MARCOS GONSALVES
Margao: At a time when many young Goans dream of moving abroad in search of better jobs and financial security, Steven Goes of Telaulim-Navelim in Salcete offers a powerful reminder that success can also be created at home — through determination, sincerity and relentless hard work.
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Entrepreneur, social worker, cultural promoter and six-time panch member, Steven’s life story is one of perseverance, resilience and unwavering commitment to his community.
Born and raised in Telaulim, Steven came from a modest family background. After completing Class 12 in the Commerce stream, he entered the working world at a young age, determined to support himself and his family. In 1993, he began his career as a Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) agent.
That early role became the foundation of his future success. It helped him understand people, sharpen his communication skills and build the confidence needed to engage with society at large.
But Steven was never one to remain confined to a single path. Alongside his LIC work, he ventured into the mineral water distribution business, supplying water across the coastal belt of Salcete. Though the business showed early promise, it eventually resulted in financial losses.
For many, such a setback could have ended entrepreneurial ambitions. For Steven, it became a lesson in resilience.
Rather than surrendering to failure, he sat down with his family and discussed his next move. Two options emerged — opening a restaurant or starting a car servicing centre. After carefully studying market demand and future potential, he chose the automobile service industry and in 2014 established a car servicing centre, while continuing his LIC work to maintain stability.
That decision transformed his life.
Through honesty, dedication and consistent hard work, Steven gradually built a thriving business and earned the trust of customers. Today, he is recognised as a successful self-made entrepreneur who proved that opportunities within Goa can be just as rewarding as those abroad.
Yet business success was never his only ambition.
Deeply connected to his village and its people, Steven always remained involved in social causes and community initiatives. His willingness to help others and work for the welfare of the village earned him admiration and respect.
It was this grassroots connection that led him into public life. Encouraged by a group of youngsters from Telaulim, Steven contested the panchayat elections in 1997 and won.
Since then, his journey in local governance has continued uninterrupted. He is currently serving his sixth term as panch member — a remarkable reflection of the faith people have placed in him over the years. Recently, the Department of Panchayats honoured him as one of the longest-serving panch members.
For Steven, politics has never been about power or personal gain. He sees leadership as a responsibility and public service as a duty. Whether helping villagers, solving local issues, supporting community programmes or guiding the youth, he has remained firmly connected to the grassroots.
Beyond governance, Steven has also played a significant role in preserving Goa’s cultural identity. Along with a dedicated team, he has organised several major Konkani musical events in Telaulim, believing that cultural programmes are essential to keeping traditions alive.
He credits the support of close associates, including Avito Pires de Menezes, for helping make these events successful.
Steven’s passion for youth development also found expression through sports. He became widely known for organising motorcycle racing competitions for several years — events that attracted huge participation and inspired other groups across Goa to launch similar initiatives.
Despite his achievements, those who know him describe Steven as grounded, approachable and disciplined. He values commitment, teamwork and giving back to society.
Reflecting on his journey, Steven says he always gave equal importance to business and social responsibility. While managing his enterprise, he also devoted time to village development in various roles, including Panch member, Deputy Sarpanch and Sarpanch.
According to him, balancing professional commitments with public service requires sincerity, discipline and dedication.
His message to the younger generation is simple but powerful: hard work has no substitute.
Steven believes that sincerity, confidence and dedication are the true keys to success. Most importantly, he wants young people to know that meaningful careers and successful businesses can be built within Goa itself.
At a time when migration is often seen as the only road to progress, Steven Goes represents a different path — one rooted in resilience, community spirit and faith in one’s homeland. From LIC agent to entrepreneur, cultural ambassador and respected public representative, his journey continues to ins
