MAM
India’s culture and technology are Its Hallmark: Bhairavi Jani on ‘UMUTE with PRCAI’
Mumbai: Serving as executive director of SCA Logistics Pvt. Ltd., Bhairavi Jani has been adeptly navigating the evolving landscape of logistics and supply chain operations. The fourth-generation entrepreneur and passionate philanthropist is playing a pivotal role in streamlining the complex global network to facilitate a seamless flow of commerce.
Ever enthusiastic about development, Jani recently joined Niret Alva, an award-winning television journalist, producer, anchor, and educator, in the fourth episode of ‘UMUTE with PRCAI. During this enlightening session, she spoke about the evolving global narrative about India, the ongoing digital metamorphosis and importance of the lifelong learning. She also shared insights into her professional journey and her passion to co-create sustainable livelihoods for communities in the upper Himalayas.
Addressing the question posed by the host on the hallmark of India’s changing brand image, Jani responded, “I think our culture is our strongest positioning of course, but so is technology.” Drawing reference from mentions of India in Western movies and series, she said that India has become a part of “mainstream conversation where people in general conversations have started recognising the country.” She even credited prime minister Narendra Modi for advocating the brand India, resulting in the country’s enhanced global image.
Continuing the discussion on strategies to bolster India’s global brand image, Jani asserted that, “Every brand has its core philosophy and values. For India, it has always been its diversity and pluralism. A lot of people equate India to that. If India were to lose that core identity, it would significantly damage its brand.”
Advocating for digitalisation in logistics and other streams of businesses, Jani said learning, experimenting, and preparing a roadmap for the organisation is essential for managing the transition. Commenting on the speculation of job losses due to the advent of AI (Artificial Intelligence) and advanced technologies, Jani stated, “There is a transition. Some people will lose their jobs, but many new, higher-skilled jobs will be created. We shouldn’t be apprehensive about it.”
She even spoke about the importance of lifelong learning in the current era and shared some key skills required for an Indian entrepreneur across sectors. To hear the full episode tune into: Bhairavi Jani: The Future of India is Bright
Brands
Abhinav Rastogi named global marketing director for YouTube Shopping
Google veteran to scale creator commerce and expand shopping across global markets
SINGAPORE: Abhinav Rastogi has stepped into a new role as global marketing director for YouTube Shopping, marking the latest chapter in a more than decade-long career at Google.
Rastogi, who took on the position in February and is based in Singapore, will lead global marketing for YouTube Shopping, a platform designed to connect creators, viewers and merchants in a single ecosystem. His remit includes expanding the service into new markets and strengthening its positioning as a growth channel for both creators and brands.
In a reflective note on the transition, Rastogi pointed to a simple but powerful idea driving the role. For years, creators have quietly built trust with audiences through consistent and authentic content, and that trust often shapes purchasing decisions. What is changing now, he said, is the infrastructure around that behaviour. YouTube Shopping aims to make it easier for viewers to discover and buy products recommended by creators they already follow.
The scale is already significant. More than half a million creators have joined the programme, with recent expansion into Japan through a partnership with Rakuten signalling further global ambitions.
Rastogi believes the future of shopping on YouTube will be driven by a blend of creators, content and communities. In his view, it is the human voice behind the screen, not just the product, that ultimately builds trust and drives discovery.
Prior to this role, he served as director of marketing, YouTube Asia Pacific, where he led regional marketing across creator engagement, brand building and reputation. During that time, he played a key role in launching and scaling YouTube Shopping across eight markets in the region.
Earlier stints at Google include group product marketing manager, consumer apps, overseeing growth for products such as Search, Maps and Assistant across India and Southeast Asia, and product marketing manager roles spanning consumer apps and YouTube, where he contributed to launches including YouTube Music, YouTube Originals and YouTube Shorts.
Rastogi began his career in consulting with Boston Consulting Group and A.T. Kearney, before moving into the technology sector. He is an alumnus of Indian Institute of Management Calcutta and Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur.
Alongside his corporate role, he is also an active angel investor, backing early-stage startups in consumer technology and electric mobility across India and Southeast Asia.
As he settles into the new role, Rastogi is betting on a future where every video can double up as a storefront, and where commerce feels less like a transaction and more like a recommendation from a trusted voice.
