Hershey India expands its ‘Better For You’ snacking portfolio with launch of delicious Sofit Protein Cookies

India is the global company’s first market for ‘Better For You’ cookies

Mumbai, 13th November 2018: Hershey India Pvt. Ltd, a part of The Hershey Company, one of the world’s leading snacking giants, is set to foray into the premium, ‘Better For You’ segment in the biscuit category with the launch of Sofit Protein Cookies.

Delicious Sofit Protein Cookies is a distinctive product that provides the goodness of protein, omega-3, fibre and vitamins. It has no trans-fat and maida (refined wheat flour). The crunchy cookie is made from multi-grains including wheat, oats, soy and includes ingredients such as flax seeds, almonds, raisins, cocoa and mango. With the launch of tasty protein cookies, Sofit intends to offer today’s health conscious consumer a ‘Better For You’ snacking option.

India is a critical part of The Hershey Company’s international business and is one of its focus International markets. Hershey India is focusing on key brands like Hershey’s and Sofit to enter and build relevance across different snacking occasions in the country. Sofit is a clear market leader in the soy milk category. Hershey India’s strategic intent is to drive strong future growth on Sofit by building a `Better For You’ snacking portfolio that spans different categories.

Commenting on Hershey India’s foray into a new category, Herjit Bhalla, Managing Director, Hershey India said, “Bringing a unique and consumer-relevant product such as a cookie with the goodness of protein, into this $2.8 billion biscuit category, is a perfect next step for the Sofit brand.  Sofit is well-regarded among consumers as a brand that provides protein and other nutrients.  Sofit Protein Cookies makes it easy and convenient to have a crunchilicious snack that is better for you.”

Commenting on the launch of Sofit Protein Cookies, the brand ambassador of Sofit, John Abraham said, “I have been proud to represent Sofit because it cares about providing protein and nutrients to consumers who seek better ways to snack. The launch of Sofit Protein Cookies continues this journey. As more people seek to lead an active and healthier lifestyle, I am happy that Sofit has introduced a tasty way to consume nutrients in the form of crunchy cookies which can provide them the energy to do more.”    

The launch of protein cookies aligns with Sofit’s promise of ‘Energy to do More’, by providing dietary nutrients in a delicious range. These ‘Better For You’ cookies will be available in distinct range such as natural cocoa with healthy flax seeds; delicious mango with real almond bits; refreshing raisins with healthy flax seeds.

Targeted at working adults residing in the country’s large metro cities, Sofit Protein Cookies will benefit such individuals who are keen on leading a healthy and active lifestyle. Sofit Protein Cookies will be available in Modern Trade, Large General Trade stores and E-Com in the big cities of the country. The product will be sold at an attractive price point of Rs 45 for the small pack (100g) and Rs 65 for the Take Home Pack (150g).

Lotte appoints Anindya Dutta as Managing Director for Havmor Ice Cream

Mumbai, November 01, 2018: Havmor, India’s leading ice cream brand and a wholly owned subsidiary of South Korean conglomerate Lotte Confectionery, has announced the appointment of Anindya Dutta as its new Managing Director. He will be the first MD after Lotte acquired Havmor Ice Cream in Dec 2017.

Anindya will be taking forward Lotte’s vision of expanding its business footprint in India. His mission will be at one end to leverage the legacy, the category expertise and brand equity that Havmor enjoys in the ice cream category to rapidly scale up the business towards a national leadership position and at the other end to evaluate and build synergistic expansion into adjacent categories.

Anindya brings 20+ years of leadership experience in the food industry across business verticals and categories including Bakery, Dairy and Confectionery. Prior to joining Havmor, he was with Britannia for the last 17 years in roles of increasing impact in sales, marketing, strategy and P&L Management.  In his past assignments at Britannia he was heading the Dairy and Bread business and more recently he was leading the International expansion of Britannia as the Vice President- International Business

Mondelēz International Unveils its global Research, Development and Quality Center in India

India facility is part of the company’s $65 million investment in its worldwide

Technical Center network to accelerate growth and innovation

INDIA, 31^st October 2018: Mondelēz International today inaugurated its newest global Research, Development and Quality Technical Center in India located in Thane, Maharashtra. The India Technical Centre has been set up with an investment of $15 million and will support new products and technologies for the company’s global brands in Chocolate and Beverages. The Technical Center will also focus on consumer science, packaging and productivity. This is part of the company’s strategy to invest $65 million in developing a global network of state-of-the-art technical hubs strategically positioned around the world.

