MxMIndia

Tag: Republic Day

  • Only a small group of media houses, usually independent and digital, stand firm in their commitment to journalism, writes Ranjona Banerji

    Not News, Capitulation

     

     

    By Ranjona Banerji

     

    Ranjona BanerjiWith election season upon us, India’s media has happily settled into the usual routine of pitting this politician against the next. This is fine, as far as it goes. Part and parcel of the general job.

     

    However, what you will not get a sense of is how much else is happening around us that drastically affects these state elections, or, conversely, how these state elections may well affect our political future as a republic.

     

    The top of that list has to be the Covid-19 pandemic. That election rallies are on hold because of the extent of the spread of the third wave underlines our topmost crisis. For the media to get Covid fatigue would be disastrous. This must be our priority, whether the extent of the infectiousness or government policy. Over and over again, we find the media falling in with the government line of the number of vaccinations given without taking into consideration India’s population of 1.3 billion. This would be obvious to a Class X student but apparently not to the bulk of the Indian media.

     

    Although vaccinations are being done, the number of options pending approval and the international variations which have to jump through innumerable hoops which Indian vaccines were not made to do has to be kept under close observation.

     

    Allied to the pandemic are its effects, the economy being the main one. And in spite of high inflation rates, low manufacturing rates, increasing joblessness, some because of government incompetence and others because of the pandemic, we still seem happy to parrot and repeat government publicity without adequately countering it.

     

    There is anger in India and frustration: https://www.livemint.com/news/india/huge-protests-over-railways-exam-train-vandalised-bogie-set-on-fire-10-updates-11643207686896.html

     

    How has the media handled this? With more Modi government propaganda, of course.

     

     

    The enormous hoopla around Republic Day this year, the removal of Mahatma Gandhi’s favourite hymn Abide with Me, the extinguishing of the Amar Jawan Jyoti, the appropriation of Netaji Subhas Bose point to the second enormous crisis facing India now. The RSS-led Modi government is clearly relentless in its plan to bulldoze India’s history, both contemporary and old, and replace it with an imaginary Hindu-centric fantasy tale.

     

    That the media should be culpable in this will be our biggest shame; and yet.

     

    Rather than question the government, media outlets are full of RSS-BJP stooges from “historians”, former Armed Forces personnel, and right-wing propagandists supporting and applauding every Modi government move.

     

    It remains a small group of media houses, usually independent and digital, which stand firm in their commitment to journalism:

    https://thewire.in/government/bose-hologram-rajpat-projects-modi-high-tech

     

    This explains why the constant attack on religious minorities and the socially and developmentally vulnerable remains under-reported in the Indian media. And even worse, some media outlets have no qualms about increasing hatred through their programmes. A section of journalists and prominent people took on the channel News18, owned by Mukesh Ambani and still in partnership with CNN, for its Islamophobia:

    “Sponsoring hate is business for Mukesh Ambani”: India’s richest man faces backlash after News18 TV found promoting Islamophobia

     

    This is nothing new for News18 or indeed for most Indian news channels. It is by such means that the fact of being Muslim will become anathema to Hindus in India. The upsurge in attacks on Christians and the constant attacks on Sikhs as the farmers’ protest against Modi’s farm laws began all point to a very frightening direction.

     

    But we are in election mode. Therefore, BJP candidates being chased out of villages and the constituencies with get minimal media coverage. And the various arms of the government’s harassment tools like the Enforcement Directorate, Central Bureau of Investigation and so on being let loose on opposition politicians will get constant exposure.

     

    This is not news. This is capitulation.

     

    Ranjona Banerji is a senior journalist and commentator. She writes on MxMIndia every Tuesday and Friday. Her views here are personal.

     

  • There will be no scheduled update and newsletter edition tomorrow, January 26

    R-Day Holiday tom. See you Thursday

    By Our Staff

     

    It’s Republic Day tomorrow, January 26, and our offices will be closed. Hence there will be no scheduled update and newsletter edition tomorrow.

     

    See you on Thursday, January 27.

    We wish our readers on Republic Day.

     

  • 10 artists with disabilities from 10 different cities to create masterpieces this Republic Day

    Pepperfry collaborates with Atypical Advantage to encourage inclusivity

    By Our Staff

     

    Pepperfry, the furniture and home products marketplace, has joined hands with Atypical Advantage to celebrate Freedom for All, this Republic Day. Atypical Advantage is India’s largest Inclusive platform that generates livelihood opportunities for persons with disabilities. To encourage a creative outlook and showcasing of unity in Diversity, Pepperfry has invited 10 differently abled artists from 10 cities across India to paint their perspective of freedom using Pepperfry Studio’s facade as their blank canvas.

