The Times Business Awards 2018, organised by Optimal Media Solutions — a part of India’s largest media conglomerate, The Times Group — took place in the city for the first time and how! The gala that was attended by some of the leading industrialists like Ghanshyam Sarda, Tollywood celebs like Dev and Mimi, diplomats and socialites like Umesh Chowdhary — organised an award function felicitating more than 35 leading entrepreneurs in Bengal for their contribution to retail, real estate, healthcare and education sectors. The event, initiated to encourage the entrepreneurs in Kolkata, took place at a city hotel recently.

Before the event was formally inaugurated, industrialists Harsh Neotia, Sanjay Budhia and Shashwat Goenka were seen engaging in a lively banter at the banquet. “I’m glad that such initiatives are being taken in the city and with such events, we can counter the notion that we are not business friendly. This will also encourage the young entrepreneurs and startups,” Harsh told.

The award function began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp. Besides Harsh Neotia and Sanjiv Goenka, Tollywood star Dev, chairman of CII Umesh Chowdhary and MD and CEO of Berger Paints, Abhijit Roy, were also seen at the inaugural ceremony. While addressing the audience, Dev said, “Everybody sitting here, in this room, is making us proud as Kolkatans. Do invest in West Bengal and do invest in Kolkata.”

Later in the evening, Shashwat Goenka, who was awarded the Most Young & Dynamic Leader, said, “I am so glad that my work has been recognised. It is really encouraging.” Tollywood actress Mimi Chakraborty, who presented the awards at the do, said, “It is an amazing evening. I am really glad to be here.”

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To know more about the initiative was taken by the Ghanshyam himself for the Jute labours: Ghanshyam Sarda jute industry