“Our mission at Mondelēz International is simple – to offer consumers the right snack, for the right moment, made the right way. And our global Technical Center network is crucial to support this,” said Maurizio Brusadelli, EVP and President AMEA (Asia, Middle East and Africa). “Our AMEA region hosts three global technical centers – the other two being in China and Singapore – demonstrating that our dynamic markets are at the heart of the company’s growth strategy. Our investment in the Thane Technical Center further emphasizes the importance of India to our global business.”

“With these Technical Centers, we’re focusing our investment in research, equipment and capabilities, driving innovation to accelerate our growth,” said Rob Hargrove, EVP, Research, Development and Quality. “Our RDQ hubs will improve speed, efficiency and effectiveness, while increased scale will enable us to address evolving consumer needs more quickly. We are delighted that one of our global technical centers is based in India, which has one of the best technical and scientific capabilities in the world.”

“As we accelerate consumer-centric growth across both our global and local heritage brands, innovation plays a crucial role,” said Deepak Iyer, Managing Director, Mondelez India Foods Pvt. Ltd. “The Thane Center will collaborate on innovations with multiple countries within the company network. We are proud that some of the most unique and cutting-edge innovations will be created right here at our Thane Technical Center. This investment is just another example of the importance of India to Mondelez International – as we continue to make, sell and innovate in this market for over 70 years.”

Spread across an area of 12000 sq meters, the Thane Technical Center will be equipped with multiple technical capabilities, such as a pilot plant, a packaging creative studio and a range of laboratories for technical research and development. The team of around 150 scientists, developers, engineers, analytical chemists and other specialists will closely collaborate on innovations across the globe. The site is a zero water discharge facility, zero waste to landfill and has 100 percent rain water harvesting.

The India hub joins nine other Mondelēz International Technical Centres around the world that are already in operation, including – East Hanover, New Jersey, in the United States; Curitiba in Brazil; Bournville and Reading, both in the UK; Wroclaw in Poland; Singapore; Suzhou in China; Saclay in France and Munich in Germany.

Internationally acclaimed artist Bose Krishnamachari inaugurates IndianOil’s ‘The Canvas Code’

(L-R)- Subodh Dakwale, Executive Director, Corp Comm & Branding – IndianOil (IOC), artist Bose Krishnamachari, Gurmeet Singh, Director (Marketing) – IOC, Sadhana Mittal, CH. GM, Corp Comm – IOC

~ A philanthropic initiative in its 22^nd year, IndianOil’s art exhibition is aimed at promoting young talent in the art fraternity and will showcase the work of 12 masters, 35 eminent sculptors and painters, and 38 upcoming artists~

~Scheduled from October 24–29, 2018, ‘The Canvas Code’ will be held at the Jehangir Art Gallery~

October 24^th, 2018 – IndianOil’s biennial art exhibition titled ‘Canvas Code’ was formally inaugurated by internationally acclaimed artist Bose Krishnamachari at Jehangir Art Gallery today where he unveiled the work of 12 masters, 35 eminent sculptor artists and painters and 38 upcoming artists. A wide array of paintings by over 90 artists from across the country will be showcased at Jehangir Art Gallery from October 24 to 29, 2018.  It will also present a diverse range of artworks by artists of different age groups, styles and categories.

What began as an eclectic art display in 1987 at IndianOil’s head office in Bandra, has today, become a significant event on Mumbai’s art calendar. This philanthropic initiative of IndianOil is organized with a view to support and promote young budding talent in the art fraternity and provides them a prestigious platform to exhibit their work alongside established artists. It will also present a diverse range of artworks by artists of different age groups, styles and categories. IndianOil has also collaborated with NGO Nanhi Kali to ensure that 10 per cent of sale proceedings will be contributed to charity.

The name ‘The Canvas Code’ stems from the fact that a canvas denotes a platform or stage that would be given to artists, irrespective of their stature or standing. Since the artists will range from masters to rising stars to beginners, the word ‘code’ has been used to denote the sense of community that they share. The code unites them for one cause – spreading the light and igniting the passion of art in the very fabric of our society where young minds are the creative catalysts of a vibrant future.

Speaking about the event, internationally acclaimed artist Bose Krishnamachari said, “I am very happy to officially inaugurate the 22nd edition of the IndianOil Art Exhibition, ‘The Canvas Code’. When we were growing up we did not have many patrons who always supported practitioners of art. This is a great initiative by IndianOil to support art. Enthusiasm, commitment and passion are important for young artists to grow in their career. IndianOil is doing a very good job in encouraging young artists.”

