Looking back Moving forward

[box type=”shadow” ]CLEAN INDIA JOURNAL is completing 10 years. So is my association with the magazine. May be a few months more. This one decade plus has been the quickest in my decades long career as a journalist and communication professional. Quickest because one did not realise the days and months passing away. There was so much to explore, so much to learn and so many people to meet. Moreover, there was an enthusiasm to be part of a common vision of wanting to contribute to creating awareness on professional cleaning. It was an absolutely new world free from frillings normally attached to the corporate environment.

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The idea of introducing a magazine for Cleanliness and Hygiene was getting brewed inside the office of Virtual Info Systems for long. It was the vision Jayaram and JP had been nurturing. But the real motivation came from the positive response the first Clean India Show (April 2005) received. Yes, we needed to launch Clean India Journal on October 2, the birthday of Mahatama Gandhi. My briefing session with JP on a cup of tea at Nehru Centre, Worli was one of the clearest and best briefs I have ever received from anyone. What came through were the determination to achieve the common vision and the strong relationship he had already built up with the Indian Cleaning industry. Names were dropped – Abhay Desai, Vinay Deshmukh, Vinay Ruparel, Anil sethi, Hydross Jassem, Vivek Mata, Ashok Khemlani, Arun Thapar, Om Sabu… The list grew bigger and bigger and today, the magazine is proud of having the full support of the Indian Cleaning Industry.

The dream of bringing out an exclusive magazine was fast understood. But the implementation was challenging. The perception was “ What is actually there to report? On the contrary, the topic had the widest of scope. The entry of global companies had increased the awareness for professional and mechanized cleaning. The need for outsourcing was gradually getting understood. The equipment and technology were making their presence. An industry for cleaning was evolving.

A magazine like Clean India Journal has multiple responsibilities. Cleanliness is not just the requirement of business houses. It has to be addressed at the grass root level also and we worked towards an effective synthesis of cleaning with technology and cleaning with a heart. While the Indian cleaning Industry had to be brought together, the international companies to be told about the big Indian cleaning market and new technology and systems to be written about, we also had to see how to reach school children to speak about hand washing or highlight the sanitation deficiencies in the national system. It took months of research and interactions before we freezed on an acceptable model.

On the lighter side, we had a lot of fun bringing out the launch issue.

Our photographer combed the City for a candid picture of ‘Cleaning’. For the first cover of the magazine, we chose a picture of street cleaning with Hotel Taj at the background. Brooms were on the Clean India Journal’s cover much before “Swachch Bharat” made the tool a national hero. Quite expectedly, rounds of debates and arguments followed over the proposed cover. No, we needed to add glamour to cleaning, said Jayaram from Japan or some other part of the globe (work took him outside India mostly then). We transplanted the visual of Shahrukh Khan, Preity Zinta and business man Ness Wadia cleaning up Bandra Reclamation and kick starting a cleaning campaign, on to the Taj picture! A clever job of grafting which worked well and the first issue of the magazine was out on time

Each issue thereafter had been exciting in terms of bringing in new ideas and adding value to the content. We had Adi Godrej on the cover of the second issue. The focus was on people just as it was on products, technology and services. The small Clean India editorial team, with Prakash Kuttappan digging out fresh ideas, got stronger with Mohana joining us. Today, Clean India Journal and Mohana are inseparable! There are many others who have contributed to making Clean India Journal what it is today: our sales team, art department, IT team and our ever energetic office boys. We have had our share of chaos, quarrels… especially when the advertisements did not arrive on time, trill while coining brilliant headlines and exasperation when picture captions got mixed up.

As the Cleaning Industry started growing, we wrote on how it took off, then analysed its consolidation and looked at the trends, opportunities and challenges. To us, cleanliness at the grassroots level was equally important. Clean India Show turning international widened the scope of the magazine as well. Gradually, we created sections for laundry, pest management, washroom hygiene and waste management.

The time is prime for the Indian Cleaning Industry to grow. Opportunities are abundant and Clean India Journal promises to walk along with its Industry friends as it has been doing all the way. Thank you friends, thank you VIS team.

[box type=”shadow” ]A magazine like Clean India Journal has multiple responsibilities. Cleanliness is not just the requirement of business houses. It has to be addressed at the grass root level also and we worked towards an effective synthesis of cleaning with technology and cleaning with a heart.[/box]

Industry speaks

We are pretty much a young partner of CLEAN INDIA JOURNAL. We are associated with the magazine just a little bit more than a couple of years, but it has been very intense and fruitful. When we started to develop some more business in India, independent from our former exclusive distributor, we immediately thought that Clean India Journal could be the one and only choice for us to spread the knowledge of our products and innovations.

