Raghu Shetiya is a man who wears many hats… effortlessly. From property development to supplying timber to an online taxi service, adiposity this Goenkar has come a long way, a far cry from the young man who started out as a real estate broker in 1997 and used to unload trucks at night. Today, he has built residential complexes, set up a useful transportation business and launched Goa’s first fashion calendar (Aatmaa).

The construction projects include Goldbeam Residency, located in Santa Cruz and comprising of twenty-four apartments. This was undertaken with two partners, Rajesh Salgaonkar and Sameer Kakodkar, after which clients began to appreciate his work. The next housing initiative is Immaculate Gardens, in Mapusa, which has fifteen villas and twenty-five apartments and estimates to be ready for occupancy by March this year. “But I wish the Government would set up a governing body so as to avoid malpractices in the real estate sector; too many people have been duped by forged documents and unclear title proofs”.

Last August, Mr Shetiya came up with TaxiGo, an online taxi service (dial 671-1111), which he hopes will provide efficient and reasonably priced cabs to both locals and tourists alike. It offers pick-up and drop off to the airport and railway stations, plus sightseeing tours within and outside of Goa.

Mr. Raghavendra Shetiye Owner, Chandan Group

Under the umbrella of his Chandan Group, Raghu’s vision is to make Panjim a ‘no traffic zone’,replacing cars and bikes with buggies. His other selfless endeavour is WHY (We Help You), an NGO he set up in May 2008. It has already assisted in various disaster relief operations – providing medicines to the Uttarkhand Relief Fund, donations to the affected victims of Canacona- in addition to helping the poor and needy by giving out clothes and books. The future seems very bright for the enterprising Raghu Shetiya.