Goa Tycoon - APRIL 2023 ISSUE

Editorial

Dear readers,

Welcome to the April issue of our Goa Tycoon e-magazine. This month, on the cover, we have featured Mr. Aaron D'Costa, the founder of a unique enterprise called Smol Block. Based in Porvorim, Smol Block is deals in the design and manufacture of eco-friendly wooden toys. The firm comprises a team of educators, makers, artists, and parents who are striving to make a positive impact on the environment and the community.

Our inside pages feature stories on VedKala Collections, a home-based enterprise that offers embroidered products like handkerchiefs, baby clothes, tote bags, and jute bags, and on CraftGully, an online store which offers a wide range of crafting supplies.

This month's issue also features an exclusive interview with Mr. Steve Souza, Assistant Manager at an e-waste management firm called Karo Sambhav. In the interview, Mr. Steve shared details about the work done by Karo Sambhav in Goa to raise awareness about the proper disposal of e-waste, the various services provided by the firm, and lots more.

We also spoke to Mr. Malcolm Afonso, founder of a GIS remote sensing start-up

called GeoSensitive, where he shared insights about the journey of his company, the various services that it provides, the various difficulties that he faced while setting it up, the support that he received from various quarters while setting up his start-up and lots more.

Air India Express, India's first international lowbudget carrier commenced flights from Goa International Airport to Dubai last month. The airline will be operating four flights every week between Goa and Dubai The commencement of this service will be of immense benefit to all our Goans based in Dubai.

Also, the work of road widening on the Mumbai-Goa highway will be completed by the end of this year, said Mr Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways. The highway will be opened for vehicular traffic in January 2024. The opening of this highway will reduce the travel time between Mumbai and Goa to just four and a half hours. It will also help in faster transportation of agricultural and industrial goods between Mumbai and Goa. The highway will also provide access to 60 tourist spots in the Konkan region, thereby providing a huge boost to the tourism sector of Maharashtra and Goa.

Well, that’s all I have for you all from my desk this month. I hope you enjoy reading this month's issue of Goa Tycoon. Do share it with your friends all across the world.

Until next month, cheers!

Jessyl Fernandez Editor

01 Smol Block

02 Goa-Portugal Student exchange

03 CraftGully

04 Karo Sambhav

05 GeoSensitive

06 Vedkala Collections

07 The Power of Social Media

Introduction

Goa, the tiniest state on the western coast of India, boasts golden pristine beaches, palmfringed avenues, flavourful food, delicious Portuguese-influenced sweets, and warm, hospitable people. Also known as the Ibiza of India for its partying. A tropical paradise of flora and fauna, from the very famous 'almi' (mushrooms) endemic to its forests, that grow only on the red mud anthills, to the solar prawns that are fished immediately after the monsoons, Goa is unique. Tourists are also attracted to Goa for its cultural heritage - from the famous old Portuguese churches like Se Cathedral in Old Goa, the 16th Century Safa Masjid in Ponda and Shree Mangesha Temple in Mardol, the legendary Arvalem or Pandava Caves where the Pandavas of the Mahabharat fame lived, to its two unique festivals - Carnival and Shigmo. Goa plays host to many festivals - the International Film Festival of India that promotes cinema, the Serendipity Art Festival, Sunburn Music Festival, The Grape Escapade to name a few. To showcase this varied heritage of culture, art, tradition, food, and people, in 2015 ItsGoa was born. The main aim was to make it the premier portal for all things Goa. We were able to showcase Goa like never before. Soon our blog-based website transcended the virtual space, with the ItsGoa magazine – a sought-after resource for visitors to Goa from countries like Norway, Germany, UK, USA, UAE, etc.

Editorial Team

Chief Editor

Jessyl Fernandez

Content Manager

Steve Antao

Content Curators

Prataya Sarkar

Dr. Valerie Pereira

Richelle Brito Carvalho

Dr. Denise Rodrigues

Rohini Gonsalves

Sales & Marketing

Donald Fernandez

Graphics & Layout

Aniket Naik

Social Media Manager

Saviola Dias

For advertising queries: 9370502124 / 9209005127

ItsGoa Media Group

Nordic Intent HQ - Floor 3, PDA

Colony, Porvorim, Goa 403521

Email : mail@itsgoa.com

Website: itsgoa.com

www.itsgoa.com

Article by: Prataya Sarkar Images by: Smol Block

Children of various age groups interacting with the toys in different ways

In a world where plastic toys dominate the market, Smol Block is making waves with their eco-friendly and sustainable wooden toys. They are a Goa-based company that designs and manufactures toys with a focus on creativity, sustainability, and durability. The firm comprises a team of educators, makers, artists, and parents who are striving to make a positive impact on the environment and the community.

