Zendesk Appoints Former Outcast CEO As New CMO, Names NBA And Netflix Execs To Board

* Alex Constantinople joins the company as CMO, with Jeff Titterton expanding role as COO. New board directors Brandon Gayle of NBA San Antonio Spurs 

* Netflix lead designer Steve Johnson, bring decades of product, brand, design and storytelling expertise working with some of the world’s most recognized companies

Zendesk, Inc. (NYSE: ZEN), a trusted and beloved CRM customer service software company and the champion of great customer service everywhere for everyone, has made a number of strategic appointments to its leadership team and Board of Directors as it positions itself for continued growth.

Alex Constantinople will join the company as Chief Marketing Officer on May 10. New board members Brandon Gayle and Steve Johnson joined its Board of Directors, effective March 31. Zendesk’s current CMO Jeff Titterton is expanding his role as Chief Operating Officer for the company.

“As we move into this next growth phase at Zendesk, it is going to be more important that we build a sense of purpose and long-term vision into our product, team, customers, and communities. We’re excited to have Alex join our leadership team, and Brandon and Steve join our board on this journey,” said Mikkel Svane, CEO, chairman and founder of Zendesk.

A creative industry leader and seasoned strategic marketer, Constantinople joins Zendesk from Outcast, the renowned San Francisco marketing agency, where until last month she served as CEO and a key partner to some of the world's most innovative technology companies for over a decade. She will play a critical role in defining, evolving and aligning Zendesk's strategy and its overall messaging and positioning in the market, and help the company continue to evolve its unique brand identity.

“I’m thrilled to be joining the Zendesk team, and to lead a marketing organization that is known for building and delivering brand experiences their customers love,” said Constantinople. “There’s so much opportunity ahead for the business to keep shaping the future of customer service, particularly as it builds off last year’s $1 billion revenue momentum and history of continued high, long-term growth.”

Brandon Gayle is Executive Vice President of Revenue, Brand and Communications for Spurs Sports and Entertainment, which owns and operates the NBA’s San Antonio Spurs. Brandon’s experience connecting a company’s larger mission and purpose with its product and customers will be invaluable to Zendesk as it transitions into being a multi-billion dollar company. Prior to his current role, he had a multi-year run at Facebook and Instagram, and previous stints at Groupon, the New York Jets, and as a consultant at Bain & Company.

Steve Johnson is a user experience executive who builds, mentors and coaches creative and diverse organizations that design thoughtful products. He is currently the Vice President of User Experience at Netflix, and prior to this has designed experiences for Electronic Arts, Adobe and LinkedIn. Steve’s focus on reflecting the unique perspective of a target audience through design will be key as Zendesk continues to expand its business globally.

About Zendesk - Champions of Customer Service

Zendesk started the customer experience revolution in 2007 by enabling any business around the world to take their customer service online. Today, Zendesk is the champion of great service everywhere for everyone, and powers billions of conversations, connecting more than 100,000 brands with hundreds of millions of customers over telephony, chat, email, messaging, social channels, communities, review sites and help centers. Zendesk products are built with love to be loved. The company was conceived in Copenhagen, Denmark, built and grown in California, taken public in New York City, and today employs more than 4,000 people across the world.

The Pandemic Push: Indians Three Times Keener To Invest In A Home And Health Security Tech Than Smartphones

 * A recent survey by Godrej Security Solutions ‘Cocoon Effect on Home and Health Security’ highlights blurring lines between home and health security; and rejigging investment in technology

As the country grapples with the rising cases of COVID and the announcement of corrective and preventive measures by various state governments, Godrej Security Solutions has released the results of its recent study, Cocoon Effect on Home and Health Security'.

The study revealed, over three-quarters of Indians (76.99%) now consider health and wellbeing as their primary safety concern at home and only 23.01% consider protection of possessions as the priority.

This data represents a stark contrast to our idea of home safety before the pandemic, when the majority (51.95%) cited protection of property and possessions as their crucial concern at home, compared to (48.05%) who considered health and wellbeing as their priority.

