MAM
Amitabh Bachchan is Unicef’s Goodwill ambassador
NEW DELHI: The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (Unicef) has announced that Amitabh Bachchan has agreed to become its newest Goodwill ambassador. He will promote the rights of children in India and around the world.
Bachchan had the following remarks to make – “I am extremely pleased to accept this responsibility. I hope that by adding my voice to the cause of children, it will make a difference in the lives of boys and girls here at home and across the region.”
Unicef approached the Big B because of his enormous popularity, credibility and appeal as a genuine humanitarian. As a Unicef ambassador Bachchan will periodically speak on issues critical to the lives of children, such as HIV/AIDs, polio eradication and the need for all girls to have an opportunity to go to school.
An official release informs that the film star contributed significantly to the governments Pulse Polio Immunisation programme earlier this year. He appeared in a series of television and radio commercials. These spots played an instrumental role in convincing parents to immunise their children. A research survey of 10,000 respondents conducted in Uttar Pradesh in February 2003 indicated that 67 per cent of the people who brought their children to the polio booth were exposed to the Bachchan spots.
92 per cent cited the Bachchan spots as having an influence on their decision get their child immunised. Only 164 polio cases have been reported in India this year, the lowest number ever recorded. This is a significant turnaround from the polio outbreak in 2002 in which 1600 children contracted polio.
The Unicef representative in India Maria Calivie added, “Mr. Bachchan’s tremendous appeal to young people makes him an ideal Goodwill Ambassador. When he speaks, people from all walks of life, from the youngest to the oldest, listen carefully. Our hope is to leverage Mr. Bachchan’s powerful connection with the people of India to make a difference in children’s lives, as he has already done for polio.”
Brands
Samsung India elevates Aditya Babbar to lead mobile business
Exec takes charge of MX sales and marketing after Raju Pullan’s exit
NEW DELHI: Samsung India has elevated Aditya Babbar to lead its mobile phone business, following the exit of Raju Antony Pullan.
Babbar, who previously served as vice president within the mobile division, has been appointed head of sales and marketing for the MX (mobile experience) business, effective May 1. In his new role, he will oversee the company’s sales and marketing operations for smartphones and related categories in India, reporting to the executive vice president of the MX business.
A long-time Samsung executive, Babbar brings over a decade of experience within the organisation, having held multiple leadership roles across product, marketing and category management. Most recently, he led product marketing and e-commerce for the mobile division, following earlier stints as head of product and marketing and senior director roles.
His career within Samsung Electronics and its India operations has also included responsibilities for flagship devices, tablets and wearables, giving him a broad view of the company’s premium and mass-market portfolio.
Babbar succeeds Pullan, who stepped down from the role, marking a leadership transition at a time when India remains a key battleground for global smartphone makers.
The appointment signals continuity within Samsung’s leadership bench, with an internal candidate stepping up to steer one of its most critical business units in a highly competitive market.