Founded with a mission to create toys that are not only safe for children but also sustainable for the planet, Smol Block is led by a team of passionate individuals who are dedicated to designing and manufacturing high-quality toys that are built to last. But what sets Smol Block apart is their commitment to using sustainable materials throughout their production process. From the sourcing of materials to the manufacturing and packaging of their products, Smol Block is dedicated to reducing their environmental impact.

The well-qualified team at Smol Block share a common goal- to create toys that promote learning and creativity in children.

The team is driven by their belief that play is an essential part of a child's development, and their toys are designed to encourage exploration, imagination, and discovery.

The Scandinavian-designed, eco-friendly wooden toys made with sustainable beechwood are what Smol Block is known for.

Dino Set: Striking a fine balance between minimally designed, yet distinct silhouettes

But what sets them apart from other toy companies is their focus on the ethical and conscientious production of heirloom wooden toys. The team at Smol Block understands that toys are not just playthings but can also hold sentimental value and can be passed down from generation to generation. Therefore, they ensure that their products are built to last and are made with the utmost care and attention to detail.

Smol Block's products are not only good for just children, they are also good for the planet. Their toys are free from toxins, artificial colours, plastic, and paints, making them safe for children to use daily. The minimalist design of the toys allows children to use their imagination and explore without being constrained by scripted narratives or expectations. The open-ended design promotes creative and abstract thinking, problem-solving, and pattern recognition.

But Smol Block's commitment to sustainability doesn't end with their products. The company is also focused on contributing to the community through skill development, especially for the underprivileged. By handcrafting each piece, Smol Block is creating employment opportunities for the local workforce and contributing to economic growth.

The minimalist design of Smol Block's toys promotes exploration and imagination, allowing children to create their own narratives and develop their own play styles. The puzzle interface of the toys helps children develop shape recognition and problemsolving skills, while the stacking and interlocking features help with hand-eye coordination and dexterity.

Toys by Smol Block evoke a strong sense of calm in children when they play with them. Without the extra lights and sounds found in many modern toys, they encourage children to focus and bond with their playmates. The sense of achievement children feel after stacking the blocks creatively promotes patience and determination, which are essential skills for early childhood development.

Smol Block is more than just a toy company- it's a movement towards sustainability and ethical production practices. The company's commitment to reducing waste and minimizing their environmental impact is a testament to their values. Smol Block's toys not only promote learning and creativity in children but also teach them the importance of caring for the planet. By choosing Smol Block's toys, parents can not only give their children safe and high-quality toys but also contribute to a better future for generations to come.

Sustainable and ethical production of EU/US safety standard compliant toys

A toddler picking up essential skills such as shape recognition, patience, focus and fine motor skills

Goa and Portugal can build on their historic connection and strengthen cooperation between the two regions by curating special tourism packages for citizens of both countries, according to Head of Training and Education at Turismo de Portugal, Ana Paula Pais, who was in Goa recently to participate in an international student exchange program.

Pais, who represents the federal tourism authority in Portugal, also said that the delegation of Portuguese students and faculty got to learn and understand the cultures and traditions of people living in Goa, during their four week-long intensive exchange program.   “We can improve promotion based on our historical connections, create specific packages and have more information. Initiatives like the one the Indian Minister of Tourism recently had with our government during our national tourism fair in Lisbon are very important to strengthen cooperation between the two countries,” Pais said.

The Portuguese delegation consisting of 12 students, drawn from 12 hospitality institutes in Portugal, was hosted by the V.M.Salgaocar Institute of International Hospitality Education (VMSIIHE), as part of the ‘Collaborative International Training and Education Program’ with Turismo de Portugal, in order to acquaint them with Goan hospitality, cuisine, and culture. Students from the Raia-based institute would participate in the second leg of the exchange program, which is scheduled to be held in Portugal soon.