This 'recalibration' towards health was also reflected in Indians' purchasing priorities.  Prior to the emergence of COVID-19, over a quarter (26.34%) cited they were 'most likely' to purchase a smartphone or tablet from a given list of consumer products, including kitchen appliances (19.26%), Jewellery (16.0%), and health devices such as UV sterilizers (12.83%). 

Post pandemic, health devices have become a priority purchase for 46.35% of Indians, followed by smartphones/tablets (15.86%) and home entertainment systems such as Alexa and Google Home. The study also revealed 61% of Indian women have taken the lead in raising their understanding of different home and health security parameters, product benefits and usability, and certifications from a competent authority.

On the research, Mehernosh Pithawalla, Vice President, Godrej Security Solutions explains that the research was commissioned to assess the impact of the pandemic – as well as subsequent restrictions and lockdown – on Indians' idea of health safety and security. "There has been a paradigm shift, which can be attributed to the pandemic. Being 'safe and sound' at home no longer refers just to property and possessions; it's also about personal hygiene and wellbeing. The pandemic has led to a Cocoon Effect among citizens. It has forced them to shift focus and re-evaluate their home and health security preparedness," he says. 

Mr. Mehernosh Pithawalla further adds that the research highlights a positive movement from the 'security deficit' of homeowner's response to these issues. "When it comes to property, there has always been a considerable lag between people's awareness of the importance of safety and security and the purchase of suitable equipment to ensure the same. The general tendency was to have an outside-in approach to security where dependence on securing lives was considered the primary responsibility of government, institutions or resident welfare associations. Our research highlights that India's 'security deficit' is now undergoing a stark change as consumers are now adopting an inside-out approach by taking charge of the home and health security.” The study also revealed that now less than half (48.88%) are willing to spend up to INR 25,000 on hygiene and sanitizing equipment for their homes.

"As a trustworthy brand that has been securing Indian homes for several decades, it was incumbent on us to take strategic steps to support the country in the fight to secure homes and health of every Indian. As a response to the market's need, we diversified into health security portfolio and launched a range of products including UV Case – India's first Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) certified product that sanitizes our daily objects; cash sanitiser and sterliser; Vigi-Guard turnstile with sanitizer dispenser and the Dual Sensor Thermal Camera for elevated body temperature screening will help India adapt to the new normal in ensuring health security, among others," he adds.

Godrej Security Solutions estimates the total addressable health and home security market for FY 2021-22 in the country will reach around INR 450 cores with a CAGR of 20%, given the rising adoption rate and demand for home and health security products.

Women Professionals Still Face More Absurd Queries Than Men At Job Interviews And Appraisals: TimesJobs Survey

Women professionals still face absurd queries - about their marriage and family plans - at job interviews and appraisals, as compared to their male peers found a recent TimesJobs survey. While India Inc. celebrated International Women’s Day with much zest in March, the ground realities haven’t changed on many counts. TimesJobs surveyed 1,564 women professionals, aged 28-40, employed in different sectors to understand how their work-life changed in the last decade. 

In the survey, most women professionals said that work-life imbalance was their biggest challenge (voted by 48% respondents), followed by the gender pay gap. Most respondents also said that while hiring most firms held a bias against mothers, preventing women from resuming work post-maternity. These findings cement the age-old rue that working women face many conscious and unconscious biases at work. 

Most absurd queries for women professionals:

The TimesJobs survey asked if women professionals face unnecessary probing about their family at job interviews and appraisal meetings, and the unanimous answer was a ‘yes’. About 66% respondents said that they faced absurd questions about marriage or plans on having children v/s their male counterparts. Only 34% respondents said that they hadn’t faced such queries.  

Lockdown fatigue for women professionals, more women lost jobs too:

The TimesJobs survey asked the respondents (all working women) if the COVID-19 induced lockdown was tougher for them v/s their male colleagues. Most (74%) respondents said yes, hinting at latent exhaustion from managing work and home non-stop during the pandemic. The survey also probed if any women they knew lost jobs during the pandemic. The answer here too was a ‘yes’, voted by 70% respondents.