Due to your deep penetration of the professional cleaning world in India, we are highly satisfied by the results we managed to achieve. Not just because many leads came to us through our ads, but also because we started to get a much better view of the Indian market, its specific needs and its future trends as well. All this is of paramount importance to better direct our future investments in that market. Sometimes it is quite hard to understand things from far-away Italy, but reading CLEAN INDIA JOURNAL brings us directly in touch with what is happening in India without being physically in India. You are our eyes in India.

– Dr. Paolo Scapinello,

Filmop

 

“ISSA/Interclean congratulates CLEAN INDIA JOURNAL on its 10th anniversary! Over the years, we saw the magazine growing both in content and circulation. As trade show organiser of an international show, we are very happy about the 10 years of cooperation. We are convinced that CLEAN INDIA JOURNA
L will stay an important source of information and knowledge for the industry in the future. We look forward to continue to work closely with you on our common objective to help raising the awareness and importance of a clean and healthy environment.

– Rob den Hertog , 

Manager ISSA/INTERCLEAN, Amsterdam RAI

 

“CLEAN INDIA JOURNAL has been able to bring in a platform for the cleaning industry and has acted as a vibrant catalyst and link between the equipment suppliers and end users. A wide spectrum of subjects is covered in every issue and also gives a deep insight into the business opportunities and helps keep abreast of the latest trends and development. Wish Clean India Journal many more years of success and laurels.”

A.V. Suresh
President – International Operations; CEO
Forbes Professional-Eureka Forbes Limited

 

The Cleaning industry in India is well poised for an aggressive growth and a healthy amalgamation of the market. The catalysts to assist this movement are many – including the forces enacted by the Government of India, infusion of foreign players, both as customers as well as service providers, corporation of the industry etc. CLEAN INDIA JOURNAL has played an important role spanning the factors affecting the industry. The magazine has led from the forefront to bring to the leaders a platform to recognize the players. It also provides inputs through its exhibitions on the new developments. Over the last couple of years, the market coverage and pointed efforts to channelize the impact of growth have been commendable. We, at Forbes Facility Services, congratulate the magazine on the decennial occasion and wish the team all the very best!

– Vinay Deshmukh,

CEO, Forbes Facility 

Congratulations to the entire CLEAN INDIA JOURNAL team on reaching the 10-year milestone. It has been an incredible journey during which we have witnessed the growth of the Cleaning Industry. I have been associated with CLEAN INDIA JOURNAL since its inception and am happy to see how fast it has become the media partner for the Industry. The magazine has provided the industry and customers a platform where they could share their thoughts, ideas and even solutions to problems. I also believe that as you celebrate this occasion, it’s important for you to now take even bigger steps towards driving cleaning & hygiene awareness in our country. I am sure you will do your best for this industry. All the best and keep up the good work!!!

– Abhay Desai,

Regional Director – Marketing, Diversey, SealdAir

 

It has been serving as a driving force and as a mirror of the cleaning industry in india. We appreciate their role as that of a catalyst in the industry which is growing and needs directions as well as exposure to international trends. It has very well created a bind between various verticals of the industry.

We expect them to increase the reach of the publication, to the decision maker and keep performing a constructive role. We wish them success in all their endeavors in the coming years

 

– Arun Thapar,

MD & CEO-Inventa Cleantec Pvt Ltd

CLEAN INDIA magazine has been a driving force in India for last 10 years to promote the better understanding about cleanliness and better hygienic standards in all sectors of the Indian society. Congratulation to your 10th anniversary and we are sure that in the future Clean India will continue contribute to the growth of the Indian cleaning industry

Kärcher as the largest supplier of cleaning solutions in the world has been in India for over 20 years. Over the last couple of years we are experiencing a strong increase in customer’s inquiries as more and more companies are looking for mechanized cleaning solutions. However, many customers don’t see the necessity to buy the right equipment; they just go for the lowest price. We as an organisation try to educate and train our customers so they get a better understanding on these subjects.

– Ruediger Schroeder
Managing Director, Karcher Cleaning Systems Private Limited 

 

Congratulations to the entire team of CLEAN INDIA JOURNAL on completion of 10 years. I am sure this would not have been a journey and your sincerity and commitment towards noble cause of cleanliness has helped to see such an occasion. I would like to see the magazine achieve many more milestones in the years to come. We would like CIJ to attain a stature where anyone who needs solution of cleanliness and hygiene should look for this magazine.

