Dr. Seshu Bhagavathula is the new CTO of Apollo Tyres

Dr Seshu Bhagavathula is absorbed as the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Apollo Tyres Limited, who will take care of the global initiatives  such as on tyre technology, research and new product development, for both passenger vehicle and commercial vehicle tyres.

Bhagavathula will be assisted by the research, technology and design teams across all geographies, according to a company statement.

Said Neeraj Kanwar, Vice Chairman & Managing Director, Apollo Tyres said: “As we focus on the two key pillars of Marketing and Technology for the next phase of our growth, Dr Seshu, with his vast experience, will bring in the much needed synergy across locations. He would also help us in providing intelligent automotive solutions to our customers. His appointment further strengthens Apollo’s Leadership Team and gives the company’s growth agenda an added impetus.” Hlast assignment was with Great Wall Motor Company in China, where he served as the Vice President, Research & Development. Prior to this, he had spent a significant part of his career with Daimler AG at multiple locations, where he was responsible for product development and integration of engineering processes. Having worked in the automotive industry, both in commercial and passenger vehicle segments, his core areas of professional expertise has been in research and development, innovation and strategic analysis. Dr Seshu will be based out of Apollo Tyre’s Global R&D Centre in Enschede, the Netherlands.

Reacting to the new role, Dr Bhagavathula said: “I am excited by this opportunity and impressed by the possibilities the future holds with Apollo Tyres. I am positive that we will be able to bring out competitive products to address the requirements of our global customers.” Furthermore, the company has also inducted Dr Seshu in its Management Board.

Quarter of world’s cervical cancer patients live in India, says Dr. Sapna Nangia

Cervical caner is the commonest cancer in Indian women. A quarter of the world’s cervical cancer patiants live in India. “It is indeed ironical that a cancer that can be prevented by a vaccine and detected in a pre-malignent state receives such little attention from the media”, laments Dr.Sapna Nangia, Seinor Consultant, Radiation Oncology, Apollo Cancer Institute, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi.

In an exclusive interaction with Jayashankar Menon, she throws insight on this vexatious problem of rampant cervical cancer among Indian women and how it can be nipped in the bud. Excerpts:

JM: What is the level of awareness about cervical cancer in India?

SN: Cervical cancer is the commonest cancer in Indian women and a quarter of the world’s cervical cancer patients live in India! It is indeed ironical that a cancer that can be prevented by a vaccine and detected in a pre malignant state receives such little attention from the media.

JM: What are the real causes for this infection of cervical cancer amongst Indian women?

SN: Caused by infection with the Human Papilloma Virus(HPV), cervical cancer involves the opening of the uterus into the vagina. It occurs more commonly in women who start sexual activity at a young age and is also more common in women with many childbirths and partners. Given that girls in rural India marry at a younger age and have more children than their urban counterparts, it is not surprising that the incidence of cervical cancer is more in rural India. Other risk factors are poor personal hygiene and of late, HIV infection.

JM: How long it takes the process of transformation of a pre-cancerous state to cervical cancer?

SN: The process of transformation of a pre-cancerous state to cervical cancer takes around ten years. During this period, a simple test called Pap smear can detect this pre-cancerous state. The affected area of the cervix can be effectively treated by a gynecologist using simple treatment methods such as laser, cryosurgery and LEEP. Pap smears are recommended for all sexually active women, the test being repeated at three yearly intervals if normal and at five yearly intervals if both Pap smear and testing for high risk strains of HPV are negative.

JM What is your take on mass screening of women using VIA?

SN: Organist ions looking to make a contribution towards improving the health status of Indian women would do well to think of mass screening of women using a technique called VIA. This simple test, which basically consists of applying vinegar to the cervix and then inspecting it, can be easily administered by health workers. In a landmark study by Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai, mass screening of women was found to reduce the risk of dying due to cervical cancer by a whopping 30 percent. It is known that mass screening for cervical cancer once in ten years can reduce the incidence of this disease by 60 percent.

JM: Do we have enough vaccines to stem the rot?

SN: Vaccines are now available against some strains of HPV. Gardasil from Merck protects against four strains, two of which cause cervical cancer and two, genital warts. Cervarix, from  Glaxo Smith Kline Beecham, protects against two cancer causing HPV strains. The HPV strains that these vaccines act against are responsible for about 70 percent of all cervical cancers. Women who have  been vaccinated should therefore still undergo Pap smears for early detection of cervical cancer.