Speaking about the event, IndianOil’s Executive Director, Corporate Communications & Branding, Subodh Dakwale said, “It’s a privilege to organize the 22^nd edition of the IndianOil art exhibition. We have come a long way from 1987 where we exhibited in our head office in Bandra. With each year, we’ve improved and today we have come of age with paintings of over 100 artists, masters as well as upcoming artists. IndianOil also supports sports, music and culture. This is a great platform for all young artists who otherwise don’t get a place to showcase their work. Mumbai is a city of art lovers and we are looking forward to them attending and supporting the exhibition.”

Commenting on the exhibition, IndianOil’s Marketing Director, Gurmeet Singh, said, “I would like to compliment all the artists as we continue to support and promote them. Introducing the paintings by the hearing and visually impaired for the first time at the exhibition along with senior artists should provide them the opportunity to do some good work. We are thankful to Mr.Bose Krishnamachari for inaugurating the exhibition.”

The exhibition has, for the first time, given an opportunity to hearing and visually impaired artists like Sudarshan Manse and Gaurav Dhamija. Senior artists such as Shrikant Jadhav,  J. K. Chillar, eminent artists such as Geeta Parmar, Deepak PW, Abhang and Manoj Sakale along with acclaimed artists such as Suhas Bahulkar, Achyut Pallav, Shobha Broota, VG Andani, David Prem, Mohammad Iqbal, Pankaj Ghelot, Niti Yogi are amongst many others will be participating in the show, fortifying the unique position that the exhibition has been claiming ever since its inception. The art show is being organized with assistance from senior artists Pratibha Wagh and Bapusaheb Zanje. This year’s mega show includes an eclectic mix of works telling a unique story of life’s experience. The works on display include abstract, semi-abstract paintings and sculptures in diverse media such as oil on canvas, acrylic on canvas, pen & ink, mixed media, ceramics, terracotta, sandstone, etc.

IndianOil is celebrating 2018 as the ‘Year of Trust’ with ‘trust’ being the currency of creativity. Pioneering the spirit of creativity is important to IndianOil’s heritage. As an Indian energy major, this art show truly symbolizes the mindful support IndianOil extends to the Indian art-loving community.

Aware of the need to be perceived not just as corporate behemoths that exist for profits, but as wholesome entities created for improving the quality of life of the communities they serve, Indian Oil supports a variety of endeavours in arts, culture, music and dance, apart from organising programmes on its own under the banners of IndianOil Art Exhibition, IndianOil Sangeet Sabha and IndianOil Kavi Sammelan.

Indian Plumbing Association (IPA) to celebrate 25th Silver Jubilee Anniversary

Water Conservation and Reuse to be Key Focus of 25^th Indian Plumbing Conference & Exhibition

 

L-R: Mr. C.S. Gupta, National Secretary, Indian Plumbing Association (IPA); Mr. Minesh Shah, Chairman, Gujarat Chapter, IPA; Mr. Gurmit Singh, National President, IPA; Mr. Sharat Rao, Chairman, Mumbai Chapter, IPA; Mr. Amish Mehta, Hon. Secretary, Mumbai Chapter, IPA

·     The 25th Indian Plumbing Conference & Exhibition (IPCE) to be held at Nehru Centre, Worli, Mumbai on the 26th, 27th & 28th October, 2018

·     Plumbing is approximately an INR 33,000 crore market in India growing at 15% per annum and employs about 8 lakh people

·     Participation of Plumbing bodies from Australia, Japan and USA to add international flavor to 25th IPCE

Mumbai, October 22, 2018:The Indian Plumbing Association (IPA), the national body of Plumbing professionals with 4000 members and 20 chapters across the country, today announced that the pressing problem of water conservation and its reuse would be the key focus of its 25^th Indian Plumbing Conference & Exhibition (IPC), set to be held in the city’s Nehru Centre at Worli between October 26-28, 2018. The IPA would also simultaneously be celebrating its 25^th Silver Jubilee Anniversary on the occasion.

Mr. Hardeep Singh Puri, Honourable Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs has consented to be the Chief Guest at the 25^th IPC based on the importance of ‘Water for a Better Tomorrow’. Mr. Sanjay Dutt, MD of Tata Realty and Tata Housing has also been invited as the Guest of Honour.