     

    Commenting on this partnership, Saloni Khosla, Head-Spatial Design, Pepperfry said: “For art to leave a mark, talent is a prerequisite and our partnership with Atypical Advantage is sure to bring about a wind of change in the field of Indian art. With this campaign, we intend to provide the differently abled artists an opportunity to showcase their stellar artwork by adding a touch of colour and vibrancy to our Pepperfry stores across the country. Going forward, we plan to introduce the fine creations of these artists to our consumers by bringing them on-board as our partners.”

     

    Added Vineet Saraiwala, Founder & CEO of Atypical Advantage: “This event with Pepperfry is the celebration of the human adversity and is recognising the abilities of Artists with Disabilities. Art never divides but only unites. we are grateful to Pepperfry for taking this step towards celebrating Disability Art & the story of each Artist with Disability in such a Grand manner.”

     

  • The digital conceptualised and executed the campaign for the realty major

    Tonic boosts Hiranandani digitally

    By Our Staff

     

    House of Hiranandani celebrated Republic Day with a digital campaign targeting its existing and prospective customers. Tonic Worldwide conceptualised and executed a campaign to create customised experiences for them reflecting the House of Hiranandani homes.

    Said Prashin Jhobalia, Vice President, Marketing Strategy, House of Hiranandani: “We always look to enhance customer experience, whether it is through the product or such innovative digital mediums. Delightful customer experiences go a long way in bridging robust relationships and encourage us to serve them better. Our aim was to tell our customers through the videos that they have the #RightToPerfectHome.”

  • The Ambuja Cement commercial was no longer making sense. What made sense is the MTV and  GoldMedal electricals ads, writes Sanjeev Kotnala

    Another wake-up call this R-Day

     

    By Sanjeev Kotnala

     

    The Nation was celebrating its 72nd Republic day. Dressed in a kesaria kurta, I had returned from a drive to Bandra Band Stand. The taste of Jalebi-Dhokla-Vada Pav from Punjab Sweets at Pali Hill was still fresh. It was slowly getting subdued with the fresh cup of Society Masala chai. A heavy dose of customary patriotic songs over the radio stations during the drive had charged me. On return to my society, I had even stopped and shot the typical picture, saluting the National Flag. And I had just watched the Republic Day communication developed by Manish Bhatt and the team at Scarecrow M&C Saatchi for the client Ambuja Cement.

     

     

    For a change, the TV set tuned to NDTV I was watching the live parade telecast. In such a pleasant situation, dulled with everything will be right. The NCC cadets marching on Rajpath, the helicopters flying over the parade.

     

    I was jolted to reality.

     

    In between the parade coverage, the channel kept the viewers updated with visuals from the three alternate parades happening in the capital—the tractor rally of so-called protesting farmers.

     

    What one saw was disappointing. One felt ashamed for the fellow countrymen taking this solemn moment to act in the way they did. They have been playing cat and mouse game with the government for long. January 26 was just a culmination of ill intension most likely supported by outsiders. This time it was not as bad as the riots of 2020.

     

    One wished we were not a democracy. That the protesters had some fear of the law-and-order machinery. That the machinery was allowed a free hand to do what they are meant to do- maintain law and order. Hoped that they were amply supported with right weapons and intelligence. And when one saw the visuals from Lal Qila, one wished they allowed to shoot at sight, instead of allowing the hooligans to keep the city terrorised.

     

    The law-and-order machinery was never in the game. The Government was put into catch 22 situations. The Government was anyway getting called for not acting. And would be called if they did act. Charged with this confidence, the patriotic farmers were busy challenging the Government.

     

    The WhatsApp groups were full of typical armchair analyses if the situation. I was one of the vociferous participants. Whatever may be the Rajneeti, the politics of protest. Whoever may be supporting such a protest and gundagardi. If they were Nihangs or Jats. If they were on tractors or on foot. If they agreed or were protesting against a law that the elected representatives have crafted. And one that a large part if the country finds no problem with. None had the right to act the way they did. I go a step ahead; none should dare to act the way they did.

     

    There is an urgent need in this country to bring new laws and take hard actions. Bring the destructors and penalise them. And if that calls for an emergency type of situation, so be it. The Nation has a responsibility. The Government has responsibility and accountability. What about the citizens of the country? What should the country expect from them?

     

    I don’t know how, but we cannot afford such destructive protests. The Nation cannot be held to ransom. The laws are enacted by the elected representatives, and any question must be raised in the parliament. In my view, they should not even be challenged in the supreme court. At the worst case just like the president, the court can ask the Government to reconsider – but not force to amend a law duly enacted by an elected government. The battle has to be fought inside the parliament. If the regulations are anti-people, the people have the opportunity in the next election to reject the appeal.