JM: What is the ideal time for vaccination?

SN: The ideal time for vaccination is prior to initiation of sexual activity. It is usually administered to  at the age of 12-13 years to girls, but can be administered between the ages of 9-45 years. When administered, after initiation of sexual activity, the vaccine does not protect against pre-existing infection.

JM: What is the recommended course of injection?

SN: A course of three injections is recommended. However, the second and third injections are being administered one and six months, respectively, after the first. The cost of the vaccine is around Rs. 2,500 per dose.

JM: What other cancers HPV is responsible for?

SN: HPV is responsible for other cancers besides cervical cancer, anal cancer, vulval cancer and that of the throat are also caused by strains of this virus. Vaccination is likely to reduce the risk of these cancers as well.

JM: How about the awareness of HPV vaccination abroad?

SN: HPV vaccination is a part of the National Immunisation Programme in Australia, the United Kingdom and Canada. Besides girls, immunisation of  boys  to prevent the cancers as well as the transmission of cervical cancer is also being considered and is already a part of the national Immunisation programme of some countries.

Book Review: ‘Aisle Be Damned’, exceptionally hilarious debut novel by Rishi Piparaiya

‘Aisle Be Damned’, Rishi Piparaiya’s debut novel is an exceptionally hilarious take on everything that one can relate with air travel. It has summed almost everything that can go wrong and right when you are air travelling. From what can go right when you step into the airport to what can go wrong while you choose your seat, meal and whatever else that an airline has got to offer. Every single person who has ever flown can relate to the book and those who do not like to travel by air and yet have to do that, they will relate with the every single thing mentioned in the book.

A Hilarious Take on just about Everything Associated with Air Travel.

–    Getting seamlessly upgraded to Business Class.
–    The hows and whys of micromanaging the pilots.
–    Action plans to counter the airlines Technical Snag routine.
–    Sure shot strategies for winning the affections of flight attendants.
–    Awesome icebreakers to start conversations with attractive co-passengers.
–    How smart executives deal with the Walk of Shame to the economy section.
–     How a water bottle dramatically improves flight safety.
–    Breezing through immigration and customs, always making your flight connections and a whole lot more
–    Rest assured, your flying experience will never be the same again!

Title: Aisle Be damned
Author: Rishi Piparaiya
Genre: Non- Fiction, Humour
Publisher: Jaico Publishing House
Pages: 216
Price: Rs. 250/-
For more details, visit: aislebedamned.com.

Rishi Piparaiya is an over-worked and over-traveled corporate executive based in the skies, 38,000 feet over India. He has spent several years at one of the largest global banks and he currently heads marketing and sales for a financial services multinational company. He did his schooling at the Cathedral and John Connon School, Mumbai and undergraduate and graduate education at the University of Rochester and Cornell University in upstate New York. He speaks much of English, some of Hindi and a bit of Spanish but prefers to write ‘Aisle Be Damned’ his first book.

BharatBenz achieves milestone of selling 1,000 trucks in India

Daimler India Commercial Vehicles Private Ltd (DICV), the wholly-owned subsidiary of the world’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturer Daimler AG, yesterday said it had achieved a sale of 10,000 trucks, since its market launch.

Adding to this milestone, the Chennai-based commercial vehicle manufacturer has also sold 1,000 units in a month, for the first time in March 2014. Sale of BharatBenz trucks grew over 67% in the 1st quarter of 2014 (2,203 units) as compared to the same period in 2013 (1,316 units) with a significant market share of 5.3% in addressable markets above 9T segment, while the overall truck market >9T decreased by another 22% in the same period, clearly indicating that BharatBenz is steadily becoming the brand of aspiration for many Indian truckers.

While sharing his happiness at the turn of events, Marc Llistosella, Managing Director and CEO, Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV), said: “The year 2014 began well for us and it underlines some key developments in the company. The sale of the 10,000th truck is a remarkable achievement for us, given the fact that we have made it in just 18 months of operations in the country. Another notable aspect is that these trucks were sold with transparent pricing without any discount. This is a clear testimony of the trust we have built in our customers, dealer and supplier partners who have partnered us in this successful journey so far. The current slowdown in the industry has given us an opportunity to feed the market with highly competitive products and services, offering our customers an unbeatable value proposition for their business.”

