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.

Business

Mangirish Salelkar returns as President of Goa Technology Association for 2025–2027


 
The Goa Technology Association (GTA), the state’s premier body representing IT, ITeS, BPO companies, and technology startups, has unanimously elected Mangirish Salelkar as its President for the 2025–2027 term. A respected technopreneur and ecosystem builder, Salelkar earlier served as GTA’s President during the 2017–2019 and 2019–2021 terms, where he played a key role in shaping Goa’s tech landscape through strategic initiatives and collaborative leadership.
 
Established in 2017, GTA has grown into the collective voice of over 100 tech companies and startups in Goa. It offers a robust platform for dialogue, policy advocacy, and ecosystem building. The Association has contributed significantly to the state’s IT and Startup Policies and has led several impactful initiatives in the areas of skill development, entrepreneurship, and investment promotion.


 
While speaking on his reappointment, Salelkar said, “GTA is not just an association—it is a mission to put Goa on the global tech map. Our focus in this term will be to strengthen the ecosystem, unlock opportunities for local talent, support startups, and build strong partnerships that fuel sustainable growth.”
 
Known for his visionary outlook and inclusive leadership, Salelkar continues to play a vital role in bridging the gap between industry, academia, and government in Goa. His return to the presidency comes at a time when the state’s technology sector is poised for greater national and international relevance.


 
The newly elected GTA Managing Committee for the 2025–2027 term includes Mangirish Salelkar as President, Milind Prabhu and Rohan Warty as Vice Presidents, Chinmay Kamat as Secretary, and Amol Bhandarkar as Treasurer. Sujeet Shetty as the Immediate Past President, while the committee also includes members Yashvit Naik, Vikram Pai Raikar, and Rohir Naik. Additionally, Sunaya Shirodkar has been appointed as Chairperson of the Women’s Wing.
 
Over the next two years, GTA aims to focus on building strong industry-academia partnerships to develop future-ready talent, work closely with the government in attracting investments into Goa’s tech infrastructure, and supporting the growth of deep-tech and product-driven startups. The Association will also work on enhancing member engagement, advocating progressive policies and incentives, and establishing global linkages to showcase the potential of Goan tech talent on the world stage.
 
With a renewed leadership team and a clear roadmap, GTA is ready to lead Goa’s digital and economic transformation into its next chapter.