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HUL and HSBC launch new Suvidha Centre, empowering Dharavi community
Mumbai: Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) along with HSBC India announced the launch of the 14th Suvidha Centre in partnership with the BMC (Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation).
Suvidha centres are a one-stop solution for meeting the hygiene and sanitation requirements of low-income communities by providing them with access to clean toilets, purified drinking water, showers and laundry services. Launched in 2016, there are 14 such centres in Mumbai, equipped with over 550 toilet seats. This initiative is the result of a pioneering public-private partnership of HUL, HSBC India and the BMC and it positively impacts the lives of over 350,000 people each year.
Emphasizing inclusivity and safety, these centres are designed to prioritize the well-being of women and children, incorporating features such as ample lighting, security cameras, and an emergency panic button system. Additionally, these centres save over 100 million litres of water cumulatively through greywater treatment and recycling.
Furthermore, over 98 per cent of women find Suvidha to be safe, with 75 per cent of women users reporting that Suvidha has saved them time, allowing for better quality time with their families. Additionally, 91 per cent of users have attested to Suvidha’s positive impact on their self-esteem, according to an external impact assessment study.
HUL CEO & managing director Rohit Jawa said, “The state-of-the-art Suvidha Centres foster holistic health and wellbeing of all citizens by providing them affordable access to safe toilets, clean drinking water, showers and laundry services. With the expansion of the Suvidha Model in Dharavi (a total of three now), we, along with our partners BMC and HSBC India, remain committed to transforming community hygiene and sanitation services for all.”
HSBC India general manager & CEO Hitendra Dave said, “The expansion of the Suvidha model in Dharavi is a significant milestone in our partnership with HUL and BMC. It enables us to provide and transform hygiene and sanitation services for those who have limited or no access to sanitation facilities in Mumbai. We are happy to be able to contribute towards addressing urban sanitation issues in densely populated areas like Dharavi. We remain committed to various causes of community development and look forward to working with like-minded partners for the greater benefit of the society.”
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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.