No transparency around salary promotes gender pay gap:

Many workplaces – in India and abroad - have been harping about their ‘same work, same pay’ policies for long but that hasn’t reduced the gender pay gap. The survey investigated the reasons for the gender pay gap. Most respondents said that an unconscious bias among hiring managers (executing diversity policies and programs) and no transparency around pay were the two big culprits (each voted by 34% respondents) for the existing pay gap. Gender bias was named as the third contributing factor, as voted by 32% respondents. 

Women leaders preferred for different perspectives they bring to the board

The TimesJobs survey uncovered some progressive trends too. When asked if women leaders were taken as seriously as their male counterparts, most (52%) said ‘yes’. Most of these respondents cited that female leaders were preferred for the multiple perspectives they brought to the board pertaining to diversity, work flexibility etc (voted by 36%). The second most voted reason was their focus on teamwork, as voted by 29% respondents. 

Women professionals made most progress in the IT/ITeS domain:

The TimesJobs survey asked the domains where women professionals made the most progress and most (35%) respondents voted for the IT/ITeS domain. This was followed by the Hospitality sector, as voted by 16% respondents. On the other hand, Automobiles (just 3% votes) and Pharmaceuticals sectors (voted by 5% respondents) were perceived as less encouraging for women employees. 

Commenting on the findings of this survey, Sanjay Goyal, Business Head, TimesJobs and TechGig said, “There are a host of tech tools available that help make the hiring and appraisal process completely transparent and bias-free. We now have cutting-edge platforms that help assess a professional basis his skill prowess, and for a second opinion, anyone can view those interviews or skill tests again. With such progressive tools in place, there’s no way that organisations should let bias creep in workplaces and derail their progress”.

Citroen C5 Aircross SUV Launched In India; Price Start At INR 29,90,000 Lakhs (Ex-Showroom Delhi)

 

·         New Citroën C5 Aircross SUV – Introductory prices start at INR 29,90,000 Lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi) 

·         To be sold through La Maison Citroën Phygital Showrooms in 10 cities supported by Nomadic Phygital Showroom

·         To offer 100% online buying of C5 Aircross SUV directly from factory, with doorstep delivery in over 50 cities across India

·         Introducing Citroën Future Sure - a comprehensive service & maintenance package with an attractive monthly payment of INR 49,999 including an assured future value

·         Launching Citroën Advisor, the online review website where consumers can review their product and ownership experience

The new Citroën C5 Aircross SUV launched, today, in India with a special introductory price of INR 29,90,000 Lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi). The deliveries of the vehicle will commence from today at La Maison Citroën phygital showrooms across the country.

New Citroën C5 Aircross SUV - Introductory Prices (variant wise) (ex-showroom Delhi)

Feel (Mono-Tone) -            INR 29,90,000 lakhs

Feel (Bi-Tone) -              INR 30,40,000 lakhs

Shine (Mono-Tone/Bi-Tone)  -  INR 31,90,000 lakhs

CITROËN 360° COMFORT STRATEGY FOR INDIA

To make the Citroën ownership extremely comfortable, the company is launching Citroën Future Sure for Indian customers. This comprehensive package allows customers to Own a Citroën with an easy monthly payment of     INR 49,999, including an assured future value on the C5 Aircross SUV. The package also includes Routine Maintenance, Extended Warranty, Roadside assistance and an on-road financing for upto 5 years.

Another live example of Citroën’s India-first initiatives are La Maison Citroën phygital dealerships in 10 cities –

New Delhi, Gurgaon, Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kochi, Chennai. At these showrooms, customers get to experience the seamless, omni-channel retail concept through

ATAWADAC (AnyTime, AnyWhere, AnyDevice, AnyContent). A full digital ecosystem will link seamlessly the digital experience of customers and will enrich the journey at the showroom with ATAWADAC reception Bar, High Definition (HD) 3D configurator, Citroën Origins touchscreen. Available both, online and at La Maison Citroën dealerships, the HD 360° 3D Configurator offers real time 3D visualization that renders visuals in an extremely realistic way.

