Essilor’s Eye Mitra Optician Program is bridging the gap in basic vision care in rural areas

JAIPUR – August7thEssilor through its inclusive business, 2.5 New Vision Generation (2.5 NVG), has provided affordable vision care to more than one crore (10 million) people from underserved populations in India since 2013. This signals significant impact in the company’s ambition to eradicate poor vision by 2050. Achal Kedia August 8, 2019 972 essilors-eye-mitra-optician-program-is-bridging-the-gap-in-basic-vision-care-in-rural-areas essilors-eye-mitra-optician-program-is-bridging-the-gap-in-basic-vision-care-in-rural-areas Uncorrected poor vision affects 55 crore (550 million) Indians and costs the national economy US$3700 crores (US$37 billion) every year in lost productivity. In a study conducted in working men and women in Andhra Pradesh, wearing spectacles was found to increase productivity by 34% and worker’s income by 20%.Out of 7.2 billion people in the world, it is estimated that 4.5 billion need visual correction in some form or another, whereas only 2 billion are corrected. This means there are 2.5 billion people in the world today with uncorrected vision, and this number is set to rise to 3 billion by 2030 if the trend continues. About 95% of the 2.5 billion uncorrected populations are in emerging countries. India has about 40,000 opticians, most of who operate from bigger cities whereas over 70% of population in India lives in rural areas. To address this issue, Eye Mitra Optician program was launched in 2013. Through training, skills building and livelihood promotion, the program empowers unemployed and underemployed young people to set up micro enterprises in their rural communities. Trained for 12 months (2 months classroom and 10 months On Job Training)to conduct basic vision screening and dispense affordable eyeglasses, Eye Mitras create access to vision care where it was not available before. Today with nearly 6,000 Eye Mitras across 14 states, it is the world’s largest rural optical network providing over 200 million people with sustainable access to vision care. By 2020 plan is to have 10,000 such eye mitracovering most of the underserved states. “Uncorrected poor vision is the world’s most widespread disability and affects 1 in 3 people, 90 per cent of whom live in developing countries where the biggest barriers are access and awareness. Consumers in these countries need tailor-made solutions and products at affordable prices to satisfy their visual needs and aspirations. The Eye Mitra program is one such unique solution,” said MilindJadhav Senior Director – Inclusive Business & Philanthropy – Essilor In Rajasthan, Essilor is implementing the Eye MitraOptician program in partnership with B-ABLE (BASIX Academy for Building Lifelong Employability) which is the vocational training arm of the BASIX group of livelihood promotion institutions. B-ABLE is NSDC (National Skill Development Corporation) & HSSC (Health Sector Skill Council) partner. First training centre was set up in Alwar in 2013 and at present we have 4 such training centres. More than 1,000 Eye Mitra Opticians are working in 31 districts of Rajasthan and plan is to have 1500 eye Mitras by end of 2020. About 2.5 New Vision Generation and the Eye Mitra program In 2013, Essilor, leading ophthalmic optics company, established its inclusive business 2.5 New Vision Generation (2.5 NVG), to create awareness, develop infrastructure and bring affordable eye care to lowincome countries which count for 90 per cent of the 2.5 billion people who suffer from uncorrected poor vision globally. Essilor’s inclusive business programs impact seven out of 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. These include no poverty, quality educations, gender equality and decent work and economic growth. 2.5 NVG launched its flagship inclusive business program Eye Mitra in India in 2013 as part of its strategy of increasing awareness and access to vision care for underserved populations and at the same time improving their livelihood. Eye Mitra (Hindi for “friend of the eyes”) addresses unmet needs for vision care by recruiting and training unemployed and underemployed young people to become primary vision care providers.Similar programs have been launched in Bangladesh and Kenya in 2018 and are known locally as Eye Mitroand Eye Rafiki respectively.

Usha launches power-packed mixer-grinders to woo Southern markets

-At 800-watts, it is the most powerful in-category product for faster grinding with a long-lasting 100% copper motor New Delhi, 06th August 2019: Usha International, India’s leading consumer durable company, launched a range of colourful mixer grinders strengthening it kitchen appliances portfolio in the Southern states. The Usha Thunderbolt mixer grinder is specifically aimed at homes where the grinding process is a part and parcel of every kitchen’s routine, and will initially be available in two colours – Red and Magenta. At 800-watts the Thunder bolt powers faster and better grinding. The superior motor in the Usha mixer-grinder is 100% copper motor making it reliable and long lasting. The Thunderbolt has a sleek, stylish, and compact design that makes it stable with low vibration and can be easily stored in kitchens. Further, these mixer grinders come with transparent unbreakable dome lids that offer an easy view of the grinding process and stainless steel jars which provide hygiene and durability. With three stainless steel jars and food safe blades, this mixer grinder allows you to go that extra mile, every time one is in the kitchen. To make them safe for use, these ergonomically designed products have exceptional safety features such as an ABS shockproof body and auto cut-off against overloading. Speaking about the new range of mixer grinders, Mr Sleem Doda, Category Marketing Head – Home Appliances, Usha International said,“With this new stylish range of mixer grinders developed to cater to our customers in the southern part of India, we also make our foray into colour. Today, customer aspirations clearly indicate their desire to add a dimension to their kitchens that resonates with their personality and adds to their convenience, and as a brand we listen to our customers and innovate to strike the right chord.” Usha’s Thunderbolt mixer grinder is available all across India in red and magenta and comes with a 5-year warranty on motor with free home service. They are priced at INR 5595/-.

