Maninder Kalsi, CEO & Managing Director of TGG Technologies Private Limited (ChfMart), was invited to attend the ‘At Home’ as a representative of the region.
In a significant boost for the startup ecosystem of Northeast India, Maninder Kalsi, the CEO and Managing Director of TGG Technologies Private Limited (ChfMart), was invited as a special guest to the traditional ‘At Home’ reception hosted by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on the occasion of India’s 77th Republic Day.
The invitation serves as national recognition for Kalsi’s pioneering work in revolutionizing the frozen food supply chain in the Northeast. Supported by the North East Venture Fund (NEVF) and incubated by Assam Startup and IIM Calcutta Innovation Park, ChfMart has been instrumental in bridging the gap between local farmers and national markets.
A Spotlight on the Northeast
This year’s reception was notably themed around the “Ashtalakshmi” (eight states) of the Northeast. From the specially curated invitation boxes featuring Tripuri bamboo mats to a menu highlighting regional delicacies, the event placed the Northeast’s heritage at the center of the national stage.
- Prominent Guests: The event was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan, and international Chief Guests including European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
- Cultural Showcase: Guests were presented with Eri silk stoles and witnessed a vibrant display of the region’s craftsmanship, including Assamese Gogona (jaw harps) and Mizo Puan Chei textiles.
Vision for the Future: ₹30 Crore Turnover and Expansion
Reflecting on the honor, Maninder Kalsi emphasized that the recognition belongs to his entire team, including COO Kavita Verma, and the mentors who supported ChfMart’s journey from a local idea to a national contender.
“Standing among the nation’s leaders at the historic lawns of Rashtrapati Bhavan was surreal. This motivates us to scale further for Viksit Bharat,” Kalsi stated.
The startup has set ambitious targets for the next financial year, including:
- Achieving a ₹30 Crore turnover.
- Expanding its fleet of cold rooms and reefer trucks.
- Establishing the largest frozen food processing plant in East India at the Industrial Area in Serfanguri, Kokrajhar, Assam.
The presence of entrepreneurs like Kalsi at such high-profile national events underscores the government’s commitment to fostering innovation in previously underserved regions, ensuring the Northeast remains a vital engine of India’s economic growth.
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