Citroën is launching 100% direct online buying for the C5 Aircross SUV. Customers in over 50 Indian cities

(online network city list in appendix) outside the dealer network will be covered through this direct online initiative and can order directly from the factory. A dedicated e-commerce-enabled website with a seamless journey for selection of finance, insurance, annual maintenance packages, extended warranty as well as trade-in of the existing car is available. Customers will be supported by a dedicated Test Drive fleet, E-sales advisor, Virtual Product Demo and a Doorstep Delivery facility.

For the aftersales network named the L’Atelier Citroën, the company will offer unique services:

·         Remote diagnostics supported by comprehensive warranty and 100% parts availability to assure customers of a stress-fee ownership experience.

·         Service on Wheels will enhance reach and availability for customers covering majority of common repairs at customer’s doorstep.

·         These services will be backed by a pan-India Road Side Assistance service, which will reach customers within 3 hours in majority of locations across the country.

All this represents Citroën Service Promise and it would mean “Comfort at Your Fingertips” for customers.

For the first time in India, consumers will be able to review their product and ownership experience through our online review website: Citroën Advisor. A highly successful model across the world, this allows customers to rate their dealership, their car and their sales consultants. This pioneering tool in the automotive world has evolved over time with a range of features that enables Citroën to stay one step ahead in terms of transparency and proximity to its customers.

Vincent Cobée, Chief Executive Officer, Citroën, said, “The India launch of the new Citroën C5 Aircross SUV is a very proud moment for all of us at Citroën. The Citroën C5 Aircross SUV definitely goes beyond market expectations, addressing all the needs in terms of design, comfort, roominess, equipment and powertrain. Its international success and modern technology will certainly satisfy Indian customers, who deserve nothing less than a world-class product. The Citroën C5 Aircross SUV will establish our brand in India and showcase what Citroën is capable of. With this launch, Citroën starts a new chapter in India and you can expect a lot of action in the next coming months, with the reveal of the first vehicle from our new family of B-segment cars.”  

Roland Bouchara, Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Citroën India, says, “We are excited to launch the new C5 Aircross that embodies all the elements of the Citroën Advanced Comfort® program. This ties up very well with our brand ethos of Citroën 360 degree comfort to enhance the overall customer experience. We are focused on improving the well-being of people by the seamless customer experience, human-centricity and how well we are integrated digitally through our La Maison Citroën phygital network. Through our disruptive products and services, we are challenging the status-quo and reinventing the car buying and distribution model in India. With over 1000 pre-bookings till date, the C5 Aircross is clearly one of the most anticipated SUVs in India and we are looking forward to our journey in India with this launch.”

NEW CITROËN C5 AIRCROSS SUV

The flagship SUV from Citroën is assembled in India at the Company’s plant in Thiruvallur, near Chennai. This ‘Comfort Class SUV’ has a distinguished dynamic design and is available in four body colours and an optional black roof, for a personalised look. Today, globally, the brand’s leadership is illustrated by its “unique comfort” signature and embodied by the five key aims of the Citroën Advanced Comfort® Programme illustrated in the new Citroën C5 Aircross SUV:

1. Flying Carpet Effect for cushioning the discomfort from road bumps through the Progressive Hydraulic Cushions® equipped suspension system, exclusively developed by Citroën.

2. A stress-free travel environment Cocooned in Comfort with Acoustic Front Windscreen & Front Window glasses, Advanced Comfort Seats and 3 individually sliding, reclining & modular rear seats that fold flat to offer a class leading boot space.

3. Panoramic Life with brighter and airier cabin and relaxing views of the scenery outside especially with its Panoramic Sunroof (Shine variant)

4. Intuitive Technologies to simplify life on-board which include the unique Grip Control® System with multiple drive surface options, Blind Spot Monitoring System, Park Assist feature which enables you to park the car with only the brake and accelerator control while the car steers itself, Foot Operated Hands free Electric Tailgate (Shine variant), Engine Stop & Start function, a 31.24 cm Digital Driver Display, a 20.32 cm Infotainment Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay™ & Android Auto amongst a host of other technological features.