VRV Sriprasad, Vice President, Marketing, Sales and After-sales, DICV, said: “BharatBenz rolled out into the market with a highly systematic planning that focused on a clear understanding of the Indian customer. This achievement of sales of 10,000 trucks in such a short time of 18 months clearly proves that BharatBenz has acquired this understanding. Our future focus will remain to stay close to the Indian trucker to provide him products of the highest quality and reliability matched by a highly efficient service package.”

DICV launched its Heavy-duty trucks in September 2012 and followed it by the launch of its Medium-duty range in February 2013. In January 2014, it launched its Tractor and Construction Mining models, covering the entire range of trucks in the medium and heavy duty segments. DICV has gained a substantial market share in the Southern region and has been registering a steady growth in other markets of West, North and Central.

The products have been well received by the customer and have been ably supported by a state-of-the art and customer-friendly after-sales across a robust network of 71 state-of-the-art dealer outlets in the country. Customers have also been able to experience industry-first finance and insurance packages that have made owning a BharatBenz a delightful experience.

On the exports front, DICV along with Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC) has made significant inroads into the African market with the launch of robust DICV-made FUSO trucks in Tanzania, besides Kenya and Zambia as part of Daimler’s Asia Business Model. DICV received the coveted TS16949:2009 certification for implementation and maintenance of Quality Management System in the area of Design and Development and Manufacture of commercial vehicles and has been rated ‘Stable’ by CRISIL for its long term operations in the country. DICV recently laid the foundation stone for its new Bus plant in Oragadam, with an earmarked investment of INR 425 crore that will roll out front and rear engine buses under the brand BharatBenz and Mercedes-Benz, respectively.

Vadodara turns out to be favourable investment destination in the real estate segment

Investing in real estate constitutes largely to identify the right opportunity. The key factors to look for investment are requirements,  appreciation, value and various reasons – One of the crucial ones being – the city and the area. There are various cities in India that are favourable from investment point of view. One of the cities that is into the radar is the cultural centre of Gujarat – Vadodara, says Pankaj Srivastava Chief Operating Officer, Maitreya Realtors & Constructions Pvt Ltd.

Pankarj Srivastava, Naresh Kanodia and Janardhan Parulaker at the inauguration of Maitreya Paradiso at Vadodara.

Maitreya Realtors & Constructions Pvt Ltd (MRCPL), the construction arm of the Maitreya Group of Companies, started in 1998 is a real estate company engaged in the business of commercial, residential and retail projects. Under the leadership of its CMD, Varsha Satpalkar, the company currently focuses on construction and development of real estate properties across the states of Maharashtra and Gujarat. The acumen of Pankaj contributes largely to the success of the company.

With the proud track record of building trust and delivering values to all its stakeholders, MRPCL is poised to become a leading brand in the real estate sector. The company is recognized for its quality, sustainable projects, transparent deals, timely delivery and services for all income groups. Its strategic alliances and partnerships, as well as highly competent in-house team, enables the company to undertake and smoothly execute construction of high-end bungalows, villas, residential apartments as well as shopping malls across the country. To its credit, the company has several sophisticated myriad housing projects in various cities of Maharashtra such as Pune, Aurangabad, Vasai, Dhule, Jalgaon and Sangli, to name a few; while it has also constructed several commercial projects in Mumbai, Sangli and Kolhapur.

Currently, MRPCL is engaged in designing, building and marketing of its several residential and commercial projects in Nashik and Sangali. Some of these key projects are:

Maitreya Greens – It is the first ever IGBC Gold pre-certified green project in Nashik. Spread across ten acres of lush green land, of which only 40 percent would be developed into six residential towers. Comprises of Ground plus 14 floors, these towers are constructed in a complete eco-friendly manner.

Maitreya Pandav Van – Located beside famous Pandav Caves, Pandav Van is a 40 Exclusive 2 BHK Twin-bungalows Scheme. Each bungalow comes with a private garden, car parking, balconies and terraces, planned in a way that it ensures full privacy and at the same time offers lot of open space.

