Category: Ad Campaigns

  • HDFC Bank Parivartan launches digital campaign #LittleSmilesBigDreams

    HDFC Bank Parivartan launches digital campaign #LittleSmilesBigDreams

    Mumbai: HDFC Bank through its CSR initiative Parivartan, marked Children’s Day by commemorating its commitment to uplift and empower young minds across India through quality education.

    Over the past 10 years, Parivartan has impacted the lives of more than 2.16 crore students, trained more than 20.22 lakh teachers, and supported over 2.87 lakh schools. The Bank unveiled a digital campaign #LittleSmilesBigDreams showcasing the bright young students at schools supported by HDFC Bank Parivartan.

    One such inspiring story is from Jamapur, Varanasi district, Kalash and Komal, children of tribal daily wage laborers from Ranchi, Jharkhand, who chose to stay behind during the monsoon migration to continue attending the newly upgraded smart school. Once shy and hesitant, Kalash is now a top-performing student in Class V. Through the collaboration of HDFC Bank Parivartan and Ambuja Cement Foundation, the school now features digital classrooms, modern libraries, science labs, sports facilities, and water coolers. The improved environment has attracted regular attendance from disadvantaged communities, and for the first time, girls outnumber boys among the 148 students.

    Looking ahead to 2025, HDFC Bank Parivartan has set clear objectives, as follows:

    1) To ensure that 20 lakh students in intervention schools achieve class-appropriate learning levels.

    2) To set up smart classes in 3,500 schools, embracing digital education and technology.

    3) To provide scholarships to support 25,000 underprivileged students, ensuring access to continued education and a brighter future.

    “At HDFC Bank, we believe that education is the cornerstone of a brighter and more equitable future for our communities. Through our CSR initiatives under Parivartan we are doing our part to help transform educational infrastructure, empower individuals, and cultivate resilient communities. We’re invested in building a future where every child can dream big and realise their full potential. This Children’s Day, we reaffirm our commitment to empowering young minds, equipping educators with the skills to inspire, and ensuring the infrastructure is in place for a more inclusive and promising tomorrow,” said HDFC Bank deputy managing director Kaizad M Bharucha.

    “Children represent the future of our nation, and we are committed to providing them with the tools they need to thrive. This belief drives us to actively collaborate with government bodies, NGOs, and community organisations to ensure that educational resources and support reach those who need them most. By working in partnership, we harness collective strength to raise the standard of education in government schools, foster an environment that nurtures and supports student learning and paves the way for a brighter future for all,” said HDFC Bank, head, CSR, Nusrat Pathan.

    HDFC Bank Parivartan’s educational programs are strategically aligned with the Government’s Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan to enhance the quality of education nationwide. These programs include teacher training, scholarships, career guidance, and infrastructural support, fostering innovation and improving educational quality through remedial classes, learning camps, and specific scholarships for underprivileged children. Parivartan has also introduced smart classrooms in various states, blending technology with conventional learning to create a more engaging and effective educational experience.

    Since its inception in 2014, HDFC Bank Parivartan has invested over Rs 5,100 crore in sustainable socio-economic development. Promotion of Education is one of five key focus areas of HDFC Bank’s Parivartan. The other four are Rural Development, Skill Training and Livelihood Enhancement, Healthcare and Hygiene, and Financial Literacy and Inclusion. These pillars are also aligned with the 9 out of 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

  • Coaching centre advertising guidelines drawn up by Indian government

    Coaching centre advertising guidelines drawn up by Indian government

    MUMBAI: Coaching centres had better watch out. No more will their promoters be able to make wild claims in an attempt to lure naïve students to take up courses with them. Nor will they be allowed to force students to endorse their courses. 

    The  Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has issued comprehensive guidelines to address the issue of misleading advertisements in the coaching sector. Guidelines for Prevention of Misleading Advertisement in Coaching Sector, 2024,  aim to safeguard students and the public from deceptive marketing practices commonly employed by coaching centers, disclosed CCPA chief commissioner and secretary department of consumer affairs Nidhi Khare at a press meet on 13 November 2024. 