5. Powerful yet refined 2.0 litre Diesel Engine and 8-speed "Efficient Automatic Transmission". The C5 Aircross SUV offers best-in-class Fuel Efficiency of 18.6 kmpl (ARAI certified) 

6. With 10 key Driving and Safety aids, customers can experience comfort for mind along with the driving comfort.

The new Citroën C5 Aircross SUV has been launched in 4 colours – Pearl White, Tijuca Blue, Cumulus Grey & Perla Nera Black. These are available in both full body colour and bi-tone options with a wide range of accessories on offer. 

Customers can test drive and experience the unmatched comfort of the new Citroën C5 Aircross SUV by visiting any of our La Maison Citroën phygital showrooms or book it on www.citroen.in

Jana Small Finance Bank And Axis Securities Enters Into Tie-Up To Offer Investment Services

Jana Small Finance Bank, which recently celebrated its 3rd anniversary, today announced its tie-up with Axis Securities, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Axis Bank, to offer its customers the perfect blend of banking and investing through 3-in-1 account.  The 3-in-1 account integrates seamlessly Savings Bank Account maintained by Jana Small Finance Bank & Demat and Trading Accounts maintained by Axis Securities.

The 3-in-1 account will make it easier for customers to transfer funds quickly, reduce paperwork and most importantly provide a single seamless platform to invest in various investment instruments including Mutual Funds, SIP, equities and other investment avenues offered by Axis Securities. The customers can opt for various services of Axis Securities like Mutual fund investing, Stock broking, Investment advisory and Portfolio management services, along with the opening of Trading / Demat account.

Speaking on the new association, Ajay Kanwal, MD and CEO, Jana Small Finance Bank said, “We are delighted to give our customers access to a scalable 3 in 1 platform. This tie-up with Axis Securities will continue our endeavor in building meaningful relationships with our customers by providing them with access to smart financial planning tools that will help them in wealth creation journey. We believe the key attraction for Jana customers will be mutual funds SIP where they can invest a pre-decided amount every month in MF scheme of their choice.”

Commenting on the partnership, Mr. B Gopkumar, MD & CEO, Axis Securities, said, "We are happy to collaborate with Jana Small Finance Bank and to extend our investment solutions to their customers. We are confident that Jana Small Finance Bank customers will benefit from seamless and convenient access to our technology-driven, dynamic range of products and valuable research insights. This tie-up is another step in our journey to empower investors to take charge of their finances by making informed investment decisions.”

About Jana Small Finance Bank

Jana Small Finance Bank Limited (Jana Small Finance Bank) is one of the leading Small Finance Banks of India in terms of assets under management and deposit size as at March 31, 2020. Jana Small Finance Bank has the second most geographically diversified portfolio with a pan-India presence among all Small Finance Banks in India as at March 31, 2020. As at February 28, 2021, Jana Small Finance Bank had 611 Branches, including 166 Branches in Unbanked Rural Centres, and 134 ATMs located in 229 districts in 20 states and three union territories. Jana Small Finance Bank has served over 8.00 million customers since 2008, including approximately 3.05 million active customers.

Jana Small Finance Bank Limited (the “Bank”) is proposing, subject to receipt of requisite approvals, market conditions and other considerations, to make an initial public offer of its equity shares and has filed a [draft red herring prospectus (“DRHP”) with the Securities and Exchange Board of India. The DRHP shall be available on the website of SEBI at www.sebi.gov.in, websites of the Stock Exchanges i.e. BSE and NSE at www.bseindia.com and www.nseindia.com, respectively, and is available on the websites of the BRLMs i.e. Axis Capital Limited, ICICI Securities Limited and SBI Capital Markets Limited at www.axiscapital.co.in, www.icicisecurities.com and www.sbicaps.com, respectively. Any potential investor should note that investment in equity shares involves a high degree of risk and for details relating to such risk, see "Risk Factors" of the RHP, when available. Potential investors should not rely on the DRHP for any investment decision.

