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Pankaj Sharma Honored with Young Entrepreneur Award: A Rising Star in Himachal’s IT Revolution
A Proud Moment for Theog at the Him Cine and Achievers Awards
Shimla – In a ceremony marked by celebration and pride, Pankaj Sharma, Director and Founder of Gashwa Technologies, was recently honored with the Young Entrepreneur Award at the prestigious Him Cine and Achievers Awards 2025 in Shimla. The award was presented by Rajesh Dharmani, Himachal Pradesh’s Minister for Town and Country Planning, Housing, Technical Education, Vocational and Industrial Training.
For Sharma, a resident of Theog, this recognition is not just a personal milestone but also a matter of pride for his hometown and the entire state. By building a successful IT enterprise in Himachal, he has proven that innovation and global impact can emerge even from the small towns of the hill state.
The Journey of Gashwa Technologies
Humble Beginnings in 2017
On June 25, 2017, Pankaj Sharma founded Gashwa Technologies with a modest vision—to provide quality digital services in Himachal Pradesh and beyond. At its inception, the company specialized in:
- Web Designing
- Digital Marketing
- Software Development
- IT Training
What started as a small initiative soon became a beacon of innovation. Sharma’s focus on quality and innovation quickly earned Gashwa Technologies recognition from clients both in India and abroad.
Expansion into New Frontiers
Over time, the company diversified its services to include:
- Mobile App Development
- Cybersecurity Solutions
- Cloud Computing
- Advanced IT Consulting
Each expansion reflected Sharma’s philosophy: technology should not only solve problems but also create opportunities. By introducing cutting-edge solutions, he ensured that his company stayed at the forefront of the IT sector while simultaneously creating new avenues for local talent.
Impact on Himachal Pradesh’s Youth
Training and Employment Generation
One of Sharma’s most significant contributions lies in his commitment to empowering Himachal Pradesh’s youth. Through structured training programs, Gashwa Technologies has enabled hundreds of young people to gain industry-ready skills.
Sharma believes that with the right guidance and exposure to modern technologies, the youth of Himachal can compete at par with professionals across the globe. His programs emphasize both skill development and entrepreneurship, helping participants become not just job seekers but job creators.
Focus on Women Empowerment
Recognizing the need for gender inclusivity in technology, Sharma has prioritized women’s training programs. Under his leadership, Gashwa Technologies has trained numerous women candidates who have gone on to achieve financial independence.
This emphasis on empowering women aligns with Sharma’s broader vision of inclusive growth, where every segment of society can benefit from digital transformation.
Global Reach with Local Roots
Himachal on the Global Tech Map
Under Pankaj Sharma’s leadership, Gashwa Technologies has executed projects not only within India but also for clients across the United States, Europe, and Asia. These successful ventures have positioned Himachal Pradesh as a potential hub for quality IT solutions.
By proving that a company headquartered in the hills can compete with international firms, Sharma has broken stereotypes and inspired a new generation of entrepreneurs.
Beyond Technology: Cultural and Creative Ventures
Sharma is not just an IT entrepreneur. He is also the founder of:
- PahariGaana Records – a music label providing a platform for local artists.
- Digital Anant Bhandar – an e-commerce initiative aimed at giving local businesses a digital presence.
Through these ventures, he has created bridges between technology, culture, and commerce, showcasing his vision of holistic entrepreneurship.
The Award Ceremony: Recognition of Excellence
Words of Encouragement
While receiving the award, Pankaj Sharma expressed heartfelt gratitude:
“This award is not just mine. It belongs to my team, my family, and all the young people who are striving on the path of hard work and innovation. My dream has always been to create opportunities for the youth of Himachal so that they can succeed within their own state rather than depending on other regions or countries.”
He further shared his ambitious vision:
- To train and employ over 1,000 young people in Himachal within the next five years.
- To help youth transition from job seekers to job creators.
- To continue fostering a culture of innovation and inclusivity.
Recognition by Leaders
Minister Rajesh Dharmani, while presenting the award, emphasized the importance of young entrepreneurs like Sharma in shaping Himachal Pradesh’s future. He noted that the state’s youth have immense potential and, with leaders like Pankaj Sharma, the IT sector could become a strong pillar of the regional economy.
The Broader Significance of Sharma’s Journey
Entrepreneurship in the Hills
Himachal Pradesh, traditionally known for its agriculture, tourism, and handicrafts, has only recently begun to explore IT as a sector with transformative potential. Sharma’s success demonstrates how digital ventures can flourish even in regions with limited infrastructure, provided there is determination and vision.
His journey underscores an important lesson: entrepreneurship is not bound by geography but driven by ideas and execution.
A Role Model for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
For young dreamers across Himachal, Sharma’s story serves as both inspiration and a practical roadmap. He exemplifies how local talent, when combined with global vision, can create enterprises that not only generate profit but also uplift communities.
Future Vision: From Local Impact to Global Footprint
Pankaj Sharma envisions Gashwa Technologies as more than just a company—it is a movement to empower youth, modernize businesses, and promote Himachal on the global map.
His roadmap for the coming years includes:
- Skill Development at Scale – Launching advanced training centers across Himachal to prepare students for global IT careers.
- Strengthening Women’s Participation – Expanding women-focused programs in IT training and entrepreneurship.
- Global Collaborations – Partnering with international firms to bring more projects and investments to Himachal.
- Cultural Digitization – Using technology to preserve and promote Himachal’s rich cultural heritage through digital platforms.
A Story of Determination and Vision
Pankaj Sharma’s recognition with the Young Entrepreneur Award at the Him Cine and Achievers Awards 2025 is not merely a personal achievement. It represents a larger shift—the rise of Himachal Pradesh as a hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital empowerment.
From founding Gashwa Technologies in 2017 to building a global client base and empowering local youth, Sharma has proven that with vision, perseverance, and commitment to community, an entrepreneur can transform not just his own life but the future of an entire region.
His journey stands as a reminder: great enterprises are built not just on profits, but on purpose.
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