ASTURI 2026 was inaugurated by noted film actress Ms. Varsha Usgaonkar, in the presence of distinguished dignitaries including Shri M. K. Meena, Director MSME (Ministry of Goa); Shri Premraj Shirodkar, Director – Rural Development, GSRLM; Ms. Pratima Dhond, President – GCCI; Mr. Sangam Kurade, Vice President – GCCI; Mr. Sanjay Amonkar, Director General – GCCI and Ms Pallavi Salgaocar, Mentor, Women’s Wing, GCCI
Ms. Sandra Fernandes, Chairperson, GCCI Women’s Wing, warmly welcomed the gathering and highlighted the platform ASTURI provides to women entrepreneurs to showcase innovation, creativity, and enterprise. The exhibition was held under the able leadership of Ms. Gouri Joshi, Event Chair – ASTURI 2026, with valuable guidance from Mentor Mrs. Pallavi Salgaocar, and support from Ms. Poonam Ajgaonkar, Co-Chairperson, GCCI Women’s Wing who proposed the Vote of thanks. The Event was coordinated by Ms Melane Rodrigues, Assistant Director, GCCI
ASTURI 2026 featured 100 stalls showcasing a diverse range of offerings, including food items, household goods, clothing, and wellness products, drawing enthusiastic participation and appreciation from visitors.
Adding to the vibrancy of the event, a range of competitions were organised for both young children and adults, including a drawing competition, fancy dress competition, healthy dessert competition, and a duet antakshari competition, which witnessed enthusiastic participation and added a lively, family-friendly dimension to the exhibition. The exhibition concluded with a grand closing ceremony graced by Ms. Deepali Naik, Project Director, DRDA, South Goa, as the Chief Guest.
A key highlight of the exhibition was the Asturi Queen Competition held among women entrepreneurs, celebrating confidence, leadership, and entrepreneurial spirit. Ms. Suvarna Salgaonkar was crowned Asturi Queen, while Ms. Daniella Vaz emerged as the Runner-up.
Overall, ASTURI 2026 stood as a vibrant celebration of entrepreneurship, empowerment, creativity, and the enterprising spirit of women-led businesses.