    The guidelines have been drawn up a by a committee that was chaired by the then chief commissioner CCPA which included representatives from the CCPA, department of personnel & training, ministry of education, Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (as a special invitee), National Law University (NLU) Delhi, law firm and industry stakeholders.

    These guidelines are drafted in the wake of growing concerns about false/misleading claims, exaggerated success rates, and unfair contracts that coaching institutes often impose on students. Such practices have been found to mislead students, influencing their decisions by concealing important information, giving false guarantee etc.
     

    Some of the Key Highlights of the guidelines are as follows:

    Regulation of advertisements: The guidelines explicitly prohibit coaching institutes from making false claims related to the courses offered, their duration, faculty qualifications, fees, and refund policies;  selection rates, success stories, exam rankings, and job security promises and assured admissions, high exam scores, guaranteed selections or promotions.

    Truthful representation: Misleading representations about the quality or standard of their services are strictly prohibited. Coaching institutes must accurately represent their infrastructure, resources, and facilities.

    Students’ success stories:  In a notable move, the guidelines reportedly will prevent coaching centers from using students’ names, photos, or testimonials in advertisements without their written consent—and importantly, this consent must be obtained only after the student’s success. This provision is intended to reduce the pressure student’s face when enrolling, as they are often pushed into signing such agreements upfront.

    Transparency and disclosure: Coaching centers will need to disclose important information, such as the name, rank, and course details alongside the student’s photo in an ad. Whether the course was paid for by the student that too must be clearly stated. Additionally, any disclaimers will need to be prominently displayed, with the same font size as other important details, ensuring that consumers are not misled by fine print.

    No creation of false urgency: The guidelines will reportedly target the common tactic used by any person engaged in coaching, that is, creating a false sense of urgency or scarcity, such as implying limited seats or exaggerated demand, to pressure students into making immediate decision.

    Convergence with national consumer helpline: Every coaching center will be required to partner with the national consumer helpline, making it easier for students to raise concerns or complaints regarding misleading advertisements and unfair trade practices.

    Fair contracts: The guidelines are also said to address the issue of unfair contracts that students are often enter into with coaching centers. Coaching institutes will no longer be allowed to use successful candidate’s photographs, names, or testimonials without post-selection consent. This provision is intended to eliminate the pressure that many students face when enrolling in coaching centers.

    Enforcement and penalties: Any violation of these guidelines will be treated as a contravention of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. The Central Authority has the power to take stringent actions against offenders, including imposing penalties, ensuring accountability, and preventing further occurrences of such deceptive practices.

    Khare, emphasised that CCPA seeks to work closely with industry stakeholders, consumer organisations, and regulatory bodies to ensure effective implementation and compliance with the guidelines in the interest of consumers and public. She further stated that misleading advertisement in coaching sector will be governed as per Consumer Protection Act, 2019 and the guidelines will bring clarity to the stakeholders and protect consumer interests. 

  • Smytten celebrates ninth birthday with #TryItAll campaign

    Smytten celebrates ninth birthday with #TryItAll campaign

    Mumbai: Smytten, an Indian product discovery and trial platform, marks its ninth anniversary with the launch of the #TryItAll campaign. Aimed at Gen Z, the campaign focuses on their desire for variety, personalization, and convenience, offering them affordable and risk-free ways to explore new products.

    Understanding Gen Z’s preference for personalised experiences and fear of missing out (FOMO), Smytten allows users to try trending lifestyle products with 100 per cent cashback on trial packs. This lets them explore beauty, wellness, and lifestyle trends without commitment, making informed decisions with confidence.

    To bring the campaign to life, Smytten has teamed up with youth icons Apoorva Arora, Taaruk Raina, and Kritika Bhardwaj for a series of short films. Each film follows a young protagonist discovering Smytten, where they can freely explore a wide range of products, reflecting the brand’s mission to empower discovery.