Speaking at a curtain raiser media event, Mr. Gurmit Singh Arora, National President, IPA, also elaborated on its other key focus area- implementation of the Uniform Illustrated Plumbing Code of India, saying, “IPA has conducted the ‘Indian Plumbing Professionals League’ (IPPL) with around 900 participants across 16 cities to disseminate information on it’s Plumbing Standards & Codes, including the Uniform Illustrated Plumbing Code of India, 2017. The IPPL while imparting knowledge on plumbing products, techniques and installation practices, culminated through five levels of Quiz competitions for the Building & Architectural Community. The Grand Finale with four coveted winners will take place on the October 28, 2018 at Nehru Centre.” 

On the focus on water conversation at the 25^th IPC, Mr. C.S. Gupta, National Secretary, IPA, said “ We at the IPA have decided to spread the message around the criticality of water based on the principle of four R’s- Respect, Reuse, Retreat and Recycle and this will be on ample display at the 25^th IPC and in all the programmes and we will conduct throughout the year. This can help an individual save at least 20-50 litres of water a day.”

The 25^th IPCE will also see participation from the entire World Plumbing Council (WPC) Board, including Chairman WPC & CEO – Plumbing Industry Climate Action Centre, Australia; the CEO of the International Association of Plumbing & Mechanical Officials (IAPMO), USA & MD of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), and many such luminaries including the MD of Rain Water Harvesting & Infiltration Association of Japan, giving it a truly international flavor.

Besides around 50 of India’s top companies in the sector like Jain Irrigation, Astral Pipes, Kirloskar Pumps, Ashirvad Pipes, Prince Pipes, Finolex Pipes, Jindal Stainless Steel, and Grundfos among others are also expected to participate.

The 25^th IPC will see talks and discussions by such global and domestic industry leaders around the theme of the World Plumbing Council 2018, the ‘4 Pillars of Plumbing’ as in ‘Practices–Standards and accountability in day-to-day work in the industry’, ‘Products– Features and quality of the materials, fittings and appliances used in plumbing work’, ‘Participation– Primarily the training requirements to work in the industry ’ & ‘Protection– Measures to minimize risks and provide redressal when failures occur’. 

The 25^th IPC will also host Prabhuji Gauranga Das of ISKCON, who will deliver a motivational address on Water. 

As all of us are aware, 11 cities in India are listed as moving towards water bankruptcy and it is with the advent of reduction in fresh water supply, and increase in pollutants and untreated sewerage, being unscrupulously released into fresh water streams and supply, the reduction in clean potable and fresh water, both for domestic and agricultural purpose has reached enormously low receding levels. We are truly in a crisis and war like situation and if we do not take ICU meditated and planned measures, most of our urban cities will be highly water stressed, with some reaching water bankruptcy, earlier than later envisaged. 

IPA needs to make drastic steps towards water stability. The Indian Plumbing Association has an enormous task to ensure that we reduce water supply at source, treat and retreat and recycle waste water, rain water harvest, educate the consumer in apt and correct use of water and prevent leakages in plumbing systems, to ensure that we have clean and fresh water for our generation and their generations to come. Water is a finite resource and part of the ‘Panchbuttas’ as in ‘Jal’, ‘Vaayu’, ‘Agni’, ‘Akash’ & ‘Dharti’ and unless we preserve and respect water that we have today, we will have none left for our children & their children to come. 

It is therefore important that media takes cognizance as conscious keepers of society and acts responsibly in propagating the apt use of water to ensure that water is not mistreated. 

70% of the communicable disease is transmitted through bad quality of water. Diarrhea is a bigger killer than even ‘Cancer’ and ‘Aids.’ No doubt a Plumbing Engineering Degree is termed as ‘Pubic Health Engineer’ because he is responsible for the health of millions. 

Plumbing is a science, backed up by 1,000s’ of pages of Codes & Standards. Approximately 12% to 13% of the Construction cost is attributed to plumbing and part of every construction whether HIG, MIG or LIG, it is an important stream and an integral part of construction. 

The IPA is aware of it’s responsibilities in supplying disease-free water at correct pressure and flow rate, to ‘use and reuse’, ‘treat and retreat’, ‘rain water harvest’, ‘educate in apt use of water’ and ‘use Low Flow Fixtures & Sanitaryware’ to leave water for the future. 

IPA is the only National body of Plumbing Professionals, therefore, takes great pride in the important work it does for the nation. 