     

    When one sees the Rajpath Parade, and the Protestors violent parade side by side on the TV screen one gets disoriented. When one views a highly emotive campaign by brands on such occasions, one tends to get disoriented. When one listens to those songs that charge you up, one is unsure which country they refer to.

     

    I know advertising cannot reflect this violent mood of the Nation. It will still continue to play on the emotions that you hold so dear. The campaigns will remain idealistic and the brands purpose-led. I am sure no brand will comment on what happened on January 26, 2021. Not sure, if they should. The taste has soured. The Ambuja Cement commercial was no longer making sense. What made sense is the MTV and  GoldMedal electricals ad.

    https://youtu.be/yMd29gMcJXQ

     

     

    What I am sure is that we, hopefully, feel the need to wake up and take a stance. Tell the government we are with them. The citizens do not need to be threatened and terrorized of such gundas. We have elected a Government to keep order. As citizens, we just want to go about our business in peace and have a good night sleep. The citizen wants no more such incidents.

     

    That the citizens feel about the Nation. They are patriotic enough not to raise questions if the Government acts decisively. The citizens feel charged when they see the patriotic campaigns not because it is not real-life. But because it is the Nation, they want to live in. And for it to happen, the citizens look at their elected government and the whole opposition to be constructive and decisive in action. Otherwise, none will be spared, and that is not being said figuratively.

     

    So, if you are still not up. Here is another to close the argument- this time from Adani. And I am happy to note that instead of mussy-mussy all for the Nation- Tera Hai Par Mera Hai feeling- some are raising the questions.

     

  • Made by Rediffusion, the film highlights the ‘Son of the Soil’ legacy

    Rediff’s TVC for Parle on R-Day

    By Our Staff

     

    Parle Products attempted to strike the patriotic cord with the launch of its ‘Swadeshi’ communication this Republic Day. The TVC talks about the ‘Made in India, Made by India’ concept which highlights Parle Products legacy and values while reflecting the brand’s philosophy. Conceptualised by Rediffusion, the film has been released on TV and social media platforms.

    Commenting on the campaign, Mayank Shah, Senior Category Head, Parle Products, said: “Parle Products is a proud Indian brand and we believe that it is our responsibility to evoke hope and positivity among the audience. This film is a humble tribute from Parle Products recognising the importance of its loyal customers and their strong association with the brand. We have always considered ourselves to be the ‘Son of the soil’ and with each passing day, Parle Products is evolving and adapting, just like our country. Serving through generations, Parle Products has always been on the forefront and a reliable brand since its inception who everyone trusts. This film encapsulates the values of the brand along with the immersive experiences, smaller benchmarks and acts of good-well that makes us who we are.”

     

     

  • Launches a new brand campaign #LiveTheConstitution, which garnered 2.9 Million views & 30,000 shares in less than 72 hours

    Adani pays tribute to India with #LiveTheConstitution

    By A Correspondent

     

    On the 71st Republic Day, the Adani Group launched a unique digital idea that reflected the spirit of India as a nation. The film #LiveTheConstitution is an attempt by the brand which aims to revisit the Preamble to the Constitution of India which represents the basic philosophy and fundamental values

     

    Notes a communique: “Through this campaign, Adani Group aims to connect with the millennials and younger audiences who are not afraid to speak their minds on democratic rights and the meaning of being truly Indian. Younger citizens of today are the future of tomorrow, who have experienced traditional India and will working towards building a better future.”

     

     

  • It urges all mobile phone users in the country to pause, think and send the ‘Back’ emoji to verify the authenticity

    Lava sparks off movement against fake forwards

    By A Correspondent

     

    Lava International launched its Republic Day campaign – #SendItBack last week. The campaign highlights the ongoing menace of fake forwarded messages that create panic and fuel acts of violence. It urges all mobile phone users in the country to pause, think and send the ‘Back’ emoji to verify the authenticity of a forwarded message before sharing it with the others.

     

    Conceptualised and executed by 82.5 Communications, the campaign has been rolled out across various digital platforms including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Youtube.

     

    Speaking about this special initiative, Mugdh Rajit, Marketing and S&D Strategy Head, Lava said: “The menace of fake news is growing by leaps and bounds. The fact that India has the world’s second largest number of mobile phone users, makes it very important for us to curb the fake rumours from spreading. Lava is a proudly Indian brand and we believe that it is our responsibility to contribute to society. With #SendItBack initiative we intend to spark-off a movement against fake forwards so that the social media does not become a tool for the perpetrators of the violence. We envision this moment to go beyond the boundaries of the brand, wherein the audience is fighting this social issue in unison.”

