MxMIndia

Author: mxmadmin

  • The positions: Senior VP & Head – Tech Services and VP – Media

    Digitas India beefs up top deck

    By Our Staff

     

    Mohammedullah Shaikh
    Mohammedullah Shaikh
    Richa Chugh
    Richa Chugh

    Digitas India has made key senior-level appointments. It has appointed Mohammedullah Shaikh, aka Shariq, as Senior Vice President and Head – Tech Services while Richa Chugh has been appointed as Vice President – Media. The appointments are in line with Digitas India’s plans to strengthen its core product offerings in keeping with the increasing demand for digital technology services & media solutions from the marketplace. The duo will report to Sonia Khurana, COO of Digitas India.

     

    Sonia Khurana
    Sonia Khurana

    Welcoming both to the agency, Khurana said: “Given our focus on delivering remarkable digital experiences, Richa, with her rich background in media and Shariq, with his varied experience in technology bring valuable inputs to the team. It’s also their new, interesting perspectives that are going to be instrumental in further supporting Digitas’ continued performance and execution of our growth plans. We’re thrilled to have them on board!”

     

  • Does this make for a question? Well, it's a Friday, and with our Wizard with Words, we ask a variety of questions, on a variety of issues. Let's hear it from Dr Bhaskar Das in the September 2 edition of Das ka Dum. Read on…

    Das ka Dum with Dr Bhaskar Das | From a visual communicator’s lens, would you say that Ganesha has been the most creatively depicted or expressed?

    Bhaskar DasDoes this make for a question? Well, it’s a Friday, and with our Wizard with Words, we ask a variety of questions, on a variety of issues. Let’s hear it from Dr Bhaskar Das in the September 2 edition of Das ka Dum. Read on…

     

    If you wish to access the archives, please go to the Das Ka Dum tab on the website’s top navigation bar.

     

    Q. From a visual communicator’s lens, would you say that Ganesha has been the most creatively depicted or expressed?

     

    A. There is no doubt that aesthetically and from sheer artistic excellence, the Ganesha idol is one of best depiction of a creative rendition of a God by artists. Every aspect of the idol can be related to a lesson for management, leadership and navigating an increasingly VUCA world. But one needs to practise the learnings in reality and not just get impressed perfunctorily. Internet is replete with analysis of the practical aspect of each element of the idol which when practised can remove all obstacles in the way of individuals and corporations. That why perhaps during any puja, Lord Ganesha is invoked at the beginning. So apart from aesthetics, one needs to imbibe the learnings from the God daily, without forgetting the learnings on the other days. I concur with your thoughts.

     

  • To focus on further building the travel company's digital presence

    Dentsu Webchutney wins MakeMyTrip mandate

    By Our Staff

     

    Dentsu Webchutney, the digital creative agency from Dentsu Creative India, has won the digital mandate for MakeMyTrip. The account was won following a multi-agency pitch and will be serviced from the agency’s Mumbai office. As per the mandate, the agency will focus on further building MakeMyTrip’s digital presence by implementing an aggressive creative growth strategy.

     

    Speaking on the win, Upasana Naithani, Associate Vice President, Dentsu Webchutney said: “MakeMyTrip is a big win for us, not only does it show faith by the best of the industry in our agency but also because their values align with ours, beautifully. We are very excited to work on campaigns that move both, the business, and the brand in the right direction.”

     

    Added Vipul Prakash, Chief Operating Officer, MakeMyTrip: “Today, travellers seek more when consuming and engaging with brands across channels. Together with Denstu Webchutney, we hope to introduce new, innovative ways, and concepts that can help engage with Indian travellers, better. Our goal remains to be authentic in what we say and innovative in how we connect with the new-age traveller.”

     

  • Offers farm fresh veggies @25 paise to new customers

    Agritech start-up Otipy rolls out campaign

    By Our Staff

     

    Agritech startup Otipy has launched a promotional campaign. Titled #ChawanniFirSe offers fresh farm vegetables at 25paise. It has announced chawanni hour daily for a month, the brand will be offering veggies to its new customers at only 25 paise.