Answer of the Season’ winner on Koffee with Karan to drive away with the Audi A5 Sportback

Koffee with Karan driven by Audi gets even more exciting as one celebrity guest stands a chance to win the Audi A5 Sportback

Mumbai, October 22, 2018: Audi India, the German luxury car maker, that recently associated with “Koffee with Karan” show for its 6th season has heightened the excitement in the show with the announcement of gifting the Audi A5 Sportback to the guest who gives the ‘Answer of the Season’ (AOTS). The AOTS will be chosen from the quirkiest and most fun answers given by the guests this season.

“With ‘Koffee with Karan driven by Audi’, we have strengthened our association with Bollywood. As with most of our initiatives, we didn’t want the partnership to be just symbolic but also experiential. With the announcement of gifting the Audi A5 Sportback to the winner of the AOTS, we are ensuring that the chosen Bollywood achiever experiences the sportiness, progressiveness and sophistication of the Audi brand. We are looking forward to welcome the AOTS winner to the Audi Bratpack,” said Mr. Rahil Ansari, Head Audi India.

Audi completed ten years in India in 2017 and within this short span, the brand has become one of the most preferred luxury car brands for enthusiasts in the country through a progressive marketing strategy. In the last 10 years, brand Audi has been successfully able to achieve the change of philosophy in the Indian market. Audi is now being perceived as being a global brand that is Indianised –  from  being known as a ‘brand with four rings’ to ‘char bangdi’ or ‘char chudiya’, Audi has successfully entrenched itself in the Indian pop culture. A large part of this is attributed to a glocal content strategy through effective curation of content types and media channels to bring a sound degree of market disruption in the segment. 

The brand with four rings upped the glamour quotient by associating with upcoming season of the Koffee with Karan show, which will feature India’s most famous celebrities.

14 years ago, filmmaker Karan Johar wanted to create to show unlike any chat show India had ever seen – he wanted fans to see their favorite celebrities let their hair down, reveal secrets and have fun. Since then, Koffee with Karan, a Star World Original, has become synonymous with Bollywood. The new season will not only bring new and upcoming actors on the couch but will also lead to interesting conversations and fun segments.

"Audi globally associates and partners with motion pictures, sports, entertainment, and cultural properties and we have continued this trend in India as well. Through our association with Koffee with Karan, we are taking this a notch higher and demonstrate our commitment to the Indian market," added Mr. Ansari.

‘Koffee with Karan’ season 6 driven by Audi will launch on 21st October and air every Sunday at 9PM on Star World, Star World HD, and Hotstar.

Hon. Union Minister Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi Announces Haj 2019 And Unfurled The Highest Tricolor At Haj House

100 percent digital and without subsidy Haj 2019 was announced today at Haj House, Mumbai, Two months before schedule comparing to the last year’s Haj. While announcing Haj 2019 here at Haj House, Mumbai,Union Minister for minority affairs shri mukhtar abbas naqvi today said that it is for the first time that preparations for next year’s Haj (2019) has been started immediately after completion of the current year’s Haj Process (2018).

Shri Naqvi said online application process for Haj 2019 will be started from tomorrow 18th October while offline application process will start from 22nd October 2018. A total of 3,55,604 applications had been received for Haj 2018 which included 1,89,217 male and 1,66,387 female applicants. 

Shri Naqvi said that early stage of Haj process will ensure better facilities as well as smooth Haj process as the concerned agencies, both in india and saudi arabia, will get sufficient time for arrangements. Process of airlines tender will be completed by November and accommodations process in Makkah and Madina will be completed by December- January. The accommodation rates in Saudi Arabia will be sane as it was in 2018. All 20 embarkation points will be functional and Haj pilgrims will also be able to go from calicut airport.

Shri Naqvi said that Haj 2018 was pro-pilgrims even after removal of Haj subsidy. Elimination of middlemen and 100 percent online and transparent system ensured that even after removal of Haj subsidy, there was no unnecessary financial burden on pilgrims. 

In 2017, a total of rs 1030 crore was paid to airlines for airfare for 1,24,852 Haj pilgrims, going through Hah committee of India. It means, Rs 57 crore less was paid to airlines this year even after ending Haj subsidy.

Shri Naqvi said that Haj 2018 was successful. For the first time after the independence a record number of 1,75,025 Muslims from India performed Haj this year and that too without any subsidy. We are hopeful that indian Muslims will go in large number for Haj 2019 in comparison to the Haj 2018.