वेब सीरीज में हलचल मचाने को फिर तैयार हैं कौशिकी राठौर

मुंबई, 06/अगस्त/2019 स्टार प्लस के मशहूर शो कृष्णा चली लन्दन में गुड्डन का किरदार निभाने वाली कौशिकी राठौर एक वेब सीरीज मेंफिर नज़र आने वाली हैं। एक्टिंग के साथ-साथ मॉडलिंग और फोटोग्राफी का शौक रखने वाली कौशिकी, हाल में हुए एक फोटोशूट में अपने तड़कते भटकते बोल्ड अंदाज में भी दिखी थी। बता दें कि स्टार प्लस के मशहूर शो कृष्णा चली लन्दन में गुड्डन के किरदार में देखा गया था, जहां उन्हें उनकी एक्टिंग के लिए दर्शकों का काफी सराहना मिली थी. गुड्डन ने भाभी के किरदार में थोड़ी पागल और चुलबुल भाभी की भूमिका निभाते हुए सबका दिलजीत लिया था। कौशिकी असल में भी काफी चुलबुली स्वभाव की है. दूरदर्शन के लिए काम कर चुकी कौशिकी जल्द ही एक वेब सीरीज में भी दिखने वाली है. हाल ही में दिए अपने एक इंटरव्यू में उन्होंने बताया कि उन्हें गुस्सा बहुत कम आता है और बचपन से ही सिगिंग और डांसिंग का शौक रखती है. मीडिया रिपोर्ट्स के मुताबिक कौशिकी ने मेरा इंतकाम गाने से पहले एक बोल्ड फोटो शूट भी कराया था जिसकी सोशल मीडिया पर लम्बे समय तक चर्चा रही थी।

Param Developers appoints Dazzel Digital for Business Growth

August 2019, Indore – Param Developers, a real estate firm appoints Dazzel Digital, for marketing their business online. As digital marketing is one of the best ways to promote a business and also gain good profits,  Dazzel Digital  will be using their skills and expertise to market Param Developers 400 row house projects in Pithampur. The digital marketing agency states that “With well-planned and effective strategies, any goal can be fulfilled. Whether you want increased sales, reach or any other kind of conversion – we can achieve it all with digital marketing. We have worked for other real estate firms in the past as well and our focus has been on the customers – what they need, the kind of content they like, the language they use, etc. With the rapidly growing and evolving market in mind, we help our clients stay ahead of the competition”. Digital Marketing To reach the goal, the marketing firm plans on using a customer-centric approach to help Param Developers in reaching a wide audience. Dazzel Digital is a full-service digital marketing agency that has helped various brands and firms achieve great heights with their strategic campaigns and we can expect the same for the leading real estate firm, Param Developers.

FHRAI Clarifies Stance On Banana Row, Says Hotel Conduct Was NOT Illegal

Issues Advisory To Members For Avoiding Similar Situations In The Future Mumbai, July 30: In the light of a recent incident concerning a guest being billed Rs.442/- for two bananas at a five-star hotel, the Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) has clarified that the hotel has not done anything illegal. It also reiterated that charging 18 per cent GST was a legal requirement incumbent upon the hotel. “Chain hotels have presence across several cities and follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). We need to understand that the hotel is not engaged in the sale and purchase of fruits and vegetables but it provides service of accommodation as well as restaurant service which include supply of food and beverages to its guests. Unlike a retail store where bananas can be purchased at market price, a hotel offers service, quality, plate, cutlery, accompaniment, sanitized fruit, ambience and luxury and not the commodity alone. A coffee available at ten rupees at a roadside stall could be served at Rs.250 in a luxury hotel,” says Mr Gurbaxish Singh Kohli, Vice President, FHRAI. FHRAI also clarified that the hotel has done the right thing by charging 18 per cent GST on F&B served in the hotel premises. GST laws are not optional, but are to be charged to the customer and passed on to the Government as per provisions of the law. It further stated that the rate for supply of services including goods by a restaurant is 9 per cent CGST and 9 per cent UT GST. It stated that the hotel has correctly charged the Goods & Service Tax (GST) on the bill which was legally payable by the customer. “Food served within the premises of a hotel with a declared tariff for accommodation of Rs.7500/- per day and above is chargeable under Services Accounting Code 9963 at the rate of 9 per cent CGST and 9 per cent UT GST. So, while bananas, or other unpacked fruits, are outside purview of GST at a retail store, when served in a restaurant or hotel, whether as a fruit platter or a whole fruit, as per existing GST laws a levy of 18 per cent is applicable. This is what the laws demand of us, and we don’t have a say in the matter,” says Mr Pradeep Shetty, Jt. Honorary Secretary, FHRAI. However, the apex hospitality body has issued an advisory to its members on ways to handle such situations where a guest may have ordered eatables, including fruits from outside the menu. “Our immediate concern is conflict resolution and for such a situation to not repeat. We do not wish for guests to experience a situation like this and are deliberating on possible measures that hotels could take. We will advise our members to sensitize the staff on the subject and will advise precautionary measures to avoid such happenings in the future,” concludes Mr. D V S Somaraju, Hon Treasurer, FHRAI. About Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Federations of India (FHRAI): The Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Federations of India (FHRAI) is the apex body of the Indian Hospitality industry. Founded in 1955, the Federation has diligently built on its rich legacy and is today privileged to serve as the leading voice of our industry and plays a seminal role in supporting the growth trajectory of India’s hospitality and tourism sector. FHRAI provides a vibrant interface between the industry, government, regulatory bodies, academia, international organizations, civil society and the media.