The four-week intensive program included field trips, demo sessions with in-house faculty and visits to culturally significant Goan sites, including a spice farm, Dudhsagar waterfalls, Bhagwan Mahavir sanctuary, while also enjoying a traditional meal at a local temple in Ponda. The field tours also helped the delegation understand traditional businesses like feni production and baking. Members of the delegation also interacted with native tribal representatives to broaden their understanding of co-existing cultures in Goa.

VMSIIHE also conducted demo classes for the members of the delegation, teaching them skills from making Indian breads to understanding the different meats used in the Goan kitchens.

Speaking on the significant and valuable experiences attained through this cultural exchange program, Head of training and education at Turismo de Portugal, Ana Paula Pais, says “This is an extraordinary program, which has provided a unique experience for our students,

Portuguese students enjoying street food made by them

Portuguese students given demo classes by VMSIIHE faculty members

Not only in a professional area, which is very important, but especially from a personal perspective. To be a professional of excellence in today's tourism industry, it is essential to have global knowledge about others, about other values, about other cultures, because we want to build an inclusive industry where respect for others and commitment to the preservation of the planet are the central elements.”

According to Prof. Irfan Mirza, Director and Principal of VMSIIHE, the program gave the Portuguese delegation a chance to taste the cuisines of the country and respective states and learn and understand the culture of a foreign country.

“The exchange students got to learn and understand the cultures and traditions of people living in India. We also had a chance to understand the culture that they brought with them. Thus after going back to Portugal, the students can share with their families and friends their valuable experiences and a new perspective of Goa's rich heritage and culture,” Mirza said.

The Portuguese students along with Director and Principal of VMSIIHE, Prof. Irfan Mirza and VMSIIHE faculty

Portuguese students served refreshing drinks upon arrival at the campus

Article by: Steve Antao

Images by: CraftGully

CraftGully: A One-Stop-Shop for Crafting Supplies

Headquartered in the tiny sunshine state of Goa, CraftGully is a leading online platform that offers a wide range of quality crafting supplies. From decoupage to scrapbooking, mixed media to card making, and evergreen crafts such as jewellery making, flower making, macrame, and more, CraftGully has it all. With over a million products delivered to more than 30 countries around the world, CraftGully has come a long way since its inception in 2012.

Founder’s Profile

At the helm of affairs of this highly successful venture is its its co-founder and partner Mrs. Kunjal Nirwani. Kunjal is an artist by profession. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts (Applied Art) from the Sir JJ School of Art in Mumbai. She has worked in some of the largest companies in India providing design solutions for print communications, packaging, events, film publicity, as well as digital media. This varied experience helped her better understand the digital medium on one end and the 3-dimensional aspect of design and production on the other end.

Kunjal has been crafting ever since she can remember, and her degree in BFA only served to enhance and hone her inclination towards it. Along with her husband Dhirender’s expertise in the digital space and Kunjal’s love for crafts, Craftgully was established in 2012. The initial focus of CraftGully was to provide quilling-related crafting supplies to crafters across India. However, as the business grew, CraftGully expanded its product range to cover a wide range of crafting supplies.

Product Range

Some of the popular crafting supplies offered by CraftGully are

Quilling Supplies: CraftGully provides a wide range of quilling supplies, including quilling papers, quilling tools, quilling kits, and more

Scrapbooking Supplies: CraftGully provides scrapbooking supplies, including scrapbook papers, scrapbook albums, scrapbook stickers, and more

Decoupage Supplies: CraftGully provides decoupage supplies, including decoupage papers, decoupage glue, decoupage varnish, and more Mixed Media Supplies: CraftGully provides mixed media supplies, including art mediums, stencils

Today, CraftGully offers over 5000 products, including everything from basic craft supplies like glue and scissors to more specialized items like quilling dies and punches. They have also branched out into evergreen crafts like jewellery making, flower making, macrame, and more. The quality of the products, perfect packing, and timely delivery are the hallmarks of CraftGully, making it the go-to store for hobbyists and professional crafters alike.

