Vodafone launches women-run ‘Angel Stores’ in Gujarat

From : The Hindu Business Line

Ahmedabad, Nov 6:   

 

In a first of its kind in the country, Vodafone India on Tuesday announced the launch of ‘Angel Stores’, retail outlets run only by women employees, in Ahmedabad and Vadodara

Calling it a s step towards women’s empowerment, the company said these outlets would be managed and run completely by women employees. This initiative is in line with Vodafone’s endeavour of encouraging diversity and inclusion at workplace. Women will run services like security, pantry, customer service and management, Brajesh Bajpai, Business Head, Gujarat Circle said.

Vodafone would launch similar outlets in Rajkot and Surat shortly.

Vodafone India commenced operations in 1994 when its predecessor Hutchison Telecom acquired the cellular license for Mumbai. The company with revenues of over Rs 32,000 crore has operations across the country with over 15.3 crore customers

Vodafone Gujarat Empowers Differently

From : The Newsletter of the Blind People's Association (India)

Read the Entire Newsletter

Navratri extravaganza in Ahmedabad!

From : The Times of India

Navratri celebrations came packed with a helicopter ride, hot air balloon ride, LED dandiya sticks and fun-filled moments

The 'Fly to Ambaji in a helicopter during Navratri' contest drew unprecedented participation this year. Customers just had to dial *121#, choose their best offer and become eligible for the on-air contest on a popular radio station. All correct answers assured them a helicopter ride to Ambaji for a special darshan.

In addition to the helicopter contest, Vodafone Gujarat also came out with many first-of-its kind innovations this Navratri. Vodafone sponsored hot air balloon ride that took Vodafone customers 80 feet in the air for a joyride. Not only did it give them a panoramic view of the garba celebrations at the picturesque Karnavati Club lawns, but also a fantastic opportunity to capture lifelong memories in their cameras.

Brajesh Bajpai, Business Head, Gujarat, Vodafone India says, "Our helicopter ride to Ambaji during Navratri is an activity that people are well aware of, now. But we wanted to take Navratri activities and the festive spirit to newer heights this year. So we brought the hot air balloon ride for the first time to Ahmedabad, offering a bird's eye view of the city and garba celebrations to our esteemed customers. Offering such once-in-a-lifetime chance is our way of delivering something innovative every year."

Another innovation was the introduction of Vodafone branded LED dandiya sticks for the first time in Ahmedabad. Khelaiyas had a gala time as they matched their steps with the flashing of the LED dandiya sticks.

Besides Ahmedabad, Vodafone also associated with all the prominent garba venues in all major cities of Gujarat and engaged with its customers.

Dhol Baaje

From : The Times of India

Navratri Celebrations with a Hot Air Baloon Ride

From : The Times of India

The Navratri festive spirit was in full swing as dance enthusiasts watched a hot air balloon go up in the sky at the 'Adani Shantigram presents The Times of India Shanku's Dandiya 2012'. Almost 15000 entries were registered at the event, and the organizers were happy that for the first time ever they gave Gujaratis an opportunity to view garba from a gigantic hot air balloon — 80 feet above ground level. Manoj Chaudhary, director, Shanku's Water Park says, "For the first time, this was truly an interesting innovation for the people of Ahmedabad as they sat in the lit hot air balloon."

The idea was sponsored by Vodafone and powered by Shanku's Water Park and XPERTZ events conceptualized this event at the Karnavati club. The TOI Shanku's Dandiya had garba dancers enjoying their garba and from the response, the organizers have promised to wow the audiences again every year like this. Devang Shah, director, XPERTZ, Advertising, Events & Promotions says, "We always believe in getting innovations to our events that brings the best mileage to our sponsors. Shanku's Dandiya has a great recall value and last Sunday, our idea of hot air balloon ride mesmerized the crowds on SG Highway. And Karnavati Club became the ideal platform for this activity."

Navratri Fever Catches On

From : The Times of India

From Boardroom to Garba Classes

From : The Times of India

AHMEDABAD: Corporate house employees are on a festive high. Firms are packing off their staff to garba sessions after work hours to hone their dancing skills before the big day.

While some companies have hired choreographers for teaching basic and advanced steps to their employees, others have ensured that their staff joins classes a fortnight before the revelry begins.

For instance, Vodafone Gujarat has engaged a professional choreographer to train its employees a few steps of garba in a known environment before stepping out. "We organize garba for our customers and employees across all our branch offices in Gujarat. We engage professionals to teach garba to them during work hours," says Brajesh Bajpai, business head-Gujarat, Vodafone India.

Practice sessions and the event that follows creates an all round atmosphere of engagement. "People of Gujarat love this festival. We have many non-Gujaratis as well in our organization," says Bajpai.

Cadila Pharmaceuticals has gone a step ahead by hiring a choreographer from the Gujarati film industry to train its staff in new dance techniques. "A garba and dandiya raas competition is organized at all our branches. Employees, including senior officials, join in the celebration with their family members. Prizes are also awarded to the best dressed and the best dancers," says a company official.

