Maharashtra’s Transformation: Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha Unveils Innovative Plans
The Gems of Maharashtra event celebrated the state's progress across various sectors, with Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha outlining ambitious plans to boost entrepreneurship and innovation.
Real Estate Maharashtra:Maharashtra is standing at the edge of a transformation, Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Minister of Skills, Employment, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation in the Maharashtra government, said during the Gems of Maharashtra event. The event, organized by ET Now Swadesh, Times Network’s Hindi Business News Channel, celebrated the state's remarkable progress across diverse sectors, including real estate, EV manufacturing, new age technology, hospitality, and more. Speaking at the event, Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha emphasized the importance of entrepreneurship in reclaiming India’s status as the ‘Sone Ki Chidiya’ — the Golden Bird. He stated, “India was once known as 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,” Lodha added. To support this vision, the government is 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,” he said. For women entrepreneurs, the government has introduced the Ahilyabai Holkar Yojana and is building dedicated Industrial Training Institutes. Additionally, the New Innovation Policy, which is yet to be launched, will include focused support for women in startups. The honorees at the Gems of Maharashtra event spanned 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 Industries 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 & Gorakshanath Gambhire, 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? A: The Gems of Maharashtra event is an annual celebration organized by ET Now Swadesh to recognize key contributors across various sectors in Maharashtra, including real estate, technology, education, and more. Q: What are the key initiatives announced by Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha? A: Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha announced a revolutionary Innovation Policy, a 100-acre Innovation City, and a startup education programme to train 1 lakh students by March 2026. Q: What is the Ahilyabai Holkar Yojana? A: The Ahilyabai Holkar Yojana is a government initiative introduced to support women entrepreneurs and build dedicated Industrial Training Institutes. Q: How many winners were recognized at the Gems of Maharashtra event? A: The event recognized 31 winners across various categories, including real estate, technology, education, and more. Q: What is the significance of the commemorative coffee table book unveiled at the event? A: The commemorative coffee table book, unveiled by Chief Guest Shri Mangal Prabhat Lodha, serves as a lasting record of the achievements and contributions of the honorees at the Gems of Maharashtra event.