suctancar

Sanjana & Suraj Morajkar

Adwait Dessai

Mario Barnetto

Suzy & Parvish

Sharad Sardessai

Seema Sood

Manish Karapurkar Nitin and Amit Bandekar

Dr Shekhar & Maya Shirwaiker

Asha Arondekar

Santosh Kenkre

D S Prashanth

Updesh Swar

Varsha Pai Raikar

Seenu Abraham

Aparna and Aakash Counto

Tallulah & Rajiv D’Silva

Datta Shetkar

Anita Kamat

Ramakant Kamat

Krushnan, Skitter, Sean & Diana

Seema Amonkar

Susie and Tulio de Sousa Radhika Timblo Nitin Kenkre

Kishore Shah

Alex Braganza

Nandini Sahai

Nana Bandekar

Sapna Sardessai

Dr Vinayak and Dr Archana Deshpande Devdas Naik

Pallavi Salgaocar

Clayton D’Souza

Paula Mambro

Nitin Sood

Dr Hemangi Shah

Ajit Singbal

Maureen & Maendra Alvares

Parag & Vaishali Joshi

Rima & Manguirish Kunde

48 Business Goa

Dr Ravish Colvalcar

Shonali Dutta

Pratibha Kenkre

Jonathan Fernandes

Gautam Verlekar

Auduth Salatry

Milind Shankhwalker

Abhay Mishra

Raghu Shetiye

Shamaine Coutinho

Vikram Verlekar

Francis Braganza

15 MARCH 2013

Karishma & Anup Abhishek & Pooja Kudchadkar Karmali

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Photographers: shammiulla sayyed, balraj sahani, aliston dias, bushka D’souza, domnic rosario

Dinar Bhatkar

Yatish Dempo

Madhumita Salatry

Shiva Naik

Lalita Kakodkar

Nataline Vaz

Ajay Gramopadhye

Kanchan Desai

Mariolla

Swapnil Naik

Kabir Pinto Makhija

Shweta Desai

Sonali & Nilesh Salkar

Vinata Naik & Sonali Furtado

Prajal & Anju Sakhardande

Deep & Rakhi Karapurkar

Atul Jadhav

Radhika Naik

Vishnu Tarcar

Dr Pramod Salgaocar

Mahesh Prabhu

Mahesh Adwalpalkar Yogesh & Gauri Nadkarni

Altaf & Cicleta Mavany

Savio Jon

Atul Naik

Priyanka Naik

Gaurav Counto

Siddharth Zantye

Shreenivasan

Ghanashyam & Sucheta Halkar

Sonali & Baba Naik

Tanmay Kholkar

Babita Angle

Shyam Haridas, Gautam Mukherjee & Vinay Arora

Supriya Pilgaonkar

Vinnie Quenim

Amrita & Shaunaq Naik Sunil & Sheetal Pai Kane Girish Sardessai

Sanat Raiturkar

Kedar Dhume

Cesar Menezes

Viraj Dhond

Shekhar Sardessai

Sageeta & Upendra Gaunekar Rahul & Sayee Naik

Shaila Naik

Khushi & Nilesh Dawda Soraya Makhija

Chirag Naik

Sajjan & Manisha Batcar

Denzil & Shalini Xavier

Siddha & Shweta Sardessai

Venkatesh & Kamakshi Kamat Maad Pratima & Gaurish Dhond

Savio & Pratima Coutinho

Felipe Alvares

Atish Fernandes

Dilip Prabhudesai

Dr. Mimi Menezes

Miriam Gracias

Sachin Chatte

Raghuvir Mahale

Sairaj Dhond & Dr Sajal Kamat

S P Bhat

Basil Fernandes

Anjali SenGupta

Mahesh & Rashmi Mangal & Angle Dr Digambar Naik

15 MARCH 2013

Business Goa 49

NEWSMAKERS Dattaraj Salgaocar honoured by Government of Austria

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Khushi Dawda’s Women’s Day bash

Industrialist and honorary consul for Austria, Dattaraj V Salgaocar was conferred with the decoration of merit in gold award by the Government of Austria, for his outstanding contribution as a Consul of Austria under bilateral relations between India and Austria.