This announcement has been prepared for publication in India and may not be released in the United States. This announcement does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in any jurisdiction, including the United States, and any securities described in this announcement may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration under the US Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or an exemption from registration. Any public offering of securities to be made in the United States will be made by means of a prospectus that may be obtained from the Bank and that will contain detailed information about the Bank and management, as well as financial statements. However, no public offering of securities is being made in the United States

About Axis Securities

Axis Securities Limited (ASL) is a proud subsidiary of Axis Bank – India’s 3rd largest private sector bank. With a robust branch network across India, ASL offers retail broking services under its flagship brand Axis Direct (www.axisdirect.in). Axis Direct engages in offering simplified investment solutions to customers. It offers a bouquet of investment products to its customers e.g. Equities, Mutual Funds, SIPs, IPOs, Derivatives, Bonds, NCDs, ETFs, and Company Fixed Deposits. With over 36 lakh customers, Axis Direct is one of the fastest-growing players in the industry.

ASL Disclaimer

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing. Axis Direct is a brand under which Axis Securities Limited offers its retail broking and investment services.

Trading Member| Axis Securities Limited,CINNo.U74992MH2006PLC163204 | SEBI Single Reg. No.- NSE, BSE,MSEI, MCX & NCDEX – INZ000161633 | ARN- 64610 SEBI-Research Analyst Reg. No. INH 000000297 IRDA Corporate Agent (Composite) Reg. No. CA0073 | Portfolio Manager Reg. No.- INP000000654 | SEBI Depository Participant Reg. No. IN-DP-403-2019 |Investment Advisor Reg No. INA000000615. Registered Office Address - Axis House, 8th Floor, Wadia International Centre, P.B. Marg, Worli, Mumbai-400025. In case of any grievances please write to: customer.grievance@axisdirect.in. Mutual Fund investments are subject to market risks, read all scheme related documents carefully. Axis Securities Limited - ARN-64610-AMFI-Registered Mutual Fund Distributor.  ASL is just acting as a distributor of Bonds and Debentures. These products are not Exchange-traded products and all disputes with respect to the distribution activity, and Products and services not traded at the Exchange would not have access to Exchanges' investor redressal forum or Arbitration mechanism. Any communication/information sent to clients on phone numbers or e-mail ids registered with the Trading Member is meant for client consumption and such material should not be redistributed. Brokerage will not exceed the SEBI prescribed limit.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor Champions The Cause Of Quality Education With The Construction Of A New School In Karnataka

Underling the company’s belief in the power of quality education at grassroot level, the inauguration of the newly constructed Government Kannada Model Primary School at Ramanagara District near Bangalore was completed today with the support of Toyota Kirloskar Motor. Equipped with modern amenities, the school will benefit close to 500 children studying from Standard I to VIII by creating a wholesome environment for their inclusive and overall growth. Further, the school will provide a safer and favourable learning environment thus ensuring improvement in the standard of learning experience.

The new Government Kannada Model Primary School was inaugurated by Shri Dr. C. N. Ashwathnarayan, (Deputy Chief Minister, Government of Karnataka) in the presence of Shri. A Manjunath (MLA, Magadi), Shri. H. N. Ashok (President of Zilla Panchayat), Dr. K Rakesh Kumar (IAS, Deputy Commissioner), Mr. Ikram (IAS, CEO - Zilla Panchayat) along Mr. Sudeep Dalvi Senior Vice President & Director, Toyota Kirloskar Motor and other government officials.

Built more than a century ago, the Government Kannada Model Primary School has a legacy of providing quality formative education to renowned personalities like Late Kengal Hanumanthaiha (the second Chief Minister of Karnataka), Late C. D Narasmhaiha (famous Indian Poet and Writer), Late B Partha Sarathi (Rtd IAS officer) and many others. However, due to its derelict condition, the school was under-utilized and not able to provide facilities to school children in the community.

Under its CSR initiative, Toyota Kirloskar Motor took up this project and restored the school’s infrastructure. The newly provided modern facilities include - eight new classrooms with restored furniture, staff room, computer room, laboratory, sports room, toilets for students, kitchen, dining hall and a library. The school was completed at a total project cost of INR 4.63 Crore.

