BUSINESSGOA
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Goa’s Only Business Magazine
www.businessgoa.in
PANAJI GOA VOL 5 ISSUE 8
FEBRUARY 2014
interview
Desh Prabhudessai speaks for 24 CREDAI, Goa
Has online killed the travel agency? 12
The convenience and options available to book your travel plans online is spelling the death knell of traditional agencies. Or is it?
18
Lusofonia Games Goa 2014
Organised to perfection
News Views Articles Interviews Profiles Focus Analysis Opinions Events Features
Contents
February 2014
28 Goan Brand
Lucie Masson came down to Goa to realize her dream of owning a pastry shop. A year ago she established ‘Deliceux’
30 Event of the Month 12
Architectural lighting has huge potential in Goa. And a seminar on organic agriculture hosted in memory of Anand Kurade
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12
Cover Story
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Special Focus
35 Professional Dossier
Dr Venkatesh Nevagi, an Interventional Pain Physician is breaking grounds for the fairly novel field of Interventional Pain Management in Goa
With the advent of online travel portals offering quick, convenient solutions to travellers, traditional travel agencies are bearing the brunt of this trend
38 Lady Power
Rashme Pawar’s dedication to her patients has made her one of the top physiotherapists in the State
Besides being hosted in record time, the Lusofonia Games Goa 2014 was spectacular in their finish and has left behind a sporting legacy for Goa
52 Bon Appétit
20 22 Enterprise
Starting Young
Do you fancy a culinary tour around the world? The Goa Marriott Resort and Spa gives you that and more at their Sunday Brunches
Arup Angle’s company BizVantage provides game changing solutions to companies
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Vidyadhar Kamat of City Computer Resources took the plunge in business in 1988, and became a key player in computer retail
24 Interview
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Desh Prabhudessai, President of CREDAI, Goa talks about the various issues that the real estate industry needs to tackle
COLUMNS
26 Industry
Sahakar Jal is one of the purest brands of bottled water available produced using state of the art techniques and stringent tests
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41 20
04 Business Goa
FEBRUARY 2014
The writer breaks down the issues arising from the Devyani Khobragade case
Blaise Costabir talks about the importance of paying commerical taxes and making business a level playing field
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06 Editorial 08 Corpo Scan 34 Campus 34 Book Shelf 34 BG Crossword 43 What’s Up Goa 48 Curtain Raiser 54 Goa Buzz 58 Newsmakers 58 BG Quiz
39 Letter from America 40 Reluctant Entrepreneur
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41 Good Company
The author talks about effective Vigil mechanism and an effective Whistle Blowing policy to help company law provisions
42 Antarprerna
Being in business is all about ideating. Constantly and consistently, says Nandini Vaidyanathan
BUSINESSGOA
50
Goa’s Only Business Magazine
www.businessgoa.in
PANAJI GOA VOL 5 ISSUE 8
FEBRUARY 2014
hbhatkuly@gmail.com
EDITORIAL
INTERVIEW
Desh Prabhudessai speaks for 24 CREDAI, Goa
Has online killed the travel agency? 12
The convenience and options available to book your travel plans online is spelling the death knell of traditional agencies. Or is it?
18
LUSOFONIA GAMES GOA 2014
Organised to perfection
News Views Articles Interviews Profiles Focus Analysis Opinions Events Features
VOL 5 | ISSUE 8 | FEBrUARY 2014
Editor & Publisher Harshvardhan Bhatkuly Co-Publisher & Group Head Urvija Bhatkuly Advisory Board Datta Damodar Naik Ralph de Sousa Rajiv D’Silva Swapnil Kamat Team Alisha Patel Annalise Gouveia Ashok Kolvekar Govit Morajkar Mayur Santinezkar Monaliza Dias Pritesh Naik Sigmund D’Souza Contributors in this Issue Dr. Manoj Kamat Jay Dehejia Blaise Costabir Swatee Rane Nandini Vaidyanathan Vinod Shirodkar Editorial, Advertising & Administrative Office Business Goa 101/5, Rua Thomas Ribeiro Fontainhas- Mala Panaji, 403001 Goa India Tel.: 0832-2425514, 6456555 Email: businessgoa.media@gmail.com Business Goa is a monthly magazine dedicated to trade, commerce and business features and news. Publisher & Printer: Harshvardhan Bhatkuly Printed At: Printek Printers 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.
Book my trip The written word fascinates me. It’s my first call of comfort. Everytime life ruffles me, I bury myself and whatever that is bothering me, in a book. Not very long ago, this line from Desiderius Erasmus may have applied to me “When I get a little money I buy books, and if any is left I buy food and clothes.” I also have this quirky thing or two about books – I can read the same book over and over again. And still find new meaning out of it. And I can at times comfortably read two books, without losing track or missing the excitement that each offers. If I had to be in the retail business, the one thing I can see myself selling is books. Everytime I go to a new town, the first inquiry I make is if there is a decent book store there. Concepts of book stores vary from town to town and I have been pleasantly surprised or utterly dejected by where I was led to. Thankfully in Goa, the options are aplenty. And I have enough and more to choose from. The one genre of books that has had me glued are what is classified as “business and management” in the racks of book stores. These are stories of trials and tribulations or of lofty management principles, strategies of sales and marketing, case studies or anything that can be called businessy. To appreciate any genre, I believe it is nice to have started out with a classic from that space. Long ago, a friend goaded me into reading the Al Ries + Jack Trout classic ‘Horse Sense’. It was the first business book that I read, conscious of it being from that genre. The duo put across cases where one can leverage one’s business or career using various ‘horses’ from real life to ride on – education, affiliations, family etc. It’s a slim book and could be consumed in one reading. I was hooked. And started searching for more on the duo. This led me to their seminal work in branding and marketing – and I believe that this is the one book that every marketer has to read from cover to cover. The book is “Positioning - The Battle for Your Mind.” Positioning is a concept in marketing which was first introduced by Jack Trout and then popularized by Al Ries and Jack www.facebook.com/businessgoa
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Trout in this bestseller book. What the book agues is that Positioning is something (perception) that happens in the minds of the target market. It is the aggregate perception the market has of a particular company, product or service in relation to their perceptions of the competitors in the same category. This book blew my mind off and I have been a business bibliophile ever since. As an advertising man, I swear by David Ogilvy’s candour. His ‘Ogilvy on Advertising’ is a text book to learn from. But my loyalties lie with ‘Confessions of an Advertising Man’. Here, the great Scotsman is in his elements. He has not yet been crowned king. With advertising, he looks at the entire gamut of business and corporatization with an idealistic prism. It is a must read for entrepreneurs. If you are keen on reading a book on Indian business history, albeit narrowing it down to four persons – G. D. Birla, Walchand Hirachand, Kasturbhai Lalbhai and J. R. D. Tata – pick up ‘Business Legends’ by Gita Piramal. These are autobiographical sketches of these business greats written in a gripping narrative, almost like a fictional potboiler. Many from my generation are not aware of Walchand Hirachand. His is a story that can inspire and comfort anyone who is coming to terms with entrepreneurship. For modern day works, I recommend Rashmi Bansal’s ‘Connect the Dots’. 25 inspiring stories of people who found themselves doing business when all they had started was pursuing a vocation. I belong to the school of thought that considers books to be the real universities of this world. What have you been reading? NEW COLUMN Antarprerna: From this month, we are flagging off a new column on entrepreneurship written by eminent mentor and entrepreneurship guru, Nandini Vaidyanathan. The Columnist is keen to nurture an entrepreneurial eco-system in Goa and she has already been mentoring business persons in the state. Feel free to e-mail your doubts, questions and queries to us and we will put them before her for her expert consideration www.twitter.com/businessgoa
Manipal Hospitals Opens Hi-Tech Multispecialty Facility
corpo scan
Manipal Hospitals Goa announced the expansion of its facility at Dona Paula to around 250 beds with the launch of its New Hospital Block. This will make the Hospital one of the largest multispecialty tertiary hospitals in Goa. The new Hospital houses 6 state-of-the-art Operation Theatres, 32 high-end medical & surgical ICU beds, the latest equipment including an MRI and CT, state-of-the-art cath lab and a superior Emergency and Casualty Centre.
Honda launches the All-New 4th Generation Honda City in Goa of Honda’s technologies to deliver Advanced Sporty Design, Best Comfort and Best Fuel Efficiency and would now Manoj Caculo, Suraj Caculo and Harish Borkar with Honda executives be available in both Diesel and Petrol fuel Honda Cars India Ltd., launched options. The all new City adopts the All New 4th Generation the best of Honda’s power trains Honda City for the Indian market. to achieve a perfect balance of The All New City, developed as a performance and fuel economy. global sedan, embodies the best
The Diesel City is powered by the 1.5L i-DTEC diesel engine and is the most fuel efficient car in the country with industry best fuel efficiency of 26 kmpl. This engine has been mated to a newly developed 6-speed manual transmission that is light, compact, and attains top class transmission efficiency with wide range and optimized gear ratios to deliver a pleasant, silent and fun to drive experience along with an excellent fuel economy. The Petrol variant of the City
Tata Group participated in IndiaLusophone Congress
Start Up Now 2014 hosted by Slipdisc
Tata Group, was a major draw in the international congress of ‘India and the Lusophone Market’ which was held recently. The group which has major business interest in Africa was represented in the convention by Syamal Gupta, special advisor, Tata International and on the board of Tata Sons. Other prominent companies who participated were south based Aravind Eye Care System, 108 Ambulance, Narayana Hrudayalaya Group of Hospitals, Wockhart Hospitals, Power Engineering (Goa) and GSK Pharmaceuticals. The international congress was organized for the first time by Lusophone countries with its inaugural session in Goa said Aurobindo Xavier, president, Lusophone Society of Goa. The two-day event had
speakers including Salimo Amad Abdula, president of the business confederation of CE-CPLP, Mozambique and Joaquim Branco, former Prime Minister of Sao Tome. Prominent overseas invitees were Joao Filipe Figueiredo, President, Banco Unico, Mozambique and Luis Silva, logistic company CEO. Kirit Maganlal, vice-chairman, CII-Goa added that the trade body has taken the opportunity of using the platform to get business for the state. About 100 overseas companies attended. He said that Lusophone countries were eager to do business to bolster their economies. Trade between Portuguese-speaking nations in the past was conducted through bilateral meetings and the International Congress was quite unique as it was a collective effort for the first time
Members of iron ore capping panel arrive in Goa As per the Apex Court directive, Arun Bhansal of the Ministry of Environment and Forest and mineralogist B K Mishra have arrived in Goa, said sources in Directorate of Mines and Geology (DMG). The six member team which includes Goa’s Principal Secretary Parimal Rai, the nodal officer for providing support to the Panel, will meet on February 08 Business Goa
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9 for suggesting the annual cap on the volume of iron ore to be extracted in the state. The expert committee will file its report to the Supreme Court by February 15. The panel will look into the issue of fixing the annual cap on iron ore mining, keeping in view the principle of inter-generational equity and environment-carrying capacity
‘Start Up Now 2014, Goa’s unique Business Expo that mixed ‘business with pleasure’ was organized this year at the International Centre Goa. Start Up Now, an initiative by Slipdisc advertising is the catalyst that gets your business going, especially if you’re a newcomer to business. It brings together businesses and entrepreneurs with investors and financial assistance providers. And it launches your business or product on the runway to take off. Start Up Now 2014, had thirty stalls ranging from Insurance to Home Appliances, to Lifestyle and Fashion Accessories, etc. GIM (Goa Institute of Management), CIBA, Paperkrafts, Venky’s were some of the organizations present at the event. The event kicked off at a slow pace but gradually picked up speed as the stall owners introduced themselves and their business and had an interaction with the audience. The post lunch session saw workshops and seminars by various experts from the business world. Schubert Mendes gave the audience a few pointers on the ‘Importance of Investments’ and how good investments are crucial
is powered with an improved 1.5L i-VTEC engine that has been mated with Honda’s original innovative and advanced CVT that delivers top class fuel efficiencyof18kmpl. The car has received an impressive response on pre-launch bookings which began after its global unveiling in India in November 2013. Honda will start deliveries of the Diesel variants of the new City immediately and the deliveries for the Petrol variants would begin from February 2014
in kickstarting a new business. The next speaker was the Head of ‘Taan’, Albert Zuzarte who drew an enlightening picture on brand launching and positioning. Anita Karambalkar, spoke about ‘Women Empowerment’ and its vast advantages for the business world. The last speaker for the day was Cedric Cerpes, the Associate Professor at GIM who spoke on the importance of advertising and brand presence in the market. The main attraction of Start-Up Now was the B-Plan Competition. Students from various colleges were given a unique chance to get on-field experience in the marketing field. The students were assigned a stall/organization and had to design a marketing plan for the respective company. St. Xavier’s bagged the first place with their unique plan created for ‘Ali’s Apple Juice’. The talent hunt competition was one of the highlights of the event. ‘Centrestage’ was a unique platform for youngsters to showcase their talent onstage. ‘O Nauticals’ a talented band from Vasco bagged the first place and enthralled the crowd with their blues and rock music
IFB Point, Sony showroom opened at Mapusa
corpo scan
Anand Pundalik Bhaidkar’s IFB Point for home appliances and Sony’s Make Believe showroom was inaugurated at Morod, Mapusa at the hands of Adv Francisco C J D’Souza, Dy Chief Minister of Goa. Sandip Falari, Chairperson, Mapusa Municipal Council was the Guest of Honour while Sudhir Kundalkar, ex-chairperson and councillor of Mapusa Municipal Council was special invitee. The Dy Chief Minister congratulated Anand Bhaidkar for opening three showrooms within a span of three months.
Rahul Deshpande awarded for Valpoi Bus Stand design The tenth edition of the prestigious Architecture + Design & Awards 2013 held recently in Bangkok, Thailand, saw Rahul Deshpande (left), structural Engineer and practising architect from Goa, winning the most prestigious “Best Recreational Design“ for the Valpoi Bus stand and Community Hall. The awards are the initiative taken by Architecture+Design, to provide a platform to appreciate architecture. Supported by the Association of Siamese Architects, Thailand, the awards’ ceremony no doubt brought in an energising rapport between
the Indian architects and the architectural fraternity of Thailand. The event was graced by noted Thai architect Khun Smith Obayawat. The winners were selected after a rigorous assessment by expert judging panels consisting of 25 eminent architects from all over India and also international architects from neighboring countries. The Jury was very appreciative of Deshpande’s
Cement association demands ban on material brought illegally from Maharashtra The All Goa Cement Stockists Association demanded a ban on the entry of construction material being brought in from Maharashtra illegally; claiming that it does not help the state exchequer, and also the material could be spurious. AGCSA president Devidas Shilkar appealed to the state government to save the construction industry in Goa. Secretary of AGCSA Sanjay Phondekar, Treasurer Rajesh Amonkar, Deny DSilva and Abhay Tendulkar were present on the occasion. AGCSA welcomed the decision of Chief
Minister Manohar Parrikar to take action on suppliers, who supplied material to the collapsed building at Chavdi-Canacona. “There are around 18 ready mix concrete plants in Goa. There should be a check on the mixture, so that such cases do not happen in the future” said Rajesh Amonkar. Amonkar informed that in the year 2013 they had submitted a memorandum to the Sales Tax Commissioner and also to the Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar requesting to curb the entry of unauthorized cement coming into Goa from Maharashtra
Narayan Bandekar awarded by MES Builders Association MES Builders Association of Vasco Da Gama branch of India celebrated its All India Council Meeting cum Builders-Engineers Meet recently at the Taleigao Community Hall, near Panaji. Prominent engineers, architects and builders from all over the country participated in the event and shared their experiences and views. The organisers felicitated Narayan R. Bandekar (right), Managing Director of NRB 10 Business Goa
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Group and President of Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry for the sterling work that he has been doing in the field of entrepreneurship development and for leading Goa’s business fraternity
work and they commented it to be a breakaway from the stereotype government building. Its simple form and creative roof with clean lines make it very contemporary and having achieved a design of this caliber in a public space is indeed praiseworthy
Goa Carbon registers a net profit of Rs 55.86 lakh for Q3 FY14 The Board of Directors of Goa Carbon Ltd. (GCL) announced the unaudited results for the third quarter ended December 31, 2013. Highlights of the quarter ended December 31, 2013: Q3 FY14 net profit after tax stands at `55.86 lakh as compared to a loss of `157.61 lakh recorded in the corresponding quarter of the previous year. Q3 FY14 net sales stand at `7,232.98 lakh as compared to `5,735.51 lakh recorded in the corresponding quarter of the previous year, up by 26.10 % YoY. Net sales for the 9-month period ended December 31, 2013 was `20,712.56 lakh as against `21,108.20 lakh in the corresponding period of the previous year. Commenting on the performance, Shrinivas Dempo, Chairman, Goa Carbon Ltd. said, “The Company’s operations and its results fluctuate from period to period due to various reasons. The Company has accounted unrealised exchange loss of `180.22 lacs (net) {Previous period loss `302.66 lacs (net)} for the nine months period ended 31.12.2013 mainly due to the restatement of buyers credit facilities availed from overseas banks
Apollo Victor Hospital completes 10 years Apollo Victor Hospital, Margao has completed 10 years of healthcare services in Goa. It was the first super specialty hospital in Goa which provided services for problems which were not available then even in Goa Medical College. Apollo Victor Hospital, a franchisee of Apollo Group, is equipped with the latest equipments and has provided healthcare not only for residents of Goa but also for patients from the southern district of Maharashtra and northern district of Karnataka, besides overseas tourists. Apollo’s 40-bedded ICU has the best of equipments and round the clock intensivists. Its operation theater, cat lab, radiology equipments, CT scan, MRI, etc, have provided humane services to the patients in Goa. Apollo Victor Hospital’s cardiology department has saved hundreds of lives to patients with cardiac problems. Till date, the hospital has conducted 26,000 angiograms and angioplasties and over 3,000 bypass surgeries. Alcon Victor Group has added another feather to its cap with the commencement of the Goa Ayurvedic Hospital providing genuine ayurvedic treatment including packages for treatments of arthritis / paralysis / gout / post chemotherapy management / psoriasis / multiple sclerosis/ spondylitis / back pain. On the occasion of its 10th anniversary, the group has inaugurated a full-fledged clinic at Velho building, Panaji, both for allopathy and ayurvedic consultations. Consultants will be regularly visiting the clinic and senior citizens above 65 years can avail of free OPO consultation in ayurveda
your seat in Goa’s boardroom
COVER STORY
www.businessgoa.in
ONLINE PORTALS v/s TRADITIONAL TRAVEL AGENCIES
Has online killed the travel agency? Online travel portals are now taking over traditional travel agencies. MONALIZA DIAS examines this change
W
e are living in the era of a ‘Global village’ wherein everything from around the world is made available to you at the click of a mouse. Be it music, culture, movies, global news, heritage, cuisine and even shopping. As part of a changing social phenomenon, people have accepted the fact that you can get everything at just a click of the mouse. This phenomenon has made life so much more convenient for all of us. The flipside is that traditional businesses are facing existential issues. Tourism is a big revenue churner for Goa. It is only obvious that there would be numerous travel agencies at every nook and corner of the state. These traditional travel agencies are slowly becoming aware and cautious of the growing trend of the online travel portal among people worldwide. There is realisation to pull up their sleeves, put on their thinking hats and come up with ideas to beat the first-movers by making their presence felt on 12 Business Goa
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the internet. Bruno Gomindes, Proprietor of Travco Holidays says, “Online travel portals are slowly taking over traditional travel agencies. These portals offer customers the convenience of searching through travel plans and booking their tickets all from the comfort of their homes. It is a very customer friendly way of carrying out business. Companies today are investing in online travel portals to make it both comfortable and convenient for customers. Soon a day will come when we as a travel agency will be out of business.