     

    Said Varun Khurana, CEO and Founder, Otipy: “With the launch #ChawaniFirSe campaign we have attempted to bring forth the memories of old times and emphasising on the importance and worth of 25 Paisa . We are also running ‘Deal ne ye kaha hai dil se, Haan Chawanni Chal rahi hai fir se OTIPY mei’ campaign on radio and have been receiving an overwhelming response. Our endeavor behind this campaign is to create awareness of our offerings and make Otipy, the most preferred platform which offers its unique features and fresh and organic produce.”

     

  • Emphasizes the importance of equity investing to create wealth

    Research & Ranking launches campaign

    By Our Staff

     

    Research & Ranking, equity investment advisory firm and part of the Equentis Group, launched its #NayaZamaanaNayiSoch campaign. The investor education campaign aims to echo the importance of investing in Equities as a preferred and hassle-free option to create wealth for the next generation (Equity is the new gold/new property). The campaign has been conceptualised, created, and directed by Smart Magic Productions.

     

    Speaking on the launch, Manish Goel, Founder and Director, Research & Ranking, said: “At Research & Ranking, we have always upheld the importance of educating our customers in their investing journey. Informed InvestoRR plays a key role in delivering powerful insights that investors should consume to make informed investing decisions. Through a series of two films, #NayaZamaanaNayiSoch aims to make Indians realize that even those who have traditionally invested in conventional assets are beginning to believe in the value offered by equities. Additionally, the films portray that the next generation should begin their investing journey early. The films use emotional moments to highlight that equity investing in the digital era is simple and hassle-free.”

     

    Added Chandramani Jangde, Director, Smart Magic Productions: “The campaign addresses the common myths that Indians have when it comes to investing in Equities. The earlier generations have largely invested in physical assets such as gold or real estate. But with changing times there has been a shift in mindset about how other asset classes like Equities can help your dreams come true!”

     

  • Created by 82.5

    Himalaya Wellness rolls out new TVC campaign

    By Our Staff

     

    Himalaya Wellness Company has launched a new TVC campaign for its Pure Hands Tulsi Purifying Hand Wash. Pure Hands wash. The TVC reminds parents to let their children explore and get their hands dirty without worrying about their hand hygiene. The campaign is created by 82.5 Communications.

     

    Commenting on the campaign, Rajesh Krishnamurthy, Business Director – Consumer Products Division, Himalaya Wellness Company, said: “As a brand committed to spreading wellness and health, the ‘Let Kids Be Kids’ campaign by Himalaya Pure Hands Tulsi Purifying Hand Wash is an integral part of our endeavour to see ‘Wellness in every Home and Happiness in every Heart.’ Our hope is to inspire parents to let their children explore the world around them and keep an eye on their hand hygiene at the same time, as they inculcate in them the habit of washing hands properly.”

     

    Added Naveen Raman, Senior Vice President & Branch Head – South, 82.5 Communications: “Our endeavour was to find the right balance between brand values and category codes. Protection is the foremost need in this category. We married it seamlessly with care and warmth, which are the true values of brand Himalaya. It was crucial to emphasize Himalaya’s supremacy in herbal medicine strongly in the market promise.”

     

  • To host the channel's flagship show, The Urban Debate

    Mirror Now gets Shreya Dhoundial as its Exec Ed

    By Our Staff

     

    Mirror Now has appointed Shreya Dhoundial as its Executive Editor. In her role, Dhoundial will host the channel’s flagship show, The Urban Debate at 8 pm and will be an integral part of the editorial leadership team. Based out of Mirror Now’s Noida office, she will report to Nikunj Garg, Managing Editor, Mirror Now.

     

    Said Garg: “We are delighted to welcome Shreya to the Mirror Now team. With an in-depth understanding of the real essence of news, Shreya truly embodies Mirror Now’s brand ethos and is a valuable addition in fortifying the brand’s narrative of delivering news stories that influence, engage and impact. Raising national interest on critical topics like women safety, gender equality, energy crisis, gaps in urban infrastructure and climate change, ‘The Urban Debate’ is a highly viewed and critically appreciated news show that has redefined the prime-time news landscape. I am confident that Shreya with her sharp journalistic acumen and domain expertise, will take the show to new heights and lead national issues with a clear agenda of impacting change.”

