Business

Paytm CEO Varun Sridhar to Launch Ponda’s First Jaycee Chamber of Commerce – JCOM Ponda Table 1.0


Ponda, Goa – July 3, 2025 : In a landmark development for Goa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, JCI Ponda will officially launch Ponda’s first-ever Jaycee Chamber of Commerce (JCOM) – JCOM Ponda Table 1.0 on Saturday, July 5, 2025, at 4:00 PM. The grand installation ceremony will take place at Hotel Menino Executive, Ponda, marking a transformative moment for local business networking and youth-led leadership initiatives.

Gracing the occasion as Chief Guest is none other than Mr. Varun Sridhar, CEO of Paytm Services Ltd., India, a dynamic leader known for reshaping India’s fintech landscape. Mr. Sridhar’s presence underscores the national significance of this local milestone.

Also in attendance will be Guest of Honour Dr. Ketan Bhatikar, Managing Director at Sparc and a noted social worker. The event will see a confluence of regional business leaders and JCI dignitaries including:

  • Zone President: JFD Shaba Gauns
  • Zone Vice President: JC HGF Dr. Shilpa Raghava
  • Zone Director – Business: JFM Chetan Salelekar
  • Zone JCOM Chairman: JCI Sen. Ria Patil Chandray
  • JCI Ponda President: JC Vadiraj Inamdar

The highlight of the ceremony will be the formal installation of JC Nikhil V. S. Sangaokar as the first Chairman of JCOM Ponda, a respected entrepreneur known for his leadership in Ponda’s business community. JC Nikhil will be supported by a dynamic leadership team committed to driving ethical entrepreneurship, business innovation, and community collaboration.

About JCOM: Empowering Business Through Leadership

JCOM (Jaycee Chamber of Commerce) is an initiative under JCI India aimed at fostering a robust platform for entrepreneurs, professionals, and aspiring business leaders. It promotes ethical business practices, structured networking, and leadership training — empowering the next generation of changemakers in India’s economic fabric.

A Catalyst for Change

The launch of JCOM Ponda Table 1.0 represents more than a ceremonial event—it signifies a new chapter in Goa’s business growth story. It will serve as a catalyst for collaborative ventures, innovation-led dialogue, and mentorship for youth with entrepreneurial aspirations.

JCI Ponda invites all business owners, startups, and professionals from Goa to be a part of this landmark occasion and witness the birth of a platform designed to nurture leadership through commerce and community engagement.

Human Interest

MS. PRATIMA DHOND ELECTEDAS FIRST WOMAN PRESIDENT OF GOA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY


Ms Pratima Gaurish Dhond has been elected as the First Woman President of the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry for the term 2025 – 2027. Ms Pratima G Dhond will assume charge as the President of the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry on 01.07.2025 at the end of the term of the current President Mr Shrinivas Dempo. She is the First Woman President in 117 years history of the Chamber.


With a passion for women’s empowerment, Pratima Dhond has dedicated her career to uplifting women through various initiatives and leadership roles. She’s been at the helm of the Women’s Cooperative Bank since 1993 and has chaired the Women’s Wing of GCCI for 8 years, launching the flagship event “Asturi” to promote women’s entrepreneurship.
As a Director of Wakao Foods and the Dhond Group of Companies, Pratima is a force to be reckoned with in the business world. She’s also a seasoned Rotarian, serving as Charter President of Rotary Club of Miramar and holding various positions in the club.
With a national-level basketball background and alumni status from Peoples High School Panaji and Dempo Commerce College, Pratima is a true Goan powerhouse!
Personally, she’s married to businessman and social worker Gaurish Dhond and is blessed with three children, two sons-in-law, and two adorable grandsons. The Following 14 Member Managing Committee was also elected for the term 2025-27.

  1. Dr Sangam Kurade (Zuari Foods & Farms Pvt Ltd)
  2. Chandrakant Gawas (Shraddha Shipping Co Pvt Ltd)
  3. Harshvardhan Bhatkuly (Business Goa)
  4. Yatin Kakodkar (Apex Packing Products Pvt Ltd)
  5. Pallavi Salgaocar (Geno Pharmaceuticals)
  6. Rohan Bhandare(Chartered Accountant)
  7. Rajesh Dempo (Vision Dempo Hospitality & Estates Pvt Ltd)
  8. Dale Menezes (Cosme Matias Menezes Pvt Ltd)
  9. Roana Maria Costa (Alcon Constructions, Alcon-Victor Group)
  10. Satish Shinde (Astra Metal Systems Pvt Ltd)
  11. Vinesh Pikale (Chartered Accountant)
  12. Prasad Keni (Vergo Pharma)
  13. Manoj Patil (Armour Office Automation)
  14. Atreya Sawant (Atreya Engineering Works)

The New Committee will assume charge on 1st July, 2025.