Shri Naqvi said that safety and better facilities, medical facilities for the pilgrims is the priority of the government and there will be no lackadaisical approach on the matter.

On the occassion, Shri Naqvi inaugrated ‘Viewers Gallery’ at the Haj house and unfurled monumental National Flag on the roof top of Haj House, Mumbai.

This monumental Indian National flag of size 20 feet by 30 feet on the high mast of 20 meter height has been installed on rooftop of Haj House making jt 350 feet High from ground level.

It is believed that this will be the highest tricolor installed on terrace of any building with such height (116 meters from sea level)

माननीय मंत्री मुख़्तार अब्बास नक़वी ने हज 2019 के ऐलान‌ के साथ ही सबसे ऊंचे राष्ट्र ध्वज को हज हाउस में फहराया

आज मुम्बई के हज हाउस में 100 फीसदी डिजिटल और बिना सब्सिडी वाले हज का ऐला‌न‌ किया गया. पिछले साल की तुलना में हज के शेड्यूल से दो महीने पहले इस बात का ऐलान किया गया है. हज हाउस में 2019 कर हज ऐलान करने हुए माननीय केंद्रीय अल्पसंख्यक मंत्री मुख़्तार अब्बास नक़वी ने कहा कि ऐसा पहली बार हुआ है कि 2018 के हज के पूरा हो जाने के तुरंत बाद 2019 के हज की प्रक्रिया शुरू कर दी गयी है. 

श्री नक़वी ने कहा कि 

2019 के हज के लिए ऑनलाइन आवेदन की प्रकिया कल से यानि 18 अक्तूबर से और ऑफलाइन प्रक्रिया 22 अक्तूबर से शुरू कर दी जायेगी. हज 2018 के लिए कुल 3,55,604 आवेदन प्राप्त हुए, जिसमें 1,89,217 पुरुष और 1,66,387 महिला आवेदक थीं. 

श्री नक़वी ने कहा कि हज की जल्द शुरू की जा रही प्रकिया से बेहतर सुविधाएं जुटाने में मदद मिलेगी. इसके अलावा, भारत और सऊदी अरब की एयरलाइन‌ एजेंसियों को इंतजाम के लिए खासा वक्त मिल जायेगा. 

एयरलाइन्स के टेंडर की प्रक्रिया नवंबर तक पूरी हो जायेगी, जबकि मक्का और मदीना में रहने की व्यवस्था से संबंधित तमाम प्रक्रिया दिसंबर-जनवरी तक पूरी हो जायेगी. सऊदी अरब में रहने की व्यवस्था की दर में कोई बदलाव नहीं होगा और ये 2018 के बराबर ही होगी. हज यात्रा के सभी 20 मार्ग सुचारू रहेंगे और इसके अतिरिक्त हज यात्री कालिकट एयरपोर्ट से हज यात्रा कर सकेंगे.

श्री नक़वी ने‌ कहा कि सब्सिडी के हटाये जाने के बावजूद 2018 की हजयात्रा काफी सफल रही. दलालों के खात्मे और आवेदन की प्रक्रिया 100 फीसदी ऑनलाइन करने के बाद के बाद बनी पारदर्शी व्यवस्था ने ये साबित किया है कि सब्सिडी के हटने के बाद भी हज यात्रियों पर आर्थिक बोझ नहीं पड़ा है.

2017 में कुल 1030 करोड़ रुपये हवाई यात्रा के लिए एयरलाइन्स को दिये गये थे, जिससे हज कमिटी की मार्फ़त कुल 1,24,852 हजयात्रियों ने हज यात्रा की थी. इसका मतलब ये हुआ कि सब्सिडी खत्म‌ किये जाने के बाद 57 करोड़ रुपये कम एयरलाइन्स को अदा किये गये.

श्री नक़वी ने कहा कि 2018 की हज यात्रा कामयाब रही. आजादी के बाद पहली बार भारत के 1,75,025 मुसलमानों ने इस साल हज यात्रा की. हमें उम्मीद है कि 2018 की तुलना में अगले साल और भी भारी संख्या में मुसलमान हज यात्रा के लिए जायेंगे.

श्री नक़वी ने कहा कि सुरक्षा और बेहतर सुविधाएं, हज यात्रियों के लिए बेहतर मेडिकल सुविधाएं सरकार की प्राथमिकता है और इसे लेकर सरकार कोई सुस्ती नहीं बरतेगी.