    Smytten co-founder Swagata Sarangi shared, “When we founded Smytten, our goal was to change how people discover products by creating a platform that truly encourages exploration. Over the years, we have grown alongside our users, embracing their need for choice and personalisation. With #TryItAll, we celebrate this journey. Partnering with talented young artists like Apoorva, Taaruk, and Kritika for this campaign felt natural, they represent the same spirit of curiosity and openness that Smytten stands for. They bring our message to life, making the journey of trying and exploring products feel even more relatable.”

    Smytten co-founder Siddhartha Nangia, “At Smytten, we understand that for today’s consumers, having the freedom to try is just as important as making the final purchase decision. We have created a space where discovery feels effortless and genuinely enjoyable. This anniversary is more than a milestone; it’s a reminder of our ongoing mission to redefine discovery and create new ways to bring excitement to the experience of choice.”

    In celebration of its anniversary, Smytten also introduces special perks, including:

    ●  Nine trial points for ₹199

    ●  Freebies with every trial order

    ●  Up to 90 per cent off on trending brands.

    With a thriving community of over 20 million users, Smytten redefines product discovery in India, empowering an entire generation to make exploring new products as rewarding as choosing them.

  • Tata Tea Gold VitaCare unveils AI-driven campaign for Vitamin D Day

    Tata Tea Gold VitaCare unveils AI-driven campaign for Vitamin D Day

    Mumbai: A 2021 study in the journal of nutritional science revealed widespread vitamin deficiencies in India, with 70 per cent of the population affected by vitamin D deficiency (VDD) and 53 per cent by vitamin B12 deficiency. These deficiencies are prevalent across age groups and regions, particularly in urban areas due to limited sun exposure.

    In recognition of World Vitamin D Day, Tata Tea Gold VitaCare, from Tata Consumer Products, launched a campaign to raise awareness about Vitamin D deficiency and the need for convenient wellness solutions.

    Tata Tea Gold VitaCare, enriched with Vitamins D, B12, B6, and B9, offers a simple way to meet 30 per cent of daily intake of these essential vitamins with just two cups of tea. Vitamin B6 helps reduce fatigue, Vitamin D supports bone health, Vitamin B12 aids energy metabolism, and Vitamin B9 supports blood formation.

    Tata Consumer Products president – packaged beverages, India & South Asia, Puneet Das said, “With Tata Tea Gold VitaCare, we bring consumers a convenient way to consume a part of their daily vitamin intake in daily routine. We have been leveraging innovations to drive convenient & wellness options in tasty, everyday consumable beverages. This campaign underscores our commitment to making conscious choices accessible, convenient and delicious, enhancing the consumer experience.”

    This awareness-driven campaign also highlights the first-of-its-kind acrylic mirror insert in print media, along with a digital AI filter ‘Face Test,’ to drive consumer engagement. These interactive elements aim to build awareness about vitamin D deficiency on the occasion of World Vitamin D day.

  • Slurrp Farm & Zepto partner for a special Children’s Day campaign

    Slurrp Farm & Zepto partner for a special Children’s Day campaign

    Mumbai: Slurrp Farm, India’s millet-based children’s food brand, has partnered with Zepto for a special Children’s Day campaign.

    The collaboration builds on Slurrp Farm’s #DigTwistSlurrp initiative and marks the first time the brand includes an in-app experience, featuring a playful ‘Yummy!’ chime when Slurrp Farm products are added to the cart.

    The campaign aims to expand the healthy snacking category and promote healthy eating habits. The campaign film follows Zepto’s delivery partner, Prakash, as he joins kids in a lively dance, showcasing the fun and fast delivery of wholesome products.