     

  • To repositions its brand Lux Venus

    Salman in new campaign of Lux Innerwear

    By Our Staff

     

    Lux Industries Limited has rolled out a brand-new campaign ‘Sabko Maangta Hai’, featuring actor Salman Khan. The objective is to revamp Lux Venus brand in the hosiery industry.

     

    Speaking on the campaign, Udit Todi, Executive Director, Lux Industries, said: “We wanted to reposition Lux Venus as India’s highest selling and most loved vest brand – and who better to justify this positioning than India’s biggest and most loved superstar, Salman Khan! We hope the campaign resonates with Salman Khan’s fans and the greater audience at large. Lux Industries, which enjoys a premium reputation and trust among its existing and prospective consumers aims to reinforce the brand’s commitment to the core of quality and comfort while also expanding its business portfolio in Indian market over the next few years.”

     

     

  • Featuring Mamta Mohan Das around Onam

    Havells unveils latest campaign for Kerala

    By Our Staff

     

    Havells India Limited has announced its latest campaign for Kerala market to promote its kitchen appliance range around Onam. The campaign includes a series of 4 digital films features regional celebrity Mamta Mohan Das.

     

    Talking about the campaign, Rajiv Kenue, Executive Vice President-Electrical Consumer Durables, Havells India, said: “Kitchen is the heart of every Indian household. In India, food and festivities go hand in hand. Every occasion is celebrated with a distinct set of delicacies from each region. Onam is the biggest festival in the state of Kerala, and we are proud to welcome such a talented celebrity, Mamta into the Havells family at this auspicious time. With our latest digital campaign around Onam, we aim to celebrate the true taste and essence of good food by showcasing how cooking can be effortless and full of fun, with the help of Kitchen appliances.”

     

  • The Economist might as well have added “leash” to muzzle to complete the analogy, writes Ranjona Banerji

    ‘When Indian journalists are muzzled, India is diminished’

     

     

    By Ranjona Banerji

     

    Ranjona BanerjiThe Adani Group’s attempt to takeover NDTV has not just roiled media watchers and liberals in India but it has also reached the notice of the international media.

    The Guardian and The Economists have reported and commented.

    https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/aug/24/media-freedom-fears-in-india-after-modi-ally-adani-buys-29-stake-in-ndtv

     

    https://www.economist.com/asia/2022/08/29/media-freedom-in-india-is-under-threat-again

     

    The Economist’s comment is the stronger of the two, laying out in no uncertain terms the enormous threat to Indian journalism under Prime Minister Modi and the BJP:

    “But, assuming Mr Adani succeeds in taking over NDTV, the fear is that space for free speech—or simple truth-telling—on India’s most influential news medium will shrink further. If so, it will grow harder for India’s defenders to brag that theirs remains a lively, outspoken and confident place. When Indian journalists are muzzled, India is diminished.”

     

    Let’s look at three recent examples of muzzling. It is unclear whether this is by order or by choice.

    The torture of a young woman from the Adivasi community by a member of the BJP had been largely ignored and kept below the radar by the mainstream media, until the story exploded.

    The fact that the accused, Seema Patra, was part of the BJP was covered up, excuses made by the BJP were presented as fact. The story emerged after her own son released videos of the torture, and the result was Patra admitted her son to a mental institution in Ranchi.

    It is only after non-mainstream media pushed the story that it took off. Patra was arrested and suspended from the party.

    https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/jharkhand-suspended-bjp-leader-seema-patras-alleged-move-against-son-who-exposed-helps-torture-3302660

    https://www.counterview.net/2022/09/torture-of-adivasi-girl-reflects-caste.html

    It is worth nothing that when this story hit the news, the mainstream media preferred to salivate over the possibility of a government collapse in Jharkhand, where this incident took place. The cleverness of the BJP in toppling governments was much lauded.

    The second incident is also about a BJP corporator, Vineeta Agarwal and her husband. They were accused of buying a baby from a child trafficker for Rs 1.8 lakh. The child was stolen from its parents at Mathura railway station.

    This story was also treated in a lowkey manner. It has all the elements that normal journalists love: a politician, corruption, shady behaviour, criminal activity. Everything that should have made Vineeta Agwarwal a household name but somehow that never happened.

    https://thewire.in/politics/bjp-corporator-vineeta-agarwal-child

    The third story deals with my state of Uttarakhand.