Before the current popularity of the online travel portals, we used to earn a decent nine per cent commission on sales. Slowly this commission percentage has been dropping due to the client’s interest in buying from online travel portals.” Numerous traditional travel agencies are now taking innovative steps to sustain their business to stay afoot with the changing market needs. Bruno further adds, “At Travco Holidays, we have realized the popularity of the online travel portals and hence we have already established ourselves online to make us known in the international market. Our website allows customers to
browse through flights from all over the world as well as book their tickets. We had to keep pace with technology and this step was inevitable. To be the best, we needed to be unique and offer much more than a normal travel agency or portal would offer. Hence we are not only a travel agency, but we also have a training academy which trains students to work the airline system. We also undertake passport work. I think it is because we have diversified and are available online that we will manage to survive. Unfortunately, I cannot say the same thing for agencies which do not have an online presence. They should establish themselves
The popularity of the online travel portals has affected us to an extent. This is because technology is evolving every day. Due to the emergence of the profitability of investing in online travel portals, airlines now give very little or no commission to traditional travel agencies ralph de sousa de Souza Group
Most traditional travel companies are beginning to see the potential of establishing themselves online, not only are they able to reach a wider clientele but are also marketing their travel portal to a clientele around the world at no extra cost
online sooner than later” Most traditional travel companies are beginning to see the potential of establishing themselves online, not only are they able to reach a wider clientele but are also marketing their travel portals to a clientele around the world at no extra cost. Some traditional travel companies still see it convenient and safe not to establish themselves onto the virtual world. They worry about the dangers of being established on the virtual world because there have been numerous instances wherein people have been caught in the web of a fraud or cases of their websites being hacked. The websites turn out to be a complete scam and hence there are people who would rather go through a traditional travel agency rather than an online travel portal. Franco Noronha, Manager of Dempo Travels Private Ltd says, “Online travel portals are over the years becoming quite the hype but I do not believe traditional agencies will ever fade into oblivion. Yes, it has affected traditional travel agencies in Tier 1 & 2 cities. But it depends on the market segment that one is looking to procure (i.e. Only air travel or a combination of leisure travel). If you look at Goa, it is still a market that clients prefer working with known agencies of their choice. It gives one the comfort of relying on the experienced services of a reputed and reliable agency when travel is for the first time. One needs to adapt to changing market trends and adapt to evolve one’s business strategy to
There is plenty of business for both online portals as well as travel agencies to survive in the market. Though I feel their market share may drop, they will definitely not run out of business. They should also innovate and try to use whatever situations they are in to the best of their abilities gajanan kerkar BestGoaDeals.com
survive with B2B & B2C portals. This will depend on host of issues and not price alone where such online travel agency portals try to outsmart traditional agencies. Also, people are not completely confident working with online travel agencies and only time will indicate the course of such business prospects. Traditional agencies will need to change the way business is done to stay afloat and in contention for an equal share of the pie. I think a proactive approach by traditional agencies will keep each and everyone in the fray and will compliment a healthy balance for clients to judge on reliability and experience with promptness and efficiency. But I definitely agree that every business needs to act to the nuances of the trade and one has to adapt and tweak business dynamics to create your own niche and stay upbeat in a competitive business environment.” Technology develops every day; we cannot hold on to our comforts but we have to embrace these changes for the betterment of our lives. Technology plays a crucial role in our lives. Everybody is constantly upgrading to better and bigger technology. Hence traditional businesses have to keep up the
pace with it. Ralph de Sousa, Managing Director of TransOriente says, “The popularity of the online travel portals has affected us to an extent. This is because technology is evolving every day. We have to embrace these changes to move forward. Due to the emergence of the profitability of investing in online travel portals, airlines now give very little or no commission to traditional travel agencies. The absence of commission is a huge hurdle for us. He further adds, “On the contrary, there is still a huge clientele who still prefer traditional travel agencies. A traditional travel agency can give you the assurance of being a good source of reliable services. If you have any issues, you can directly contact your travel agent without wasting much of your time waiting for a reply as in the case of online travel portals. We at Trans-Oriente provide personalized services like securing visas, insurance etc. We can also change the dates of bookings, give good offers and advice; whereas online travel portals don’t have the liberty to do so. The new generation of tech savvy youngsters would prefer the online portals but the older generation still finds traditional travel agencies as a secure option. But as I said, you have to keep up with the
Online travel companies do not have the opportunity to build a more personal relationship with their clients whereas traditional travel agencies can go beyond just making a booking and give the customers what they need SiDDhEsh mahambre Vinsan Travels
changes, so when I find the need to establish myself online, I will.” Some would like not to pay heed to the fast growth of technology and focus more on their services rather than the medium. Sidhesh Mahambre, Managing Director of Vinsan Travel Assistance Bureau says, “We offer personalized services to our clients from the minute they enter our agency till they board their flight back home. We advice them over the variety of options available and provide twenty four hours service to our clients. Vinsan Travels and Tours have built a respectable reputation over the past seventeen years. Online travel companies do not have the opportunity to build a more personal relationship with their clients whereas Traditional travel agencies can go beyond just making a booking and give the customers what they need. We know exactly what is required by them because we know their likes and dislikes. And most of our clients are repeat customers. This in itself is a testimony of what people see in us despite the growth of the online travel portals. I would also like to add that there is a huge market in the travel and tourism industry. Allowing both online and traditional travel agencies space to grow. At the same time I would consider establishing myself online because it has the potential of reaching out to individuals worldwide rather than just our customer base.” The people who recognize the positives and negatives of the internet and still decide to go ahead with establishing their online travel portal without any physical store selling packages FEBRUARY 2014
Business Goa 13
COVER STORY
Technology develops every day; we cannot hold on to our comforts but embrace these changes for the betterment of our lives. Technology plays a crucial role in our lives. Everybody is constantly upgrading to better and bigger technology
Companies today are investing in online travel portals to make it both comfortable and convenient for customers. Soon a day will come when we as a travel agency will be out of business bruno gomindes Travco Holidays have taken a lunge because they see the potential of the internet irrespective of the negative or questionable usage of it. Gajanan Kerkar, CEO of www. BestGoaDeals.com says, “It is true that online travel portals are taking over the market. I believe this is because of the convenience offered by these portals. The consumer today is becoming increasingly internet savvy and always looking for an easier way of finding information, which the internet provides at the click of a button. It also makes comparing plans and rates simpler as everything can be done from one comfortable spot rather than run from travel agent to travel agent. There are plenty of allegations thrown at us that we are the reason behind dwindling sales at traditional travel agencies. I don’t think this is true at all. Sales at a travel agency and an online portal would vary from person to person based on their experiences and requirements. Trends however, are changing and unlike earlier, when travel portals first went viral, people too, are more receptive towards this trend. Seventy five per cent of 14 Business Goa
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our industry depends on tourism. There is plenty of business for both online portals as well as travel agencies to survive in the market. Though I feel their (travel agencies’) market share may drop, they will definitely not run out of business. They should also innovate and try to use whatever situations they are in to the best of their abilities.” Online travel agencies are making a huge difference to the tourism market. However much we choose to ignore the fact, it is still prevalent. Swapnil Kamat, Owner of Work Better India training programmes says, “Online travel portals have
impacted the traditional travel agencies tremendously. This is because the profit margin for traditional travel agencies has been dropping as you can book the same package at an online travel portal for much lesser and quicker. A family planning a trip would contact their travel agent and also look up on travel portals to get the best deals. I believe traditional travel agencies should have more ad-ons and offer personalised services to be able to compete with online travel portals. I would suggest traditional travel agencies not to establish themselves online unless they are well equipped to compete with the big players. There are five major online travel portals in India who have added a lot of services. If I have an
enquiry, I can call their call centre to get it resolved. Also many of these portals are establishing physical stores. These actions are making them all the more powerful in the tourism industry. Seven years back, I was running an online travel portal called www.trip2goa.com but had to shut it down mainly for two reasons, firstly, I was never quite satisfied with my job and secondly the income margin was getting lower. I had to constantly compete with the big travel agencies who gave better rates.” Tourism is growing at a rapid scale worldwide. Goa being one of the top travel destinations has vast opportunities. Every travel agency, whether online or a physical store should have tremendous potential. But still travel agencies play with caution because of the unpredictable nature of the market. The market decides whether you would make profits or face losses in tourism. Francisco Braganza, President of Travel and Tourism Association of Goa says, “One has to face the reality. Traditional travel agents will gradually become extinct with online travel portals. The travel agents of Australia especially in the airline ticketing have either closed down or switched on the online mode themselves. The travel agents who depend on booking tickets for commission are bound to be affected. They need to provide many other services in order to stay afloat. The only travel agents who will survive are those who provide ground handling services, have rates with hotels and combine various services and rates and sell them as their own packages in the national and international markets which compete with the internet rates. Fortunately, for the local travel agents, there
Seven years back I was running an online travel portal called www.trip2goa.com but had to shut it down mainly for two reasons, firstly I was never quite satisfied with my job and secondly the margin was getting lower. I had to constantly compete with the big travel agencies who gave better rates Swapnil Kamat Work Better India
COVER STORY
Tourism is growing at a rapid pace worldwide; Goa being one of the top travel destinations has a vast opportunities. Every travel agency – online or a physical store should have tremendous potential. But still travel agencies play with caution because of the unpredictable market
are charter and tour operators into Goa who operate outside the online portals and provide services to both international and national operators at a competitive rate. Only such local travel agents will survive. It is a phenomenon to which the travel agents have to adapt or are adapting to the change.” As a Member and President of an organization protecting the interests of tourism in Goa, Braganza further adds, “The growth of the online travel portals is a phenomenon which a local trade organization like the TTAG cannot do much about, but only advice its members to change the way they run their business. Some of the traditional travel agents refuse to provide the benefits of an online service with dynamic pricing to its customers and continue to depend on traditional service providers like Gulliver and Amadeus which I feel are gradually losing out to portals like Booking.com, Expedia.com, Makemytrip.com
16 Business Goa
FEBRUARY 2014
The growth of the online travel portals is a phenomenon which a local trade organization like the TTAG cannot do much but only advice its members to change the way they run their business francis braganza President, Travel & Tourism Association of Goa
etc, who are available to the end user rather than the travel agent. A few traditional travel agencies give their client the advantage of booking online as well. Only travel agents will affect the operations of a travel agency. The online portal eliminates the travel agent. Also many of the smart educated Indians make their own travel plans based on the information furnished by such portals. However one must consider that the only ray of hope for the travel agents is
that if they establish themselves as an online portal, they would be receiving high commissions from hotels upto the tune of 15 to 25%, which is a given advantage to the international consolidators or tour operators including the charter operators who operate within the margins of 5 to 10% and therefore have more competitive pricing. Online travel agents in that sweep are not cheap as is commonly understood.” In today’s day and age, there is a fuming battle between the virtual and the ‘real’ world over who is the ultimate winner. But what we fail to recognize is that both have their positives and
negatives. We constantly fear the negatives in either, but the risk would potentially be worth a shot. The online travel portals have made the world made up of 7 continents into a global village wherein information and transactions take place faster than the speed of light. Whereas the traditional travel agencies are a reassuring source for clients who refuse to trust a virtual source, because face-toface interaction is much more convincing than what is seen on screen. But keeping pace with time, most travel agencies have upped their game by establishing an online travel portal to meet the needs and demands of their clients
SPECIAL FOCUS
www.businessgoa.in
Lusofonia Games goa 2014
A spellbinding affair
Business Goa takes a look at the Lusofonia Games and what it meant for the State
Opening ceremony of the Lusofonia Games and Jojo, the mascot (left)
T
he Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru stadium at Fatorda on the evening of January 18 was the shining light of the Lusofone world. And for a good reason. The electrical charge of two thousand performers, the passionate cheers of local supporters, the bedecked stadium and its upgraded facilities all metamorphosed magically to orchestrate the Grand Opening Ceremony for Goa’s most high profile sporting event: the Lusofonia Games 2014. The Lusofonia Games are among the largest and the most prestigious multinational, multi-sport games in the world organized by ACOLOP (Associação dos Comités Olímpicos de Língua Oficial Portugues), which involves athletes coming from Lusofone (Portuguese-speaking) countries, namely those belonging to the CPLP (Community of Portuguese Language Countries), but also others where there are significant Portuguese communities or that have a common past with Portugal. The ACOLOP is a non-governmental organisation 18 Business Goa
FEBRUARY 2014
consisting of twelve members, whose main purpose is to strengthen the unity and cooperation of its members, through Sport. The artistes exhibited spellbinding performances of folk dance from Goa and other parts of India. Local school children also partook in the scintillating extravaganza. In order to give the audience a feel of the expanse and ethnic vibrancy of India, artists groups from the Northern, Southern, Eastern and the Western parts of the country also put on a splendid representative display. Kicking off the festivities, the CEO of the Lusofonia Games, Keshav Chandra welcomed the multitude of spectators gathered, saying, “We have prepared for the Lusofonia Games for a long time, and now that they are upon us, we would like to welcome all the participating teams, and thank ACOLOP for their cooperation in building towards a successful event. We hope that this fosters ties well beyond the field of sport.” The 3rd Lusofonia Games which were held over the period
of twelve days saw participation from athletes and officials from twelve nations including Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, East Timor, Equatorial Guinea, GuineaBissau, Goa (India), Macau (China), Mozambique, Portugal, Sao Tome and Principe and Sri Lanka.The athletes competed in nine different sporting disciplines – Athletics, Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Football, Judo, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Volleyball and Wushu. What the Lusofonia Games 2014 really mean for Goa can be understood by the new manmade landmarks it has left behind in its wake. Two upgraded football stadiums in the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru stadium and Vasco’s Tilak Maidan. Two indoor stadiums at Peddem and the Goa University complex which are now being talked about as the best in the country. And of course the stateof-the-art synthetic athletics track and the stadium at Bambolim. Even after the grandeur of the multi-nation event disappears, it is this great infrastructure which
The Goa India football team
will be one of the key legacies left behind by the Games, which has been Goa’s biggest sporting event ever. “Budding sportsmen from Goa now would not have to travel to Indian metros or other national sports centre to test their skills during national competitions. They have world class stadia here in Goa where they can practice in order to compete with the country’s best and with international talent, too. A number of sports federations are looking towards Goa to host international tournaments,” says Keshav Chandra. Unknown to many outside Goa, it was a race against time for the Lusofonia Games 2014 to raise sports infrastructure in a state, which is primarily known worldwide as a tourism destination. “No one gave us a chance,” is how Chief Minister, Manohar Parrikar puts it. But getting there was hectic, day in and day out. Construction activity and supervision at the stadium sites was on 24x7 without pause. Although a surprisingly ove r w h e l m i n g monsoon was one of the factors which resulted in the slight postponement of the Games from November to January, the torrent did not in
The Lusofonia Games are among the largest and the most prestigious multinational, multi-sport games in the world organized by ACOLOP (Associação dos Comités Olímpicos de Língua Oficial Portugues), which involves athletes coming from Lusofone (Portuguese-speaking) countries, namely those belonging to the CPLP (Community of Portuguese Language Countries), but also others where there are significant Portuguese communities or that have a common past with Portugal any way dampen the enthusiasm of the team, which was burning midnight oil to make the event happen. “What Goa has achieved is nothing short of a miracle. Definitely, Goa will get a medal for the speed, yes,” endorsed an impressed ACOLOP General Secretary Mario Rosa de Almeida way before the Games, while on his final site-review visit to Goa. As far as the sports itself were concerned team Goa (India) put together one of the most powerpacked overall performances taking the top honours in the medal’s tally. Goa (India) won a total of 92 medals (37 Gold, 27 Silver and 28 Bronze). Portugal was a distant second with 50 medals (18 Gold, 20 Silver and 12 Bronze) and Macau came in third with 38 medals (15 Gold, 9 Silver and 14 Bronze). Team Goa-India did exceedingly well in all nine sporting disciplines while winning a number of medals in Athletics, Table Tennis and Wushu. The host country also did significantly
Sportsmen from Goa have world class sporting facilities here in Goa where they can practice in order to compete with the country’s best. A number of sports federations are looking at Goa to host international tournaments Keshav Chandra CEO, Lusofonia Games goa 2014
well in Judo and Taekwondo, while also winning medals in Basketball and Volleyball. Commenting on the local response to the Games, Keshav Chandra stated that the response was fantastic! “As you are aware, at most of the stadiums, people turned up in large numbers to support their teams and watch the sport in action. Those who couldn’t make it, made sure to catch the Games on DD Sports, the host broadcasters for the Lusofonia Games Goa 2014. We also had an army of volunteers who were the core
support group for the Games. It was great to see the youth of Goa coming out to support their state selflessly to make this event a grand success. We received over 2500 volunteer registrations, many of who were selected and underwent a thorough orientation and training programme,” he proudly revealed. The toast of the Lusofonia Games 2014 was the pacy and thrilling football final on the penultimate day, when a young squad mostly comprising of Goan players beat a higher ranked Mozambique football team 3-2 in