    Wholsum Foods co-founders Meghana Narayan and Shauravi Malik shared: “At Slurrp Farm, we believe snacking should bring joy, not guilt. Our products are made with love and free of nasties like palm oil, refined sugar, and maida – and our noodles are never fried. This collaboration with Zepto reinforces our commitment to making nutritious, tasty snacks easily accessible. We’re especially delighted by Zepto’s playful sonic touch – a cheerful ‘yummy!’ every time a Slurrp Farm product is added to the cart – which perfectly captures the joy we associate with guilt-free snacking. By creating zero-junk options, we enable parents to offer kids their favourite treats while ensuring they stay healthy in the long run. Together, we’re redefining indulgence as something wholesome, fun, and worry-free.”

    “As families in India become more conscious of the nutritional quality in children’s snacks, the demand for healthier, great-tasting options is driving significant growth in this category. I thank our Sellers for having enabled this. The partnership with Slurrp Farm is a response to this shift, combining Zepto’s speed with their zero-junk promise to deliver trusted, kid-friendly snacks to homes in minutes. Together, we are making it easier for parents to meet the nutritional needs of growing kids without sacrificing taste,” said Zepto chief brand officer Chandan Mendiratta.

    Slurrp Farm meets the demand for healthy options with its zero-junk promise, offering over 55 wholesome products, including cereals, snacks, and superfoods. The range includes millet-based breakfast items like pancakes, dosas, and upma, as well as snacks like noodles, pasta, cookies, and puffs, making healthy eating easy for families. The products contain no additives, preservatives, or artificial flavors—just trusted ingredients that are good for you, the planet, and farmers. The campaign film was developed in-house by Slurrp Farm’s brand team.

  • Kiara Powar launches #InsulinSeMatDaro campaign for diabetes awareness

    Kiara Powar launches #InsulinSeMatDaro campaign for diabetes awareness

    Mumbai: Kiara Powar, an 18-year-old content creator, launches her impactful campaign titled #InsulinSeMatDaro, aligning with National Diabetes Month (1-30 November 2024) and World Diabetes Day (November 14, 2024). With a focus on the theme diabetes and well-being, as set by the International Diabetes Federation, the campaign takes a comprehensive look at living with diabetes, encompassing physical, mental, and social well-being.

    Throughout November, Kiara will host conversations with prominent figures such as The Indian Academy of Diabetes, president, Shashank Joshi and a global integrative lifestyle expert, Luke Coutinho. These discussions will explore the far-reaching impacts of diabetes and provide essential insights for patients and caregivers. A crucial aspect of the #InsulinSeMatDaro campaign is debunking myths about insulin usage and advocating for its role in diabetes care. Kiara emphasises equitable access to diabetes medication and plans a crowdfunding initiative to provide subsidised medication to those in need.

    Joshi highlighted the campaign’s relevance, stating, “When it comes to Type 2 diabetes, a contemporary, facts-based and lifestyle-oriented approach can not only make management simpler, but also contributes to overall physical and mental wellbeing. The healthcare ecosystem is making significant strides to better understand the causative factors and offer timely, supportive solutions to make diabetes care easier and more effective. Type 1 diabetics need insulin throughout their lifetime, as well as lifestyle modulation. There’s where Kiara’s campaign is a timely push to urge people to take control of their own health whether or not they have been diagnosed with diabetes and to make the necessary lifestyle changes that will contribute to an enhanced quality of life.”

    Coutinho shared his support: “I am so proud of Kiara for dedicating her platform and voice to spread awareness about diabetes, the burden of which is being felt by India and even the world, at large. By diving deep into the causative factors, as well as the role of a holistic, lifestyle-based approach to diabetes care, this campaign can be transformative for so many millions of diabetics and pre-diabetics. Information is empowerment, and her campaign and relentless efforts are certain to empower and transform lives.”

    Reflecting on her personal journey, Powar stated, “Living with diabetes since the age of 2, I have witnessed first-hand the numerous challenges starting with accurate diagnosis, to a supportive social ecosystem, to receiving the necessary information to safeguard my physical and mental wellbeing. Although I was fortunate to have a very supportive family, I recognise that many others may not have the access or resources that I did. This is my endeavour to pay it forward and to help make the journey a bit easier and less fearful for diabetics.”

