Editorial

This should have happened a long time ago. Goa has been the hub of trade and business much before the Portuguese set foot here. Horses, spices and condiments exchanged hands with Arabs and, through them to the western world. More recently, we proudly have amidst us a century-old trade and commerce body - the Goa Chamber of Commerce and industry (GCCI, earlier known as Associacao Commercial da India Portuguesa). Yet Goa did not have any business publication to celebrate its industry. its entrepreneurs. Its trials and tribulations in business. Until now.

I have been dreaming of starting Business Goa for a while now. On our trips back from quizzing, there were lots of ideas tossed by me to Rajiv, my partner. Business Goa featured prominently among those. It didn't make financial sense, then. And it still doesn't. so why am I doing it? Quite simply: because I want to. For me business is a passion. And business persons are my heroes. I choose Jamsetji Tata over Raj Kapoor.

Business Goa, as the name suggests, is a Goa-centric business magazine. We shall strive to touch a chord with all people connected to business in Goa. With fair coverage to every industry, trade and vocation. Business Goa will be a positive, forward-looking, celebratory voice of Goan business.

In the inaugural issue, we thought tradition demands that homage be paid to the people who have created the business scene in modern times in our little State. After noisy, often-times loud deliberations, we settled on six gentlemen. The litmus test that separated them from their ilk was the continuing legacy that they have left. Surely you will not dispute our judgement on this. We also celebrate feni being awarded geographical indicator status. Cesar Menezes spoke to us after taking over as GCCI president. Raj Bhandare's Nirvana, and Nisha Karla Vaz who has started Lava, fill our pages. Besides we have columns, news and other features that will be of business interest to you. A dear friend, and someone who I think is Goa's unknown cartooning talent, Cedric Gonsalves has a comic strip, which should raise a chuckle.

This being our maiden issue, there are bound to be edges that will smoothen themselves over time. I shall await your constant appraisal. Do mail your bouquets and brickbats to me.

I dedicate this issue and my editorial debut to the man who has inspired me to start Business Goa. My father-in-law, Chandrakant Keni who would been a happy man if he was reading this.

- Harshvardhan Bhatkuly