Artwork made using quilling paper sourced from CraftGully

Kunjal Nirwani and Dhirendra, the founders of CraftGully

CraftGully's USP

Despite the challenges that come with managing such a large and diverse inventory, Kunjal and Dhirender have always been committed to offering their customers the highest quality materials. They personally test and use every product before adding it to their inventory, and they have built strong relationships with their suppliers to ensure that they always have access to the best materials. CraftGully's commitment to quality has paid off, as they have built a loyal customer base that spans India and the world. They have delivered close to a million products to more than 30 countries, and they continue to receive positive feedback from their customers.

Future Plans

But Kunjal and Dhirender's ambitions for CraftGully don't stop there. They have big plans for the future, including expanding their product range even further and reaching out to more people to introduce them to the joys of crafting.

One of their main goals is to create an environment where children are introduced to different creative mediums from a young age, enabling them to think creatively in all aspects of life. They believe that crafting can be a powerful tool for fostering creativity and imagination, and they want to help more children discover this for themselves.

To achieve this goal, they are exploring various initiatives to encourage more kids to take up crafting. They have already started working with schools and organizations to conduct workshops and supply them with the necessary materials. They are also looking into developing their own range of kid-friendly products and launching online courses to help kids learn different crafting techniques.

Additionally, CraftGully has also been actively involved in supporting and promoting the work of local artisans and crafters in India. By providing a platform for these talented individuals to showcase and sell their products, CraftGully has been able to contribute to the growth of the local crafting community. This is in line with their mission to encourage creativity and innovation in all forms of crafting.

Conclusion

CraftGully's success story is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and innovation. Kunjal and Dhirender have shown that with the right vision and strategy, it is possible to build a successful business even in the face of adversity. Their commitment to quality, customer service, and social responsibility has set them apart in a highly competitive industry and is sure to drive the company's growth and success in the years to come.

For more information about CraftGully, visit: website: https://www.craftgully.com

You can also follow them on social media.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CraftGully/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craftgully/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ CraftGully

WhatsApp: +91 77091 44894

Advertise With Us

Article by: Steve Antao

Images by: Mr. Steve Souza, Assistant Manager at Karo Sambhav Goa

Karo Sambhav: Leading the Way for E-waste Management in Goa

Electronic waste, or e-waste, is a rapidly growing problem around the world, with millions of tons of electronics being disposed of every year. The improper disposal of e-waste poses a significant threat to the environment and human health, as toxic chemicals and materials can leach into the soil, water, and air. In India, 95% of e-waste recycling is done by the informal sector, which often lacks proper safety protocols and puts workers at risk.

Enter Karo Sambhav, a Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) authorized Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) that is committed to transforming the way e-waste is managed in India. With its headquarters in Gurugram, Haryana, Karo Sambhav has been operating in Goa since 2019. It aims to create awareness regarding the proper disposal and collection of e-waste across the state.

One of the key individuals overseeing the operations of the Goa unit of Karo Sambhav is Steve Souza, Assistant Manager, Karo Sambhav-Goa. A lawyer by qualification, Steve has for the past four years been on a mission to protect and save the environment by raising awareness about the proper disposal of ewaste. He recognizes the importance of e-waste management and is working towards providing endto-end solutions for proper disposal, including organizing e-waste collection drives, and awareness sessions, and managing all channels of e-waste procurement.

In a brief chat with ItsGoa, Steve shared more details about Karo Sambhav, the work that it does, the services it provides, major challenges that Karo Sambhav faces while dealing with e-waste in Goa, and lots more…

Give us a brief overview of Karo Sambhav.  Karo Sambhav translates into ‘Make Possible' and is committed to transforming the way e-waste is managed by putting accountability, transparency, and trust in the system.

It is one of India’s first Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) authorized Producer Responsibility Organisations (PRO). It provides services to prominent brands on holistic management of e-waste as per E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2016. It is the first and the only PRO in Asia to become a member of the WEEE Forum.

Karo Sambhav develops socially responsible, and financially sound circular solutions by collaborating with disintegrated players like brands, consumers, institutions, waste pickers and aggregators, recyclers, regulatory bodies, municipal corporations, NGOs, social ventures, etc.

It is recognised as a leading and highly trusted organization in the space of circular economy. It was also recognized as the ‘Social Entrepreneur of the Year India – 2021’ by the Schwab Foundation (the sister organization of the World Economic Forum).

E-waste collection drive conducted by Karo Sambhav in collaboration with Mapusa Municipal Council

It has strategic alliances with governments, UN agencies, and global think tanks to develop industry settings and globally harmonized systems. Its alliances include the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), International Finance Corporation (IFC- a part of the World Bank Group), GIZ (development corporation body of Germany), Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI), and Carbon Busters.