Cadila also organizes a separate garba competition for the kids of its employees at the corporate campus. They are imparted dance training by veterans of previous garba events to prepare them for the contest. Though Airtel may not be sponsoring public events this Navratri, it has grand plans for its employees. Anant Arora, chief executive officer, Bharti Airtel, Gujarat, says, "Navratri is one of the key festivals of Gujarat which is celebrated with a lot of fanfare by Airtel. We have our own in-house talents who choreograph the entire show and also teach employees new garba steps. The festivities including the garba sessions are held after office hours, ensuring participation from the family members of the employee."

Depending on the training sessions, choreographers charge anything between Rs 1,000 and Rs 3,000 per session. Ankit Panchal, who has taught many managers sway to garba tunes, says, "There is a lot of interest among non-Gujaratis to learn advanced garba steps. While earlier, employees used to request for basic steps, now the trend is to learn innovative steps using props like matkas, diyas and chairs."

And the bosses are not complaining while their staff has fun at work. "It's a great concept that helps employees break away from the monotony at work and makes the atmosphere stress free. It also energizes employees and increases engagement and team work," explains Arora.

Only 1.7% of Vodafone subscribers in Gujarat use 3G

Vodafone to increase rural base

From : Business Standard

Telecom services provider Vodafone is looking to increase its rural customer base in Gujarat through state government-run schemes such as E-Mamata - a mobile phone-based technology aimed at reducing maternal and infant mortality in the state. "We are the exclusive partner of Gujarat government for the E-Mamata initiative. Of the over 16 million Vodafone customers in Gujarat, over 70 per cent are in rural areas," said Brajesh Bajpai, business head- Gujarat, Vodafone West Ltd at a media interaction on Tuesday. Nationally, of the over 250 million customer base for the company, nearly 74 per cent have rural base.

Vodafone joins hands with BIG Cinemas

From : Best Media Info

As part of this initiative, Vodafone customers will get a free ticket to watch the movie and a greeting card on his/ her birthday

BestMediaInfo Bureau | Delhi | August 20, 2012

 

Vodafone India Ltd., one of India’s leading telecommunications service providers, in association with BIG Cinemas has launched a unique initiative to make Vodafone customers feel special. Between Aug 12 to 26, 2012, any Vodafone customer, who goes to see a movie in BIG Cinemas at Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Jamnagar, Palanpur , Patan  and Vapi, will get a Birthday surprise that will truly Delight! As part of this initiative, Vodafone customers visiting partnering BIG Cinemas screens on his/ her birthday, will get a free ticket to watch the movie and a greeting card by Vodafone! That’s not all, as soon as the movie breaks into intermission, Vodafone will put up a slide on the screen with the Vodafone customer’s name, while playing the birthday jingle in the background.

Additionally, select BIG Cinemas in Ahmedabad, will present the Vodafone birthday customer with a birthday cake. The Vodafone BIG ‘Birthday Surprise’ initiative is a part of the ongoing ‘Vodafone Delights’ programme that seeks to bring multiple simple, meaningful joys to the life of every customer,  throughout the year.

To be implemented across 41 cities, 55 multiplexes and 162 screens, The Vodafone BIG Birthday Surprise is expected to reach approximately 60000 cinema viewers each day. Cinema halls offering  the Vodafone BIG Birthday Surprise will have attractive display material highlighting the ‘Vodafone Delights’ special initiative. Posters and panels will be put around the box offices, informing people about the initiative.

Speaking about the initiative, Brajesh Bajpai, Business Head, Vodafone Gujarat said “At Vodafone making every customer feel special is second nature and it is one of the key factors driving every thing we do. Birthdays are special to all and we wanted to contribute to the celebratory moments with a generous dose of ‘feel special’ elements, without being intrusive. We are happy that BIG Cinemas has partnered with us to make birthdays extra beautiful for Vodafone customers.”

Vodafone Gujarat felicitates the winner of 'Festival Bonanza Contest'

Vodafone Gujarat felicitates the winner of
‘Festival Bonanza Contest’:

KarshanBhai MavaBhai Virda 
with a  
Ford Fiesta

At a ceremony at Rajkot on 15 June 2012, Vodafone Gujarat felicitated the winner of its
‘Festival Bonanza Contest’
The lucky winner KarshanBhai MavaBhai Virda from Dhoraji in Rajkot District, was handed over the keys of the brand new Ford Fiesta car by  

Brajesh Bajpai

Business Head-Gujarat.

Here are some glimpses of the event…

Vodafone dwara samagr Gujarath mein Blackberry Smartphone ke liye Free Service camps ka Aayojan

From:  Marwad Mitra,
           Ahmedabad
           20 March 2012

Yaayaavar Jeevan Mera - Part 5

Our 10 day trip across the North East is being translated into Hindi and published by News Bench - Delhi.

The articles feature photos taken by us and a translation of Kim's writing.

Part 5 was published on 20th February 2012.