इस मौके‌ पर मुख़्तार अब्बास नक़वी ने हज हाउस में 'दर्शक दीर्घा' का उद्घाटन किया और हज हाउज के रूफ़ टॉप पर विशाल राष्ट्र ध्वज लहराया. इसका आकार 20×30 फुट है और इसे हज हाउज पर 20 मीटर के हाई मास्ट के सहारे स्थापित किया गया है. इस तरह इसकी कुल ऊंचाई जमीनी स्तर से 350 फुट है. ऐसा माना जा रहा है कि ये किसी भी इमारत के टेरेस पर फहराया गया सबसे ऊंचा राष्ट्र ध्वज है, जिसकी कुल ऊंचाई समुद्र तट से 116 मीटर है.

Dawoodi Bohra schools and centres in Mumbai collect tons of food to feed the hungry

Organised Food Banks and Awareness Walk as part of the global drive

October 15, 2018

MUMBAI: Thousands of Dawoodi Bohra children and youngsters from all parts of the world have come out to engage in various activities for World Food Day on 16th of October. This year’s commemoration, themed ‘Our Actions are our Future’, is focused on youth and educators.  

Pupils from community schools and volunteers from Dana and FMB committees spanning over 50 cities have organised awareness walks, conducted seminars and initiated poster competitions to create awareness about global hunger and food wastage. Special food banks have also been set up at various locations to collect non-perishable food items from donors which are being distributed to the needy with help from local NGOs.

This worldwide initiative is conducted under the ‘Project Rise’ umbrella which is dedicated to helping underprivileged children and families by providing them with access to adequate nourishment, healthcare and hygiene with other opportunities that lead to a better quality of life.

Speaking on the program, Yusuf Mukarram of Project Rise shared, “It is very pleasing to see so many students and volunteers taking the lead and coming forward to join the global cause of food hunger. We strongly believe that a hunger-free world is possible if we unite our efforts every single day.”

In Mumbai, more than18 schools and community centres collected tons of food items which will be fed to hungry families with the help of local NGOs. A walkathon was also organised today by students of MSB Education Institute to convey the message of Zero Hunger.

The pivotal role played by food in the life of all human beings needs no enumeration. Islam places great emphasis of feeding the hungry just as it does on making sure that not even a single morsel of food goes to waste, all the more so as it has the capability to alleviate the hunger of another.  The Holy Quran and other scripture are replete with narratives on the importance of feeding the hungry. The Prophet Mohammed SAW decreed ‘there is no deed superior to feeding the hungry.’

Today the world produces enough food to feed everyone, yet one in every nine people don’t get enough food to live a healthy life. An estimated 821 million people suffer from chronic hunger. About 60% of these are women.

Malabar Gold & Diamonds to triple number of outlets to 750 and raise Group turnover to US$7 billion in 5 years

Malabar Gold & Diamonds to expand its 2,700 plus-strong investor base by attracting investors from North and Central India to spearhead its India-wide and global expansion as it celebrates Silver Jubilee

·        One among the world’s largest jewellery retailer to triple its retail footprint to reach 750 outlets by FY23 as part of its global expansion plan

·        Malabar Gold & Diamonds adds the United States of America as 10^th country and cross 250 mark by end of the year

·        The Group celebrates 25 years of continuous growth in 10 countries in 22 different business verticals

·        Malabar Gold & Diamonds plans to extend operations to Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Australia, Canada, Egypt and Turkey in the coming years

Malabar Gold & Diamonds, one of the world’s largest jewellery retailer, announces ambitious global growth plan on the eve of its Silver Jubilee (25 years) celebrations that will see the company triple its retail network from 250 showrooms this year to 750 outlets in the next five years with annual turnover exceeding US$6.16 billion (INR 45,000 crores) and the Group turnover to US$6.85 billion (INR 50,000 crores) by 2023.

The Group currently operates retail outlets spread across ten countries in the India, Middle East, Southeast Asia and America. Its massive expansion plan will see the company expand its footprint across all Tier 1 and Tier II cities in North and Central India – in order to cater to the growing jewellery market. The company’s plan of major expansion in international market includes new territories such as Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Australia, Canada, Egypt and Turkey. As much as 40 percent of the group turnover will be generated from the company’s operations outside India.

Considering the characteristics of the new market planned to enter, Malabar Group introduced a new concept – MGD Lifestyle Jewellery – a smaller format store offering daily wear small-ticket jewellery and lifestyle articles.