     

    Added Sumanto ‘The English Nut’ Chattopadhyay, Chairman and CCO, 82.5 Communications: “India is at the heart of the 82.5 DNA – so we’re grateful to Lava for the opportunity to create communication that benefits the nation.”

     

    Commenting about the launch, Chandana Agarwal, President North, 82.5 Communications, added: “Lava has been running the Proudly Indian campaign for a year and a half and it always picks up messages that are relevant and makes one rethink patriotism. We are very excited about the message this year, with a handset in every hand, it is the responsibility of every Indian to fight fake news. This campaign is an important step towards making people aware of this duty.”

     

     

  • The film not only showcases our innovations over the years but also highlights our  contribution to building the nation

    Godrej Group celebrates india in latest digital film

    By A Correspondent

     

    Godrej Group released its digital film titled #thelittlethingswedo, to commemorate Republic Day.

     

    Commenting on the film, Tanya Dubash, Executive Director and Chief Brand Officer, Godrej Group said: “We are humbled and honoured to be playing a critical part in our nation’s ‘Making India’ story. The film, #thelittlethingswedo,  crafted through the eyes of little kids is our tribute to India’s seven glorious decades of being a republic and Godrej’s partnership in the growth journey. The film not only showcases our innovations over the years but also highlights our  contribution to building the nation.”

     

    Added Anu Joseph, Chief Creative Officer, Creativeland Asia: “It’s amazing the width and depth of things that Godrej does and makes, and the role they have played in nation building over the last 122 years. The film endeavours to capture all of that in a tone and manner we’ve all come to expect from Godrej – with utter humility and childlike enthusiasm.”

     

     

  • The digital campaign #RightToColour aims to promote equality by making everyone able to experience colours the same way

    Panasonic Lumix empowers colourblind photographers in latest ad film

    By A Correspondent

     

    On Republic Day, Panasonic Lumix and Dentsu Aegis Network empowered colourblind photographers with the #RightToColour through a specially designed viewfinder lens that helps to saturate and balance colour. Bringing the gift of colour, the digital campaign #RightToColour aims to promote equality by making everyone able to experience colours the same way.

     

    Talking about the campaign, Shirish Agarwal, Head, Brand and Marketing Communications, Panasonic India said: “Nearly 8 per cent of people in India suffer from some degree of colour-blindness, there only dream is to be able to see the world as we all see it. Through this campaign we wanted to bring alive the spirit of Republic Day by enabling those affected with the right to colours. Technology has always been at the core of our business and #RightToColour serves as a remarkable example of how innovative solutions can improve the lives of our customers.”

     

    Added Haresh Nayak, Managing Director, C Lab: “At C Lab we believe in creating solutions that enhance a consumers’ experience and subsequently, their lives. This builds brand advocacy and loyalty. Every time we work on a project we are enthralled to see how technology is bringing solutions that one could only dream of. Our effort to bring colour back into the lives of colour blind photographers is an example of what technology can do.”

     

     

  • Kamdhenu Paints is encouraging contestants to share the color they associate with the four pillars of the constitution

    Kamdhenu Paints rolls out contest celebrating Republic Day

    By A Correspondent

     

    Kamdhenu Paints has rolled out a  contest to celebrate the country’s Republic Day. Through this campaign, Kamdhenu Paints is encouraging contestants to share the colour they associate with equality, fraternity, justice and liberty.

     

    Commenting on the campaign, Saurabh Agarwal, Director, Kamdhenu Paints said: “Republic Day is a proud day for Indian citizens and is celebrated with a lot of zeal and enthusiasm across the country. At Kamdhenu Paints, we are extremely happy and proud for the opportunity to serve the nation by contributing to strengthening the infrastructure. Moment marketing is the way to go in the new decade as ad blindness grows and brands get comfortable with digital media. Our latest contest picks up on this trend with creatives to drive major customer engagement and build recall for Kamdhenu Paints.”

     

     

  • Unveils a special collection of the tricolor inspired scarves

    Fbb celebrates Republic Day with #WearYourPatriotism campaign

    By A Correspondent

     

    Fashion brand Fbb is celebrating diversity through its latest campaign curated to commemorate the country’s 70th Republic Day. It has designed an exclusive collection of scarves that are inspired from the Indian national flag.  Using Tik Tok as a platform, Fbb has created a special rap that will connect instantly with the younger audience.

     

    Sharing his views on the campaign, Pawan Sarda, CMO, Future Retail said: “As a country, we are blessed to have a diversity like no other nation. 70 years now, India has come a long way and is still rooted to its culture. Wear your patriotism is a simple campaign that gives each one of us a way of showing our love towards our country. This campaign is also a small gesture of supporting the Indian army who guard us 24/7 because of which we live minute with a smile.”