    The #InsulinSeMatDaro campaign will be available on Powar’s Instagram and YouTube platforms.

     

  • The Sleep Company unveils new campaign ft Sima Taparia

    The Sleep Company unveils new campaign ft Sima Taparia

    Mumbai: The Sleep Company’s latest campaign features Indian matchmaker, Sima Taparia, bringing a fun twist to finding the right mattress. In the campaign, Sima Aunty matches couples not just with life partners, but with their ideal mattresses, highlighting the importance of comfort and trust in both relationships.

    Titled ‘Peaceful Sleep Mubarakh Ho!’, the digital campaign opens with a matchmaking session with a young couple and their families, discussing their requirements for a perfect match. The scene shifts to The Sleep Company’s showroom, where Sima Aunty assures the couple that while finding the perfect partner may be uncertain, their SmartGrid mattress comes with a 10-year warranty and a 100-night free trial, offering guaranteed comfort.

    The campaign presents the idea that finding lasting comfort, like finding the right partner, doesn’t have to be complicated. The SmartGrid mattress, offering a balance of firmness and softness, is positioned as the perfect choice for couples starting new journeys.

    The Sleep Company co-founder Priyanka Salot said, “At The Sleep Company, we have always ensured to create comfortable experiences for consumers, which supports them in every phase of life. Our SmartGrid mattresses are designed to offer unmatched comfort – essential to enhancing the sleep quality of people as well as overall well-being. An ideal choice this wedding season, The Sleep Company mattresses also make for a thoughtful gift for couples starting their journey together. Our new campaign with Sima Taparia highlights the importance of finding a perfect mattress just like finding an ideal partner in life. The campaign takes the idea of matchmaking to a completely new level and emphasizes how we prioritize quality and long-term satisfaction for our consumers.”

    Steve Priya’s CCO Priya Pardiwalla said, “Over three seasons of her show, Sima aunty thought she’s heard all kinds of unrealistic demands and expectations for a prospective partner. Not really. In what looks like a scene from her show, we wanted to communicate that unlike most things in life, The Sleep Company mattress comes with the assurance of a 10-year warranty and 100 nights trial.”

    Taparia said, “The two key pillars of a successful relationship are comfort and having each other’s support. Similarly, a good mattress is the one that provides comfort and necessary support to the body. TSC’s SmartGrid mattress averts pressure accumulation and provides comfort, making it an ideal match for anyone seeking quality sleep. Given the commonality between a good relationship and a good mattress, I am thrilled to join hands with The Sleep Company and add a little matchmaking magic to its wedding campaign.”

  • A winning aProCh at World City Awards Barcelona

    A winning aProCh at World City Awards Barcelona

    BARCELONA: At the Smart City Expo, Barcelona – held from 5 to 7 November 2024 – an unknown organisation from Ahmedabad did India proud. aProCh-The Riverside Education Foundation walked away with the innovation award (which it shared with global giant Aramco) during the 2024 edition of the annual World Smart City Awards.

    The annual World Smart City Awards is an  international competition that seeks to recognise pioneering projects, ideas and strategies making cities around the world more livable, sustainable, and economically viable. A record-breaking 429 entries came in from 64 countries worldwide for the 2024 edition.

    The innovation award, according to the World Smart City Awards, is given to to projects with the potential of contributing to the successful transformation, adaptation or response of cities to current challenges or others that may occur in the future.

    aProCh, according to the jury, is a “groundbreaking initiative transforming cities into child-friendly spaces. By reclaiming and reimaging public spaces, it empowers children to be active participants, fostering physical, mental, and social development, creating a more inclusive and sustainable future.”