Maitreya Sankul – Located amidst lush green landscape of Pathardi, Maitreya Sankul is a residential project that comprise of six storey buildings offerings 2 BHK spacious flats that easily fits into the budget of middle-income families.

Maitreya Sunrise – A perfect combination of commercial and residential units, Maitreya Sunrise consists of 62 residential apartments, 39 shops and 10 godowns. This finest complex is constructed at a prime location in Sangli which is well connected to railway station and bus stand.

A veteran for over 20 years in real estate sector, Pankaj is responsible for strategic planning and managing overall business operations of the company. He started his career as an Assistant Civil Engineer at Continental Constructions Limited following which he joined Larsen & Toubro Ltd as a Civil Engineer for a span of five years. His stint as a project manager in Gherzi Eastern Limited and Macquarie Real Estate helped him climb the ladder. In July 2010, Pankaj joined Tata Housing Development Co. Ltd as General Manager – Engineering after which he earned the designation of Vice President with Octamec Engineering Limited.

Today, Pankaj has successfully established Maitreya Realtors & Constructions Pvt Ltd by managing the company’s day-to-day operations smoothly. With a sound knowledge of statutory, municipal rules and regulations and labour laws, strong technical and commercial acumen, experience in macro and micro level planning and ensuring contracts are administered effectively and efficiently, Pankaj has capitalised the stature of Maiterya Realtors & Constructions Pvt Ltd in the real estate space. His scheduling and implementing construction projects by ensuring development of integrated Program Plan that addresses contingency and minimises interruptions and provides safeguards against project over-runs and implementation of project control has resulted into rapid expansion.

A Post Graduate in Civil Engineering from Birla Institute of Technology and Science – Pilani Rajasthan, has also attended a Short Term Course on Sesmic Designs from IIT Kanpur and course on an Internal Auditor for ISO Systems – BIS.

In a tete-a-tete, Srivastava shares insights on the real estate overview in Vadodara and how the city favours to be a favourable investment option. Exerpts:

Naresh Kanodia at the opening of Maitreya Paradiso at Vadodara.

JM: What are the reasons which define Vadodara as a favourable investment destination?

PS: Various reasons secure defining Vadodara as a favourable investment destination. To mention a few, the city is emerging as an IT hub. There are major infrastructural developments planned in the city coupled with the industrial areas, which shall lead to improved connectivity to the city and increased employment opportunities within and around the city. The Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor passes through Vadodara, making it a key destination for attracting industrial investments.

Gujarat’s leading educational institutions are located in Vadodara, offering skilled and intellectual manpower in abundance for various industries and R&D activities. Interestingly it is an ideal destination for the Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) to settle down as well. It is also an emerging hub for various glass manufacturing companies and automobile ancillary plants. Various towns are home to Pharmaceutical and other Chemical manufacturing ventures.

Vadodara is home to a large number of reputed large scale industries and public sector units like Indian Petrochemicals Corporation Ltd (IPCL), Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), Gujarat Alkalies and Chemical Ltd (GACL), and Gas Authority of India Ltd (GAIL). A large number of builders have also become a major part of Vadodara real estate.

JM: Can you talk about Maitreya’s projects in Vadodara?

PS: Maitreya Realtors & Constructions Private Ltd (MRCPL), the construction division of the Maitreya Group of Companies had launched its premium plotting project near Ajwa Funworld in the name of Maitreya Paradiso.

Maitreya Paradiso is located at the Rasulabaad Jharod crossing, before Ajwa Funworld. Surrounded by lush greenery, the project entails 120 plots ranging from 1800-8000 square feet targeting a range of buyers depending upon their choice and preference. Customers can buy these plots and construct their desired villas as per the standard elevation and specifications.  The Infrastructure that includes a attractive designed compound wall, grand entrance plaza, internal roads, electricity and water connections to individual plots, storm water drains, Sewage treatment plant, soft water supply and an elegant club house.

JM: What makes this project unique…

PS: It is a unique venture for those who wish to invest in land parcels or for those looking for their second home or thinking about their retirement homes. One can buy the plot and construct home as per his requirements.

With the urban development authority of Vadodara continuously encouraging many construction companies to establish residential areas, IT parks and shopping malls within the city, the city promises a bright future not only for itself but also for those who intend to draw on the prospects of an emerging cosmopolitan.

