Social

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.

Business

Goa MSME Adhiveshan 3.0 Brings Policymakers and Industry Leaders Together at Raj Bhavan


Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Business Desk

Laghu Udyog Bharati (LUB), in association with the Department of Industries, Trade and Commerce (DITC) and the Government e-Marketplace (GeM), successfully concluded the Goa MSME Adhiveshan 3.0 at the Durbar Hall, Raj Bhavan, Goa. The event was organised under the leadership of Pallavi Salgaocar, Goa State President; Mudit Agarwaal, General Secretary; and Arman Bankley, Event Chair, and aimed to create a strong platform for dialogue and collaboration among MSME stakeholders.

The Adhiveshan brought together policymakers, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and experts to deliberate on growth strategies, innovation, and emerging opportunities for micro, small, and medium enterprises in Goa. The event was graced by distinguished dignitaries including Harsh Malhotra, Union Minister of State for Corporate Affairs and Road Transport and Highways; Dr Krishna Gopal, Seh Sarkaryawah, RSS and Sampark Adhikari, Laghu Udyog Bharati; Om Prakash Gupta, National General Secretary, LUB; and Mauvin Godinho, Minister for Industries and Transport, Government of Goa.

The MSME Knowledge Series featured a range of insightful sessions by industry experts. Shekar Sardessai, CMD of Kineco, delivered an inspiring address on export opportunities for MSMEs. CA Anup Tabe shared practical insights on leveraging artificial intelligence to drive MSME growth, while Dr C. Anandharamakrishnan, Director, CSIR–NIIST, highlighted new-age CSIR technologies relevant to small and medium enterprises. Arundhati Chattopadhyay, Regional Director, National Productivity Council (NPC), spoke on NPC initiatives, LEAN manufacturing, and the RAMP scheme of DITC in Goa. Ajit B. Chavan, Additional CEO and Chief Seller Officer, Government e-Marketplace, conducted an informative session on how MSMEs can effectively leverage the GeM platform.

The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from entrepreneurs and industry stakeholders, fostering meaningful discussions and collaboration aimed at strengthening Goa’s MSME ecosystem. During the programme, a study report commissioned by Laghu Udyog Bharati Goa titled ‘Understanding the Challenges of MSMEs in Goa’ was released by Union Minister Harsh Malhotra. The study, conceptualised and executed by Yukti Insights LLP with support from DMC College and Research Centre, was based on extensive field research across MSMEs in the state.

Three entrepreneurs were felicitated for their outstanding contributions to the MSME sector, with Rajkumar Kamat receiving the MSME Leadership Award, Atul Pai Kane being honoured as Best Male Entrepreneur, and Shashi Soni recognised as Best Female Entrepreneur. Addressing the gathering, Harsh Malhotra highlighted national initiatives undertaken to improve ease of doing business, while Mauvin Godinho congratulated LUB Goa on the successful organisation of the event and reaffirmed the Goa Government’s continued support for MSMEs as a vital pillar of a sustainable and vibrant economy.

Events in Goa

Goa CM Inaugurates Future Leaders Week 2025 on World Entrepreneurs’ Day


PANAJI: Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant inaugurated the much-anticipated Future Leaders Week 2025 on World Entrepreneurs’ Day, an event organized by BNI Goa’s Business Voices to celebrate and nurture the spirit of entrepreneurship.

The event, held in Goa, was attended by prominent business leaders including Shri Shrinivas Dempo (Chairman, Dempo Group), Shri Rajkumar Kamat, and other dignitaries, who shared their vision on leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurial growth.

In his inaugural address, CM Dr. Sawant emphasized the importance of empowering the youth with opportunities in entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership. He highlighted how Goa is positioning itself as a hub for startups and business initiatives, aligning with India’s larger vision of fostering a self-reliant economy.

Shri Shrinivas Dempo lauded the efforts of BNI Goa and Business Voices in creating platforms that connect aspiring leaders with experienced industry mentors. Shri Rajkumar Kamat echoed similar sentiments, underlining the role of collaboration and networking in building sustainable businesses.

Future Leaders Week 2025 is designed to bring together entrepreneurs, business professionals, and students through workshops, panel discussions, and networking sessions, creating an ecosystem where ideas and innovation can thrive.

The event sets the tone for Goa’s growing entrepreneurial landscape, inspiring young minds to step forward as change-makers and leaders of tomorrow.