Does Karo Sambhav conduct awareness campaigns concerning e-waste management and waste disposal in schools and colleges in Goa?

Yes. We have done over 150 awareness sessions over the last 4 years in Goa. We have engaged with communities, industries, panchayats, various RWAs, colleges, schools and offices through these awareness sessions.

Does Karo Sambhav have its own e-waste recycling plant in Goa?

No. We do not have an e-waste recycling plant in Goa as of now. Karo Sambhav sister concern Circularity Solutions Pvt Ltd has its own dismantling facility in Modinagar, Uttar Pradesh.

Karo Sambhav currently moves e-waste collected in Goa to Nashik, Modinagar and Chennai for responsible recycling.

Karo Sambhav started its operations in Goa in 2019 with an aim to create awareness regarding the proper responsible disposal of e-waste across the state. We have established strategic alliances and have been working with organizations like GWMC (Goa Waste Management Corporation) and SPCB (State Pollution Control Board) in the state for better impact.

Give us details about the various services provided by Karo Sambhav here in Goa.

Karo Sambhav has been organizing e-waste collection drives, and conducting interactive awareness sessions to sensitize the consumers. We support organizations and individual consumers with services like collection of their e-waste, logistics, and responsible recycling and provide auditable proofs of execution at every step.

We provide convenient pick-up options through our mobile van pick-ups. Our collection centre is also open for consumers to visit and drop off their e-waste.  We assist bulk consumers (institutes, universities, banks, government and private offices, etc.) in filling their annual e-waste returns to SPCB.

Kindly elaborate on any e-waste management schemes that Karo Sambhav offers in Goa.  We do e-waste collections from bulk consumers, ewaste aggregators (scrap dealers), electronics retailers, repair shops, and also from household collections by doing door-step collections.

We regularly run awareness campaigns through social media platforms, WhatsApp groups, etc. to inform the citizens about our upcoming mobile van collection drives. Based on the interest we gather and queries received, the route is designed and pickups are arranged.

Once the individual/resident drops their e-waste, we weigh it and do on-the-spot payments by doing an online transfer. Online transactions help us in keeping records and also builds trust and transparency in the system.

Karo Sambhav's mobile e-waste collection van

An e-waste collection drive and awareness campaign conducted at a school in Tilamol

What are the major challenges that Karo Sambhav faces while dealing with e-waste in Goa?  Awareness and ease of participation for consumers are the two most critical factors for the success of our programmes in Goa. We are glad to share that we do see a visible increase in awareness levels of consumers if we compare it to when we just started. We have also consistently worked to make it easy for individuals to participate, resulting in a better collection from Goa each passing year.

Having said that, we do face some challenges such as:

Collections in small quantities – When the collection requests are for smaller quantities, and from locations that are not so well connected, it becomes challenging. The recycling returns don’t even cover the logistics cost we put in for such pick-ups.

Transportation to the recycler – As we don’t have any authorized recycler in Goa, we have to dispatch the e-waste out of the state for further processing and hence it increases the cost of storage and logistics.

Aggregators documentations – As most of the aggregators operate illegally, they don’t want to follow the documentation procedures. It then becomes difficult to do collections as Karo Sambhav doesn’t do collections if proper paperwork is not done.

Give us details about various e-waste collection drives that Karo Sambhav has done in Goa during the last 4 years. Also, mention areas in Goa where you intend to expand your collection drives in the coming months.

We have done collections from 4 types of stakeholders in Goa which includes: Bulk Consumers, Aggregators, Retailers and Home Channels. Since our operations began in 2019, we have so far collected 1,31,310 kg of e-waste which has been sent for responsible recycling.

We plan to expand the drives in Panaji, Mapusa, Bicholim and other talukas. We want to cover the majority of the areas in Goa depending upon the interest and responsibility shown by the citizens to dispose of the e-waste through responsible channels.

Finally, what message would you like to share with all our readers concerning the proper disposal of ewaste?

Always dispose of your e-waste responsibly. Hand it over only to authorized collectors or recyclers. Don't hand it over to informal waste collectors like local scrap dealers and rag pickers.