front of a home crowd roaring in support of the men in blue. That was one of the last few gold medals to be won in the tournament and certainly turned out to be the spectacle which it was expected to be. All good things do come to a close. The Lusofonia Games 2014, which started spectacularly on January 18, also sign off in style. The 34 torch bearers, all of them top-of-the-line sportspersons were celebrated during the event. Top Goan artists took centre-stage at the event putting up a spectacular performance. The stadium was also lit up by an intricate laser beam show and sparkling fireworks. The Lusofonia Games 2014 have come and gone. But the trail of infrastructure, the opportunity the Games has, and will provide in the future for Goa’s young sporting talent and finally the sense of belief it has instilled in our sportsmen, is something it has left behind forever for us
FEBRUARY 2014
Business Goa 19
STARTING YOUNG
Having worked with some of the biggest names in the country, Arup built a strong base of contacts which included top level executives that were in a decision making capacity. His big break was when he grabbed a contract to work with Eureka Forbes on a yearlong project Arup Angle
BizVantage
Managing the Managers BizVantage, headed by the young and dynamic Arup Angle, provides game changing solutions to companies writes ALISHA PATEL
Arup Angle
F
or Arup Angle, management consultancy is not just a profession, but a passion. Having worked with some of the biggest names in the country, it was only a matter of time before Arup took this passion to the next level and started his own consulting firm ‘BizVantage’. “I started my journey with Cognizant Technology Solutions and later with Proctor and Gamble. Here I worked on various digital marketing strategies for a well known laundry and baby care brand of theirs. I also worked with a boutique consulting firm based in Bangalore, which consulted for various CPGs (Consumer Packaged Goods), FMCGs (Fast Moving Consumer Goods) as well as other retail clients in 20 Business Goa
FEBRUARY 2014
multiple geographies. I worked extensively with beverage and confectionary companies based in the United States of America and Asia. Though I enjoyed every bit of it, eventually I reached a crossroad in life where I had to make a choice. The choice was between taking up a long term project in the United States, or returning to Goa to set up my own consultancy firm. I decided to take the plunge into entrepreneurship and in 2011, BizVantage was launched,” he reveals. Having worked with some of the biggest names in the country, Arup built a strong base of contacts which included top level executives. His big break, he says came sooner than he had expected when he grabbed the contract to consult for Eureka Forbes on a yearlong project. “I was very fortunate that my contacts during my previous stints strongly vouched for my works and recommended my company to Eureka Forbes,” he states. He goes on to explain that his team worked on end to end supply chain consulting. The team studied their systems right from their plants to depots and franchisees. They even studied their direct marketing approach and distribution system. “The project involved strategic sourcing, spend and procurement analytics, optimization of logistics, inventory management and planning. Through our research, the company was able to make double digit savings in percentages. On an average cost base of Rs.200 crores, we saved the company Rs. 12 to 15 crores,” he proudly says. Talking more about the works done by BizVantage, Arup states that the company works on three verticals. Market Strategy and Analysis, through which they help companies formulate their growth strategies. The firm
undertakes market and industry research. They also study trends and potential opportunities as well as study the product portfolio and customer analysis. “Companies tend to spend a lot on advertising. We believe that it is indispensible to take a look at what are the actual returns on their investments. Here is where we come into play,” he explains. The company also looks at supply chain analysis which involves analyzing procurement and cost analysis and a thorough study of what the company is spending its funds on. Supply chain analysis also focuses on inventory classifications and management. It also talks about distribution and how to optimize costs on logistics and route optimization. “The main purpose of this study is to help customers optimize on costs thereby saving funds,” says Arup. The third vertical the firm engages is Dashboards and Market Information Systems. Dashboards help senior level management to identify key performance indicators of their company and present it over and MIS so it is easy to understand. “What makes our MIS different from others is that they are very user friendly and visually appealing. In a single dashboard we provide everything from sales and marketing data to cost and operation data,” states Arup. Revealing that this concept of management consultancy has been more accepted outside Goa, Arup also states that he is confident of a change in scenario and that his firm is slowly penetrating into the Goan markets with three focus areas – hospitality, industry and Government. “We already have a few clients in the hospitality sphere, for whom we conduct end to end reviews on their business operations right from guest analysis to a deep dive on sales to identify which are their
high profit yielding activities. We are already working with the Commercial Taxes Department of the State Government for operations consulting,” he informs. Working with a highly volatile market, Arup says that some of his biggest challenges are convincing first time clients about the value that working with his firm can bring. “Unfortunately in Goa, businesses are not exposed to the idea of a consultant. Hence convincing businessmen of our value added services is an uphill task. Fortunately for us, this scenario is slowly changing and the new generation businessmen are open to fresh ideas,” he says. For your average thirty one year old, all this may seem like too much to handle; but not for Arup. “Whether I am working with a Fortune 500 company or a Non-profit organization, I give both entities the same amount of dedication. Incidentally, I remember a time when I met with a client who was very impressed with our works but turned us down because I did not have grey hair,” he says with a chuckle. Looking forward, Arup reveals that at BizVantage, they focus more on quality of the works done, than quantity. “We would rather take up long term projects as it makes us feel that we are a part of the company as we are continuously involved with their operations. During our interactions with clients, we work in such a way that we make them feel like we are an extension of the team,” he says. He also adds that the firm is currently setting up an office in Bangalore and are on the verge of signing a joint venture with a supply chain company based in Mumbai. For Arup, the future looks bright although he believes that he has a long way to go and can only grow bigger and bigger with each successful assignment
ENTERPRISE Vidyadhar Kamat
Shortly after establishing himself, Vidyadhar Kamat started facing a lot of difficulties because computers back then were still a novel technology. “Back then, computers were running on a
City Computer resources
First mover in the computer biz MONALIZA DIAS speaks to Vidyadhar Kamat about what makes City Computer Resources the success that it is
W
hat would you a call a man aiming to establish a never attempted or even seen before business, especially technology in a place unfamiliar with the information age? Some would say ambitious, genius, while some others would say crazy! If we rewind back to three decades ago, Goa was still considered a developing state and did not possess much technological know-how. So how can a man starting a software development and consulting company ever see success in a state technologically ignorant? Nonethless, Vidyadhar Kamat saw the potential and with blind faith in his business idea, he took a leap of faith by establishing City Computer Resources. He says, “I was in Canada for seventeen years working in the software development field. Although I was doing quite well for myself, I still wanted to settle down in my hometown – Goa. So I came back and established City Computers in the year 1998 along with Kamat Information System Services.”
A City Computer engineer at work
22 Business Goa
FEBRUARY 2014
Every business has a time when they are floating in profits and when they are running dry, more so when they have just established their business. He says, “Shortly after establishing myself I started facing a lot of difficulties because computers back then were still a novel technology. Earlier computers were running on a mere 1GB memory; the functions were limited and the prices were really high so the common man could not afford them. Hence I had to personally visit clients and try to sell the idea and benefits of a computer to them. Computers have developed quite a lot since the year I established myself that when I compare it to the development of cars from back then, cars would have been able to run as fast as a plane if thei technology had kept pace with that of the computer! Another major problem was that Goa did not have software training institutes and hence I had to employ unskilled persons and train them myself. After a year or so, they would leave for better prospects and I had to start the process all over again. I felt like I was running a training institute more than a business. Due to this I had to shut Kamat Information System Services, the software development company in the year 1992. Every business has struggles initially but fortunately I had the finances to overcome these obstacles. With the closure of Kamat Information Service Systems, I was able to concentrate on City Computers, a
consulting, trading and after sales service company. What we do at City Computers is that we look at the needs and requirements of clients, after which we suggest the computer and other electronic equipments most suitable for their needs. We install the computers for them, also guaranteeing after sales services,” he says. City Computers believes they provide only the best, and make it a point to stock only the best brands and offer the best service. He says, “Earlier we would stock Wipro but ever since Wipro shut, we have been stocking HP and Lenovo. I strongly believe the client should be able to consult the dealer if they have any issues with their computers and hence we have engineers who fix hardware, software and software installation problems for our clients.” Nowadays every business establishment needs to advertise their idea in the market, as it is now considered a vital source to increase ones profits through publicity. And so did Vidyadhar Kamat who says, “We mainly use newspapers and the internet to publicize City Computers. I have noticed that this has helped us form a good base in the Goan market, now almost everyone will call us before making a purchase. Another reason for this would be that we have been in the market for a very long time, making us more trustworthy.” Considering the fact that City Computers has been in the market for over 26 years, people are automatically inclined to making a purchase with the firm. Vidyadhar adds, “Our clients have continuously shown us their dedication, but since we are not in the retail market we do not offer schemes but depending upon the number of purchases
Vidyadhar Kamat
a client makes, we offer a value addition after negotiating with the manufacturer. Some of our clients are National Institute of Oceanography, Goa University, Engineering colleges and other reputed corporates.” No business will see profits coming their way in the initial years but once they have fully established themselves in the market, there is looking back. He says, “We make an average sale of forty to fifty lakhs per month. This is because we offer very good services to our customers. Additionally they trust us because we are an old and honest company. Also the secret to making it big in Goa is to remember the one and only ingredient to a successful business in this state
mere 1GB memory; the functions were limited and the prices were really high so the common man could not afford them. I had to personally visit clients and try to sell the idea and benefits of a computer to them,” he says
– that business is not based on your strategic plans but on the relationship that you have with the business fraternity in Goa. Of course, the services that you offer do matter.” Growth is vital in every aspect of life, be it relationships or your business. If you do not grow you become stagnant. Vidyadhar Kamat realizes the need of growth and hence he has been doing whatever is possible to make his business grow. He says, “We have been growing, but not to our expectations because there is huge competition. Younger and energetic people have stepped into the market, you would notice at every nook and corner a flagship store with a variety of options available to you to choose from. But I would consider that we enjoy an edge because of our reputation and because we pay keen attention to the needs of our clients. This is the reason why we have
The secret to making it big in Goa is to remember the one and only ingredient to a successful business in this state – that business is not based on your strategic plans but on the relationship you have with the business fraternity in Goa. And of course, the services you offer do matter vidyadhar kamat
managed to keep our business stable despite the competition in the market. On the other hand, we look to grow at a better pace than what we are doing today.” Vidyadhar Kamat has peaked his business but does not plan on expanding it any further, he says, “I do not intend to expand my business because I am at an
age where it would be difficult to manage two offices.” A humble and hard working man who would never intentionally speak on how much he has achieved in his lifetime. But upon noticing an array of awards placed in his office, I inquired about them. But he was modest enough to name only a few. He says, “We have won a handful of awards one such being ‘Wipro Rising Star’ which we had won when I was an exclusive Wipro dealer in Goa.” Vidyadhar Kamat has been running his business for a very long time; making him one of the most reliable persons in the Goan computer trade market. This trust does not always come easy; to attain that trust he must have had to lose something else. Maybe precious time with his family or personal time. Whatsoever he had to lose, he is still a man proud and content with his business ‘City Computer Resources’
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FEBRUARY 2014
Business Goa 23
INTERVIEW OF THE MONTH
DESH PRABHUDESSAI
www.businessgoa.in
No self-respecting builder will compromise on quality of construction by using cheaper materials Desh Prabhudessai, President, CREDAI-Goa in conversation with ALISHA PATEL about various issues concerning the real estate and construction industry industry in Goa. It is a great set back to builders, but it is also an isolated case, where there was no coordination between the builder, engineer, architect and the contractor. We hear that there was no professional architect or engineer appointed for the project. Though the architect and engineers are technically responsible, it is the moral responsibility of the builder to give quality and stable construction. While drawing up plans for a building, we consider one hundred years as the life span of a building. There are definitely repercussions after the said incident; rather I would say it is an eye opener for all the builders to give qualitative and stable construction.
Desh Prabhudessai
As if the real estate industry didn’t have enough on its plate with the recession and sand mining ban, comes the situation in Canacona. What repercussions do you think it will have on the policy making with regards to your industry? What happened in Canacona was the most unfortunate incident in the history of the housing 24 Business Goa
FEBRUARY 2014
Many people say that the ban on sand mining has given rise to cheaper, less credible alternatives. Comment Sand banning has definitely affected construction activity, the prices have shot up but most builders do not compromise with quality. Many builders have also turned to alternate materials in construction. We have now replaced internal plastering by gypsum plaster. Sand out of metal, steel is also available in the market, and definitely these replacements are not cheaper. No self-respecting builder will compromise on quality of construction at cost of cheaper materials. What are the steps taken by CREDAI to represent itself before the National Green Tribunal (NGT) or the Supreme Court to vacate the ban on sand mining? CREDAI is not direct a party to the petition. We have
made representations to the Government for sand availability in Goa. The Government in turn has already made representations to NGT and has requested them to lift the ban as in Goa sand is extracted manually and has been a traditional business of people in the state. The Government has also identified places of extraction of sand and has invited applications from people; the said plots will be leased out by the Government. The procedure is waiting for finalization of scrutinizing and monitoring committee. Developers in Goa have been facing the ire of recession that has generally gripped the nation. What are the measures that you have taken to combat the recessionary trends? Economic recession has gripped the whole world and the entire country along with Goa is also highly affected by the economic slowdown. Builders in Goa are being cautious and are launching new projects very carefully. They are also stabilizing their prices and taking up cost cutting measures by slicing down unwanted expenses. What measures should the authorities take to ensure that there are no more Canacona like situations in the state henceforth? The Canacona case is a unique and an isolated one. In Goa, we have very good rules and regulation laid down by the Government for construction. If a builder wants to have construction on settlement land, he must first obtain a conversion Sanad from the Collector, then he must appoint an architect to plan the building and an engineer to plan RCC structure. These plans are then sent for approval to the PDA or TCP. After getting
approvals the plans are sent to the Municipality or Panchayat for Construction License. It is of utmost importance that the local authorities inspect the site and issue alignment of building before columns are erected. All these regulations prove that we have a very good system for monitoring construction activity in Goa. What about regional plan? When do you think that the in-limbo plan will come out of the cold storage? The Regional Plan is a vast subject. It is a planning aspect of any Government wherein their technical experts from the Town and Country Planning Department with help of other technical assistance finalizes the Regional Plan. However, I have to add that builders are in no way benefited by the present situation of Regional Plan. There is a wrong impression among the general public and some NGOs that builders benefit from the Regional Plan. The Government has kept in abeyance the Regional Plan 2021 and Regional Plan 2001 in force. While doing this the Government has taken care of public views for settlement areas as per 2001 and FAR as per 2021.In no way is this advantageous to builders. Let me tell you, when a builder buys land for construction, he buys it by keeping in mind the present status of land and there is no way he can change it as and how he wants. There has been a commitment from the Government that the Regional Plan will be finalized by end of this financial year. What are the representations that CREDAI has done before the Regional Plan Committee? CREDAI has not made any representation for Regional
What happened in Canacona was an unfortunate incident in the history of the housing industry in Goa. It is a great setback to builders, but it is also an isolated case, where there was no coordination between the builder, engineer, architect and the contractor
Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar inaugurates the new office premises of CREDAI, Goa
Plan. If the Government requests we will definitely give our suggestions. Do you, like everyone else, believe that the economy will start gaining momentum only after the General Elections? In India, along with other factors our political scenario plays a major role in the economy. So all eyes are glued on new or a stable Government with strong economic policies. What are the other programmes and initiatives
that CREDAI is busy with? With core values of excellence, integrity, credibility and innovation, CREDAI, Goa under the new managing Committee under my Presidency has just completed six months in office. Our first and foremost and main aim was to make CREDAI known to everybody. Today everyone related to the housing industry in Goa is aware of CREDAI. Builders in Goa are coming forward to be CREDAI Members, they are now feeling secured under CREDAI. We have our own office setup where apart
CREDAI Goa has helped in addressing the issues of real estate and solving them at different forums including Government authorities. We have made representations regarding finalization of VAT rates, improvement of infrastructure, quick finalization of all approvals and licenses, conversion sanad, mutation etc. from routine office work, we organize different presentations related to housing industry. CREDAI Goa has helped in addressing the issues of the real estate industry and solving them at different forums including Government authorities. We have made various representations
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to the Government regarding finalization of VAT rates, improvement of infrastructure, quick finalization of all approvals and licenses, conversion sanad, mutation etc. CREDAI Goa will be taking up issues that are causing concern to the industry like RP 2012, Mundkar Act, CRZ Areas, Availability of material, single window clearance of projects etc in the near future. We have our own consumer redressal forum wherein we try to address issues related to builders and consumers. We have also recently formed Youth Wing of CREDAI consisting of second generation of CREDAI members. CREDAI Goa Chapter has been working towards the essentials i.e. marketing, sales and customer service and has strived towards providing with better practices and quality services thereby laying the base for a strong realty industry in Goa
FEBRUARY 2014
Business Goa 25
INDUSTRY Amey Namshikar
The Sahakar Jal factory which was earlier run as a Co-operative Society was up for sale in 2011. With the foresight that he could turn the plant around, Amey purchased the
Avion Aqua
Quality and trust in a bottle Since 2011, Avion Aqua has been producing top quality bottled water finds ALISHA PATEL
Bottling unit
Filtration Plant
I
n July 2013, a leading water purifier brand conducted an eight-city water survey – Kya Aapka Paani Beemar Hai? (Is your water sick?) The results showed that water borne diseases such as cholera, jaundice and typhoid accounted for an alarming seventy seven per cent of all diseases in India.
