Mangal Prabhat Lodha Unveils Vision for Maharashtra's Transformation at ET Now Swadesh
ET Now Swadesh hosted the inaugural 'Gems of Maharashtra' event, celebrating the state's progress across various sectors. Chief Guest Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Minister of Skills, Employment, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation, outlined ambitious plans for fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.
Real Estate Maharashtra:Maharashtra is on the brink of a transformative journey, according to Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Minister of Skills, Employment, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation in the Maharashtra government. Speaking at the first edition of ‘Gems of Maharashtra’, an event organized by ET Now Swadesh, he emphasized the importance of entrepreneurship and innovation in driving the state's growth.nnMumbai: ET Now Swadesh, the Hindi Business News Channel of Times Network, held the inaugural ‘Gems of Maharashtra’ event to celebrate the state's remarkable progress across diverse sectors. The event recognized key contributors in 31 categories, including real estate, EV manufacturing, new age technology, hospitality, and more. It provided a platform for insightful discussions on the region’s growth potential.nnAddressing the audience, Chief Guest Shri Mangal Prabhat Lodha 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.”nnHe 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.”nnThe honorees at the Gems of Maharashtra event spanned various fields such as real estate, wellness, sports, education, technology, and more. The event celebrated their achievements and contributions across these sectors. The winners included:nn1. Excellence In Jewellery Manufacturing: Manoj Jha & Poonam Jha, Kamakhya Jewels Ltd.n2. Excellence In Textile Speciality Chemicals: Dr Aneel Kashi Murarka, Mirachem Industriesn3. Excellence In Higher Education: Raman Preet, Pune Institute of Business Managementn4. Excellence In Change Maker In Human Empowerment: Sanjay Kalika Mishra, Apex Groupn5. Excellence In Financial Services: Sachin Bamgude, Apnarupee Fin India Pvt. Ltd.n6. Excellence In Scientific Wellness & Nutraceutical Innovation: Dr. S. Kumar, APPROPRIATE DIET THERAPYn7. Excellence In Consultancy to Emerging Start-ups & SME's: Hardik Khatri, APT Global Fincon Pvt. Ltd.n8. Excellence In Event Management: Siddhesh P, BrandSmith Unitedn9. Excellence In Sports: Gopal Dash Baghel, Council of College Sports Premier League in Indian10. Excellence In Education: Sanjay D. Patil, D. Y. Patil Education Society, Deemed to be University, Kolhapurn11. Excellence In Hospitality & Real Estate: Jimmy Mistry, Della Resorts & Adventuren12. Excellence In Architecture: Ar. Swapnil Kshirsagar, Design11n13. Excellence In Service & Industry: Dr. Deepak Fulambrikar, Fulambri Group Of Companiesn14. Excellence In Jeweller For Generations: Rameshchandra M. Jain, Gajari Jewellersn15. Excellence In Digital Marketing & Public Relations Solution: Bhaskar Tare & Parag Dhurke, Gloocal Communications Pvt. Ltd.n16. Excellence In Corporate Trainer & Life Coach: Viveck Shettyy, Indus Communicationsn17. Excellence In Outstanding Educational Work: Adv. Shardul Sudhakarrao Jadhavar, Jadhavar Group of Institutesn18. Excellence In Luxury Beauty Salon: Shailesh More, Jean Claude Oliviern19. Excellence In Residential and Commercial Development: Aakash Agarwal, Krisala Developersn20. Excellence In Automotive Accessories: Manish Kolhatkar & Mandar Kirane, M-Tek Engineersn21. Excellence In Real Estate: Harish Shroff, Nyati Groupn22. Excellence In Restoration & Conservation Of Heritage Structures: Dr. Ram Savani, Savani Heritage Conservation Pvt. Ltd.n23. Excellence In Data Technology: Himanshu Pandey, Segumento India Pvt. Ltd.n24. Excellence In Stainless Steel Kitchen Utensils & Cookware: Bhavesh Jain, Shree Vallabh Metalsn25. Excellence In Sales Training & Life Coaching: Shridhar Dinanath Kuknor, Shridhar Dinanath Kuknorn26. Excellence In Green Steel: Yashraj Peety, SRJ Peety Steels Pvt. Ltd.n27. Excellence In Food Tech: Amit Ghotikar, TFCS Kitchen Solutions Ltdn28. Excellence In EV Two Wheeler Manufacturing: Jhumarmal Tunwal, Tunwal E-Motors Ltd.n29. Excellence In Yoga & Fitness: Devendra Sopan Kodalkar, Yog Saamarthyan30. Excellence In Plastic Industry: Vishal Agarwal, Yudo Hot Runner India Pvt. Ltd.n31. Excellence In Nutrition Social Impact: Dr RadhaKrishna Das & Gorakshanath Gambhire, Annamrita FoundationnnThe 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 the achievements and contributions of key contributors across various sectors in Maharashtra. The event highlights progress in fields such as real estate, EV manufacturing, new age technology, and more.
Who is Mangal Prabhat Lodha?
Mangal Prabhat Lodha is the Minister of Skills, Employment, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation in the Maharashtra government. He is a key figure in driving the state's transformation through innovative policies and initiatives.
What are the main goals of the new Innovation Policy in Maharashtra?
The new Innovation Policy in Maharashtra aims to foster 27,000 startups, provide 1,000 days of handholding, offer low-interest working capital loans, and support from industry leaders. It also includes focused support for women entrepreneurs through the Ahilyabai Holkar Yojana.
What is the 100-acre Innovation City being developed in Maharashtra?
The 100-acre Innovation City in Maharashtra is being developed with 14 buildings, each dedicated to a key sector like AI, pharmaceuticals, and automobiles. It is part of the state's ambitious plan to become a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.
What is the Ahilyabai Holkar Yojana?
The Ahilyabai Holkar Yojana is a program introduced to support women entrepreneurs in Maharashtra. It includes building dedicated Industrial Training Institutes and providing focused support to help women thrive in the startup ecosystem.
