NT Reporter
Margao
Traditional Benaulim fisherman Francisco Fernandes, popularly known as Pele, was presented the Bharat Social Changemaker Award for his social and entrepreneurial efforts at the Bharat Entrepreneurship Summit convened by the Entrepreneurs Association of India at the NDMC Convention Centre, New Delhi, on Saturday.
The award was formally presented by
Minister for Industries, Food & Supplies, Environment, Forest & WildlifeSardar Manjinder Singh Sirsa, who commended Pele for pioneering efforts toward community development and empowering change at the grassroots
level.
Dignitaries, innovators, and leaders from across India’s public and private
sectors gathered to witness and celebrate the achievements of transformative contributors like Pele. The summit also included sessions on building entrepreneurial ecosystems, leveraging technology and innovation, and collaborative networking across industries.
Speaking at the event, Sardar Manjinder Singh Sirsa said, “Honouring leaders like Francisco Fernandes ‘Pele’ sets an inspiring benchmark for the next generation of social entrepreneurs who are shaping a more inclusive future for our nation.”
Pele has become a
name when it comes to
promoting the local tradition of fishermen from Benaulim and is well known for his tagline, ‘Every day is a
good day’.