My business is my passion Amey Namshikar
26 Business Goa
FEBRUARY 2014
The study which covered over three thousand five hundred households across some of the major Indian metros, revealed that water contamination was the biggest issue for more than seventy per cent of households in the country. This according to most of the respondents was because of doubts over the quality of potable water, even after filtration. To solve the problem of water quality, many Indians have now turned to bottled water for their daily requirements as it gives them a guarantee that the water that they are consuming is one hundred per cent pure. Goa too, is no stranger to this trend, agrees Amey Namshikar, of Avion Aqua, the company which manufactures Sahakar Jal bottled water. Avion Aqua has seen a significant rise in sales since Amey took over the plant in 2011. “The Sahakar Jal factory which was earlier run as a Cooperative Society was up for sale in 2011. With the foresight that I could turn the plant around, I purchased the factory and since then, we have been producing
bottled water which meets and exceeds the required standards prescribed by the Bureau of International Standards. Ever since the Factory was taken over by Avion Aqua, there were upgradations in the technology which are used in the process of bottled water manufacturing” explains Amey. Elucidating about the process involved in producing bottled water, the Quality Control team explains that the plant sources Natural Raw Water. The water is stored in storage tanks where it is chlorinated. The water then passes through various filters starting with a sand filtration process where suspended particles present in the water are sedimented. Next, the water passes through a carbon filter which de-chlorinates the water and removes the odour. The water then passes through a cartiledge filtration. After cartiledge filtration, the water is then passed through reverse osmosis, which has a membrane of 0.0001 microns. The water is then stored in tanks which further passes through ultraviolet
lights and micron filtration of 0.2 microns. Finally the water is ozonized. This is the final step which ensures a completely pure product, one hundred per cent free of bacteria, viruses or any other contamination. Then the water is sent to respective filling lines where 25% of purified water is used to rinse and wash the bottles and jars respectively. Most importantly, Avion Aqua sources 100% Virgin Pet material for its containers and bottles where, most of the manufacturers may not use so as to withstand market competition, which is known to cause Osteoporosis of Bones in human. The Packaging materials used by Avion Aqua go through a stringent container tests for its virginity and comply Food Grade Standards. The filling is done in fully automatic machines where no human touch is involved. There are numerous chemical and microbiological tests to further confirm its purity. Various tests that each bottle of “Sahakar Jal” pass through are, Escherichia coli, Coliform Bacteria, Yeast and Mould, Sulphite Reducing
factory and since then, they have been producing bottled water which meets and exceeds the required standards prescribed by the Bureau of International Standards, he says
Microbiological testing of Sahakar Jal
Anaerobes, Aerobic microbial count at 37oC and 22oC respectively, Pseudomonas Aeruginosa. “At each batch, we hold back our stock for up to forty eight hours before dispatching it to our distribution network, as we conduct in house tests for purity. We have our own, fully equipped chemistry and microbiology labs where sixteen chemical and six microbiological tests are carried out. Sahakar Jal maintains a very
Sahakar Jal has its own, fully equipped chemistry and microbiology labs where tests are carried out. We maintain a very high standard of purity and our packaged water is safe enough to be given to a new born baby high standard of purity and our packaged water is safe enough to give to a new born baby!” exclaims Amey. Under the brand Sahakar Jal, they manufacture twenty litre, five litre, two litre, one litre and half litre bottles of water. Avion Aqua also manufacture their own brand of soda, carbonated water, branded as “Avion Club Soda”. This according to Avion Aqua is manufactured adhering to strict
quality control in terms of raw materials used – a trait not found among other local manufacturers, he alleges. “Soda is basically carbonated water. For the manufacturing of soda, FSSAI, guidelines state that food grade carbon dioxide must be used in manufacturing of carbonated waters. Describing the journey of Avion Aqua as a journey of ups and downs, Amey reveals that the struggles began right from sourcing of finance and tax woes. Inspite of the factory situated in backward rural area of Maulinguem, today it provides training and employment to the local residents which in turn gives back to the society.
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Seeing the quality of the products, the latest technology used, and the processes applied, Avion Aqua is been approached by leading Indian and multinational companies to bottle and market their packaged drinking waters and carbonated waters brands as they have one of the best bottling units in Western India. Avion Aqua has over the years, developed a distribution network in every small village and nook and corner of Goa and they can cater from a smallest ‘gaado’ to five star hotels, small workshops to multinational factories and from Government to private undertakings. So what’s next for Avion Aqua and their brands? “I definitely see our brands increasing. I see ourselves producing a range of carbonated waters, flavoured waters as well as fruit juices. I have a lot of plans for the brands. But one thing at a time” concludes Amey
FEBRUARY 2014
Business Goa 27
GOAN BRAND
Lucy decided to start making traditional desserts made out of ‘real’ ingredients under Delicieux. “We call ourselves artisans because everything is made at home from scratch. I would define our pastries as rich and healthy but at the same time it leaves a soft touch to your appetite,” she says
Delicieux
Pastries made with love MONALIZA DIAS in conversation with Lucie Masson about her discovery to her hidden passion
A range of delicacies at Delicieux, Panjim
Lucie Masson
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career is drawn from a passion which grows over the years to be a part of who we are. Sometimes we opt for something we are guided to rather than drawn towards, simply because we were not aware of the one thing we were meant to do. Lucie Masson, Proprietor of Delicieux says, “After I graduated I worked for a financial firm in Zurich, although it was a respectable job I never felt quite satisfied. On the other hand it was due to this job that I met Varun Sood four years ago. He helped me realize my dream and gave it form when I moved to Goa two years ago.” Eventually we all find our way to our true calling and so did Lucie, who says, “After moving to Goa, I started Goan cooking classes by employing a Goan cook to coach hopefuls. Since tourists, especially foreigners, were very keen on learning Goan cuisine. Soon I realized that I could utilize my skills in making pastries, too. I began by making tarts and delivering them to hotels. 28 Business Goa
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Gradually, the popularity of the pastries grew and my clients wanted more of the range. A lot of people wanted me to set up a shop so they could pick my delicacies. So in January 2013, my business partner Varun Sood and I set up the first Delicieux patisserie in Ashvem. The response from tourists was overwhelming. Soon after, we opened another small store at Magsons, Caculo Mall. The space at Magsons however wasn’t sufficient for us, so we moved to Cocoberry at Miramar. By then, Delicieux was growing and people expected more from us. They wanted a place where they could sit and enjoy their savouries. So we took a lunge and set up a base at Panjim next to Rock and Raaga.” Delicieux is considered to be making some of the best pastries in Goa, but what is it that makes it so special? She says, “The desserts in Goa are very unhealthy as they are mostly made with industrial pre-mixes and a lot of preservatives and artificial flavours. I decided to start making traditional desserts made out of ‘real’ ingredients under Delicieux. We call ourselves artisans because everything is made at home
from scratch. I would define our pastries as rich and healthy but at the same time it leaves a soft touch to your appetite without making you feel sick because there are no hard chemicals in our products. Delicieux also makes bread such as tasty croissants for breakfast, French baguettes, brown, multigrain, rye breads and soon to come diabetic breads. Most brown breads that you find in Goa are white breads coloured with sugar. This is tricking people, and even more to diabetics who try to eat healthy but end up getting even more sugar in their blood. To add a feather to our cap, we have partnered with Niko, maker of Artisan Ice Creams. We have more than forty ice cream flavours ranging from chikoo, salted butter caramel or coconut ice-creams to sugarcane sorbet or absolute vodka/lemon and more,” informs Lucie. Some would wonder how she could manage doing so much within a span of a year. She says, “Initially it was very hard for me. I had to manage the entire production alone. Before establishing Delicieux, I had a faint idea of the effort I would have to put in, but I had no idea it would consume a major chunk of my life. I cannot have a life besides my business. Also having a business partner for a life partner can be very difficult because you have to be able to
draw a line between your personal and professional life. Although I have to admit Varun has helped me immensely, financially and even with the basic business plan.” A lot of effort has gone into making Delicieux, more than we could have possibly expected, because Lucie is always open to the suggestions of her customers. She says, “We constantly try to improvise on what our customers suggest. Our customers are very important to us. Hence we have squeezed our prices to the lowest. We cannot go any lower because the quality of our products is excellent. Our Goan clients look at it as expensive because they can get two items for the same price at another patisserie. One thing our clients must remember is that we serve them only the best. At Delicieux we give priority to the quality of our products so the prices are bound to be higher,“ she adds. A woman relentlessly striving to achieve her dreams and desires. A passion for food you cannot deny. Upon meeting her you will notice the zeal and passion with which she talks about her patisserie. A promising woman who does not just speak of achieving but executes each and every word she speaks. On a concluding note she says, “The business has been tiring yet very enthralling to me. I love every bit of it. I strongly believe that this is what I was meant to do. Spread love by sweet pastries. I love making people feel happy and food mostly does the trick. Hence I would say I am successful when I make each and every person who has tasted my delicacies happy. I do not believe I am quite as successful as I’d rather be, but as for now I’d say I am content with bringing love to the people sharing my pastries”
EVENT OF THE MONTH
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Lights In Goa
Goa lighting market valued at over Rs100 Cr
Panaji Mayor Surendra inaugurates Lights in Goa 2014
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he “Lights In Goa” programmes was initiated in 2010 to spread the word on good practices in Architectural Lighting Design and to keep the industry in India and the surrounding nations abreast with the latest design trends and technologies. The first edition saw a three-day seminar with six international design professionals and educators, which was widely attended by participants from 13 countries. The second edition in 2011 was a full scale five-day PLDA workshop, with six sites, designed and installed, followed by seminars by leading design professionals on the last day. The third edition held
recently was a two-day seminar, addressing various design aspects, with a view to engage the decision makers, specially for the city of Panaji, as a draft master plan for the same is being designed, It is the endeavour of the organizers to educate and motivate the decision makers to have the first ever Architectural Lighting Masterplan in India, for Panaji, Goa. Speaking at the seminar, a prominent lighting expert said that Goa is a lighting giant market and is slowly waking up to a huge untapped potential for architectural lighting designs, which today is conservatively a Rs 100 Crore market. “This
market can touch Rs1,000 crores if the government is thinking on tourism lines of building the proposed 11 bridges, developing the hinterland and the Panaji City Masterplan it plans with lighting designs features,” he added. Event organizer and partner Kapil B Sinai Surlakar an expert in outdoor architectural lighting said architects and developers are now centering on architectural lighting design in their yearly refurbishment and renovation to spruce up interiors and exteriors of the hotels,. Lighting is a continuous art, science and technology. The seminar and exhibition event continued to examine lighting control products, including stand alone system, whole house devices and LED luminaries for specific applications, retrofit kits, and replacement lamps. The event addressed various designs aspects with a view to engage the decision makers especially for the city of Panaji draft master plan. Decision makers can look forward to being motivated by the lighting event as the first architectural Lightning Masterplan in India for Panaji city, said Surlakar.
The event also encouraged real estate developers to create iconic structures that can provide an identity that supports the commercial success of the building or even the place it is located. Exhibitors such as United Lighting Technology and MA Engineering services and Light Works were seen holding discussions with prospective clients on general lighting and backlighting among the largest lighting-market sectors at present, with general lighting is broken down into numerous segments, of which residential is the largest. Other lighting sectors that include signal, signage and medical lightings are growing too, it was found at the event. Participants at the event said standard lighting approaches are being challenged by entirely new possibilities enabled by LEDs, such as design flexibility, or the ability to dynamically change the colour temperature of light. The controllability of LED-generated light enables intelligent lighting systems, and McKinsey estimates that the revenue from control-system components will reach EUR 7 billion in 2020
farming to folks for greener tomorrow
Advocating a green and organic food culture
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seminar aimed at encouraging people to form local groups and revive kitchen gardening in Goa was held on 30th January 2014 at Sanskruti Bhavan, (Central Library) Patto, Panaji. Dr. Claude Alvares, Director of OFAI (Organic Farming Association of India), MapusaGoa, lit the lamp to mark the inauguration of the seminar. Dr. M. Thangam of ICAR, Satish S.P. Tendulkar and Karan Manral were the Resource Persons while Miguel Braganza anchored the event. Madhav Kelkar Asst. Director of Agriculture (Farmer’s Training), assisted Naveen 30 Business Goa
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Claude Alvares along with Dr Sangam Kurade and Suman Kurade and others
Gokhale to introduce the concept of hydroponics for balcony gardening and growing of herbs with novel equipment designed by him.