Do not dispose of the e-waste in garbage bins along with municipal waste that ultimately reaches landfills.

Please mention a contact number that people can call on to contact Karo Sambhav and organize an ewaste collection drive in their locality If a society or an individual wants to do an e-waste collection drive with Karo Sambhav , they can reach out to us on:

Mobile: 8698916279/9511730691 Toll-Free number: 1800-2121-434

Email: engage@karosambhav.com

We have our e-waste collection centre in Tivim on the following address: Auchit Waddo, Tivim, Mapusa, 403502

Article by: ItsGoa Team

Images by: Malcolm Afonso

GeoSensitive is a GIS and Drone (UAV) remote sensing start-up operating from FiiRE, a startup incubator based at Fatorda. Having begun operations in August 2022 as a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) services startup, this unique enterprise has over the past one year gone on to provide its services to several big name private firms as well as a few government bodies at the state and village level.

A Geographic Information System (GIS) is a framework for gathering, managing, and analyzing spatial data. It analyzes spatial location and organizes layers of information into visualizations using maps and 3D scenes. With this unique capability, GIS reveals deeper insights into data, such as patterns, relationships, and situations, helping users to make smarter decisions.

Drones are used to collect geospatial data using various kinds of payloads that the drone can carry. The data captured is then processed into outputs such as Orthomosaic 2D models, 3D models, contours, elevation models, vegetation indices, heat maps, etc., that provide specific insights about the site that is mapped.

In a brief conversation with ItsGoa, Malcolm Afonso, the founder of GeoSensitive, shares more details about his start-up, the various services it provides, the struggles that he faced while setting up the venture and lots more...

Excerpts

Tell us a bit about yourself

I am Malcolm Afonso. I am a native of Betalbatim, a village in South Goa. I started my career in the merchant navy as a trainee navigation officer but had to leave the industry due to a medical condition.

Post that, I joined the B.Sc. program at Parvatibai Chowgule College of Arts and Science where I fell in love with the subject of geology. I went on to pursue my Master's degree in Geology from Goa University and was awarded the geology gold medal for the batch of 2015.

I cleared my CSIR NET exam the following year and joined the Department of Geology at Parvatibai Chowgule College as an assistant professor.

During this period, I invested a great amount of time learning about geospatial technology and created unique courses in these subjects that are taught at the B.Sc. level, only at Parvatibai Chowgule College.

After more than 6 years of teaching on a temporary basis, I got the opportunity to serve as a full-time assistant professor. However, my career as a government servant came to an abrupt end due to the enforcement of the reservation policy in the recruitment of faculty at the college. After this, I made up my mind to become my own boss and start my own start-up where I can fulfil all my ambitions and life goals.

What inspired you to start GeoSensitive? What was the idea that you had in mind when you decided to start this venture?

My first real experience of knowing that my skills and expertise are of value to the wider general public happened in the year 2019 when I created the people's Coastal Regulation Zone plans for 69 villages across Goa by providing my expertise to a local NGO.

Later, I got an opportunity to train the staff of the Directorate of Settlement and Land Records, Government of Goa in using open-source geospatial technology. I had also been lending my expertise to my own friends from across the world. A few researchers from Goa have also consulted me on their research projects.

KatKatelya Codio Tavas

There is a huge gap between what is possible with GIS and Drone technology today and its current implementation across various industries, which means that there is tremendous scope for professionals like me today and going ahead. As an entrepreneur, I am confident of catching the wave ahead of my peers.

What is the story behind the name of the start-up?

The name 'GeoSensitive' was coined by me as an expression of being sensitive to the earth, both literally and philosophically. By using drones and satellites, we can collect data about the earth's features without touching it. All this data can then be used to understand and protect the planet, thus making us sensitive to its needs.

Tell us about the various services offered by your start-up.

The ser ices pro ided by GeoSensiti e include carrying out detailed aerial photogrammetry sur eys using UAV at the locations pro ided. The work in ol es collecting site geospatial data, processing the data, and producing 2D maps, 3D models, contour maps, etc.

conducting GIS mapping sur eys based on client requirements.

customizing Android applications that geolocate and collect attribute data about features.

We analyze geospatial data to de elop maps and reports

Other ser ices pro ided by my firm include Mine drone sur ey as per IBM compliance requirements

Industrial Drone Inspections

Mobile GIS data Collection Sur eying

Geotagging

Feature Extraction from existing maps Geospatial database creation

DGPS Sur eys.

