MAM
“This year’s’ was the best lineup of speakers at Goafest,” Nakul Chopra
MUMBAI: Be it statistics or experience, Goafest 2016 has outdone previous editions by a healthy margin much to the pride of Goafest Organising Committee chairman Nakul Chopra.
“We got lot of feedback on the spot in Goa, and most complimented the speaker sessions. They all also appreciated the leadership summits. For many, this year’s was the best line up of speakers atGoafest. Broadly speaking, the feedback has been good on the whole production of the event as well,” Chopra added.
While on the one hand the likes of Arjuna Ranatunga, Rajdeep Sardesai, Shobha De, Karan Johar, R Balki upped the ante of the celeb factor at the three day conference, international creative geniuses like Benny Thomas, Fergus O’Hare, Tara Marsh, Carter Murray and Jean Lin gave industry insights and look aheads from a mature market perspective.
Looking at logistics and itinerary, “This year was a huge improvement on timings. While last year wasn’t bad either, for this one we managed to stay on time for the most part,” Chopra shared. While day one saw a slight delay at the Abbys, the organisers tried their best to make day two and day three awards nights within enjoyable timings and kept the delays under check.
Speaking about the highlights of the three day Abbys Chopra said, “I am definitely happy about Publicis’ performance at the Abbys. We have won several metals for meaningful work and that makes me proud of the team.
Between several small and big tweaks, the organising committee did manage to address several logistical and experiential issues, and introduced a fresh fervour to the advertising festival. “We tried introducing Wifi for all at the venues and the Goafest 2016 app kept everyone tuned in with the proceedings of the day, those inside the auditorium or outside on the lawn alike. The innovations were a huge success and we plan to work and make it even better for the coming year as well.”
Going by sheer numbers, Goafest outweighed its predecessors fairly well. “The total number of organisations who participated, either through their delegates or through their entries in the creative Abbys has gone over 350 this year, which is saying something,” revealed Chopra..
This year also saw the biggest number of sponsors for the advertising festival. While this couldn’t be confirmed, the very obvious branding on display for various media showcased the collective interest in making the festival more interactive and fun. Starting from the Times Network branding at the entrance to the several fun booths that TLC, ABP Live, Magic Bricks Now, Movies Now Plus, and ZOOM etc., set up across the festival, the sponsors truly livened up the three days in creative and interactive ways.
Given the successful execution of this year’s Goafest, the bar is definitely set higher for next year. Chopra however is optimistic that this ‘ By the fraternity, of the fraternity and for the fraternity’ festival will only get bigger and better in years to come.
MAM
Deepanshu Manchanda named IIMSAM Goodwill Ambassador
Zappfresh founder to advocate for Zero Hunger and nutrition goals.
MUMBAI: Deepanshu Manchanda just got a United Nations side quest because when you’re already fighting hunger from farm to fork, the next level is global goodwill. Deepanshu Manchanda, founder and managing director of DSM Fresh Foods Ltd. (Zappfresh), has been appointed Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by the Intergovernmental Institution for the Use of Micro-Algae Spirulina Against Malnutrition (IIMSAM), an observer to the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
The honorary, non-remunerative role recognises his work in building inclusive, transparent food systems, strengthening smallholder farmer livelihoods especially women producers and advancing nutrition and food security.
Since founding Zappfresh in 2015, Manchanda has focused on traceability, farmer inclusion and public health. A notable collaboration with Shared Wealth Ventures LLC (a Heifer Project International subsidiary) established a backyard poultry sourcing model across Odisha, Bihar and Andhra Pradesh, linking women-led households directly to organised markets while promoting biosecurity and premium procurement practices.
As Goodwill Ambassador, he will support initiatives aligned with:
- SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) – advocating sustainable nutrition solutions
- SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) – raising awareness of malnutrition interventions
- SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) – fostering collaboration across institutions and communities
Manchanda said, “I’m honoured by IIMSAM’s recognition. It reflects the journey we began at Zappfresh to build transparent food systems that support smallholder farmers and improve nutrition outcomes. I’m eager to support collaborative progress toward Zero Hunger, better nutrition, and strong partnerships on a global scale.”
In a world where hunger and opportunity often sit at the same table, Manchanda isn’t just serving fresh food, he’s serving fresh hope, one traceable chicken and empowered farmer at a time.
