Brands
Madison starts its CSR journey by adopting Tanya Computer Centre
MUMBAI: Madison World has begun its CSR journey by starting an NGO namedMadison Resource Foundation, that has adoptedTanya Computer Centre.
Tanya Computer Centre was established in 2006 as a Computer Training Centre dedicated exclusively to training visually impaired people (all ages) in the use of Computers. The Centre has so far trained over 250 students almost all of whom have got jobs thanks to the Computer training received at Tanya Computer Centre.
The Computer Centre uses a screen reading software called JAWSthat helps the visually challenged use computers. The Centre teaches Basic Computer Courses like Windows and MS Office. Students are given tactile books, and notes are provided in Braille, audio or large print, as per the requirement of the student. Training is almost individual and personal and the duration of the course is extended till the student is comfortable and confident of using computers.
Tanya Computer Centre is led by Tanya Balsara, daughter of Madison’s Chairman Sam Balsara who is herself visually challenged and she personally trains all students.
Says Tanya Balsara,“I congratulate all the students passing out as well as all the 250 students who have passed out earlier for having the courage and determination to come forward and learn something new and different. I have always believed that disabilities create barriers but determination breaks them. Remember the visually impaired may not have sight, but they don’t lack vision”.
Sam Balsara made theannouncement about Madison World adopting Tanya Computer Centre at the 12th Convocation ceremony of Tanya Computer Centre and said “The Centre is looking to expand its activities in other parts of Mumbai and is looking for like minded socially committed individuals who can personally lead the Centre and train its students.” He said “the Centre would be fully equipped with Furniture and Fittings, Computers, Software and entirely financed by Madison Resource Foundation in terms of both Capital cost and Revenue expenses including salaries”.
On the occasion an inspiring talk was given by the Guest of Honour, Mrs. Shalini Saraswathi, a quadruple amputee who is unbelievably, a marathoner, who flew down from Bangalore for the occasion. In 2012, Shalini went on to lose all 4 of her limbs but her determination and never say die attitude has helped her take life head on and live a purposeful and fulfilling life.
SaysShaliniSaraswathi,I’ve always said the reason for my success and strength has been the strong support system I have had, coupled with the fact that I had avenues to get back on my feet. It’s an honour to be associated with this event, because that is what this is – an empowerment. Congratulations to everyone who are passing out today and wishing everyone more strength and power!”
Brands
Faber-Castell India appoints Sunaina Haldar as director – marketing
With stints at Tata, SleepyCat and ADF Foods under her belt, Haldar is primed to redraw Faber-Castell’s brand story
MUMBAI: Faber-Castell India has poached Sunaina Haldar from ADF Foods, appointing her director – marketing as the German stationery brand looks to muscle up in a category that is rapidly reinventing itself around creativity and self-expression.
Haldar hit the ground running. “My first couple of weeks have been incredibly energising, understanding consumers, visiting markets, engaging with retailers and immersing myself into the world of Faber-Castell Group,” she said.
She arrives with considerable firepower. At ADF Foods, Haldar ran marketing across India and international markets for a portfolio spanning Ashoka, Aeroplane, Camel and ADF Soul. Before that, she was vice-president – marketing at direct-to-consumer mattress brand SleepyCat, where she helmed brand, content and performance marketing. Her résumé also includes a stint leading marketing, new product development and CRM for Tata SmartFoodz at Tata Consumer Products, no small proving ground.
Between corporate roles, Haldar also operated as a fractional CMO for early-stage startups, building marketing strategy and operational structures from scratch, a signal that she knows how to move fast with limited resources.
With 18 years straddling FMCG, D2C and the startup world, Haldar now takes the reins at a brand that has long owned the classroom but is clearly hungry for the living room. In a stationery market where the pencil has become a lifestyle statement, Faber-Castell has picked someone who knows exactly how to sell that story.