The company plans to invest US$ 960 million (INR 7,000 Cr) to manage the growth and expansion. The expansion will see Malabar Group expand its investor base from 2,752 and include more investors from North and Central Indian states, so that they could also be a part of the success of Malabar Gold and Diamonds.

Malabar Gold & Diamonds is the jewellery retail arm of the diversified business conglomerate Malabar Group that includes other business verticals such as real estate developments, shopping malls, hypermarket, technologies, retailing of home appliances & electronics, watches, franchisee retailing and services.

The new expansion will see Malabar Group nearly double its headcount from 13,000 to 25,000 professionals on direct payroll within the next five years to manage the growth and expansion.

“Silver Jubilee is a major milestone in any company’s history and during this time Malabar Group grew from a local entity to an Indian International brand with a large loyal customer base. “Today, Malabar is a name to reckon with and known to almost every consumer. During the last 25 years, Malabar Gold & Diamond has grown from strength to strength and rose from being a small outfit to an international player across a number of verticals including gold and diamond jewellery retail, jewellery manufacturing and multi-retail concepts,” Ahammed MP, Chairman of Malabar Group, told the media at a press conference in Mumbai.

“The culture of gifting lives along with human beings to express their love, affection and emotion for their loved ones. Our aim is to be No 1 in this segment and we will strengthen the gifting aspect of jewellery that is fast growing in India and other countries and use it as a growth-driver of our jewellery business.” he added.

Abdul Salam KP, Group Executive Director of Malabar Group, said, “As a responsible business, we are very mindful of our obligations to our societies. Our expansion will create more well-paid jobs and we are very excited about our future growth plan. We ensure our entire operation in a very transparent way. We understand the sensitivity of the industry and ensure compliance through responsible sourcing, ethical business practices, transparent and professional fund management. We associate with trade bodies, financial houses, government regulators to make sure that our operations are infallible globally.

The group has a unique business model where its expansion is fuelled by investors who become shareholders in different entities in a very transparent ownership model. Malabar Gold & Diamonds currently have over 2,752 investors under different entities who share the same vision, dedication and passion. Around 19.4 percent of these investors are full time employees with the Group, including the front-end managers and directors.

Added Asher O, Managing Director - India operations, said, “Our ambitious retail expansion plan in North and Central Indian states like Punjab, Maharashtra, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, etc will be supported by a new set of investors from these regions. We will also continue to strengthen our retail foot print in the states where we currently have strong presence. Our unique business model of sharing and caring has worked for us very well and it makes us a transparent and accountable organisation with a solid foundation where all investors have a financial and moral stake in the company. We want our North and Central Indian brothers also to join the movement and share our success.”

The company’s expansion will help generate about 12,000 new jobs and help the youths to earn a better living. We are also planning to set up three more manufacturing units and in order to manage the expansion and to fix the skill shortage in jewellery manufacturing, we are in the process of setting up a skill development centre to groom the youth and absorb them in various job profiles, in line with the Skills India campaign,” Asher added

Shamlal Ahamed, Managing Director of Malabar Gold & Diamonds’ International Operations, said, “As an Indian-born international jewellery brand, we take pride in our roots in India and help connect the global consumers to the Indian heritage and art. Our strong retail presence across 10 countries coupled with the jewellery manufacturing capabilities that mostly produces Indian culture-inspired designs that are exported to the rest of the world through our international retail network. Our further expansion in the international arena will lead to Indian artisanal jewellery being showcased at prominent global destinations.”

The group has earmarked 5% of its annual profit for CSR activities in five key areas such as housing, health, environment, women empowerment and education.

The group is also in the process of formally opening its new global headquarters at Montana Estate in Kozhikode, Kerala. Montana Estate has been set up at a sprawling 150-acre green tract as an eco-friendly township with signature bungalows, villas and apartments, international school, convention centre, organic farming, mini theatres, business clubs, etc.

“Diversification is going to be the key to the Group’s growth and are entering into more retail business segments and further strengthening presence in real estate, beyond Kerala,” MP Ahammed, Chairman of Malabar Group, told the media.

Malabar Developers, another subsidiary in the group, has already completed more than 2.5 million square feet of housing development. The group is planning to set up more townships, convention centres and affordable housing. Group has opened “Mall of Travancore” at Trivandrum, the capital city of Kerala. In the tourism space, the Group recently opened Marina Convention Centre, along the riverside of Chaliyar, along with houseboats.