PANAJI: Goa State Industries Association (GSIA) felicitated Mr Anil Counto in recognition of his Outstanding Entrepreneurship at the hands of Chief Minister Mr Digambar Kamat during its recently held annual function, held at Hotel Mandovi.
Mr Digambar Kamat congratulated GSIA for encouraging the spirit of entrepreneurship. He said that he is glad that Mr Anil Counto has been felicitated, a Goan entrepreneur who has vision and did not hesitate to take risks.
The Chief Minister said that the Government has been always sympathetic to the industrial sector and he has always entertained many of the suggestions put forth by GSIA. He said GSIA has always cooperated with the Government and taken up issues of small entrepreneurs for improvement of industrial scenario and for the betterment of the State.
Mr Anil Counto in his reply to the felicitation acknowledged GSIA for honouring him with the Entrepreneurship Achievement Award. He said that he has won many national awards but this award is special to him because it comes from his own State. Mr. Counto said to be a successful entrepreneur what is required is leadership and a vision and vision without passion and mission, cannot be put into reality.
Earlier, Mr Atul P Naik, president GSIA in his welcome address said that GSIA is celebrating the spirit of entrepreneurship to encourage industrial development of Goa. He mentioned a few issues which had to be taken up on priority basis by the Government of Goa like issuing notification regarding Combined Forms for air and water NOC’s., categorization of industries into red, orange and green, validity and consent fees. He said recently industries have been denied additional power for expansion which is a cause of concern for industrial growth. Mr Naik also mentioned that the ban on plastic will be a retrograde step for growth of plastic industry in Goa. On the contrary Government should concentrate on collection and disposal of plastic waste. Mr. Rajkumar Kamat, Hon. Secretary, GSIA presented the Annual Report of GSIA’s activities.
Mr Ashank Desai, Founder and former chairman of Mastek Ltd was the keynote speaker. Mr Ashank Desai gave a brainstorming presentation on his entrepreneurial journey. He said bringing up Mastek during 1982-92 was very tough as it was the worst time for all software entrepreneurs in India.
At that time there was no export market and a limited domestic market. He said entrepreneurial growth depends on outstanding teamwork, respect for individuals, pride in work, customer intimacy and commitment to result. He said important requirement for entrepreneur’s success are longterm vision, tenacity to realize vision to forge ahead despite challenges and ability to take calculated risks. Mr. Shekhar Sardessai who was elected President of GSIA for the term 2010-2013 at the AGM held prior to the annual function, laid down the road map for GSIA for the next three years.