– Sumeet Bansal
Deputy General Manager Marketing, Godrej-Tennant 

  

“Many congratulations to the entire team of Virtual Info Systems and CLEAN INDIA JOURNAL on completing 10 years.

Truly a landmark. Shouldering with all cleaning companies, Team CLEAN INDIA JOURNAL has been successful in inculcating the habits of cleanliness in the minds of people from different professions. The magazine has patiently and progressively brought a change around us.Progressing from mechanized property cleaning to laundry to automotive to chemicals, I see CLEAN INDIA JOURNAL always on the run and covering each minor area where the word “cleaning” is associated.

“Swachh Bharat” was what CLEAN INDIA JOURNAL envisaged 10 years back. May the noble
cause continue with same spirits and dedication.

– Sunil Kapoor,

Country Manager – India, Nilfisk India Private Limited

 

I am very happy to hear CLEAN INDIA JOURNAL has completed 10 years though I was under the impression that the Journal has been in existence for a longer period. Congratulations CLEAN INDIA JOURNAL, you have achieved tremendous growth and have built eminent goodwill in the community. You have always tried to provide the best and latest coverage meeting the current and future needs of the target groups and with your services, the community has gained a lot. This could be only by hard work and talents of the CLEAN INDIA team.

– Sam Easaw
Managing Director, Rentokil Initial India

 

“CLEAN INDIA JOURNAL is the only magazine that is educating and enlightening the public regarding the latest in cleaning, hygiene and sanitation technology present in our country. Over the years, it has carved a niche for itself as being the only magazine which is dedicated to the cause of a cleaner and greener India.

We would like to congratulate the entire team behind the CLEAN INDIA JOURNAL on the completion of 10 successful years. This unprecedented success is because of the passion and commitment of the entire team. We hope that in the years to come, the magazine would continue to cover the best in the field of cleaning hygiene and sanitation technology in India.”

– Vivek Mata,

Managing Director, Charnock Equipments

 

“I’ve known CLEAN INDIA JOURNAL since the time of its inception. I come from a “cleaning family”, so I’ve also had the added advantage of watching the evolution of the Journal, not to mention the innumerable times I’ve worked at the exhibition stalls while in college to make some extra pocket money! But it is only in my current role at PCI that I’ve really understood what this team has truly achieved.

Over the last 10 years I’ve watched CLEAN INDIA JOURNAL highlighting the increasing relevance of cleaning in industries and their specific requirements. I’ve seen their exhibitions grow in size and relevance, offering partnership to build up the cleaning industry in India. Congratulations on 10 years! In the years to come, I know we will see your build even stronger partnerships, provide more platforms to launch both technology and expertise. I hope to see your influence move key players in the industry into more activation for a cleaner country. And I wish you a successful launch into the online world!”

– Priya Sule,

AVP – HR, Marketing and Communications, PCI

[box type=”shadow” ]For the first cover of the magazine, we chose a picture of street cleaning with Hotel Taj at the background. Brooms were on the CLEAN INDIA JOURNAL’s cover much before “Swachch Bharat” made the tool a national hero.[/box]

 

 

CLEAN INDIA JOURNAL, the way it has been reaching out to various segments, has helped the industry in extending cleaning and hygiene solutions across various segments. There have been many other publications that have entered this industry but it is CLEAN INDIA JOURNAL which has remained as the voice of the Indian Cleaning Industry. Personally, I have been able to convey my inputs regarding hygiene and facility services to the public, the industries and different segments through the magazine.

– Prashant Sule
Managing Director, Cannon Hygiene (India) Pvt. Ltd

I am very happy that CLEAN INDIA JOURNAL has completed 10 years. It only goes to show the commitment and sustainability of the people who started the magazine. This is not a very profitable business to venture into but all that was needed was commitment. After 10 years, it is the single largest source or voice of cleaning business in India. It is accepted nationally and internationally. That is where it has reached. Today, if there is an activity of CLEAN INDIA, people want to participate in it. People take it seriously.

I would not say it has reached the top or that being a single source, it has reached a level where people take its word as final. People are finding it necessary and finding advantages of being with CLEAN INDIA but still a lot of value addition is required. People should read the articles to gain knowledge out of it.

