Dona Paul, 3rd December 2024 – The Amazing Goa Global Business Summit 2024 concluded a remarkable chapter today, 2nd December, with the Student Intern Buddy (SIB) Felicitation Program held at Goa University. This unique initiative celebrated the contributions of student interns, their mentors, and the dignitaries who played pivotal roles in making the program a resounding success.
Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant, graced the event as the Chief Guest, recognizing and celebrating the contributions of student interns and their mentors. The program highlighted the critical role of young talent in shaping Goa’s global business aspirations and provided a platform to honor their dedication and innovation.
Prominent figures graced the Amazing Goa Global Business Summit 2024, making it a significant event for fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. Among the notable attendees were Mr. Rajkumar Kamat, Chairman of Vibrant Goa Foundation; Mr. Arman Bankley, President of Vibrant Goa Foundation; Mr. Vinay Verma, Chairman of the Amazing Goa Summit; and Mr. Manoj Patil, Vice President of Vibrant Goa Foundation. Joining them were distinguished government officials, including Ms. Shwetika Sachan, IAS, Secretary – Industries, Government of Goa, and Mr. A. Asvin Chandru, IAS, Directorate of Industries, Trade and Commerce, Dr Niyan Marchon. Professor Teaching, Learning, and Educational Technology, Goa State Higher Education Council Directorate of Higher Education Post Doc PhD IIT Goa PhD, and Mr. Bhushan K Savaikar, Director, Higher Education. Other dignitaries, such as Mr. Nirmesh Tyagi, Ambassador for Amazing Goa Global Business Summit 2024, Mr. Yogesh Kedkar, Project Director, Student Interns Buddy Program, and Mr. John Silveira, State Co-ordinator- National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF) were also acknowledged for their instrumental roles in guiding the Student Intern Buddy Program. Nirmesh, along with Yogesh, played a pivotal role in training the students for the summit, ensuring they were equipped to maximize their learning and exposure during the event. The event began with the distribution of certificates to the Student Intern Buddies in recognition of their hard work and commitment. Their efforts were acknowledged by all, setting the tone for an afternoon of inspiration and celebration.
Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant, speaking about the transformative potential of entrepreneurship, he said, “Students today have the unique opportunity to build their own futures as job creators instead of job seekers. Our state policies are focused on supporting youth who aspire to lead and innovate.” Highlighting green energy as a key business opportunity, he encouraged students to take risks, overcome the fear of failure, and pursue continuous learning. “There is no greater reward than seeing your hard work grow into something impactful for the community,” he added.
Mr. Rajkumar Kamat, Chairman of Vibrant Goa Foundation, reflected on the vision behind the summit: “Amazing Goa is more than an event; it’s a movement to transform Goa into a global business hub by empowering the youth with skills, mentorship, and exposure to international opportunities.”
Adding to this sentiment, Mr. Arman Bankley, President of Vibrant Goa Foundation, remarked, “The Student Intern Buddy Program is not just about fostering skills; it’s about shaping leaders who can think globally while acting locally. Goa’s youth are our gateway to a brighter entrepreneurial future.”
Mr. Ryan Vaz, Director of Business Voices at BNI Foundation, presented an engaging and motivational session outlining a step-by-step approach to entrepreneurial success. Additionally, the Mr. Rahul Parab, Vice President of Business Voices, BNI, urged students to join the Pitch Tank competition, an exciting platform for aspiring entrepreneurs to showcase their business ideas.
Mr. Nirmesh Tyagi and Mr. Yogesh Kedkar, under the guidance of Mr. Gautam Kharangate, Trustee of Vibrant Goa Foundation and Chairman of the Student Intern Buddy Program, led the student intern team. Mr. Kharangate, who also oversees the women empowerment initiatives of Vibrant Goa, highlighted the transformative impact of the program in skilling, upskilling, and reskilling youth.
Additionally, Mr. John Silveira was also recognized for his contributions in introducing and implementing the supervisory aspects of the SIB Program. Ms. Shwetika Sachan, IAS, Director of Industries, congratulated everyone involved with the Amazing Goa event, emphasizing the inclusivity and opportunities it offered to budding entrepreneurs. She highlighted upcoming schemes and stressed the importance of local involvement in building sustainable businesses, reflecting the event’s overarching vision.
The summit’s theme, Gateway to Global Opportunities, was brought to life during the Student Intern Buddy Felicitation Program. This initiative provided interns with hands-on learning experiences in an international business setting. They gained exposure to entrepreneurial best practices and critical skills essential for their professional journey. The event further highlighted Goa’s burgeoning potential as a global business hub, fostering a collaborative environment between mentors and young talent.
The program also featured insights from key figures such as Gautam Kharangate, who praised the SIB initiative for its role in skilling, upskilling, and reskilling students while aligning with Goa’s Swayampurna Scheme. Esteemed speakers, including Ryan Vaz and Sagar Govekar, shared valuable lessons on entrepreneurship, resilience, and innovation, inspiring students to embrace challenges and think beyond traditional business boundaries.
Two students shared heartfelt testimonials during the event, emphasizing the invaluable mentorship and exposure they received. Their interactions with international delegates offered unique insights into professional networking, global business operations, and problem-solving. These experiences reinforced the significance of the summit in nurturing the entrepreneurial aspirations of Goa’s youth.
The Amazing Goa Global Business Summit 2024 has successfully laid a robust foundation for innovation and local empowerment. As highlighted by Ms. Shwetika Sachan, inclusivity and support for local talent remain top priorities. The summit showcased the powerful synergy between government, industry, and academia in building a entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. Rasik Naik, who expressed gratitude to all stakeholders, including the student interns, dignitaries, and organizing teams, for their unwavering support. This collaborative effort is a testament to the state’s vision of cultivating a thriving entrepreneurial culture and inspiring the next generation of leaders.
The Amazing Goa Global Business Summit 2024, through initiatives like the Student Intern Buddy Program, has proven to be a resounding success, creating a platform that not only celebrates talent but also nurtures it. This program has set a benchmark for empowering students to explore entrepreneurship and innovation while forging meaningful connections with industry leaders.
Such initiatives pave the way for future generations to gain hands-on experience, learn vital skills, and develop the confidence to lead in an ever-evolving global economy. By fostering a culture of mentorship and collaboration, the summit remains true to its theme, “Gateway to Global Opportunities,” inspiring students to dream big and work towards building a vibrant and sustainable future for Goa and beyond.