GIS Mapping

GIS Consultancy

Site Plan Drawings O erlays

Natural Digital 3D Model of Site City blocks

Hazardous Slope

Contour Mapping with Drone Photogrammetry

Point Cloud & Volumetric Analysis (Cut and Fill Analysis)

Analysis of geospatial data to de elop Web maps and reports.

Aerial Photography and Videography

What was the response from the public like when your enterprise just started off?

I was told by many people that there is no market for my ser ices and that I will ha e to run the business without earning for a long period of time and would e entually run out of funds. I tried to showcase impactful case studies and promote the benefits of using GIS and drone technology to my local panchayat and zonal agricultural officers, but to no a ail.

Howe er, in the first month of setting up GeoSensiti e, I got an opportunity to work on a pioneering initiati e in Goa, which was the ‘Benaulim Plantation Dri e 2022 with Geotagging’. E er since then, my firm has gone on to deli er ser ices for se eral real estate de elopers and construction firms. I ha e also pro ided my ser ices to mining companies to help them complete the Indian Bureau of Mines' Compliance Drone Sur ey

My firm has also played a major role in the National Highway Monitoring Project. We ha e prepared map reports for researchers, found new use cases for land litigation lawyers, prepared a illage agricultural map for a farmers’ organization, and also collaborated with professional photographers and cinematographers for drone shoots of corporate e ents, weddings and hotels. The list of new use cases deli ered is growing each month

Who are your major clients?

Our major clients include mining firms, real estate de elopers, property buyers and sellers, go ernment agencies and administrati e bodies at the state and illage le el, architects, earth mo ing earthworks companies, lawyers handling property disputes, research scholars, agencies working in the en ironment conser ation management sector and hotels

We also pro ide consultancy to other businesses to help them integrate GIS into their workflow

Did you face any challenges while setting up this enterprise?

I have been fortunate to be able to set up the business with relative ease. I had to overcome my own mental blocks in the beginning.

How has FiIRE assisted you in scaling up your startup?

At the onset, I knew that I had to be in an environment that would provide me with space for unlearning, relearning and unleashing my creativity.

On my first visit to FiiRE itself, I was convinced that this was the place I had to be at. The entire team at FiiRE has provided me with tremendous support in my entire journey so far and made me feel at home. I have received excellent mentorship through the mentor program here, which has given me practical and actionable insights into running my business successfully. I have also got opportunities to participate in personal business grooming sessions organized at FiiRE where we received training from national and international trainers in creating a business pitch and presenting our business.

What are your future plans?

To establish a bigger team so that we can cater to all the GIS and drone service needs that are emerging from Goa and beyond.

Finally, any message or words of advice that you would like to share with aspiring entrepreneurs in Goa?

On your journey, you will encounter people who will try to hijack your dreams by selling you hope of a stable income, certain lifestyle etc. Be confident in your abilities and don’t let anyone side-track your goals.

Way before starting this enterprise, I found a passion for GIS, and dedicated lots of time and effort to understanding things that seemed unimportant and irrelevant at the time. But I kept exploring different tools, software, and programming languages out of curiosity and that has allowed me to be able to connect the dots. Deep domain-specific knowledge is good but for me to be able to deliver the goods, I had to become a geologist who knows how to work with GIS software, knows how to read code and understands how several different technologies work and integrate with one another. This has given me an edge today.

For more information about GeoSensitive, visit: Website: https://geosensitive.in/  Instagram: www.instagram.com/geosensitive/

Vedkala Collections: A Passion for Embroidery Turned into a Successful Micro Enterprise

Vedkala Collections is a micro enterprise that was started by Vedshree Lawande during the Covid-19 pandemic. Her registered office is her home itself as she works from home. The enterprise initially started with making hand-embroidered masks and later diversified into a lot of embroidery items like handkerchiefs, baby clothes, organic cotton tote bags with hand embroidery and hand painting, even jute bags for conferences and eco-friendly bags for big events.

Vedshree Lawande, the founder of Vedkala Collections, is from Belgaum, Karnataka. She did her schooling and graduation at Belgaum and by profession, she is a science graduate who worked in a stock holding company after graduation. Her passion for embroidery inspired her to start this business during the pandemic.

