Business

EDII Commemorates its 43rd Foundation Day


April 20, 2025: Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India celebrated its 43rd Foundation Day on 20th April 2025. Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa Dr. Pramod Sawant addressed the audience virtually. Other luminaries at the event included Chief Guest, Dr. Piruz Khambatta, Chairman – Rasna Group & Honorary Consul General, South Korea (Gujarat); Guest of Honour, Shri Suneel Anchipaka, IAS, Secretary (Industries), Goa; Shri B. S. Pai Angle, Managing Director, EDC Limited, Goa; Shri Dinesh Singh Rawat, Chief General Manager & Zonal Head (Ahmedabad Zone), IDBI Bank Limited, Ahmedabad (and Governing Board Member, EDII) and Dr. Sunil Shukla, Director General, EDII Dignitaries from the Government, corporates, Industry associations and the academia also attended the event which focussed on establishing how entrepreneurship, startups and innovations were impacting the socio-economic growth of the country.

Dr. Pramod Sawant ji addressing virtually, complimented Gujarat for its unique growth model and credited EDII for propagating Entrepreneurship in the country and outside.

Hon’ble Chief Minister said, “Today India is pacing fast on the path of becoming a foremost startup nation under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi ji, and in this, EDII is significantly contributing. Goa looks forward to erecting a strong start-up oriented ecosystem that can walk hand in hand with the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’ and ‘Viksit Gujarat’, seeking to accomplish the mandate of Viksit Goa.” The Chief Minister also referred to the notable work being done by the EDII – Goa Centre for promoting Entrepreneurship (inaugurated on 12th March 2024), which he mentioned was set up by EDII after he had initiated this need through a letter to Shri Bhupendra Patel ji, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Gujarat.

Shri Dinesh Singh Rawat said, “EDII has been playing a key role in employing entrepreneurship to upgrade and uplift people from all sections of people.”

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Piruz Khambatta said, “Entrepreneurship has come far; it is hailed as a powerful tool for socio-economic growth.

The vision of Viksit Bharat is based on the pillars of entrepreneurship, skill development, technology, innovations and expanding markets. I commend EDII for envisioning growth on these factors, decades ago. Entrepreneurship and Skill Development will always be in need as it will continue to open the path of sustained growth for the country. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to EDII for training and inspiring people across sections and sectors to become entrepreneurs.”

Commenting on entrepreneurship and EDII- Goa Centre’s Contribution in Goa, Shri Suneel Anchipaka, IAS, Secretary (Industries), Goa said, “Goa, with its unique blend of culture, creativity, and commerce, is fast emerging as one of the most progressive states. The EDII-Goa Centre, along with the EDC Ltd., is playing a vital role in fostering entrepreneurial spirit across all sections of society, which is essential for achieving balanced and holistic growth. The youth of the region are coming forward with their creative ideas, which are being carefully incubated and nurtured into enterprises. Entrepreneurship is fast becoming a preferred career option.”

In his address, Dr. Sunil Shukla traced the genesis of EDII and emphasized the potential of entrepreneurship. He said, “As EDII marks 43 years of fostering entrepreneurial spirit, we feel happy to witness how mindsets have got transformed into accepting that entrepreneurs are not just born, but they can be developed too, through well-conceived training interventions and counselling. EDII has always sought to promote inclusive growth on the premise of entrepreneurship, and it is great to see how this vision is getting realized. Entrepreneurship is pitted today as a development marvel and that gives us great satisfaction. We acknowledge the support of Government and corporates in our journey.”

Events in Goa

Goa Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant Inaugurates 1st Goa Occupational Safety and Health Expo and Summit 2025


In a significant move to promote occupational safety and health in the state, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant inaugurated the 1st Goa Occupational Safety and Health Expo and Summit 2025. The three-day event, organized by the Inspectorate of Factories and Boilers, aims to provide a dynamic platform for disseminating vital knowledge and best practices in the field of occupational safety and health.

The primary objective of the expo and summit is to promote a culture of safety and health among workers, employers, and the general public. The event seeks to achieve this goal through comprehensive seminars, panel discussions, and an expo showcasing the latest safety technologies, equipment, and solutions.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by several distinguished guests and officials, including:

  • Minister for Factories & Boilers, Shri. Nilkant Halarnkar
  • Secretary (Factories & Boilers), Shri Sanjit Rodrigues, IAS
  • Chief Inspector of Factories & Boilers, Shri. Anant Pangam

Key Highlights of the Expo and Summit
The 1st Goa Occupational Safety and Health Expo and Summit 2025 features several key highlights, including:

  • Comprehensive seminars and panel discussions on occupational safety and health
  • Expo showcasing the latest safety technologies, equipment, and solutions
  • Participation from exhibitors across India
  • Advocacy for policy and regulatory improvements


The inauguration of the 1st Goa Occupational Safety and Health Expo and Summit 2025 marks a significant step towards promoting occupational safety and health in the state. The event is expected to provide a valuable platform for stakeholders to share knowledge, best practices, and innovative solutions, ultimately contributing to a safer and healthier work environment.