Commending TKM on its relentless efforts towards the betterment of the society, Shri Dr. C. N. Ashwathnarayan, (Deputy Chief Minister, Government of Karnataka) said, “Development of rural education plays an important role in economic and social betterment of the people and it is our duty to provide the right infrastructure and our government is working hard in this direction. We are glad that corporates like TKM are coming forward to support and help in this endeavor. This school has a very rich legacy and with this improved infrastructure i am confident that many young potential future leaders will be shaped. Through such iniatives we hope to bring about a positive transformation and foster better learning for children to learn and grow and be the change makers for tomorrow.”

Present at the occasion Mr. Ikram, IAS, CEO - Zilla Panchayat “Children are our prime responsibility and we are all tasked to shape their future at an early stage. It is heartening to see support from Toyota stepping up their commitment to combat hindrances in rural India. Quality education is the key enabler of a well-balanced socio-economic development. The power of education and knowledge transcends all social boundaries and for the holistic development of the nation, I urge more and more corporates and individuals to come forward with their steadfast support to enable quality education to all.”

Inaugurating the new school, Mr. Sudeep Dalvi, Senior Vice President & Director, Toyota Kirloskar Motor said, “The primary contribution of education is to stimulate and propagate knowledge in children who will become the change makers of tomorrow. Good infrastructure at educational institutions are the key factor in academic development and improving the overall wellbeing of school children. It creates a dynamic environment and gives special attention to the mental and physical wellbeing of the youth. Over the years, TKM has adopted a sustained approach at securing the future of the communities we work with, through committed investments towards improving education infrastructure for them. We hope the new Government School will help in promoting better learning while improving retention of children in schools and further translating into enhanced learning outcomes.”

Toyota Kirloskar Motor, over the years, has initiated several projects to accelerate access to quality education in Karnataka. The company began the educational materials distribution program since 2003 and has cumulatively benefitted 1,00,940 students in 1,319 schools. Toyota also initiated a school health programme to address the malnutrition, anemia and, eye problems of government school children in Ramanagara district benefitting more than 19000 children so far. Overall, sustained efforts have led to a visible decrease in the school dropout rates, in Ramanagara, from 5 % to 1% and observed a drastic increase in the attendance ratio. 

As part of its CSR intervention and supporting the Government of India’s “Swachh Bharat Mission”, TKM introduced Project ABCD (A Behavioural Change through Demonstration) which covered 58,974 children in 1,004 schools at Ramanagara district (Karnataka) to improve public health and sanitation in villages. Project ABCD has been significantly contributing to the Government’s Sustainable Development Goal of ending open defecation in India. This program impacted the children to motivate the parents to construct toilets at their homes. Total 13,518 household toilets have been constructed since last 5 years.

Toyota remains committed to bring in more enriching and sustainable CSR projects for the holistic development of the community members, thus effectively contributing to the underlying cause of positive societal development and bring in a change towards the transformation of the larger community.

World Health Day Wishes From A Concerned Social Media User

Budding Social Media Performer Amit Gupta whose digital identity is Entertaining Amit, posted a video on the occasion of World Health Day today (7th April 2021). His message was full of gratitude for the Doctors, Medical Professionals, Government authorities and the Honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He also tried to create awareness for Covid-19 and importance of wearing a mask.  

"The pandemic has taught us the significance of Health and Fitness and people are actually becoming more aware and active. I have seen many of my friends and colleagues indulging into Yoga, Cycling and exercise for varying reasons, making the most of the lockdown. I always had high regards for Doctors and they are very rightly called GOD in India. And seeing the pandemic situation, my love and respect for them increased a lot more. I wish everyone remains healthy and fit," quoted Amit Gupta.

Amit Gupta is a Catastrophe Analyst by profession employed in Mumbai. Due to the ongoing pandemic, he is at his home in Siliguri for few months. To make the most of it, he is following his passion of creating funny content and raising social issues. He completed his Masters in Economics in 2015 from Mumbai University.

Here is the link of his message: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVbVSrtlv2g