The response from the public was good when Vedkala Collections started off. Vedshree Lawande started with making embroidered masks, which was the need of the hour. People around her circles started giving orders for various other products like embroidery on baby clothing, quilts, embroidered kurtas, and blouses.

Each and every individual from a newborn who needs baby clothes to a senior citizen who needs shopping tote bags are clients of Vedkala Collections. The major challenge faced while setting up this enterprise was finding a professional workspace, scarce finances for investment to upscale the business, marketing of the venture, and lots of initial hiccups, which are always there in the start of any business. It was also a great challenge to keep a balance between family and business as the kids were having online schooling.

The biggest backbone for Vedshree Lawande was her husband and her two kids. They were her biggest strength and support. Investment in modern machinery was the immediate short-term plan. Vedkala Collections bought a state-of-the-art industrial unit of machine embroidery, which is completely automated and runs with a special embroidery software as its backbone. Currently, the enterprise takes embroidery orders for bed and bath linen for hotels, spas, and salons. They also take bulk orders for birthday return gifts, wedding gifts, and corporate orders.

In the future, Vedkala Collections wishes to venture into unique gifting ideas with embroidery and give recognition to this beautiful form of art.

In conclusion, Vedshree Lawande’s advice to new entrepreneurs is to never give up, keep their passion alive, and have a firm belief in themselves. They should keep working patiently towards their goals and do things that will make them happy. Many of life's failures come from people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.

Customized bath linen

Hand and bath towel combo

digital marketing

‘The Power of Social Media: Why Your Business Can't Afford to Ignore It’

In this article, digital marketing specialist Saviola Dias talks about the recent trends in social media marketing and benefits of using social media marketing to boost one’s business

Article by: Saviola Dias Image: UnSplash

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It’s 2023 and most of the population of the world is on Facebook, Instagram, and other social media apps and websites. Social media is a network where people get to showcase their lifestyles, share their experiences, and overall seek information. It also allows people to share events and happenings around the world instantly and share with millions of users around the globe. In a way, we can say that it has brought the world closer.

Social media is not just limited to our personal lives, we can use it to reshape our businesses as well. Every second something new pops up from software updates and technological advancements to the introduction of a new product in the market, social media marketing can be used to showcase products, services and more!

Looking at the technical aspects of social media marketing, your success depends on your ability to target the right group of audience suitable for your business, understand what your customers like and dislike about your brand so there is a scope for improvement, and be dynamic i.e. adapting to the current trends. Social media helps you figure out the solution to most of the above-mentioned problems. Another way to ensure success is by sharing your stories, communicating with your audience and engaging with them through the content you put out.

We can say that social media plays a crucial role in moulding the world today, but what makes it an inseparable part of businesses in the modern world? If we look at the world around us, it is not the offline world we knew about a decade ago. With everyone using social media, it has turned an offline world into a digital society, all thanks to the advancement of the internet. Let’s say that 50% of the population is using Instagram or Facebook or any other social media site, would it be a good move if you are not online? In our opinion, not a wise move. With 50% of the people online, we must make sure that we maintain a hybrid business system i.e. online as well as offline.

. As people are becoming more aware of shopping online, and using social media applications, the rate of monthly users increase on a regular basis.

Benefits of Social Media Marketing

Continuous growth of the market - With new people joining social media platforms on a regular basis, your market is constantly growing. This provides a bigger market for you to sell your product/ service in.

Easier to find new products/services -

From this point the buyer, he/she can easily search for the With the digital world growing, more products and services are being listed on the internet every day! You are always a click away from discovering a new product or service as you scroll through the internet.

Lower advertising costs -

One of the best things about using social media for your business is that it is cost-efficient compared to traditional methods of marketing like using newspapers or billboards. Using a social media app is absolutely free but with normal means of advertising, you spend a bucket load of money.

Creating brand awareness -

Creating social media accounts for your brand helps with creating brand awareness for your business. A large population of the world is on social media, allowing you to reach thousands of people at once and build your brand name by connecting with these people and engaging with them through your content.

A unique competitive advantage -

Using social media, you can learn as well as gain insights into your competition in the market. You can see what your competition is doing with their content, learn their prices, services, etc and so much more by observing across their social media platforms.