    There are allegations of corruption and favouritism in recruitments for positions in the Uttarakhand assembly by the ruling BJP, as well as the Congress and Uttarakhand Kranti Dal. Relatives and friends were hired against official policy.

    The other case is of corruption in police recruitments, and exam papers being leaked, dating from 2015 onwards. Probes have been ordered. Most of the accused appear to be from Uttar Pradesh.

    https://www.newindianexpress.com/thesundaystandard/2022/aug/28/uttarakhand-paper-leak-scam-kingpin-arrested-had-rs-111-crore-turnover-2492127.html

    Media attention is low.

    Corruption matters only sometimes.

    Those of us old enough might remember Films Division newsreels which were shown in movie halls before the main feature.

    Most of them were interminably boring shots of Prime Ministers and other ministers inaugurating things, waving at things and walking about here and there. Later Doordarshan News took on that role.

    If you look at “news” channels today, they are happily fulfilling that same role of a state agency. The Prime Minister walks about, waves a lot, makes weird promises, makes unsubstantiated claims.

    And the bulk of the media, now owned by his good friends, follows him around faithfully and unquestioningly.

    The Economist might as well have added “leash” to muzzle to complete the analogy.

     

    Ranjona Banerji is a senior journalist and commentator. She writes on MxMIndia on Tuesdays and Fridays. Her views here are personal

     

  • We thought he would name names, but then we also know how much of a devotee he is of Lord Krishna. Here's Dr Bhaskar Das in the September 5 edition of Das ka Dum. Read on…

    Das ka Dum with Dr Bhaskar Das | It’s Teacher’s Day today. You’ve been a guru to thousands of mediapersons, but who is Bhaskar Das indebted to as a teacher and mentor?

    Bhaskar DasWe thought he would name names, but then we also know how much of a devotee he is of Lord Krishna. Here’s Dr Bhaskar Das in the September 5 edition of Das ka Dum. Read on…

     

    If you wish to access the archives, please go to the Das Ka Dum tab on the website’s top navigation bar.

     

    Q. It’s Teacher’s Day today. You’ve been a guru to thousands of mediapersons, but who is Bhaskar Das indebted to as a teacher and mentor?

     

    A. You have been generous. I am a perpetual disciple and seeker of knowledge. And media has been in a state of constant flux due to technology-led disruption and consumer behavioural shift, apart from regulatory complexities. Hence, my search for learning is a relentless pursuit.

     

    So many individuals have contributed to the upward trajectory of my learning that it is difficult to pinpoint to a teacher and mentor— but one constant mentor is the same from whom Arjun received his wisdom and the universe has always been getting quintessentially, whether consciously or unconsciously.

     

  • He will support Sangeeta Barde, Managing Director, Havas Life Sorento, in further building the agency’s perception and position in the market

    Havas Life Sorento appoints John Mathew as President

    By Our Staff

     

    John Mathew

    Havas Life Sorento (HLS), the health division agency of Havas Group India, has announced the appointment of John Mathew as President.

     

    As a part of his role, Mathew will oversee the HLS business in collaboration with the Global Havas Health & You (HHY) team. He will support Sangeeta Barde, Managing Director, Havas Life Sorento, in further building the agency’s perception and position in the market.

     

    Sangeeta Barde
    Sangeeta Barde

    Speaking about the appointment, Barde said: “Havas Life Sorento has been witnessing a robust growth trajectory on the back of innovative campaigns over the last few years. We’re delighted to welcome John on board as we continue to grow further, breaking barriers and disrupting conventions for the health of brands, businesses, and people through purposeful and meaningful work.”

     

    Rana Barua
    Rana Barua

    Added Rana Barua, Group CEO, Havas Group India: “I am delighted with the progress and the growth we have made with Havas Life Sorento in the last few years with Sangeeta at the helm. It became pertinent to further bolster the leadership team of the agency and I am glad John has taken on this profile. I wish him all the best and welcome him to the Havas Family.”

     

    Mathew was until recently part of Glenmark as Head – Digital & Multichannel Marketing.