Gems of Maharashtra: Celebrating Maharashtra's Diverse Economic Sectors
The 'Gems of Maharashtra' event, organized by ET Now Swadesh, honored key contributors across 31 categories, highlighting the state's progress in real estate, EV manufacturing, technology, and more.
MaharashtraEt Now SwadeshInnovationEntrepreneurshipStartupsReal Estate MaharashtraMay 20, 2025
Speaking at ET Now Swadesh’s 'Gems of Maharashtra' event, Chief Guest Shri Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Minister of Skills, Employment, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation, Government of Maharashtra, said, “India was once known as the ‘Sone Ki Chidiya’ — the Golden Bird — not because of external wealth, but because of the unstoppable spirit of our people. Today, with over a billion citizens, having just around one lakh people engaged in startups is not enough to reclaim that title. Every Indian must embrace entrepreneurship — it’s not optional, it’s essential. Maharashtra is standing at the edge of a transformation. In the next 15 days, we will unveil a revolutionary Innovation Policy. Alongside it, a 100-acre Innovation City is being developed — with 14 buildings, each dedicated to a key sector like AI, pharmaceuticals, and automobiles.”
He further added, “We are also launching a startup education programme to train 1 lakh students by March 2026. Our goal is not just to talk about startups — we want them to thrive. We will be providing 1,000 days of handholding, low interest working capital loans, and strong support from industry leaders. Our mission is to foster 27,000 startups — not just in cities, but in every corner of Maharashtra, right down to the villages. For women entrepreneurs, we’ve introduced the Ahilyabai Holkar Yojana and are building dedicated Industrial Training Institutes. Additionally, our New Innovation Policy which is yet to be launched, will definitely include focused support for women in startups.”
The honorees at the Gems of Maharashtra event were spanning fields such as real estate, wellness, sports, education, technology, and more. The event celebrated their achievements and contributions across various sectors. The winners included:
1. Excellence In Jewellery Manufacturing: Manoj Jha & Poonam Jha, Kamakhya Jewels Ltd.
2. Excellence In Textile Speciality Chemicals: Dr Aneel Kashi Murarka, Mirachem Industriies
3. Excellence In Higher Education: Raman Preet, Pune Institute of Business Management
4. Excellence In Change Maker In Human Empowerment: Sanjay Kalika Mishra, Apex Group
5. Excellence In Financial Services: Sachin Bamgude, Apnarupee Fin India Pvt. Ltd.
6. Excellence In Scientific Wellness & Nutraceutical Innovation: Dr. S. Kumar, APPROPRIATE DIET THERAPY
7. Excellence In Consultancy to Emerging Start-ups & SME's: Hardik Khatri, APT Global Fincon Pvt. Ltd.
8. Excellence In Event Management: Siddhesh P, BrandSmith United
9. Excellence In Sports: Gopal Dash Baghel, Council of College Sports Premier League in India
10. Excellence In Education: Sanjay D. Patil, D. Y. Patil Education Society, Deemed to be University, Kolhapur
11. Excellence In Hospitality & Real Estate: Jimmy Mistry, Della Resorts & Adventure
12. Excellence In Architecture: Ar. Swapnil Kshirsagar, Design11
13. Excellence In Service & Industry: Dr. Deepak Fulambrikar, Fulambri Group Of Companies
14. Excellence In Jeweller For Generations: Rameshchandra M. Jain, Gajari Jewellers
15. Excellence In Digital Marketing & Public Relations Solution: Bhaskar Tare & Parag Dhurke, Gloocal Communications Pvt. Ltd.
16. Excellence In Corporate Trainer & Life Coach: Viveck Shettyy, Indus Communications
17. Excellence In Outstanding Educational Work: Adv. Shardul Sudhakarrao Jadhavar, Jadhavar Group of Institutes
18. Excellence In Luxury Beauty Salon: Shailesh More, Jean Claude Olivier
19. Excellence In Residential and Commercial Development: Aakash Agarwal, Krisala Developers
20. Excellence In Automotive Accessories: Manish Kolhatkar & Mandar Kirane, M-Tek Engineers
21. Excellence In Real Estate: Harish Shroff, Nyati Group
22. Excellence In Restoration & Conservation Of Heritage Structures: Dr. Ram Savani, Savani Heritage Conservation Pvt. Ltd.
23. Excellence In Data Technology: Himanshu Pandey, Segumento India Pvt. Ltd.
24. Excellence In Stainless Steel Kitchen Utensils & Cookware: Bhavesh Jain, Shree Vallabh Metals
25. Excellence In Sales Training & Life Coaching: Shridhar Dinanath Kuknor, Shridhar Dinanath Kuknor
26. Excellence In Green Steel: Yashraj Peety, SRJ Peety Steels Pvt. Ltd.
27. Excellence In Food Tech: Amit Ghotikar, TFCS Kitchen Solutions Ltd
28. Excellence In EV Two Wheeler Manufacturing: Jhumarmal Tunwal, Tunwal E-Motors Ltd.
29. Excellence In Yoga & Fitness: Devendra Sopan Kodalkar, Yog Saamarthya
30. Excellence In Plastic Industry: Vishal Agarwal, Yudo Hot Runner India Pvt. Ltd.
31. Excellence In Nutrition Social Impact: Dr RadhaKrishna Das, CEO & Gorakshanath Gambhire, COO, Annamrita Foundation
The event concluded with the unveiling of a commemorative coffee table book by Chief Guest Shri Mangal Prabhat Lodha. The successful ‘Gems of Maharashtra,’ underscored ET Now Swadesh’s commitment to fostering collaboration and recognizing the vibrancy and diverse sectors of the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 'Gems of Maharashtra' event?
The 'Gems of Maharashtra' event is an initiative by ET Now Swadesh to celebrate and recognize key contributors across 31 categories shaping Mumbai’s economic landscape, including real estate, EV manufacturing, technology, and more.
Who is Shri Mangal Prabhat Lodha?
Shri Mangal Prabhat Lodha is the Minister of Skills, Employment, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation for the Government of Maharashtra. He spoke at the 'Gems of Maharashtra' event about the state's transformation and upcoming initiatives.
What are some of the initiatives announced by Shri Mangal Prabhat Lodha?
Shri Mangal Prabhat Lodha announced the launch of a startup education programme to train 1 lakh students by March 2026, the development of a 100-acre Innovation City, and the introduction of the Ahilyabai Holkar Yojana for women entrepreneurs.
What sectors were recognized at the 'Gems of Maharashtra' event?
The event recognized achievements in sectors such as real estate, EV manufacturing, new age technology, hospitality, wellness, sports, education, and more.
What is the Ahilyabai Holkar Yojana?
The Ahilyabai Holkar Yojana is a program introduced by the Government of Maharashtra to support and empower women entrepreneurs through dedicated Industrial Training Institutes and focused support in the New Innovation Policy.
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