The Resource Persons presented their ideas and ways in which people with small patches of under-utilized lands, terrace space and balconies can
come together in local groups to create a new ‘Green Culture’ in Goa – with fresher, healthier and organically grown food. Dr. Sangam Anand Kurade welcomed and proposed the vote of thanks. The seminar was organized by the trustees of ‘Anand Suman Charity Trust’, represented by Suman Anand Kurade, in memory of late Dr. Anand G. Naik Kurade – a pioneer in agriculture and food processing from Goa. The Seminar is the beginning of yet another initiative to keep Goa green, clean and with people eating healthy food
academic interest
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India and the Lusophone Market: Trade Opportunities Galore The Writer feels that Goa can benefit economically from the Lusophone market
Manoj S. Kamat The Columnist is PhD in Finance from IIT Bombay and a Post Doctoral Fellow in Economic Policy and a Special Advisor, Lusophone Society Goa (LSG), India mskamat@gmail.com
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he Lusophone Society (LSG) in collaboration with CII – Confederation of Indian Industry, IdEA – Institute of Asian Studies and AAPI – Friendship Association Portugal-India organized an International Congress on ‘India and the Lusophone Market’ on January 14 and 15, 2014 at Hotel Mandovi, focusing on India and the market of the Portuguesespeaking countries. The India Today: India with GNI per capita at 1,530 USD and a demographic mass of 1.24 billion is the largest federal constitutional parliamentary democracy. The economy of India is the tenth-largest in the world by nominal GDP and the third largest by purchasing power parity (PPP), 4th in terms of GDP in USD, 9th as per GDP according to UN, and 10th as per GDP computed by the IMF. The country is one of the G-20 major economies and a member of BRICS and is the 19th-largest exporter and the 10th-largest importer in the world. India’s diversity in language, religion and customs are impressive. However, under the severe impact of the crisis and owing to the storm clouds that have been hanging over the global 32 Business Goa
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economy, India slowed to around 5.0% for the 2012–13 fiscal year compared with 6.2% in the previous fiscal. Significantly though even after an onslaught of the financial crunch, the Indian economy was able to protect itself reasonably well in the turbulent conditions and the recovery was swift and sharp. The results of the Annual Survey of Industries released in the first week of January 2014 show that the growth in industrial sector could be substantially higher than what was indicated earlier. The structural changes that occurred in the Indian economy over the last two decades have imparted greater resilience to the system and making the economy more competitive. The Lusosphere Potential: With close to 250 million speakers, the Portuguese language is the fifth most spoken language in the world and official in eight countries across four continents, five being in Africa (Angola, Mozambique, Guinea Bissau, Cape Verde, São Tomé and Príncipe) and one each in Europe (Portugal), South America (Brazil) and Asia (TimorLeste), having cultural similarities and a shared history. Portuguese is also an official language in Macau (China) and is also spoken by thousands of people in smaller regions across the world, including in Goa, Daman and Diu. Each of the countries offers a distinct stake for Indian interests, and together they represent eight valuable votes and a lot of influence on the global stage and given the above potential, the economic and strategic importance of the Lusophone world to India’s interests cannot be minimized. On the economic front, India’s economic engagement
with Lusophone countries is already set at an advanced stage, but lots remain to be tapped. For instance Indian market continues to represent less than 0.20% of total Portuguese exports. Overall India’s business investment in the Lusophone countries has shown upward trend since 2006, from the total investment of USD 3 billion to around USD 20 billion in 2012-13. More particularly Brazil’s trade relations with India have witnessed a ten-fold increase in the last decade and expected to reach $ 15 billion by 2015, with exports of $5.04 billion and imports of $5.58 billion, close to 10 times increase in the last ten years. These numbers include $ 2 billion in export of diesel and $3.4 billion Indian import of crude oil. So, in 2012, $5.4 billion accounts for oil trade out of total $10.6 billion – over 50 per cent and, 76 per cent of Indian imports from Brazil were crude oil, sugar and soya. The good news is the increase in pharmaceutical, fertilizers and chemicals exports to Brazil from India which together is now close to $ 1 billion along with auto components and electrical and mechanical equipments have also seen good growth, so have textiles and fibres exports. Enhanced trade with and through Portugal can also facilitate India’s entry into Angola and Mozambique, as well as other Lusophone countries in which it remains influential at the political level. Indian investors could also explore opportunities in the energy sector, as Portugal now is the third largest producer of renewable energies in Europe. Angola has become one of India’s major trading partners in Africa, mainly due to its massive reserves of natural resources. 5 per cent of India’s oil imports already originate from Angola, and there is an immense scope
for further Indian bids and investments, from exploration and refinery capacity to supporting infrastructure such as railways and specialized training. The same applies to the booming diamond industry, Angola being the world’s fifth largest producer in value and a privileged source for India’s polishing and commercialization segments. The monumental growth in Indo-Angolan trade (more than 3,000 per cent in the last five years) goes much beyond oil and petroleum products and reflects the immense potential at 9.3 per cent, is forecasted to be the fifth fastest growing economy in the world in 2010. Mozambique’s natural resources like coal and offshore gas) have attracted several major public (ONGC, GAIL) and private investments from India and this is perhaps one of the few African countries in which India has been able to compete with China in terms of influence. The country’s strategic location on the East African coast, facing the Mozambique Channel and in the proximity of several piracy-affected sea lines of communication, also offers an immense potential for closer military relations, allowing India’s Navy to develop its oceanic ambitions. In order to aid tax and banking related information exchange and prevent tax evasion, India has signed a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) with Macau. The agreement will also help to generate a better investment climate for Indian businesses in Macau – a special administrative region of the People’s Republic of China and a well known offshore financial center and a tax haven. Studies have suggested that foreign direct investment in developing countries with whom a “tax
ARCHITECTURE
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Pic: Bharat Ramamrutham
Goa’s first certified Green building
Nivim at Aldona
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he Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) the Indian version of LEED, the international rating for green buildings by the US Green Building Council has recently certified the Nivim-Aldona House as Goa’s first sustainable building. Designed by architects Rajiv and Tallulah D’Silva this house adopts the basic tenets of sustainable design and building technologies like hill slope conservation, retaining of many existing old trees, effective daylighting, cross ventilation, use of natural and local materials and techniques, use of recycled and salvaged material, filler
slabs, rain water harvesting, grey water recycling, low flow fixtures, low VOC paints, etc. Their earlier project, Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Chapel in Mashem-Canacona also finds mention in the 2012 TERI publication as one of the case studies of sustainable buildings in India and has also won the 4th All India Stone Architectural Award for creative use of stone in a building. An important criterion at Nivim was to employ green practices without sacrificing the luxury lifestyle for its occupants and architectural design of the house. At Nivim Goa, sustainability
was the main criteria from day one of design and construction and a factor considered at all stages of decision making. Impact on the environment was a key factor while designing the house. During construction, Nivim Goa minimized use of energy and resources by using local materials and materials with high recycled content while also minimizing waste. During operations, the house will consume less energy and water, use solar energy, recycle and reuse rain water and grey water on-site while providing a healthy environment for occupants. Below are reasons on ‘why
sparing” agreement exists is 1.4 to 2.4 times higher than what it would have been otherwise and that DTAAs are associated with higher cross-border M&A flows. The smaller Lusophone countries also offer distinct opportunities for India. There are substantial resources such as oil and gas reserves in the Timor Sea (jointly explored with Australia) and oil reserves in Sao Tome and Principe (with Nigeria) where important Indian investments are at stake (Reliance and ONGC).
higher growing rates. In the crisis scenario, it is essential for emerging nations from the Lusosphere like that of Brazil and Portugal to design their strategy in order to strengthen their position in new emerging economies markets as a part of the diversification process that has started before the crisis. Possibilities for enhanced trade and investments in India, one of the fastest growing economies in the world offers such an opportunity. According to a GoldmanSachs report issued in May 2012, those so-called emerging economies had contributed “for over a third of world´s GDP growth and occupied almost a quarter of world economy in PPP (Purchasing Power Parity) terms” in the last decade. In fact, there are projections of
the BRIC overtaking the USA as the economic colossus in 2018, whereas for example Brazil should surpass Italy in 2020 and India or Russia will soon be larger than Spain or Canada.
The Changing Business Contours: The international contours of trade for the Lusphone countries are changing dramatically. For instance, traditional business partners like Spain, France and Germany of Portugal are not anymore the countries with
The International Congress 2014: In the background of the uncertainty taking a toll on most of the economies in the European region, India could explore to advantage from the positive image it enjoys in the Lusophone societies. This is primarily resulted of the tradition of historical Indian migration to Lusophone countries and is linked to the colonial past, our common culture, heritage and the language advantage. The congress will be an important means of acquiring knowledge of the countries, their economy,
building green’ is critical to ecosensitive environments such as Goa: - Buildings consume large amounts of energy and resources during construction and generate waste. - Buildings continue to consume energy, water and other resources during their lifetime along with continually generating waste (domestic waste, solid waste and water waste), all leading to burdening existing infrastructure. - A building on a previously vacant Greenfield site changes the land and its relationship to the environment: - Buildings change the natural landscape of the site by reducing existing vegetation, changing natural topography, and water patterns - Creating concrete barriers to absorption of water back into the earth thus increasing storm water runoff (leading to flooding, water logging) and fall in underground water table (due to reduced recharge) - Buildings absorb more heat and impact the micro-climate of the place - Result in loss of habitat for animal and bird life their potentials and constraints, enabling the participants to get in touch with entrepreneurs in order to raise the level of collaboration through partnerships, between Indian companies and of the various Portuguese-speaking countries. This present International Congress on the theme it is hoped could help foster the ties, help find new partners, embrace new opportunities, and cover the advantages of partnering with this stimulating economy. The Business Advisory Services of the Lusophone Society of Goa is enthusiastically willing to partner and work together through the network to conduct transnational operations for mutual trade and investments as well as to offer specialist knowledge and experience within our own national borders in this regards FEBRUARY 2014
Business Goa 33
CAMPUS GOA
book shelf
Goa Medical College win Dempo Biz Quest
Jeroninio almeida & jyoti nanda
Shrinivas Dempo, Vishwasrao Dempo, Dr. Radhika Nayak, Harshvardhan Bhatkuly with the winners of Dempo Biz Quest 2014
Goa Medical College, Bambolim emerged champs at the 4th Dempo Biz Quest organised by S S Dempo College of Commerce and Economics, to commemorate Founder’s Day, paying tributes to Srinivasa Sinai Dempo. Saraswat College won second place. Twenty nine teams from twenty three colleges participated. On the occasion, Dempo College released the fourth volume of ‘Anushandha, Inquiry towards Excellence,’ a peer-reviewed interdisciplinary research journal at the hands of Chairman of Dempo Group and Dempo Charities Trust, Shrinivas V. S. Dempo; trustee Vishwasrao Dempo and Principal Radhika S Nayak. Quiz masters were Harshvardhan Bhatkuly
and Rajiv D’Silva of QuizCo. Biz Quest 2014 witnessed six teams qualify for the finals after a keenly contested elimination round. The six teams were Goa Medical College, Saraswat College, V M Salgaocar College of Law, Rosary College and Goa Institute of Management. Shrinivas V Dempo urged students to recommit themselves to the ideals and principles of the founders of the institution, while asking each one to foster the spirit of giving back to society. Striking a retrospective note, he said that though 2013 did bring with it continued upheavals in the economic and moral spheres, it also offered new hope to the country
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Karma Kurry for the Mind, Body, Heart & Soul Karma Kurry for the Mind, Body, Heart & Soul is a decade-long journey of discovering soul-stirring narratives that celebrate the triumph of the human spirit. In this energizing book, the founders of the Joy of Giving, Karma Veer, Karma Yuga and REX movements bring together enthralling life stories of Karmaveer award recipients. “We believe that every human has a hero within: a courageous, compassionate being who has the power to create a better, more humane world. The compelling stories in this book are of ordinary citizens who have unleashed the spirit within, with extraordinary consequences, radically changing society for the better. Their ideas for action and their stories will inspire you at a profound level. They are everyday women and men who have taken their defeats and adversities and turned them into laudable actions for transformation,” say the writers. The list includes globally eminent names like Meera Sanyal, Michael Norton, Arun Maira, Bill Drayton and Kumi Naidoo as well as unsung heroes like Lakshman Singh, Thangsingh Chinkholal and many others. Irrespective of their field, these are people who have reached out beyond their own life to help others. In Karma Kurry, their stories have been gathered to inspire all of us to recognize the power of one: our own power to be a champion of change, reinforce the positive in society and leave an imprint on the sands of time Publisher:
BG CROSSWORD 51
Jaico Publishing House
QUIZZARE
Don Bosco College Social Work students go on Central India tour With the aim to expose students to ongoing community and institution-based projects related to social work, students of the Bachelor and Master degree of Social Work of Don Bosco College, Panaji, went on an eightday study tour to Central India. In all, forty-four students and four faculty members participated. Issues concerning children like rag picking, begging and the presence of street children at Indian Centre for Integrated Development and Palliative Care for Cancer patients at Snehanchaal, Nagpur formed a major part of the learning process. Students visited ‘Deekshabhoomi,’ a sacred Buddhist monument, where Babasaheb Ambedkar converted to Buddhism along with a number of his followers on October 14, 1956. Visiting the red light area of Ganga Jamuna, Nagpur, students learnt about rehabilitation efforts and interventions related to 34 Business Goa
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sex workers and their children. Programs related to human trafficking at Sharansthan were also held. In Gadchiroli, students visited SEARCH, an organisation run by Abhay Bang and Rani Bang. They learnt about the Home Based Neonatal Care (HBNC) model which contributed to the reduction of infant mortality rate in villages and the liquor ban initiative. Students were housed at Mendha Lekha, the first in the country to secure Community Forest Rights (CFR), following the passing of the historic Forest Rights Act (FRA) in December 2006. Here students learnt about Community Based Activism under the guidance of Devaji Toffa. Lastly, students visited Institute of Gandhian Studies, Wardha and Sewagram Ashram, where Mahatma Gandhi lived from 1936 to 1948 and carried out all his activities
Across: 1 – Currently the most profitable bank in the US (5,5) 5 – Company wholly owned by another (7) 6 – Currency of Brazil (4) 7 – Clothing brand specializing in innerwear (5) 9 – National Centre for the Performing Arts, in short (1,1,1,1) 11 – Software company founded by Venketrama Raja (5) 12 – National Thermal Power Corporation, in brief (1,1,1,1) 13 – Cox & Kings and Thomas Cook provide guided _____ (5) 14 – Deceptive operation designed to catch a criminal (5) Down: 1 – Pharmaceutical company headquartered in Mumbai (9) 2 – Pharma company founded by Desh Bandhu Gupta (5) 3 – Major airline headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas (8) 4 – La _____ - of crockery fame (5) 8 – ______ award – given to the best second novel written by an author (6) 10 –Popular ski resort town in Colorado (5) answers to crossword 50 Across 1 - Obamacare 6 - Amblin 7 - LIC 8 - Tazo 9 - Raga 10 - NBA 13 - NBC 15 – DRDO 16 – Palio 17 - Trax Down 1 - Ovaltine 2 - Milton 3 - Canara 4 Religare 5 - HCL 11 - Balco 12 - Domex 14 - Coal
professional dossier dr. venkatesh nevagi
“We have recently begun the day care procedures in which patient do not need to take bed rest. It’s a small injection followed by a rehabilitation programme. The patient is not admitted but comes to the clinic, takes the treatment and goes home in few hours”
Interventional pain physician
The pain reliever
Goa’s first interventional pain physician talks about his journey
Dr Venkatesh Nevagi
I
come from a family of doctors on my maternal side. Hence from a very young age I was exposed to this field, gradually gaining interest. I completed my graduation as well as post graduation from Goa Medical College and began practicing anaesthesia. I was doing very well for myself until one incident changed the way I perceive myself as a doctor. Almost ten years ago, my next door neighbour died of cancer. I watched her suffer in pain for a long time. A month before her death, she did not sleep for a single minute due to the excruciating pain. Being an anaesthetist I was expected to relieve her pain but I did not have the required training to relieve cancer pain. We were only taught to take care of acute pain that is perioperative pain. I tried my best to ease her suffering, but in vain. This incident deeply affected me. I decided to do something to help those suffering from chronic pain like cancer, low back pain etc. I began researching interventional pain management which trains practitioners like me to relieve chronic pain with
special procedures. I felt in my heart that this is what I wanted to do to achieve my goal of helping patients in pain. I established the first pain clinic in Goa seven years back in Margao by the name of Padma Spine and Pain Centre. Ever since I realized I had to be an interventional pain physician, I live with a motto of seeing a “pain free Goa in my life time” This is a novel branch not only in Goa but in India as well with only fifteen to twenty exclusive pain physicians practising all over the country. You would assume it’s only the general public who are not aware of this field but even doctors seem to be oblivious. Interventional pain management is a new field so people are bound to question its nature but once I explain the procedure of curing with minimally invasive techniques without the need of surgery for a slip disc, they accept it. There is however, a resistance among people concerning being injected in the spine. What we need to realize is the fact that like eye, ear or nose problems that require local drops, similarly spinal
problems too need targeting directly which can be achieved by a small injection technique. People are not afraid of cardiac surgery which requires cutting open the heart because it has evolved over the last four to five decades and achieved the trust of people. The same way Laparoscopy is here to stay for surgeries of appendix and gall bladder. Similarly, minimally invasive spine procedures will compliment open spine surgeries or even replace some of them especially discectomies. This will take time to establish but I am sure that many more doctors will take up the profession and expand the horizon. We have recently begun the day care procedures in which patient do not need to take bed rest. It’s a small injection followed by a rehabilitation programme. The patient is not admitted but comes to the clinic, takes the treatment and goes home in few hours. He is back to work in few days. As with any new venture, I face lot of barriers including finance, stiff opposition from conventional practitioners and lack of awareness. I couldn’t afford to buy a premise of my need on the ground floor due to the huge cost difference. I had to settle for the first floor premises on rent. Although it’s an uphill task, I will never give up as I have an immense trust in the field and in God. In our centre, we treat patients with slip disc, spondylitis, low back pain, cancer pain, facial pain like trigeminal neuralgia. We have digital x-ray, full-fledged physiotherapy unit supervised by qualified physiotherapists, and an operating room where we perform our spine interventions. Almost all cancer patients suffer in pain and are scared of dying in pain more that cancer itself. For these patients, we provide special medications and procedures to reduce their pain and with that
suffering. For any doctor, it’s a challenge to balance their personal and professional lives. As an anaesthetist, I would rush for emergency calls any time of day or night but with this field the emergency calls have reduced. With an able business and life partner Dr. Sakshi, a chest physician herself, and my two lovely kids Sanath and Shaantanu, I am content with life and my job. I would never give up on what I do is because I am making a difference in the lives of many people, and that is the reason I am here. For instance, once a patient sent me a thank you note. His daughter delivered it to me after his demise. He wrote that I kept him pain free till he lived. Another lady had back pain for 20 years. She wouldn’t be able to stand without a lumbar support belt as her muscles which support the spine were very weak. The moment you removed the belt, her back would sink. At our Centre, we treated her with injections. After three months of physiotherapy and strengthening exercises, she improved tremendously. It’s been two years now that she has remained pain free. These stories themselves are rewarding. I also have my clinics in Panjim, Vasco and Porvorim besides the one in Margao. But I further plan to expand my Centre in more cities. Currently, I am focusing on training new procedures and teaching upcoming doctors with my experience. I feel that’s the way I can create awareness about this field and make progress. I can think of a future because my patients have encouraged me to do so. I would forever credit my venture into this field to my late neighbour, besides Dr Kailash Kothari, my wife Sakshi, my staff and all my patients, who motivate me to work harder and better As told to MONALIZA DIAS FEBRUARY 2014
Business Goa 35
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www.lusofoniagames2014.gov.in/ l www.facebook.com/LusofoniaGames2014
LADY POWER
After graduating in the year 2004, Rashme worked at the Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai to gain experience after which she returned back to Goa in 2006 to start her own practice
RASHME PAWAR
Putting you back in shape
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s a youngster, one of our basic aims in life is to know what we would be doing for the rest of our lives. But sometimes the journey to self discovery is a dilemma. You are struggling to decide what you would be satisfied doing, at the same time you have a host of options available. The hardest part is choosing the one meant for you. Rashme Pawar, Owner of Genesis Physiotherapy Clinic says, “At the age of seventeen nobody pays heed to having a career. You are just introduced to the real world. I did not know what was that one profession that would truly make me happy. I am glad my father K. D Row guided me to my true passion. At an early age, he sensed my capabilities in the field of physiotherapy. So when I was confused in choosing a path, he advised me to try joining a physiotherapy course, and I have no regrets whatsoever; as my job lets me cultivate my interest.” “After graduating in the year 2004, I worked at the Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai to gain experience after which I returned back to Goa in the year 2006 to start my own practice. It took me three months to set up the clinic. It was never particularly hard for me because I had my family’s support especially my husband Prasad Pawar who helped me financially. It was through my father’s blessings and faith in me that I was able to establish myself quickly. He even purchased the clinic premises for me much before I joined college. I was and always will be thoroughly grateful to him for having such blind faith in me,” says Rashme. It would be wrong to assume that Rashme had luck on her side. Like every novel establishment, she too had a rough start. She says, “At times I would question some of the decisions I had taken, then there were times I would be petrified as sometimes there were no clients for months together. I felt 38 Business Goa
