MAM
‘Swabhumi’ Bengali newspaper re-launches
KOLKATA: Bengali daily Swabhumi, which was shut in January, is being re-launched on Saturday, 8 March by its new owner Arjun Infotech, a Gujarat-based information technology firm, according to sources in the newspaper.
Arjun Infotech would also be soon launching a Bengali news television channel, the sources said. Arjun Infotech, which also has a BPO in Kolkata, is owned by Anikt Jaiswal.
The sources said the news channel could be launched as early as on the eve of Bengali new year Nabobarsha on 14 April. The newspaper had to defer till after May 16 its plan to have magician PC Sarkar junior as its brand ambassador as Sarkar is contesting the Lok Sabha elections as a BJP candidate.
The newspaper has already put up hoardings across the city with a message saying ‘Ebar Media Magic.’ “In the second phase of hoardings and advertisements, the media company will use the face of Sarkar’s eldest daughter Maneka Sarkar,” said deputy chief reporter Ishan Chatterjee of Swabhumi. The newspaper will also be having artist Wasim Kapoor and footballer Mehtab Hossain as its brand ambassadors.
Swabhumi was launched in February 2011 by Kolkata-based RICE group headed by Samit Roy. Swabhumi was one of the many newspapers launched around the same time. This is Arjun Infotech’s foray into media business. The newspaper already has a team of around 100 employees including journalists, cameramen and technical persons on board.
MAM
Ameya Velankar steps down as Uber’s head of marketing for India & South Asia
Veteran marketer exits after more than seven years with the ride-hailing giant.
MUMBAI: After more than seven years of steering Uber through the bumpy roads of India’s mobility market, Ameya Velankar has decided to change lanes. Ameya Velankar has stepped down as Head of Marketing for India and South Asia, marking the end of a significant chapter at the ride-hailing company. He had been with Uber since 2019, taking on multiple roles in product and category marketing before rising to lead the marketing function for the region in 2021.
During his tenure, Velankar played a key role in strengthening Uber’s positioning in one of its most competitive and dynamic markets. He helped drive localised marketing strategies and scale adoption across key offerings such as Auto, Moto, Rentals and Intercity, tailoring global platforms to Indian consumer needs.
Prior to joining Uber, Velankar built his marketing expertise at leading consumer companies including SC Johnson and Marico, where he handled category and product leadership roles. His career began at RPG Enterprises.
Details of his next professional move have not been disclosed.
In a fast-evolving mobility landscape where brands constantly battle for attention, Ameya Velankar helped Uber stay relevant and resonant with millions of Indian users. As he moves on from the driver’s seat of marketing, the company will now look for fresh ideas to keep its wheels turning smoothly.