The award was presented to Salgaocar by Raimund Magis, Charge d’Affaires Embassy of Austria, New Delhi, in the presence of Governor of Goa, HE Bharat Vir Wanchoo, who was the chief guest for the function.

The Governor complimented Salgaocar for becoming only the third Indian to receive the prestigious award during last 60 years. Salgacoar thanked the Government of Austria for bestowing on him the award, which he said was a great honour.

‘Dia De Womens’ is an annual event by VERY, that is held to celebrate being a woman. Every year, an eminent lady of substance, from any field, is honoured for her unparalleled contribution to society. As a continuing annual ritual, VERY commemorated the International Women’s Day (IWD) this year, by felicitating Lucy D’Costa, the first Headmistress of Sharada Mandir School, Miramar. Khushi Dawda, proprietor, VERY, speaking about the award said, “I’m very happy that Ms D’Costa has graciously agreed to accept our award.

Her contribution in the educational field is remarkable. And what better day, to felicitate her than Women’s Day?” The event was held on 8th March, at the Casino Royale deck

Keith Vaz hands over Mobile Diabetes Clinic to Apollo Victor Hospitals

Ulhas Jewellers win National Jewellery Award

India is known as the Diabetic capital of the world. There has been an increase in the number of diabetic patients even in our State of Goa. These numbers are set to become epidemic and staggering.

At a ceremony held at the premises of Apollo Victor Hospitals, the Silver Star Mobile Diabetes Clinic was handed over to Dr. Robert D’Costa – Medical Director, Apollo Victor Hospitals by Britain’s Asian (Goan) MP, Rt. Hon. Keith Vaz in the presence of Valanka Alemao and CMD Alcon Victor Group, Victor Albuquerque.

Silver Star was founded by Rt. Hon. Keith Vaz and is a noble charity campaign to provide diabetes awareness, testing and care to millions of people in the UK and India. In Goa, more than 11,000 people have already benefited from the service of this mobile clinic. Through this recent collaboration with Apollo Victor Hospitals, Silver Star aims at providing services to a greater number of people in Goa.

Ulhas Jewellers became the first Goan jewellery brand to win the National Jewellery Award for the Best Single Store in India, Western Region.

This award is bestowed upon those brands that provide their clients with an enthralling shopping experience. The category is judged on various elements that make the showroom an unforgettable experience. Ulhas Jewellers proved to meet the mark on all these elements. Ulhas Jewellers lay immense stress by implemeting best practises to company ethics and norms.

Dr J C Almeida releases book on Administration in Goa Dr. J.C Almeida recently released his latest book: Goa Administration and Economy, before and after 1962. The tome consists of 45 tables and 125 statistical appendices, edited by political scientist Dr Aureliano Fernandes and the senior former civil servant and respected economist Dr Almeida. The book should serve as an eye opener to the government and its economic advisors. It highlights the synthesis and analysis of the data on Goan economy which witnessed three major transitions – the first was at the time of liberation, second after being conferred with Statehood status and third after application of Gadgil-Mukherjee formula. A fourth transition is due after consensus on GST as it would completely change the matrix of revenue income from taxes. In an age, where politically and administratively inexperienced advisers, hired consultants or external private firms are seen to direct the decision making behind the curtain – Dr Almeida’s book comes as a total revelation.

50 Business Goa

15 MARCH 2013

quiz

45

1. Maheshwari, Patola, Benarasi and Pochampally are types of what?

2. What is Belgian designer Alain Billiet credited to have created?

3. The founder of this Group purchased two properties, The Clarke’s in Delhi and in Simla from an Englishman. Which hospitality Group’s brand history?

4. Which Indian auto major has a controlling stake in the electric car company, Reva?

5. Who is the author of this book?

Answers to BG Quiz 44 1. Thai 2. American Way 3.International Monetary Fund 4. Boeing 5. Benjamin Franklin Email your entries to businessgoa.media@gmail.com First all correct entry will get 1 year’s subscription to Business Goa