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like I was in a constant battle with myself to stay calm and positive. People were not aware of me and neither were they aware of physiotherapy. It was still a novel field to them. They would even assume a physiotherapist was a masseuse. All of this was very frustrating to me. I was so worried of whether or not I would ever see the face of a smooth functioning clinic. But with time and hard work I did manage to attain customers through the doctors I approached to recommend me. I also advertised in newspapers and the likes. This opened me up to a wider clientele. Once your customers are satisfied with your services, everything else works on word of mouth.” Talking more about her career as a physiotherapist, Rashme says that there have been plenty of cases such as cervical spondylitis, lumbar spondylitis, tennis elbow, sciatica, frozen shoulder, tendinitis, and other sports shoulders which have been treated by her. She has also taken up cases related to post fracture physiotherapy and rehabilitation, post surgery rehabilitation fitness training, neurological cases like post stroke patients. “For spondylitis I give shortwave diathermy, ultrasound, interferential therapy, traction in some case. All treatments are decided as per the patient’s condition. Exercises are started once the pain has decreased. For frozen shoulder, I give the above treatment along with a range of exercises. Post fracture cases may require wax treatment, hot fermentation with exercises to improve range of movement and improve muscle tone caused due to weakness after the fracture. Post stroke patients generally require home visits where exercises are taught to rehabilitate the patient and make him as functionally independent as possible,” she says. Most of us have that one professional regret over a
Rashme Pawar tells MONALIZA DIAS about her foray into physiotherapy
I was never afraid of starting on my own as this was what I had waited for the longest time
Rashme Pawar
decision we made in haste. But what we do not realize is the fact that those very same regrets make us better and more focused towards our goal agrees Rashme who says, “I was never afraid of starting on my own as this was what I had waited for the longest time. Although initially I did wish I had done an MBBS as many people had advised me to do so. Since there are better prospects, people are also much more trustworthy of you if you have an MBBS certificate. I am a strong believer in the saying ‘Everything happens for a reason’ because today I am satisfied with my job and also I have the personal space I need which I would have not had if I had done the MBBS degree.” Most entrepreneurs must be aware of the fact that you have to take care of your business the same way you would take care of your family. Hence it is a difficult role to juggle both the family and the business; at times you lack to give time to either one. She says, “It does get difficult to manage my professional and personal life, but you have to do it whatever it takes to make
time for the both of them.” A statement rightly said by a woman with strong family ethics. But there are many women who give up their jobs for the sake of their families. Rashme says, “Every individual has their own opinion. If required, I would do the same. But I strongly believe every woman can make time to cultivate her interests and hobbies. I would like to advice women to stand for what they believe in. And if they have the support of their family, it is an added bonus. It acts as a huge moral support.” In a matter of eight years, to any other person Rashme would be riding the waves of success. But she thinks otherwise, she says, “I do not consider myself to be successful as yet, there is still a long way to go. But I am content with where I am right now. The whole journey from the beginning till now has been a bittersweet one, hopefully just sweet in the end. I know for sure that with each passing day, it will only get better. Whatever I have managed to achieve till date should be credited to my father, for he always encouraged me
LETTER FROM AMERICA
The alleged ‘grave crime’ of Khobragade was that she does not appear to have paid the minimum wage as stipulated by New York State. The State Department’s own guidelines on immunity mentions that ‘consular officers’ should not be handcuffed, arrested or detained
Khobragade and the issue of Fair Wage
The writer breaks down the issues arising from the Devyani Khobragade case
Jay Dehejia The Writer used to be a senior corporate executive, now a social entrepreneur. He spends most of his time between Goa and New York jay@dehejia.net
T
he Indian Rebellion of 1857 is termed the “Indian Mutiny” by the British and “The First War of Independence” by Indian historians. The same incident has two rather different connotations for historians depending on their heritage. So it seems to be with the issue of fair wage with the US and India teetering on the verge of a major misunderstanding. In December last year India’s Deputy Consul General in New York Devyani Khobragade was arrested, and handcuffed as she dropped off her children at school. She was read her ‘rights’ and taken to jail where she was strip-searched. The Chief Prosecutor of New York, Preet Bharara, a US national of Indian origin, in agreement with the US State Department, appears to have sanctioned this ‘standard operating procedure’, a process followed in case of alleged heinous crimes like murder or rape. In the United States, felonies are also categorized as serious or ‘grave crimes’. The claim by the State Prosecutor is that Khobragade has ‘Counselor’ immunity and not ‘Diplomatic’ immunity implying that she does not have immunity for
transgressions under US law that do not directly involve her duties as Deputy Consul General. I would opine that she would need a baby sitter when she has to be out of her apartment to perform her work in the capacity as a representative of the Indian government in New York. Her former maid Richards complained that she was not paid the minimum wage as stipulated in New York. Khobragade had informed the US authorities that her maid had disappeared in June of 2013 and subsequently sent a letter asking for money (blackmail) and threatening to go to the US authorities if the monies were not paid. At that time the Indian government sent a letter to their counterparts at the US State Department asking them to ensure that the maid was returned to India as she was no longer eligible for the special A3 visa. Let us assume that all of what ‘she said – she said’ is accurate. The question remains whether the US Prosecutor was within his rights to arrest and strip-search Khobragade and whether the Indian Deputy Consul General was within her rights to pay an agreed-to salary of `30,000 per month, plus free room and board and travel, to her maid even though the total compensation may have been marginally lower than the New York State minimum wage requirements. These questions of immunity and fair wage need further discussion. The alleged ‘grave crime’ of Khobragade was that she does not appear to have paid the minimum wage as stipulated by New York State. The State Department’s own guidelines on immunity mentions that ‘consular officers’ should not be handcuffed, arrested or detained. It seems to be correct that the US authorities treated the Indian Deputy Consul General in the same way as
they would handle a case of a US citizen. But Khobragade is not a US citizen; she represents the Indian government in New York. Article 36 of the 1963 Vienna Convention on Consular Relations states: “Foreign nationals who are arrested or detained be given notice “without delay” of their right to have their embassy or consulate notified of that arrest. If the detained foreign national so requests, the police must fax that notice to the embassy or consulate, which can then check up on the person.” It also states “consular officers are not accorded absolute immunity from a host country’s criminal jurisdiction, they may be tried for certain local crimes upon action by a local court, and are immune from local jurisdiction only in cases directly relating to consular functions.” An article in The Hindu of December 28, 2013, written by Praveen Swami, quotes legal scholar Dror Ben-Asher who writes: “The occasional abuse of the diplomatic rules is largely offset by the continuing need for them.” He continues “The actual number and percentage of abuses affecting fundamental human rights is relatively small, [and] therefore a complete wholesale rewriting of the rules … is undesirable.” Many of my American friends think that Bharara acted correctly. My friends in India are delighted at the retaliatory actions taken by the Indian government with the US Embassy and Consulate staff, and would like to take it further. The question of wages for domestic help has aroused similarly divergent views from people in the US and India. The US media unanimously condemns Khobragade and all Indians for mistreating the poor and domestic servants in particular. They believe that Indians wherever they live do not adequately compensate their
domestic help and those workers do not get a fair wage. They continue in their misconception that rich Indians treat workers like ‘slaves’, making them work long hours at wages well below subsistence levels. A well thought out argument set out by Dr. Vivek Dehejia (my nephew) forcefully argues that domestic help in India get at least a ‘fair’ wage and often more as the supply and demand situation favours the workers and not the employers.” He states in Business Standard of December 23, 2013. It seems far-fetched to argue that conditions either of monopoly or of monopsony prevail in the market for domestic labour in India. To the contrary, this probably seems as competitive a market as one is likely to find with many would-be employers seeking the services of many would-be workers. To a first approximation, at least, the low wages that domestic workers are paid in India very likely reflect their low level of productivity, rather than any form of “exploitative” behaviour by their employers or grand conspiracy by the society at large to keep them an underpaid underclass.” Fair or unfair, I suspect that the maid Richards willingly went to New York with Khobragade, and was not coerced by anyone. Is it possible that she wanted to use this avenue to get an immigrant visa to the United States? It is also unclear as to why Richards’ father-in-law was able to process an immigrant visa for her husband and children when so many worthy Indians have to wait for years to get a working permit. At the time of writing, Khobragade has been moved to the Indian Mission at the UN, and Mr. Bharara, in agreement with the State Department, continues to pursue the case. May courtesy and diplomacy prevail FEBRUARY 2014
Business Goa 39
RELUCTANT ENTREPRENEUR
When India, joined the VAT regime, we lost our level playing field. Now we pay the tax and our competition continues to sell without bill
Level Playing Field The Writer laments the tax evasions that take place in the State
Blaise Costabir The Columnist a first generation entrepreneur whose company rotomoulds custom moulded technical parts blaise@gmizm.com
When you start your business, you will calculate the price that should be feasible in the market. Now, on finding that adding the tax and doing business legitimately puts your company at a disadvantage, many smaller players opt to follow the same path i.e. sales without bill
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happy new year to Business Goa readers and given the situation, a safe one as well. The Christmas season is also a business opportunity. Alert, commercial taxes department decided to ensure that this festive season no one evaded taxes. So, they literally woke up early, went to the interstate bus stop and caught a hapless passenger with a suitcase full of Christmas decorations. He had no bill and the Inspector who had only the State’s interest at heart wanted 40 Business Goa
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to collect the tax. We must all give this brave and committed officer a standing ovation. He actually sacrificed his sleep and added a few rupees to the States empty coffers. Meanwhile thousands of rupees slipped in on trucks and even the roof of the buses. We have been selling overhead tanks that we manufacture in this State for close to two decades. When we started out, we had a level playing field. We were exempt from paying sales tax for some years, and the competition did not pay tax i.e. available without bill. Now, these tanks come into Goa not in a suitcase but by the truckload. I know. I caught one and handed it over to the Department. Unfortunately the officer concerned was not as energetic as the bus stop inspector and the consignment was released, to be sold without tax. When India, joined the VAT regime, we lost our level playing field. Now we pay the tax and our competition continues to sell without bills. At that time A.T. Kamat, Commissioner of Sales Tax requested us industrialists to make a sacrifice for the Nation and not oppose the loss of the sales tax exemption. My question then is relevant today
– When will the Commercial Tax Department start batting for the State/Nation and begin doing their job and get every item to be sold on an invoice with the taxes paid so every establishment has a level playing field? I once gave another Commissioner Pai Bir, a cue. He was told that a truck load of tanks was headed to Goa and from the brand, I also told him it would go to South Goa. Two hours later he called me, very upset. He was waiting for the truck at the Margao end of Zuari Bridge with his team and no truck was visible. One can only laugh because everyone but this department knows that trucks cannot cross the Zuari bridge! When you start your business, you will calculate the price that should be feasible in the market. On finding that adding the tax and doing business legitimately puts your company at a disadvantage, many smaller players opt to follow the same path i.e. sales without bill. Even if caught, and the chances of that happening are slim, one can assume an escape with a payment under the table. With such a low down side on one hand and on the other hand a loss of market share if sold with tax, what would you choose? This is exactly what the bus passenger
did – he bought without a bill, and would also sell without the bill. The other major hassle of registering with the Commercial Tax Department is the paper work. You have to file returns, you have to go for assessments, you have to follow up for C forms etc., and chair bound officials keep calling you to remind you of the due date to deposit the VAT collected. If you are unregistered, then no one knows you exist and therefore there is no paperwork. Some businesses opt for dual model, show some sales officially and rest in is cash. Thus enjoying the best of both worlds. Despite the many pluses of avoiding VAT, I would suggest that each new start up and possibly even those currently avoiding any kind of taxes, pay them in the interest of your own growth and peace of mind. For your customer, it is “proof of purchase” and access to after sales service. It is a bit harder, but surely more profitable in the long run. As technology advances, the playing field will become level some day. Be there to take advantage. In the meantime, petition your local industry or trade body to force the Commercial Tax Department to make the playing field level. Happy selling
GOOD COMPANY
A Whistle blower is usually a courageous person with a strong sense of integrity and is not directly, personally affected by the danger or criminality. In most circumstances, a concern is raised by a worker about a danger or illegality that affects others
Corporate Whistle-blowing The Writer talks about effective vigil mechanism in the new Companies’ Act
Swatee Rane The Columnist is a Practising Chartered Accountant and Member of Institute of Company Secretaries of India caswateerane@yahoo.co.in
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lok Shah, Chief Finance Officer (CFO) of the multi-national company ABee Ltd, returned after a brainstorming meeting on cost cutting measures to improve the bottom line of the company. As he sat in front of his computer, he browsed through the numerous emails received from his department heads, reporting the outstanding payments, collections due, cash positions, bank balances, operational costs, stock positions, operational margins, among others. But the e-mail, which caught his attention, was the one he had received from Dev Sharma, the Purchase Officer who had attached a recorded video clip to his report. He opened the video and he stared at his computer screen – alarmed! It was a live recording of a heated conversation between Arun Mehta, General Manager- Purchase and Wasim Khan, a trusted vendor of the company, wherein they were negotiating payments to be made for awarding a very important high value contract which the company wanted to sign in connection with a new product line that was being launched
very soon. Alok was in a dilemma! What should he do? As the CFO, Alok’s duty was to report the email to his directors after getting the matter further investigated. Any corporate, which aspires to adopt Good Corporate Governance would aim to have a transparent working environment, where such dubious contracts are cancelled and fraudsters are punished. In the instant case, Dev Sharma (Whistle-blower) is raising a concern about the improper payments being negotiated in exchange for awarding of an important contract of the company. In the corporate world, Whistle-blowing is raising a genuine concern relating to any of the below mentioned wrong doings in the organization: • A breach or potential breach of Health and Safety legislations, • Financial irregularities, • Harassment of a colleague, customer or other individual, • Damage to the environment, • Committing of a criminal offence, • Payments in exchange for awarding contracts, • Fraud, • Cover of any of the above. A Whistle-blower is usually a courageous person with a strong sense of integrity and is not directly, personally affected by the danger or criminality. Disclosure could be about a fellow employee, employer, client or third party. However, whistle-blowing does entail the risk and danger of retaliation and victimization. Whistle-blowing can only be encouraged by organizations who have installed an efficient vigil mechanism for their employees and Directors and the mechanism is effectively implemented and monitored. When Dev Sharma raised a concern of the improper payments being negotiated for awarding of contract, Dev was assured about the robustness of
the vigil mechanism installed by ABee Ltd. Although his whistleblowing is fraught by the danger of retaliation and termination, he is protected by the vigil mechanism of his company and he knows that he shall not suffer any detrimental treatment so long as his concern is a genuine one. In the world, countries have legislated laws which give protection to the genuine Whistle-blowers. In UK, the employees who whistle blow are protected by the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 (PIDA). In the US, Section 806 of Sarbanes Oxley Act, 2006 requires every public company to provide a whistle blowing mechanism to all its employees. Equity Listing Agreement under Annexure 1D of clause 49 requires listed companies in our country to put in place a whistle blower policy and the Audit Committee has been directed to review the working of the same. The Companies Act 2013, has prescribed a “Vigil Mechanism” which is mandatorily to be constituted by the following companies: • Listed companies, • Companies who have borrowed money in excess of Rs.50 crore from banks and public financial institutions, • Companies accepting public deposits. As per the new company law provisions, all the above companies: 1. Should establish a “vigil mechanism” for directors and employees to report genuine concerns in such manner as may be prescribed. 2. Should provide safeguards against victimization of persons using the mechanism, framing policy against victimization, displaying policy on company website and including details of “Vigil mechanism” in the Board’s report. 3. Should provide for code for independent directors to ascertain and ensure that the company has
an adequate and functional vigil mechanism and that the interests of individuals who use the mechanism are not prejudicially affected. It has now been made mandatory for the prescribed companies to constitute a “Vigil Mechanism”. However, only installing a Vigil Mechanism may not be the solution to the innumerable corporate frauds and irregularities. The Vigil Mechanism has to be made effective by ensuring the following: 1. That right action is instituted based upon the seriousness of the concern raised. 2. Concerns which are not genuine do not take up senior management’s time. 3. Directors / employees are not reprimanded against frivolous complaints. 4. There is no misuse of the vigil mechanism driven by personal agenda. 5. The policies and procedures adhere to laws and regulatory guidance and to the global best practices. 6. The implementation of the mechanism is very effective. 7. Training and awareness sessions are conducted to educate the employees and directors about the existing vigil mechanism. 8. In case of retaliation of the Whistle Blower, the right compensation is paid for loss of earnings, emotional distress, punitive damages and other legal expenses. These legal provisions give an option to employees and directors to detect and report genuine concerns to companies and also are guarded against any victimization as a result of such disclosure. Having an effective Vigil mechanism and an effective Whistle Blowing policy, not only helps any company to be compliant with the Company Law provisions, but essentially ensures very good and healthy corporate governance in the company! FEBRUARY 2014
Business Goa 41
antarprerna
There is a notion that if one focuses on building a good product, there will be a queue of customers lining up to buy and the business will write its own success script. Unless you are in the business of life-saving drugs, there will be no queue of customers on your doorstep
The process of Ideation The Columnist talks about ideas and how they are important to stay in business
Nandini Vaidyanathan The columnist is the founder of CARMa which mentors startups, mature businesses and family enterprises. She teaches Entrepreneurship in several Ivy League biz schools across the world. Nandini is also author of the best-selling Entrepedia, a step by step guide to becoming an entrepreneur in India. www.carmaconnect.in
In the startup phase, you ideate to become market ready. In the mature phase, you ideate to become investment ready. In family businesses, you ideate to become change-ready. In other words, you ideate perennially and perpetually
W
here do you get ideas from? This is a common question I’m asked whenever I address students in engineering and business schools urging them to be entrepreneurs and sit out of placements. Many of them say: I love the idea of being an entrepreneur but I don’t have any idea that I can build a business on. Is there an ‘idea bank’ 42 Business Goa
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somewhere from which I can draw? And I always tell them: look around you and you will see ideas exploding all around you. It could be your own or somebody else’s ‘pain point’. Pain points are the breeding ground of all good ideas. Undemocratized access to seats on buses gave rise to a ‘Redbus’. Absence of a Hindi Scrabble gave birth to ‘Aksharit’. Lack of a healthy sugar alternative made ‘Lowkal’ possible. Difficulty in buying aquarium, fish food, exotic decoration for the aquarium and accessories created ‘finsngills’. Designing a compelling experience for a couple – be it on a holiday, a honeymoon, or simply an evening of togetherness gave birth to ‘Love Routes’ whose tagline is ‘awesome twosome’! Diverse ideas. Even more diverse business models. The only common denominator is that they derived their ideas from their ambient environment, spotted an opportunity to build a business around fixing the pain point. The process of ideation is different for startups, mature enterprises and family businesses. Let us understand the varying scenarios. For a startup, ideas necessarily are the point of origin for its existence and entrepreneurial journey onward. Before going to market, the emphasis here is on ideating for the product. This is a phase where primacy is given to developing the product, its features, its value proposition, its market creation. Startups therefore tend to be so product-centric that many of them ignore to their peril other aspects of their business such as customer discovery and acquisition, monetization model, resource estimation, brand collaterals, legal and statutory requirements. There is a notion that if one focuses on building a good product, there will be a queue of customers lining up to
buy and the business will write its own success script. I never tire of saying this, unless you are in the business of life-saving drugs, there will be no queue of customers on your doorstep. So your business plan has to focus on ideating in all of these aspects of your startup to make you market-ready. Once you take the product to market, the focus shifts from product to customer. This is a phase all about digging out your customer from the crevices of the market place. Does he like what I have? Will he take his wallet out to pay me for what I have or does he want me to add a satin ribbon here, a lipstick there? It is a phase where ideation is completely customer-centric, mapping his buying attitude, his sensitivity to price, and his proclivity to spend. In the case of established enterprises, assuming product and market maturity, ideation has to be with respect to using technology for processes and systems. There is a misconception that ideation is only in the startup phase. While it is true that a mature organization will ideate less on product development and customer discovery, it still has the onerous task of ideating for a robust innovation pipeline. So typically here you are ideating for designing seamless customer experience by using technology for better delivery, higher productivity, increased yield, lower customer acquisition cost, newer monetization strategies and better bottomline.