Entertainment

Bollywood Actor Sonu Sood Meets Goa Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant


In a significant meeting, Bollywood actor Sonu Sood met and interacted with the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant, at a courtesy visit held at Mahalaxmi, Altinho, Panaji.

This meeting marked a notable interaction between the acclaimed actor and the Chief Minister, highlighting the convergence of Bollywood and politics. The courtesy visit was a gesture of goodwill, underscoring the mutual respect and admiration between the two personalities.

Sonu Sood, renowned for his impressive performances in films like “Yuva,” “Ashok,” and “Dabangg,” has also been recognized for his philanthropic efforts, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. His charitable work has earned him numerous accolades, cementing his position as a socially responsible celebrity.

Dr. Pramod Sawant, the 13th and current Chief Minister of Goa, has been serving the state since 2019. He is also a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party and represents the Sankhali constituency in the Goa Legislative Assembly.

The meeting between Sonu Sood and Dr. Pramod Sawant is a testament to the actor’s commitment to social causes and his willingness to engage with influential leaders to drive positive change. While the specifics of their discussion are not publicly known, it is likely that they exchanged ideas on various social and cultural issues affecting the state of Goa.

This courtesy visit has generated significant interest, with fans and followers of Sonu Sood eagerly awaiting updates on the meeting’s outcomes. As the actor continues to use his platform for social good, this meeting serves as a reminder of the power of collaboration between celebrities and policymakers in driving meaningful change.

Entertainment

Goa Chief Minister @DrPramodPSawant Joins #Ghibli Trend with Vibrant Shigmo Photos


In a delightful fusion of tradition and modernity, Goa Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant has joined the popular #Ghibli trend on social media, sharing his vibrant Shigmo photos. This move has not only showcased his fun side but also highlighted the rich cultural heritage of Goa.

For those unfamiliar, Shigmo is a colorful spring festival celebrated in Goa, typically in March. It’s a 14-day extravaganza filled with music, dance, and elaborate processions ¹. The festival is a beautiful representation of Goan culture and traditions.

By participating in the #Ghibli trend, Dr. Sawant has demonstrated his willingness to engage with the younger generation and showcase Goa’s unique cultural identity. The #Ghibli trend, inspired by the iconic Studio Ghibli anime films, encourages users to share photos or artwork that evoke a sense of wonder and magic.

Dr. Sawant’s Shigmo photos, now part of the #Ghibli trend, are a testament to the festival’s vibrant spirit and Goa’s rich cultural diversity. As the Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Sawant’s participation in this trend is a wonderful way to promote Goan culture and traditions, both nationally and internationally.

Events in Goa

Goa Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant Inaugurates Buyer-Seller Meet 2025


In a significant boost to Goa’s agricultural sector, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant inaugurated the Buyer-Seller Meet 2025, organized by the Directorate of Agriculture in association with the Agriculture Technology Management Agency (North) and the Zonal Agriculture Office, Sankhali.


During the event, Dr. Sawant released a documentary titled “Mati Boltil Tewhach Sheti Fultil,” produced by the Department of Agriculture, which highlights the importance of soil testing. The Chief Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to empowering farmers through training, fair pricing, and technological advancements.


Dr. Sawant proudly announced that the Swayampurna Goa initiative has led to a remarkable 30% reduction in horticultural imports, while significantly increasing the income of Goan farmers. This achievement is a testament to the government’s efforts to promote self-sufficiency and sustainable agriculture in the state.


To further strengthen organic farming in Goa, the government will implement an ₹18 crore project with the support of the Union Government. This initiative aims to promote eco-friendly practices, improve soil health, and increase crop yields.


Dr. Sawant urged all farmers to take full advantage of the various schemes and subsidies offered by both the Union and State Governments. These initiatives aim to boost agricultural and horticultural production, supporting the vision of a Swayampurna and Viksit Goa.


The Buyer-Seller Meet 2025 marks a significant milestone in Goa’s journey towards self-sufficiency and sustainable agriculture. With the government’s continued support and commitment, the state’s agriculture sector is poised for growth and development, benefiting farmers, consumers, and the economy as a whole.