Organic Harvest embarks upon new journey on its 6th birthday with its new campaign ‘Fix with Six’

New Delhi : Organic Harvest, India’s leading organic personal care brand, on the occasion of completing its 6 successful years, announces the start of its campaign ‘#fixwithsix’. The campaign aims to promote the practice of organic and sustainable lifestyle. This innovative campaign resonates with brand’s philosophy of providing a chemical-free organic lifestyle to its consumers. The home grown brand has become a household name in India with its organic personal care range and believes in crafting products that are organic, safe and are made from plants that are grown without hazardous chemical fertilizers, herbicides or pesticides. Through this ambitious campaign, the brand is celebrating its aspiration to support and promote organic lifestyle and respect for all beings and for Mother Nature. Celebrating its 6 successful years and launching the campaign, Rahul Agarwal, CEO – Organic Harvest said, “We firmly believe that chemicals are for laundry and not for the skin. Organic Harvest is not just a personal care range, it is a lifestyle. We are the pioneers in organic personal care product category and our brand motto is to make this world a better & beautiful place to live in, and what better way to do this, than to live a chemical free life, an organic life. My objective, through Organic Harvest, is to reach every individual and make them aware about the amount of harsh chemicals that not only have harmful effects on them but on the environment as a whole. Through this campaign, brand is urging people to take a closer look at their consumption patterns and “think beyond, live organic.” It is an anatomy of actions showcasing the lifestyle swaps that anyone, anywhere can take to support a more sustainable life. From the food we eat, products we apply to what we spend our money on – there is a suite of actions we can take to support the cultural shifts to adopt organic and sustainable lifestyle. He also added, “We are extremely thankful to people who have shown confidence in our brand from the past 6 years. It is because of the consumer support that we’ve reached so far and taken such big initiatives today. This campaign resonates with the brand’s philosophy of providing a chemical-free organic experience to its consumers.” The momentum is contagious, and it’s never too late to start. On its 6th birthday, Organic Harvest is encouraging people to adopt 6 simple actions through its exclusive outlets and e-commerce platform – plant trees for Greener planet, use organic personal care products for Green Skin, use reusable cloth/jute bag for shopping, De-digitize to reduce harmful radiation, adopt organic products to reduce chemicals from our living. Organic Harvest envisions cleaner and greener environment and has been planting trees towards achieving this aim. Through this campaign, the brand wants to further inculcate their belief of a greener environment and encourage its consumers to plant trees.

Make this Friendship’s day special

Make this Friendship’s day special for your first ever friends – your parents by gifting Carvaan – a gift they deserve Mumbai, 31st July: Since years, friendship day has been celebrated among peers. This year why not make a difference! Often we forget that the first laughter or pain we shared was with our parents. So why not extend the celebration of the day with our families too. Let’s make this friendship day special for our first friends we ever made with Saregama Carvaan! Saregama Carvaan is a product designed to appeal older generation who want to enjoy evergreen melodies without getting into hassle of buffering or technical struggle. In terms of features, Carvaan comes with pre-loaded 5000 retro songs from legendary artists like Lata Mangeshkar, Mohammed Rafi and Kishore Kumar among others. One can switch to songs based on mood or categories like spiritual, Sufi, Film Instrumental or Hindustani Classical. The Saregama Carvaan also stores ‘Geetmala ki Chaon Mein’, a journey of Bollywood songs from 1952 to 2000, complete in 50 volumes, narrated by Ameen Sayani. It also allows you to enjoy your personal collection of songs by plugging in a USB drive or running songs from your phone via Bluetooth. The price range of Carvaan starts at Rs 5,990/- The classic look in addition with its rich content, convenience and utility, makes Saregama Carvaan a perfect reason to gift to your parents to send them on a trip to nostalgia! Log in to www.Saregama.com and book a Carvaan for your parents today! We will gift wrap it for you at no additional cost to make the occasion even more special.