 

Goa declared best honeymoon destination by Travel & Leisure India magazine

Yet another time, Goa Tourism has won honours at an awards function recently hosted by leading travel magazine Travel & Leisure India and South Asia edition, where the Western Indian state was declared as the Best Honeymoon Destination, Best Family Destination, Best Leisure Destination and the Best Party Destination for India and South East Asia.

Valsala Vijayan Deputy Resident commissioner Goa Sadan receiving these awards on behalf of Goa Government from the hands of Ambassador of Portugal, Jorge Roza de Oliviera at a function held on March 31,2014 in New Delhi.

According to a statement issued by GTDC, Goa had not only bagged four awards in various categories but also emerged as Runner Up for Best Wedding Destination. The awards were conferred on March 31, 2014 at a function held in New Delhi. The T&L Awards are considered to be one of the most prestigious awards in the Travel, Hospitality and Leisure sector and winning five awards at this is a great achievement for the state, especially so following so close on the PATWA award.

While speaking about Goa’s achievement, Dilip Parulekar, Tourism Minister, Goa said: “I am very happy to note that Goa has won prestigious awards in so many categories. This matches with our aim of promoting the state as an all-round, 365-day destination and is a recognition to several steps taken by tourism department. In 2013 our tourist arrival figures went up by 12% compared to the previous year and we are optimistic that with all the initiatives taken by Goa Tourism, the number will increase further this year around”.

Audi India sells 1,404 cars in March 2014

Audi India, the domestic arm of the German luxury car major Audi AG, continued its success story by becoming the first luxury car maker in the country to sell in excess of 10000 units in a single financial year, according to a company statement.

Audi India had created history by becoming the first-ever luxury car manufacturer to achieve the same feat in calendar year 2013 as well. The brand with the four rings achieved this momentous milestone by logging a sale of 10,126 cars in the period April 2013 – March 2014, in comparision with the sale of 9,350 units sold in April 2012 – March 2013. The auto maker also clocked a sale of 2,740 units in the period January – March 2014 as against the sale of 2,616 vehicles sold in the year ago period.

Konica Minolta launches pagepro1580MF printer in India

Konica Minolta, the dominant player in the printer industry has launched the all new pagepro1580MF monochrome laser multifunctional printer, equipped with printing speed of 20 papers per minute, supporting 16 MB memory and can be used for A4, letter, B5, A5, A6, executive size printing, according to a company statement.

From (L-R): Balakrishnan, Tadhahiki Sumitani and Kuldeep Malhotra.
An easy-to-use printer, it allows functions such as copy settings colour scanning and job cancel at the touch of a button. The compact printer has an in-built colour scanner and can be easily integrate into any small office or home setting.
After launching the printer in New Delhi, Tadahiko Sumitani, Managing Director of Konica Minolta Business Solutions India Pvt Ltd said: “Our operations in India have seen a revenue of Rs 228 crore in the last fiscal and this fiscal is likely to end at the Rs 300 crore mark plus we are expecting to grow by 30-35 percent to touch the Rs 500 crore mark within the next two to three years”.

From (L-R): Tadhahiki Sumitani, Balakrishnan and Kuldeep Malhotra.
Balakrishnan EGM Marketing stated that Konica Minolta had been doing well, despite the general economic slowdown. “Our competitive price range, along with the high quality had helped us win the customer’s confidence and establish our brand. We always focus on customer requirements and strive to work closely with our customers. This is our differentiator and has helped us to build quickly the channel network and address the market”.
Kuldeep Malhotra, EGM Sales, Sales and Managing Division added: “In the calendar year 2013, the company has achieved market share of 27 percent in A3 colour printers, 17 percent in the A3 monochrome printers and almost 50 percent in the production printers market”.

Konica Minolta Business Solutions is the market leader in advanced imaging and networking technologies, right from the desktop to the print shop. A global developer and manufacturer of multi-functional peripherals (MFPs), printers, equipment for production print systems and graphic arts, equipment for healthcare systems, measuring instruments for industrial and healthcare applications, inkjet print heads and textile printers for industrial use, and related consumables and solution services, the company is also engaged in the development, manufacturing and sale of electronic materials (including TAC films), lighting source panels, functional films (including heat insulation films), and optical products (including lens units).