There is also a misconception that technology is only for product development. Building business models using internet tools, software, and cloud does wonders not only for acquiring new customers but also engaging with existing customers. In other words, this is a phase where you ideate to become investment ready so you have to demonstrate high capital absorption capability and therefore high growth potential. This is a phase where the founding team has to tellingly showcase a team roster that goes beyond them. In the case of family businesses, the process of ideation is similar to those of mature enterprises except that additionally there has to be emphasis placed on ideating for changing organization culture. The ‘idea’ obsession in family businesses has to revolve around breaking down resistance to newer ways of doing things, evolving strategies that straddle the old world and the new without legacy issues coming in the way of change and growth and overcoming reluctance to embrace equity based, professionally driven, customercentric business models. To sum up, in the startup phase you ideate to become market ready. In the mature phase you ideate to become investment ready. In family businesses, you ideate to become change-ready. In other words, you ideate perennially and perpetually
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Amita Salatry’s book released
Amita Salatry, Pallavi Dempo, Manohar Parrikar, Shripad Naik, Anil Samant and Adv. Auduth Salatry release the book
The book titled ‘Sanskar Shidori’ authored by noted TV personality and writer Amita Salatry was released recently at the hands of Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, in the distinguished presence of MP, Shripad Naik and Pallavi Dempo of Dempo Charity
Trust. Principal Anil Samant, educationist spoke about the contents of the book. Amita Salatry is known as a TV anchor, stage and film actress. She has also authored culinary books. This is her fifth title
The Voice of Business in Goa
Sandesh Prabhudesai unveils 3 books at one go Sandesh Prabhudesai, a journalist, created a record of sorts in Goa by releasing his three books, in three languages, together. India’s Oscar-winning lyricist, filmmaker and poet Gulzar released the books. The three books – in Konkani, Marathi and English – are compilations of the media columns that he wrote on varied topics, less on politics and more on economic, social, cultural, literary and behavioural aspects. The English book ‘Clear Cut’ is a compilation of his writings on goanews.com, Goa’s first online news website which Sandesh runs since 1999. The Marathi book ‘Ghusamat’ is primarily his famous column he wrote for five long years in Tarun Bharat, Goa’s leading daily, since 1997 and later in 2012 in ‘Dainik Herald’. It also contains few articles that he wrote for other
Sandesh Prabhudesai with Gulzar
Marathi newspapers. Some of these articles even created controversy in Goa. ‘Taalgadi’, the Konkani book, is a compilation of his musing on the happenings around, more from a philosophical point of view rather than a political commentary. It was an outlet Sandesh used, to express his inner feelings, when he was the editor of Konkani daily ‘Sunaparant’ and also later while working for a TV channel
FEBRUARY 2014
Business Goa 43
guesT corner
It is not possible to eliminate cyber crime totally. But it is quite possible to keep a check on them. The Information Technology Act 2000 is a great step in the cyber world. The Act makes us aware of the Rights and Duties that we have against cyber crime
Guard from cyber crimes The Writer warns us against the growing menace of cyber crimes
Vinod Shirodkar The writer is a businessman with an interest in legal affairs vinodgshirodkar@yahoo.in
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yber Crime is the latest and most complicated problem in the world. Any unlawful acts wherein a computer is used either as a tool or target or both. The computer may be used as a tool in activities such as financial crimes, sale of illegal articles, forgery, cyber stalking, intellectual property crimes, cyber defamation email, email spoofing etc. Whereas the computer system can be
damaged physically by activities such as unauthorized access to the computer network, Email bombing, trojan attacks, data didling, web jacking etc. Computers are vulnerable by implanting logic bomb, key loggers can steal access codes, Advance voice recorder, Retina imagers etc can be utilized to get access to many security systems. While protecting the computer system, there might be some negligence which allows cyber criminals to gain access and control over the computer system. There are professional hackers and crackers who are organised to fulfil certain objectives. Their work is motivated by monetary gain. They hack the site of their rivals and get credible, reliable and valuable information.
Sometimes the reason may be to fulfil their political bias, fundamentalism etc. Cyber crime may be against individuals, against organizations which may include Government or Company or Firm etc or against Society at large e.g. by polluting the youth through indecent exposure. The Information Technology Act 2000 is the statutory provision in this specialised field. We can always prevent cyber crimes by taking some precautions like for instance in order to prevent cyber stalking
Sonam Pai Panandiker excels in national level painting competition
Rohan Khaunte receives Adarsh Yuva Vidhayak Puraskar at Pune
Porvorim MLA Rohan Khaunte was recently awarded the Adarsh Yuva Vidhayak Puraskar 2013 (Ideal Young MLA Award 2013), held at the MIT campus, 44 Business Goa
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Pune. He was awarded in the presence of Chief Ministers of various states, many national leaders including Venkiah Naidu. The Conclave was attended by over 12000 students. The Awards function recognized sixteen young MLAs in India for their determination and effort to bring about change. Rohan Khaunte was the only MLA selected from Goa for his hard work and commitment as a prominent apostle of parliamentary democracy. Also for his zeal to inspire the youth to join politics regardless of his young age
avoid disclosing any information pertaining to oneself, avoid sending photographs to strangers, keep a watch on the sites that your children are accessing in order to prevent any kind of harassment etc. Website owners should watch traffic and check any irregularity on the site. It is not possible to eliminate cyber crime totally. But it is quite possible to keep a check on them. The Information Technology Act 2000 is a great step in the cyber world. The Act makes us aware of the Rights and Duties that we have against cyber crime
Sonam Shantesh Pai Panandiker of Std.VI from Fatima Convent High School, Margao has been awarded, first time for Goa, Third prize by recognising her talent in painting at the National Level Painting Competition under National Campaign on Energy Conservation 2013.
Overall 45 lakhs students from 98 thousand schools all over India participated for this drawing competition out of which 50 children from each state were selected for the state level, among which Sonam was representing Goa from Powergrid Corporation of India and the final 105 children were selected for the national level contest on 14th December 2013 in Delhi. This award ceremony was held recently at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi and Sonam was honoured by the Honourable President of India H E Pranab Mukherjee in the distinguished presence of Minister of State for Power, Jyotiraditya Scindia and Secretary Ministry of Power, Pradeep Kumar Sinha. Sonam has participated in many state level competitions and won many accolades
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Titan announces winners of ‘Get Lucky Contest’
Altaf Mavany gives away the prizes
The World of Titan recently announced the winners of its “Get Lucky Scheme” held from 1st December, 2013 to 15th January, 2014. In a draw held on 26th January, 2014, the winners were picked for the 3 prizes: an LED TV, a laptop and a sports bicycle. Ms. Annie Fernandes won the first prize, an LED TV; while Andzy Antoshchinko won a laptop as the second prize. The third prize
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winner was Vicky D’Souza, who took home a sports bicycle. To be eligible for the Lucky Draw a customer had to purchase a single product with a value of Rs.5000 or above. Altaf Mavany, franchisee of the store said “Our aim was to make the festive ocassion that much more happier. With an element of luck, this contest was sure to make our values patrons happy”
The Verandah at The Grand Hyatt Goa reinvents itself for seafoodies The Verandah, a contemporary, yet elegant restaurant at Grand Hyatt Goa is now ready for its second innings as the new Seafood restaurant in order to improve your Goan experience. The main purpose for doing so is to deliver an ambience, service and cuisine – all top notch. The restaurant serves the catch of the day and seafood specialties served in a relaxed and elegant environs. Chef Shane O’Neill, Executive Chef, Chef Narasinh Kamath, Chef de Cuisine and their team of culinary experts have worked hard to put together a menu that uses local seafood varietals and international specialties like oysters, lobsters, shellfish to present a menu that is prepared with the freshest of ingredients and perfect preparation methods to dish out signature meals that
have international flair and local appeal. Enjoy a robust and varied selection of fish and shellfish hand-picked from the top catches of the day. Or indulge in their critically acclaimed aged steaks done to perfection. Complemented, of course, by the ideal wine pairing, and completed with irresistible side dishes and desserts. All presented to you by a gracious, professional staff eager to serve. With an eye for detail and a distinct fervour to achieve perfection, Chef Narasinh Kamath has designed the elaborate sea food menu that includes signature dishes like The Bambolim Bay Platter, Grilled Scallops with Cashew Feni sorbet. There is a sumptuous spread for vegetarians as well at The Verandah
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Celebrate Chinese New Year at Ori Pan Asian Cuisine at The HQ, Vasco Ori Pan Asian Cuisine at The HQ; Vasco’s 4 star business hotel has been enthusiastically preparing for the celebrations of the Chinese New Year ‘The year of the Horse’. Keeping in tune with the year of the Horse, the menu planned by Corporate Chef Raj and his team is energetic and earthy casting wild abandonment on your senses. Ensuring the menu planned has both traditional as well as all the auspicious dishes usually prepared for the New Year; the variety will stop you in your tracks. If the starters felt like a galloping extravaganza on your taste buds, the mains are yet to come. The Eight Treasures Vegetable and Butter Pepper Chicken over Golden Corn Dumpling; sets the pace with authenticity and symbolism of celebration. The Chinese consider eating fish for auspicious occasions lucky and keeping with tradition the team of hosts has worked on the ever
so delectable Steamed Snapper topped with Chilly Oyster Sauce and the Pink Basa in burnt Garlic and Almond sauce. For the more adventurous, the Baked Lobster with fiery Wasabi cream and mushroom, and Lei Ched Hai, Crab Meat topped with Minced Chilies in Burnt Garlic and Egg Sauce also found a space on the menu. As accompaniments, the Choice of Wok Chow Mein in choices of vegetarian or non vegetarian options, General Mao Pot Rice – fragrant and delicately spiced cooked in an earthen pot makes for an exciting finish. If there is room for more to pamper your sweet tooth, go for the specially created New Year Platter of crackling strawberry, mandarin pancake with fried ice cream. Open for lunch and dinner Ori Pan Asian Cuisine at The HQ, the Year of the Horse promises to be a galloping runaway hit for all. From 31st Jan to 18th Feb; open for lunch and dinner. Call: 7709003237 for reservations
Oration conference to be held in May 2014 by Toastmasters Club, Goa The Oration conference organized by the Toastmasters Club will be held in May in the heart of Panjim city. The Toastmasters would be competing for the International Speech Contest from District 41. Education sessions on communication and leadership by reputed resource persons are also slated on various topics. Their star attraction however, is Randy J Harvey, who was the World Champion of Public Speaking in 2004. Seven hundred active Toastmasters and enthusiasts are expected to participate in the conference. The Oration Conference will have Toastmasters competing for the Best International Speech and Best Evaluator awards. The winner at the International Speech Contest will then
compete at the World Championship of Public Speaking contest held in August. The speaker will compete against contestants from 122 countries around the world. Farida Dias, the host of The Oration conference 2014 says, “Goa, in three short, years has proved itself as one of the most awarded and fastest growing areas (Five Toastmaster Clubs). From just one club in 2010 to 5 clubs by 2013, it’s growing in leaps and bounds. This is the right time to showcase what Goa can accomplish and it will also be an excellent exposure for youth and collegiates to be exposed to the benefits of learning communication and leadership skills, in a non-critical environment” FEBRUARY 2014
Business Goa 47
Aumkar K Shah who is a national award winner of Igenius Young Author Talent Hunt and the only Goan to have dedicated his first book ‘Magical newspaper and other stories’ to his school (Sharada Mandir) since he was quite saddened over the fact that every day the front pages of newspapers are flooded with gory stories
Curtain raiser
It’s all in the family
Aumkar and Kishore Shah with Khalil Ahmed of Broadway Book Publishers
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t is a unique event and also an incident wherein a young budding writer inspired his father to write a book. The result being – both, father and son wrote their books and will release it together. The project does not stop here; there is a larger than life purpose. Kishore says, “I was in the process of writing a book. Simultaneously my son Aumkar was participating in the ‘Igenius Young Author Talent Hunt’. At the same event, Ruskin Bond inspired Aumkar to author a book after reading a few of his compiled stories. Everything unfolded by itself at the same time. Hence we decided to release our books together.” “I decided to pen down the book because I saw that my knowledge from real life experiences was proving successful in the lives of people working in organizations. I wanted to spread this knowledge but I did not know how to do this. I could not possibly consult each and every organization. Hence the idea of authoring a book took stem. The book is divided into three parts. The first is based on why we fail; the second is how to create a foundation while the third part is the way forward. 48 Business Goa
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If you go back in history you will realize that whoever has used these fundamental values have sustained themselves,” says Kishore. Whereas his son Aumkar Shah says, “I believe in something called the white space, I utilize my time efficiently and hence I am able to make time for all my daily activities including time for myself. I would like to keep writing as a passion but I plan my career in the field of aeronautical engineering, I find it to be an interesting field. I want to encourage other kids and tap their hidden potential by my book. “Aumkar K Shah who is a national award winner of ‘Igenius Young Author Talent Hunt’ and the only Goan student to have dedicated his first book ‘Magical newspaper and other stories’ to his school (Sharada Mandir, Miramar) since he was quite saddened over the fact that every day the front pages of newspapers are flooded with gory stories. There were times when newspapers would report the good things and inspire people. He aims to bring back the old glory to the newspapers. The book also consists of other stories such as science-fiction, imagination, creativity and
MONALIZA DIAS speaks to Kishore and Aumkar Shah about their book writing experience innovation. His book has several USPs which he does not want to unfold at this moment but it has a social responsibility context. Aumkar looks forward to create a platform to motivate, support students who have the potential but are lacking financial and psychological support and guidance. At the young age of thirteen and a student of Standard Eight, he is already a brown belt in karate and holds PADI (Professional Association of Scuba Divers) an internal license for open water scuba diving. He was also invited as the youngest writer at the recently held Goa Art and Literary festival where he was mentored by none other than the legendary Gulzar. Kishore Shah has also authored a book on Organizational Development and Transformation titled “364 days of Transformation.” It is a simple book which shares real life experiments conducted by the author with his clients that has impacted the transformation process. The essence is that while most organizations get overwhelmed in single day jazzy “Goal setting process” which turns out to be similar to the “New year resolution” and soon expires, they forget that each day unfolds into latent opportunities and energies which go unnoticed and untapped. The book gives process insights for reinventing self and organization utilizing for all the balance 364 days! It is based on the theory of “Process Work” and fundamentals of life and nature. Each Chapter has a “list of actionable things/ experiments that the reader can try out. Again, the most inspiring aspect is that the readers of this book can enter a case writing and presentation contest simply by sharing their experiments. Kishore says that the top 10 cases will be printed in the next edition/sequel of the book and top 3 entries will be suitably rewarded.
