All posts by Neel Achary

26th May 2025, Mumbai: Kyoorius announced the winners of the 2025 Kyoorius Creative Awards, presented by ZEE, today at the awards night held at Mumbai’s Jio World Convention Centre amidst an audience of over 1500 professionals from India’s marketing & communications industry.

Seven standout entries rose as nominees for the rare and revered Black Elephant, the highest honour at the Kyoorius Creative Awards. While the award remained elusive this year, each nominee was recognised with a Baby Black Elephant. These nominees are:

• “Best Birthday Gift” for Pran Foods | Tasty Treat by Grey Bangladesh
• “Beta Stayfree Le Aana” for Kenvue | Stayfree by DDB Mudra Group
• “Dabba Savings Account” for ESAF Small Finance Bank by McCann Worldgroup India
• “Desi Oon” for Centre for Pastoralism by Studio Eeksaurus Productions
• “Nature Shapes Britannia” for Britannia Industries by Talented
• “Write for Rights” for Mumbai Press Club by Famous Innovations
• “Neeraj” for Samsung by LoudMouth Film

Kyoorius also celebrated living legend and a true giant of Indian advertising, Piyush Pandey, with the Master of Creativity award. A name that needs no introduction, Pandey has shaped the way India thinks, feels and communicates through ideas that have stood the test of time. The award honours his unmatched ability to tell stories with heart, humour and deep cultural understanding. Instituted in 2018, the Master of Creativity award recognises individuals who have continually inspired the industry and raised the bar for creative excellence.

This year, Kyoorius received over 4000 entries from over 500 entrants, the highest ever in history. 1124 entries made it to the First List after the first round of judging.

514 entries emerged as winners of the Baby Elephant. A total of 60 unique agencies, 177 campaigns, and 116 brands were awarded Baby Elephants.

Out of the 514 Baby Elephants, only 166 entries were awarded Blue Elephants. A total of 37 unique agencies, 80 campaigns, and 62 brands took home Blue Elephants.

Here are all the brands that took home the Blue Elephant/(s):

Adani Group | Adani Green Energy, Amazon India, Amazon India | Amazon Prime Video, Apollo 24/7, Apple, Archian Foods | Lahori Zeera, Asahi India Glass | AIS, Asianet, Axis Bank, Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. | Times Of India, Britannia Industries | Britannia Marie Gold, Britannia Industries | Britannia Treat Croissant, Britannia Industries Ltd, Buckaroo India | Buckaroo Footwear, Centre for Pastoralism, Colgate-Palmolive India, Def Jam Recordings | Hanumankind, DSP Mutual Fund & Falco Robotics, Duolingo, Emcure | Galact, ESAF Small Finance Bank, Finolex Group, Flipkart, Franklin Templeton Mutual Funds, Grasim | Birla Opus, Hardcastle Restaurants | McDonald’s India, HUL | Clinic Plus, Instamart, ITC Foods | Sunfeast Mom’s Magic, ITC Savlon, KCA24, Kenvue | Stayfree, Krafton India | BGMI, Linc | Pentonic, Mondelez India | Bournvita, Mondelez India | Cadbury 5 Star, Mondelez India | Cadbury Bournville, Mondelez India | Cadbury Dairy Milk, Mumbai Press Club, MyMuse India, National Payments Corporation Of India, Nestle India | Kit Kat, P&G India | Ariel, PepsiCo | Pepsi, Petfully Yours, Pidilite | WD40, Pran Foods | Tasty Treat, Reliance General Insurance, Reliance Retail | Zivame, RPG Group | CEAT, Samsung, Sporta Technologies | Dream11, Steadfast Stationary, Swiggy, The Coca-Cola Company, The Coca-Cola Company | Coca-Cola, Titan Company Ltd | Titan Eye, Ultraviolette Automotive, Urban Company, Veeba | Wok Tok, Volvo Cars India, Wakefit Innovations

3 entries were awarded Purple Elephants as part of the Zee Equality Award.

