The Laghuswapna event on the sustainability of MSMEs was organised by the St. John College of Engineering and Management, Master of Management Studies (MMS) Department. It was held on February 28, 2023, and aimed to explore the various aspects of sustainable development of MSMEs. The event was attended by experts from different backgrounds, and the discussions focused on how MSMEs can become more sustainable.

Laghuswapna is an annual flagship program wherein industries and the St. John College of Engineering and Management-MMS Department deliberate opportunities and challenges for MSME industries in this region. Every year, the college conducts Laghuswapna on a different theme. The purpose of this mega-event is for industries to participate and discuss their issues. Not only did they get an opportunity to participate, but also get a chance to meet high-profile people from different organisations. In addition, companies learn about the young graduates who can work for them in the future. Also, students get a chance to interact with industry professionals.

Benefits of Laghuswapna

It is important for companies as it provides them with a platform to network with potential customers, partners, investors, and industry professionals.

This event provides a unique opportunity for companies to showcase their products and services to a wide range of attendees, helping them to build their brand and gain recognition in the industry.

The event also allows companies to build relationships with other companies, which can help them develop partnerships and gain access to valuable resources.

On this platform, students benefit from the knowledge and experience shared by the industry experts, and the industrialists get an opportunity to interact with young, bright minds – potential future employees.

Objectives:

The primary objective of the Laghuswapna event is to provide an in-depth understanding of the various aspects of sustainability of MSMEs, such as economic, social, and environmental.  The event also aims at encouraging MSMEs to adopt sustainable practices and develop innovative strategies for their businesses.

We were indeed privileged to have with us some eminent personalities for this event:

1. Chief Guest: Collector of Palghar District, Mr. Govind Maruti Bodke
2. Guest of Honour: CO of the Palghar Nagar Parishad, Dr. Pankaj Pawar
3. 2nd Guest of Honour: Dr. Digambar Jaikishan Zawar, Chairman, Kamla Group of Cos.
4. President of TIMA, Mr. Velji Gogri
5. President of TMA, Mr. Elangovan Mudaliyar
6. Chairman of Aldel Education Trust, Mr. Albert W. Dsouza
7. Secretary of the Trust, Mrs. Elvina Dsouza
8. Treasurer of the Trust, Mrs. Elaine Dsouza Buthello
9. Member of the Trust, Mr. Aldridge Dsouza
10. Deputy Campus Director, Dr. Savita Tauro
11. Principal, St. John College of Eng. & Management, Dr. Gopal V. Mulgund

We also had the following distinguished panelists to discuss sustainability in MSMEs:

1. Mr. Jayesh Dedhiya, Owner of Urvashi Industries, President of Laghu Udyog Bharati -Mumbai Region; Vice President of the All India Stainless Steel Industries Association; Member of the Engineering Export Council of India and the Export Promotion Council of Handicrafts.
2. Mr. Gopalkrishna Samaga, Deputy General Manager and Regional Head of Karnataka Bank Ltd., Mumbai Region.
3. Mr. Dilip Shah, Founder & Proprietor of Mahavir Plastics; Senior Member of the Umargaon Industrial Association.
4. Mr. Alan Castelino, Entrepreneur and Renowned Management Professional. He is known as a Facilitative Manager, adept at dealing with sales and HRM support for some leading brands like Accenture, TCS, Nomura, Kotak Securities, Kotak Mahindra Bank, HDFC Life, Capgemini, Wipro, and many more.
5. Mr. Arun Vaz, Chartered Accountant, Proprietor of Arun P. Vaz and Co.
6. Moderator: Mr. G.V.S. Kumar. Mr. Kumar is the founder secretary; past president of Tarapur Management Association (TMA), and VBHC India Head – Projects and Operations.