– Anil Sethi,

Managing Director, Manmachine Works

 

It is indeed an informative magazine which has focus on various aspects of Cleaning. It helps Facility Management Companies to ensure the best practices are followed using the state of art technology. The magazine’s constant engagement in conducting seminars and exhibitions across India has educated people about the benefit of Facility Management services and the value of outsourcing. In coming years, I am confident that CLEAN INDIA JOURNAL will give more attention towards educating the rural population on sanitation. There is no doubt on CLEAN INDIA JOURNAL’s long term engagement in promoting the importance of cleaning is in line with the Government’s vision.

– M.K. Padmanabhan
CEO, Faber Sindoori Management Services Pvt. Ltd

 

CLEAN INDIA JOURNAL is the only magazine that is working towards the concept of Clean India. In fact, the magazine has propagated the concept of CLEAN INDIA much before the whole cou
ntry got caught up with it. You are the pioneers and doing a fantastic job. It is under this umbrella that all the cleaning players come together and it is the platform for the cleaning industry. Probably in the years to come, we could strive towards bringing in standardization in business practices.

– Tony Chazhoor
Country Head, IP Cleaning India Pvt.Ltd

We have been associated with CLEAN INDIA JOURNAL since we started to produce our machines for brooms and brushes in India in 2011. We have not only been advertising in the journal, we have also been participating in all the Clean India Shows. We believe that CLEAN INDIA JOURNALis the only magazine in this category which constantly provides up to date information on new products and processes which have been found accurate and authentic. We wish the team great success. Congratulations on the magazine’s 10th Anniversary and we look forward to be associated with you in the future. We request you to create a platform for interaction with the Government Organisations, Municipality and NGOs to create awareness on cleanliness and hygiene.

Rajiv Sanghavi
Director, Borghi Brush Machinery Pvt. Ltd.

 

Congratulations to CLEAN INDIA JOURNAL for bringing up to date information about what is happening in the Cleaning and Hygiene spheres all over the world to the Indian industry. From its modest beginning in October 2005, CLEAN INDIA JOURNAL has become the flag bearer of the industry and through the group’s various activities like Clean India Shows, Clean India Pulire and the upcoming Clean India Week, engages in different activities to promote the industry in the best possible way.

Excel International group is very proud of our association with CLEAN INDIA JOURNAL and hope it will achieve much higher goals in times to come.

George Oommen
Managing Director, Excel Group

CLEAN INDIA JOURNAL is doing a fantastic job. This is the only single platform to discuss various industry issues. We get to learn new methodology. Now, we should have more focus on greener technologies. CLEAN INDIA JOURNAL can write more on the subject. We need to create a forum to deal with issues related to the facility services segment and bring about standardization.

– Vishal Goel
Managing Director, Sunrise Facility

 

 

 

 

 

“… and miles to go” 

Geographically, India is a big market for the cleaning industry. However, the growth I have seen, is not what could have been achieved. There are many reasons for the same.

India needs more manufacturing units coming up, be it Indian or from international companies. So that, the best quality products and services can be made available to the Indian market.

The international companies should not look at India as a dumping ground. They need to invest time and money in understanding Indian climatic conditions, culture and come up with right solutions for India. Currently, only few companies have understood this need and are really working in this direction. India will be the future of the European cleaning companies.

Mindset change: Other than in some of the critical sectors like healthcare, pharma and food processing, cleanliness & hygiene is still wanting in most of the industries. Very often, it is not out of choice but out of compulsion that cleanliness & hygiene is being followed.

Our outlook towards cleanliness & hygiene should change. Understanding and following best practices is the need of the hour. I feel sad even today where we are talking about women power, we don’t find feminine hygiene bins in the washroom of companies with huge women workforce and whose turnover is over few hundred crores. At times, I wonder if we are ignorant or we just don’t care…

My message to the government is that just saying “Swachch Bharat’ or CLEAN INDIA is not going to make India clean. We need to first make cleaning economically viable. For this, the government has to decide whether we need to promote Make in India or we stick to importing. If we are looking at Make in India, we need to give Indian entrepreneurs and international companies certain benefits for setting up manufacturing plants here for cleaning equipment, tools, chemicals and hygiene solutions. If we want to rely on import, then we should give five year custom duty holiday which will ensure the prices come down by 30% and cleaning becomes affordable for everyone including our civic bodies.

On the other side, with various initiatives, the momentum has picked up. Many international players too are heading to India to tap the growing cleaning market. The cleaning industry is set for a boom time.