Goa Tourism bags PATWA award at ITB Berlin, Germany

Goa Tourism repeated its winning streak when it bagged the PATWA Award for the ‘Best Destination in Relaxation, Watersports and Entertainment.’ in a glittering function held at Saal 9, ICC building Berlin held on the sidelines of  ITB Berlin, Germany on March 6, 2014.  The award was accepted on behalf of Goa Tourism by Brijesh Manerkar, OSD, Department of Tourism, Goa, according to a statement issued by GTDC.

Speaking on the award, Dilip Parulekar, Minister for Tourism  said: “I am delighted to receive this award for the second time in a row. The award is recognition of path-breaking initiatives undertaken by Goa Tourism, such as introduction of Single Window System for Watersports activities on Beaches, Single Window System for according permission for Music festivals and Tourism events, as a result of which Goa managed to attract high profile Music festivals, weddings, etc. thereby cementing its place as India’s No.1 destination for Relaxation, Entertainment and Watersports.

Goa Tourism has been laying stress on World Class infrastructure Tourism and several Tourism projects have been initiated which will revolutionise Goa Tourism in the years to come. What is more, it is a matter of great pride that an International Body like PATWA has recognised the excellent work carried out by Goa Tourism”.

PATWA was established during the PATA Conference in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The aim of PATWA is to promote professional development of travel writing and travel communication which makes invaluable contribution in the promotion of tourism. PATWA will support the fundamental objectives of PATA efforts for tourism and at the same time it will maintain adherence to the fundamental principles of the UNESCO, United Nations and of the World Tourism Organisation.

The members of the Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA), adhere to the Fundamental Principles of the United Nations, UNESCO and the World Tourism Organisation (WTO).

INSPIRED BY

– The wish to get acquainted with all human beings, to get to know countries and people, their habits, customs, history and civilization.
– The aspiration that commands people to live in good benevolence, co-operation and peace.
– The evolution of social living standards and the ceaseless development and process of communication to an extent when tourism becomes an essential need for the people.

Search for Tamil Nadu’s Kitchen Legacy successfully concludes with MTR and Chef Damu

MTR Foods successfully concluded the ‘Search for Tamil Nadu’s kitchen legacy with MTR and Chef Damu’ – A cooking workshop organised by MTR to help people rediscover the authentic taste of Tamil Nadu food by cooking along with Chef Damu, according to a statement issued by MTR.

Starting February 15, 2014 a big blitz campaign was done inviting food enthusiast for the event. On the day of the event the participants got an opportunity to cook along with Damu and learn forgotten and authentic dishes. Damu also prepared authentic dishes like Navadhaniya Kolumbu and Sambar for the participants and highlighted the value of using pounded Masalas like MTR instead of the grinded ones, bringing out the sought-after authentic aroma and flavour of the sambar.
This event provided the participants with ‘once in a life time’ opportunity to cook alongside an accomplished chef who has won several accolades and is also instrumental in popularising Tamilian cuisine all over India.
On the occasion, Sanjay Sharma, CEO of MTR Foods said: “MTR Foods is the guardian of authentic Indian food. Over a year ago we launched a range of authentic pounded masalas especially created for our Tamil Nadu consumers as we saw the need to bring back the authentic Tamil Nadu cuisine which the consumers are losing. We along with Damu, who is an authority in Tamil Nadu cuisine have taken the endeavor of rediscovering the authentic Tamil Nadu cuisines, tastes and cooking practices prevalent in consumer households and today’s event is another step towards the same”.
Talking on the sidelines of the event, Damu said: “MTR has taken up the noble initiative to re-introduce some forgotten recipes to the everyday life of its consumers to make sure that our food traditions and heritage are kept alive”.
Vaishnavi Madhu, a participant in the event said: “Cooking has always been my passion and I watch a lot of cookery shows to learn new recipes and hone my culinary skills. I always use MTR Masalas because I know that their pounded masalas really bring out the original flavor in my dishes. I was overwhelmed and couldn’t believe my luck when MTR gave me an opportunity to cook alongside Damu”.
MTR Foods stands tall as an Indian heritage brand. Today, a popular household name, MTR Foods has consolidated its market leadership in the south and is all set for a strong pan India presence, beginning with forays into the northern, western and eastern regions.