The entire article can also be read at : http://www.newsbench.in/links.aspx?nt=180212065206.gif

Sunita's raagas-meet-folk concept album on violin strikes a chord

From The Sentinel

From Janasadharan

Vodafone Unveil Bihu Strings to relive festivities of Bihu

From Eastern Chronicle
 

From Dainik Janambhumi

Vodafone ne Jaari Kiya Music Album "Bihu strings"

From Dainik Purvoday

Music a therapeutic medium: CM

From Assam Tribune

GUWAHATI, Feb 12 – Appreciating the talent of violinist Sunita Khaund Bhuyan, Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today described music as a therapeutic medium that can lead to creativity and productivity. He went on to say that music can even be equated to economics as people inspired by music are more productive.

‘Music leads to positive thinking and productivity,’ Gogoi said, and added that music can even create unity and integration.

Launching a CD ‘Bihu Strings’ of Bhuyan containing five tracks in the city, the Chief Minister underlined her musical flair and expression, and also gave credit to her mother Minoti Khaund, and Darpa Sarma of Jorhat for laying a foundation of music.

He said that he was proud of Sunita Khaund Bhuyan and her talented mother Minoti Khaund for their rich repertoire of music. ‘Sunita has earned fame in the country and abroad,’ he remarked.

The album contains five tracks, Bholuka Baahore, Luitore Baalite, Ranga Nodi, Ganga Siloni, Xosakoi Bor Dhuniyaa rendered in a unique manner.

In his welcome address, the Business Head of Vodafone India – Assam and North East Brajesh Bajpai spoke about the company’s commitment to promote the culture of the region and connect with its consumers.

‘Bihu Strings is another platform to connect with its customers in Assam and North East and provide them with a distinctive and unique entertainment experience’ Bajpai stated.

A press note from Vodafone mentioned that Bhuyan has become the first ever violinist in the country to do a complete folk fusion album on the violin.

Yaayaavar Jeevan Mera - Part 4

Our 10 day trip across the North East is being published by News Bench - Delhi.

The articles feature photos taken by us and a translation of Kim's writing.

Part 4 was published on 13th February 2012.

The entire article can also be read at : http://www.newsbench.in/links.aspx?nt=130212122703.gif

Bihu Strings Album Ka Mukhyamantri Ne Kiya Lokarpan

From Purvanchal Prahari

Bihu Strings Ko Jaari Kiyaa Mukhyamantri Ne

From Pratah Khabhar

Vodafone Unveils Bihu Strings by Sunita

From the Meghalaya Guardian

From Dainik Pratibedan

From Dainik Jugasankha

Vodafone Unveil Bihu Strings

From Assam Post

Yaayaavar Jeevan Mera - Part 3

Our 10 day trip across the North East is being published by News Bench - Delhi.

The articles feature photos taken by us and a translation of Kim's writing.

Part 3 was published on 6th February 2012.

The entire article can be read at : http://www.newsbench.in/links.aspx?nt=060212123004.gif

Yaayaavar Jeevan Mera - Part 2

Our 10 day trip across the North East is being published by News Bench - Delhi.

The articles feature photos taken by us and a translation of Kim's writing.

Part 2 was published on 30th January 2012.

The entire article can be read at : http://www.newsbench.in/links.aspx?nt=300112014223.gif

Yaayaavar Jeevan Mera - Part 1

Our 10 day trip across the North East is being published by News Bench - Delhi.

The articles feature photos taken by us and a translation of Kim's writing.

Part 1 was published on 23rd January 2012.

The entire article can be read at http://www.newsbench.in/links.aspx?nt=230112010948.gif

Pynduna Dor Roaming Ka Vodafone ha ka thain shatei lam-mihngi

From : U Nongsain Hima
Shillong Edition

Vodafone Ne Assam Aur Purvottar Ke Grahakon ke liye Sabse Kam Roaming dharon ki Ghoshna Ki

From: Shillong Samay
Shillong Edition
17.01.12
Page No. 3

Vodafone introduces lowest roaming rates for customers in Assam

From The Sentinel

GUWAHATI, Jan 16: Vodafone India, one of India’s leading telecommunications service providers, has announced their new roaming call rates for its post paid and prepaid customers.

Vodafone has introduced free incoming calls and reduced the outgoing call rates to 70p/min for subscribers roaming between Assam and the Northeast (in telecom the States of Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura, Manipur, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh comprise the NE circle and the State of Assam is the Assam circle).

Vodafone is the first telecom operator to have launched such discounted rates on roaming for its customers in the region, giving its customer the power to express and talk freely during travel in this region.  

Brajesh Bajpai, Business Head (Assam and North East) of Vodafone India said in a press release, “We are here to celebrate a significant achievement of free incoming calls on roaming. It is a proud moment since Vodafone will pioneer this new revolution wherein customers from the entire North Eastern States and Assam region will be able to roam economically and seamlessly across the two regions.

This highlights Vodafone’s commitment towards providing superior and uninterrupted telecom services to its customers across Assam and North East. We will continue to provide wide coverage and offer the best bouquet of services and products to the customers in Assam and NE.”

Vodafone Introduces Lowest Roaming Rates in Assam & NE

From Meghalaya Times

16.01.12
Shillong Edition
Page No. 3