The publisher of both the books, Khalil Ahmed of Brodway Book Publishers says, “I believe the books will do very well. I have been quite intrigued with both the books from the first paragraph itself. My experience as a book seller and instincts tell me that we are sitting on not one, but two bestsellers.” Kishore adds “Khalil and I are planning multiple launches. The first would be in Goa; the second in Pune at the management institution that I graduated from; the third launch is planned in Mumbai, the fourth in Bangalore and the fifth in Dubai at the Sharjah book festival.” Kishore Shah is a man with a lot of experience and knowledge and soon plans on putting his experience on paper. He says, “The first is ‘364 days of Transformation’, the second book will be on ‘Service myths realities and possibilities’, the third will be on a’ Compilation of articles from my column People Tree in the magazine Business Goa’ and the fourth would be on, ‘Impact Marketing’.” While writing the book Kishore Shah realized that there are many less fortunate people who do not get the opportunity and or are media shy to showcase their works for the welfare of people regardless of the profits or loss. He says, “Khalil and I are jointly planning on organizing an award ceremony called the ‘364 Days of Transformation awards’ to the unsung heroes. People who do things out of the willingness of their heart without receiving any honour or glory – for them each day is a struggle full of constraints, operational difficulties yet the audacious goals keeps them going and innovating on daily basis not limited to products, services but also people – for making our today better and tomorrow inspiring. On 8th March the duo will be felicitating people who are perfect role models for this essence and contribute to further the growth of Goa”
HR MANTRAS
We all need nurturing if we are to make progress along the rocky road of doing our best for the business
Nurture
Take care to help each team member grow and develop
None of us can exist alone. We all need another person to share our thoughts and help us work through them
The Business Step If you don’t have one already, seek out a confidant who can help you develop and grow by listening to you and assisting you in straightening out your own crooked thinking. Similarly, develop the skills of a confidant so that you can nurture at least one other person along the route to success The Business Point Uncontrolled nature is wild, but with nurture it can grow to be beautiful.
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t is the little tender touches that motivate people and help them grow. We are all more delicate than what we make out. While we like to simulate thick skins to protect our self-esteem, most of us are sensitive to the nuances of other people’s behaviour – for example whether or not he spoke to us or ignored us, whether or not she took interest in us as opposed to them, whether or not we were kept in the loop or left out. Most times we don’t let on. We don’t reveal how we feel 50 Business Goa
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and the impact of other people’s behaviour on us. We attempt to conceal our limitations, vulnerabilities and deficiencies. If exposed, we fear ridicule and lack of career progress. Yet paradoxically it is these very things that need exposure if we are to address them and develop. This area is fraught with difficulty. It is very subjective and the exploration of someone’s inner self has the potential to damage their ego. Through denial, we hide from ourselves because there is a part of us that needs repair and regeneration. In other words, we all need nurturing if we are to make progress along the rocky road of doing our best for the business. Those of us who are not nurtured either go wild with extreme behaviour, oblivious to the impact on others, or shrivel from the lack of attention. If we are not nurtured we are unaware of ourselves and how others perceive us. We accept their perception if it accords with our own self-image and dismiss it if it does not. Such
extreme unnurtured behaviour encourages sycophancy, flattery, hypocrisy, and at its worst a dictatorial style of management. Nobody can tell unnurtured team leaders anything unless they want to hear it – and they only want to hear it if it conforms to their own version of events and their own heroic image of themselves. Nurturing through coaching and counselling is the answer. In an ideal world everyone should have a mentor to whom they can turn in order to talk through the multitude of ambiguities, halfdigested thoughts, worries, and fears that are inevitably inflicted on our delicate souls. We need a confidant we can trust with our innermost thoughts and feelings – no matter how irrational and extreme they are. The best bosses develop a fine sensibility that enables them to coach and counsel team members without fear of retribution if they reveal dark thoughts and extreme tendencies. The mere process of revelation can enable these
thoughts and tendencies to be addressed – before they become too repressed and thus create the long-term potential for explosive impact. In this way each rose grows to be beautiful rather than being allowed to go wild and strangle flowers. When team leaders run around in busy mode putting pressure on all and sundry, these vital opportunities for nurturing, coaching, and counselling pass them by. The long-term effect is an erosion of moral fabric in the organization. Decay sets in, with the consequent failure to nurture the fine souls who devote their energies to business. Nurturing is a precious process with no immediate discernible benefit, but it is essential. None of us can exist alone. We all need another person to share our thoughts and help us work through them. With pressure, our thinking becomes both muddy and muddled, with a resulting lapse in the quality of decision making. Managers need to demonstrate that they care by nurturing
BON APPÉTIT
goa marriott resort & spa
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Around the world in one afternoon
Do you fancy a culinary tour around the world? The Goa Marriott Resort and Spa gives you that and more at their Dream Theme Sunday Brunches
The Waterfront Terrace and Bar
Persian Lamb Kebabs
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et against the backdrop of the Arabian Sea, with the sound of waves in the background, the Waterfront Terrace and Bar at the Goa Marriott Resort and Spa, brings to you the Dream Theme Sunday Brunches. Partake in a colourful spread traversing a range of cuisines while you indulge in pleasant conversation over drinks, amidst a cozy ambience musically enhanced with soft tunes of a live band. The re-invented Dream Theme Sunday Brunches are all about lazing the weekend away with a sumptuous array of gastronomic delights that bring you a sense of comfort and wellbeing, as well as satiates your taste buds. Treat yourself to a range of delicacies from across the world specially selected by their expert chefs. If it is Italian one Sunday, the fare is Mexican over the 52 Business Goa
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Paneer Kofta in Tomato Sauce
next. The brunch also travels from the Mediterranean and Arabian regions to a Tex-Mex fusion. Talking more about the Dream Theme Brunches, Chef Sunil Kumar, Executive Chef at the Goa Marriott Resort and Spa says “The Brunches are all about focusing on a specific cuisine. Our Italian Brunch focuses on pizza and homemade pasta. The Mexican Brunch will focus on Tacos, Enchiladas and other delicacies of the region whereas the Mediterranean brunch will highlight Arab as well as Mediterranean delights including Showarmas, Persian Beef Stew, Samak Makli and Koshari. Apart from this, we will also have a number of live counters serving grills.” If Italian happens to be your thing, we highly recommend you try their home made pastas, made by expert Chef Nitin. The seafood ravioli is also highly
Chicken Tikka Pizza
recommended. Stuffed with the freshest catch of the day including prawns, mussels and clams and cooked in a flavoursome tomato sauce the ravioli is something to look out for. Chef Sunil also highly recommends the braised pork chops and Spezzatino de Manzo. Also try the handmade pizzas with a range of toppings. We recommend the Chicken Tikka pizza. If you are looking for something closer to home, try the Murgh Angara Tikka. Paneer Koftas cooked with a white saffron sauce as well as a tomato sauce served along with soft, fluffy naans are also a must-try. On the other hand, if you are the adventurous types, go all out at their Mexican brunch. Tacos, Enchiladas, Caldillo Norteno, Pollo a Las Brasas and much more to transport you to the sunny side of Mexico! The Dream
Tacos
Theme Sunday Brunches also take you on a Tex-Mex culinary tour with Chimichanga (stuffed deep fried burritos), TexMex style Beef and a traditional Mayan style vegetable stew. Culminate this lazy luncheon by satiating your saccharine cravings with a variety of luscious desserts including the Mississippi Mud Cake, Cranberry and Vodka Jelly, Rustic Apple and Mint Pie, and a range of Cheese Cakes. Further, a renewed beverage component of a choice of domestic premium Sula Wines and IMFL Spirits or French Champagne and imported spirits will be sure to get you in the perfect weekend mood. Head to the Goa Marriott Resort and Spa for the Dream Theme Sunday Brunches. In fact, we recommend you book yourself for every Sunday of the season!
GOABUZZ
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Grand Hyatt Goa bids adieu to Stefan Radstrom After having watched Grand Hyatt Goa grow from a concept to the destination it has become today, Stefan Radstrom, General Manager has now moved on to a new property. The management at Grand Hyatt Goa held a farewell for his close friends and business associates. Betty Remedios, Director of Sales and Marketing for Grand Hyatt Goa, spoke of the early days at the hotel, “Stefan’s leadership played a pivotal role in making the hotel what it is today, and we do wish him the very best in Istanbul, I can speak for all present here when I say that he will be missed”. Her sentiments were echoed by the guests present at the emotional gathering, especially by Jay Gidwani and Manguirish Pai Raikar. In his parting speech Radstrom said “I have watched the hotel grow in leaps and bounds from its infancy, to the property that now stands tall in front of us, it has indeed been a great journey”
Xavier Furtado
Monica Ghurde
Stefan Radstrom Shyam Haridas
Kornelia Santoro
Marisha Dutta
Thomas Abraham
Suraj Mascarenhas
Steven Gutkin
Svetlana Radstrom
Jay Gidwani
Bharat Ramamrutham
Ashwathi Abraham
Morad Ali Khan
Roston Colaco
Sonali Furtado
LIGHTS IN GOA - International Architectural Lighting Seminar 2014 The inaugural function of the International Architectural Lighting Seminar, LIGHTS IN GOA, was held along with a networking dinner hosted by the Hon. Chief Minister of Goa, Manohar Parrikar. The Mayor of Panaji, Surendra Furtado, inaugurated the Seminar and the Sponsor Stall exhibits in the presence of a veritable list of the State’s well-known professionals and members of the infrastructure, hospitality and construction industry. The Chief Minister sat through a presentation that was specially put to him. Speaking to Business Goa, Kapil Surlakar, one of the organisers said “this is a cutting edge event of international standards being held in Goa. The State is bound to see a global influence on lighting used here”
Anil Counto
James Andrade
Manguesh Prabhugaonker
Ameet Sukhtankar
Manohar Parrikar
Franscis Braganza
Surendra Furtado
Edwin Menezes
Dushyant Kamat
Sunil Sardessai
Gaurang Suctancar
Ashish K Sinai Rege
Kabir Pinto Makhija
Leena Surlakar
Rajesh Kakodkar
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Kapil Surlakar
Joe Mathais and Dattaprasad Kamat
Hemalata and Sacheen Pai Raikar
GOABUZZ
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Caculos launch their maiden film venture A Marathi film Guru Purnima - A Love Story was launched by the Caculo Group. Written by Jitendra Desai, the film is funded and produced by Meghna Manoj Caculo. The film is directed by noted film Director Girish Mohite and also stars Marathi film’s leading actress Sai Tamhankar and famed actor Upendra Limaye. The title of the film was unveiled at a glittering ‘mahurat’ function held in Panaji in the presence of cast and crew and other renowned personalities. Bela Shinde sang the title track which was well received by the attendees. The film is set to be released later this year
Aakash Khaunte
Suraj Caculo
Rajesh Khaunte
Shefali Caculo
Surekha Caculo
Bhakti Dempo
Anand Palan
Mohit Caculo
Rahul Deshpande
Rohan Khaunte
Keshav ‘Babu’ Kamat
Sai Tamhankar
Upendra Limaye
Rajesh Dempo
Parag Joshi
Manoj and Meghna Caculo
Monica Baria and Dick Sousa
Kaun Banega Udyogpati is an innovative business idea contest initiated by Verna Industries Association and CIBA to support innovative and creative thinking among the student community of Goa. Nana Bandekar, Chairman of NRB Group of Companies, the Chief Guest for the competition, handed over the cash prize of Rs One Lakh along with a certificate of one year free incubation support at Centre for Incubation and Business Acceleration (CIBA), Verna to the winner. Student of Manovikas, Margao, Tanmaye Heblekar, was the winner of the Kaun Banega Udyogpati. The grand finale saw more than 250 people from industry, academia, government as well as parents and well-wishers encouraging the youngsters who were selected from over 500 applications received from nearly 200 institutions
Nana Bandekar
Shekhar Sardessai
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Prashant Shinde
Pics: Marlon Noronha
Kaun Banega Udyogpati hosted by Verna Industries Association and CIBA
Successful contestants seen with the organisers
Atul Naik
Rajkumar Kamat
Blaise Costabir
Kirit Maganlal
NEWSMAKERS Padma Shree for Wendell Rodricks
At this year’s Republic Day honours, Wendell Rodricks was awarded Padma Shree in the category of art (fashion design). Wendell revolutionised the Indian ramp scene and also promoted it globally. A revivalist in his own way and also a keen art patron and promoter of Goan talent, he has lent his support to local education, cultural associations, the Red Cross and the Alliance Francaise in Goa. He has put Goa firmly on the fashion map. Wendell, whose Goan heritage is reflected in his designs, began his career in fashion after a successful tenure in hotel management. Trained in Los Angeles and Paris, he returned to India in 1988. After a brief span of two years, and designed for companies like Garden Vareli, cosmetic giant Lakme and diamond major DeBeers, he established his own label in 1990
Tulio de Sousa felicitated by Indian Institute of Architects, Goa Chapter Leading Panaji based Architect, Tulio de Sousa, was recently felicitated by the Indian Institute of Architects, Goa Chapter, on being conferred the Chartered Membership of Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), London. Architect De Sousa, who is a Fellow Member of the Indian Institute of Architects, Mumbai, and a former Chairman of Indian Institute of Architects, Goa Chapter, has been in practice for the last 25 years and has to his credit a number of Residential projects, Hotels and Religious spaces designed and executed under his guidance. Architect De Sousa, who is a visiting faculty at the Goa College of Architecture Panaji, has served in a number of Government, SemiGovernment organizations in the past, prominent among them being, the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation and Goa State Pollution Control Board
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Rajesh Dempo’s firm awarded by Brands Academy for excellence in Real Estate Development Vision Dempo Real Estate Developers, a unit of Vision Dempo Hospitality and Estates Pvt Ltd, was recently awarded “Residential Real Estate Developer of the Year” by Brands Academy in association with NDTV Good Times, at a high profile ceremony held in New Delhi. Some of the criteria for selection included total number of projects, turnover, quality of construction, value for money, customer satisfaction, among others. Rajesh Dempo, Managing Director says “I proudly accept this Award as recognition of my team’s hard work and the quality of construction and service that we provide to our customers. It is a national endorsement of the quality that we offer
Vikram Verlekar wins GJTCI Award Vikram Verlekar, Managing Director of Ulhas Jewellers Pvt. Ltd. Goa is a proud winner of “GJTCI Excellence Awards” hosted by Gems & Jewellery Trade Council of India. The Award ceremony was held recently at Ahmedabad, Gujarat with a view to recognize the yeoman services provided to the growth and progress of the Gem and Jewellery Industry through their hard work and dedication. Eminent personalities were felicitated who have set high benchmarks for their outstanding achievements in the gems and jewellery manufacturing, exporting, services etc. The GJTCI Excellence Awards aim to create an opportunity to celebrate the creative and business achievement in various segments of the jewellery business. The Awards always promises to bring to the fore the most indigenous work of the industry
quiz
Mahendra Caculo’s paper best at International Valuation Congress
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1. Which brand of chocolates introduced in 1930 was named after the favourite horse of the Mars family?
Goa based engineer and valuer Mahendra Caculo’s paper was adjudged as the best paper at the International Congress on Valuation held at Chennai recently. The event was held jointly by Institution of Valuers, India (IOV) and World Association of Valuers Organisations (WAVO). This two-day event was attended by more than 600 delegates from India and other parts of the world and 40 papers were presented by Valuers from India, Singapore, Russia, Canada, Hong Kong etc. The best paper was adjudged by an independent jury and Mahendra Caculo’s paper was bestowed with this honour. The Award was presented to Caculo by Dr. Lim Lan Yuan, Chairman of WAVO. Mahendra Caculo is a well known speaker on valuation and has presented many papers in all parts of India. Recently, he has also spoken on self improvement and motivation and his talk ‘Pursuing Excellence’ which he gave at Gomant Vidhyaniketan, Margao was well received
Answers to BG Quiz 55 1.Coco Chanel 2.DHL 3.Nandan Kudchadkar 4.Diageo
58 Business Goa
Email your entries to businessgoa.media@gmail.com First all correct entry will get 1 year’s subscription to Business Goa
FEBRUARY 2014
2. Which sports goods brand was started by Rudolf Dassler? 3. Bobby Kooka conceptualised this Indian brand mascot? 4. The Manipal Group launched which mattress brand in 1962? 5. Which Indian car brand’s name is commonly used prefix that means “all” or “every” in Latin? 6. Imagica, the experiential city is a concept of Manmohan Shetty and which businessman? 7. Identify this newsmaker
5.Siemens 6.Canara Bank 7.Anjan Chatterjee
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