    According to project head Kirit Zala, aProCh (a Protagonist in every child), the idea was born in 2007 as a community project in Riverside School, Ahmedabad  to  create a child friendly city where they could explore, have fun, opportunities in a safe environment. Various initiatives were designed and implemented – street smart, moving experiences, parents of the park, city on cycles, and city as my landscape through which children became sensitised towards cities and their role as emerging citizens of the future.

    Today, it has spread across 13 cities in India and has impacted more than a million school children.

    The project has more than 400 partners with citizens being involved directly. The Ahmedabad Municipal Corp is the main supporter for various aProCh initiatives. 

  • MakeMyTrip launches new quirky campaign

    MakeMyTrip launches new quirky campaign

    Mumbai: MakeMyTrip has launched a new campaign addressing common travel challenges through humour. The three-film campaign highlights the company’s accommodation options: international hotels, homestays & villas, and domestic hotels. Featuring Alia Bhatt and Ranveer Singh, the campaign showcases MakeMyTrip’s solutions for finding the right accommodations, both internationally and domestically.

    The first film features Alia and Ranveer struggling to find familiar food in a foreign hotel, emphasizing MakeMyTrip’s ‘Loved by Indians’ filter for finding hotels with Indian cuisine and other preferences.

    In the second film, the duo humorously repurposes hotel amenities as gifts, reinforcing MakeMyTrip’s affordable options, such as a 25 per cent discount for new users on domestic hotels.

    The final film highlights MakeMyTrip’s range of serviced villas, with Alia expecting full service but discovering the need for self-management, showcasing the variety of options available for different traveler needs.

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    “Our latest campaign is rooted in the real challenges travelers face,” said MakeMyTrip CMO & CBO – corporate, Raj Rishi Singh. “From finding the right amenities to making smart budget decisions, we want our travelers to experience ease and delight with every stay choice. Alia and Ranveer bring a dose of humor to each unique scenario, delivering a message that resonates deeply with every type of traveller.”

    The campaign is live across TV, digital, and social. In addition, MakeMyTrip is also a ground sponsor for the ongoing India-South Africa T20 series. Directed by Early Man Film’s Abhinav Pratiman, these films have been written by Tanmay Bhat, Devaiah Bopanna, Puneet Chadha, and Deep Joshi of Moonshot creative agency.

  • ThunderPlus unveils ‘Charger Lagao Paise Kamao’ campaign

    ThunderPlus unveils ‘Charger Lagao Paise Kamao’ campaign

    Mumbai: ThunderPlus, an EV charging company, has launched a new initiative, ‘Charger Lagao Paise Kamao’, designed to transform homes and walls across the country into income-generating EV charging stations. This innovative program is especially focused on empowering women and the differently abled by providing them with a sustainable source of passive income, with minimal to no manual intervention required.

    ThunderPlus, inspired by the simplicity of the classic coin box phone, is transforming households into EV charging stations, unlocking passive income opportunities. The 3.3 KW OCPP AC Charger supports 2, 3, and 4-wheelers, bringing clean energy closer to communities while helping users generate income. Its IP67-certified design withstands dust, sun, and rain, ensuring durability for homes, walls, and commercial sites.

    With one ThunderPlus charger, users can earn up to ₹15,000 monthly; in high-demand areas, three chargers may yield up to ₹50,000. Priced at ₹9999—well below comparable options at ₹25,000—ThunderPlus makes EV charging both accessible and profitable.

    ThunderPlus aims to partner with government bodies, NGOs, and CSR organisations to drive positive societal impact, particularly for women and the differently abled. “By working with local communities, this initiative will provide financial independence and growth opportunities for women and those differently abled, making it a powerful tool for economic empowerment,” said  ThunderPlus CEO Rajeev YSR.

    With ‘Charger Lagao Paise Kamao,’ ThunderPlus is calling for participants to join in reshaping the EV ecosystem while building financial stability for the community. Through this initiative, ThunderPlus strives to foster an inclusive environment for all, where everyone can contribute to and benefit from India’s transition to sustainable energy.