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YIMBY Founder Gourov V. Pokle Honoured as “Inspiring Young Entrepreneur of the Year”


Written by Intern Rency Gomes ||Team Allycaral 

Goa, January 23, 2026 — Gourov V. Pokle, Founder of YIMBY, has been honoured with the “Inspiring Young Entrepreneur of the Year” award in recognition of his commitment to developing practical waste management solutions and creating sustainable environmental impact at the grassroots level.


The award was presented by Minister Mauvin Godinho in the presence of the Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant, and Minister Rohan Khaunte, at a prestigious ceremony organised by the Vibrant Goa Foundation in association with the Government of Goa. The event brought together leaders from government, industry, and social enterprises to celebrate young changemakers driving meaningful change.

The recognition highlights YIMBY’s work in designing and implementing decentralised waste management systems that empower communities to manage waste responsibly at the source. Through infrastructure development, awareness programmes, and capacity-building initiatives, YIMBY has consistently worked to reduce landfill dependency while promoting sustainable, scalable environmental practices.

Speaking on the occasion, Gourov V. Pokle said the award represents a collective belief that sustainability begins at the community level. He acknowledged the collaborative efforts behind YIMBY’s journey and dedicated the honour to the organisation’s team, mentors, partners, and family for their continued support.

The award marks a significant milestone in YIMBY’s mission-driven journey, reaffirming its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and responsible growth. As the organisation continues to expand its reach, YIMBY remains focused on building resilient, community-centric solutions that contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable future.

#AllycaralFeature 👒, Goan Personalities

Padma Awards 2025: Centenarian Freedom Fighter Libia Lobo Sardesai Honored


The Padma Awards 2025 have been announced, recognizing the selfless contributions of 139 individuals from various fields. Among the notable awardees is Libia Lobo Sardesai, a 100-year-old freedom fighter from Goa, who played a pivotal role in Goa’s freedom movement.

A Tribute to Selfless Service

The Padma Awards are India’s highest civilian honors, conferred upon individuals who have demonstrated exceptional service and achievements in their respective fields. This year’s awardees include freedom fighters, artists, scientists, and social workers who have made significant contributions to the nation.

Padma Shri Awardees

Here’s a list of the Padma Shri awardees released so far:

  • L Hangthing (Nagaland)
  • Hariman Sharma (Himachal Pradesh)
  • Jumde Yomgam Gamlin (Arunachal Pradesh)
  • Joynacharan Bathari (Assam)
  • Naren Gurung (Sikkim)
  • Vilas Dangre (Maharashtra)
  • Shaikha A J Al Sabah (Kuwait)
  • Nirmala Devi (Bihar)
  • Bhim Singh Bhavesh (Bihar)
  • Radha Bahin Bhatt (Uttarakhand)
  • Suresh Soni (Gujarat)
  • Pandi Ram Mandavi (Chhattisgarh)
  • Jonas Masett (Brazil)
  • Jagdish Joshila (Madhya Pradesh)
  • Harvinder Singh (Haryana)
  • Bheru Singh Chouhan (Madhya Pradesh)
  • Venkappa Ambaji Sugatekar (Karnataka)
  • P Datchanamoorthy (Puducherry)
  • Libia Lobo Sardesai (Goa)
  • Gokul Chandra Das (West Bengal)
  • Hugh Gantzer (Uttarakhand)
  • Colleen Gantzer (Uttarakhand)
  • Dr Neerja Bhatla (Delhi)
  • Sally Holkar (Madhya Pradesh)
  • Maruti Bhujangrao Chitampalli (Maharashtra)

Celebrating Excellence

The Padma Awards 2025 celebrate the excellence and dedication of individuals who have made a positive impact on society. These awardees serve as an inspiration to future generations, reminding us of the importance of selfless service and commitment to the nation