“Massive congratulations to all the winners! From time-honoured legends to fearless young disruptors, what truly stood out this year was the incredible spectrum of brands that stepped up. And the work? It mirrored that energy and diversity. At Kyoorius, we’ve always believed in championing pure, honest creativity, no rankings, no politics, just the work. That’s the soul of the Elephants. And that’s why they still matter deeply to the industry,” said Rajesh Kejriwal, founder and CEO of Kyoorius.

Awards By Kyoorius do not follow a hierarchical structure – there are no golds, silvers or bronze medals. Instead, only the work that deserves recognition wins an Elephant.

The Kyoorius Creative Awards 2025 was presented by ZEE, with Luxury Experience Partner Glenmorangie and is supported by Indian Creative Women. The Spotlight partners were The Hindu and Tribes Group. The venue was the Jio World Convention Center, Mumbai.

Antica Ceramica, one of the most respected names in the tile and surface industry, proudly announces the launch of its latest design innovation – the Meraki Collection. True to its name, which is rooted in the Greek concept of doing something with love, soul, and creativity, the Meraki Collection embodies a heartfelt approach to surface design, offering a seamless fusion of traditional craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics.

Crafted using high-quality glazed vitrified tiles in a versatile 600x1200mm format, the Meraki Collection is thoughtfully designed to complement a wide variety of interior spaces. Available in both glossy and matte finishes, the collection adapts effortlessly to personal styles and moods, offering flexibility for architects, interior designers, and homeowners who seek understated elegance with functional superiority. What sets the Meraki Collection apart is its emphasis on emotional storytelling through design. Each tile tells a tale of subtlety and sophistication—delicate textures inspired by life’s quiet moments, color palettes that exude calm confidence, and patterns that reflect timeless minimalism. Whether it’s the cozy warmth of a living space, the sleek expanse of a modern office, or the curated sophistication of a commercial interior, Meraki transforms any space into a refined visual and sensory experience.

The collection is not just about aesthetics—it is built for performance. Designed for both wall and floor applications, the tiles are highly durable, stain and heat resistant, frostproof, and engineered for hygiene, making them ideal for both residential and high-traffic environments. In addition to their robust technical specifications, the tiles are easy to install and maintain, offering a long-lasting solution for design-conscious spaces.

“Meraki is more than a product; it’s a philosophy we’ve translated into surface design,” says Mr. Rahul Bhugra, Director of Antica Ceramica. “It reflects our commitment to creating not just beautiful tiles, but meaningful ones. Tiles that bring emotion into architecture, warmth into minimalism, and depth into everyday spaces. With Meraki, we invite people to express themselves—quietly yet powerfully—through their interiors.”

The Meraki Collection is now available at Antica Ceramica showrooms and authorized dealers across the country. A perfect marriage of beauty and utility, this collection offers a versatile design canvas for those who value detail, depth, and lasting quality.

May 26, 2025, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh —In a continued effort to strengthen public access to drinking water infrastructure, Anandana, The Coca-Cola India Foundation, in partnership with SM Sehgal Foundation, a rural development organization, and Ayodhya Nagar Nigam, has supported the installation of community Water ATMs across key locations in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. These Water ATMs have been strategically placed in high-footfall areas identified that need reliable water access.

Each Water ATM is directly connected to the Nagar Nigam municipal supply and supported by overhead storage tanks to ensure continuity. The water passes through Reverse Osmosis (RO) filtration and is stored in stainless steel chilled tanks and dispensed through hygienic public taps mounted on the kiosk exteriors—offering easy access to clean drinking water throughout the day for residents and visitors alike.

Rajiv Gupta, Director, The Coca-Cola India Foundation, said, “Access to drinking water is a fundamental pillar of public health and community well-being. Our partnership with Ayodhya Nagar Nigam and the SM Sehgal Foundation is a strategic initiative that demonstrates our commitment to help improving water accessibility in the region through better infrastructure and local collaboration.”

Anjali Makhija, Trustee and CEO, S M Sehgal Foundation said, “Water is vital, and through our collaboration with Anandana, The Coca-Cola India Foundation, we help create solutions for communities. The installation of water ATMs in Ayodhya marks a significant step towards ensuring access to hydration, especially in a city that welcomes millions of pilgrims and visitors each year.”

Santosh Sharma, Municipal Commissioner, Ayodhya Nagar Nigam said, “This initiative underscores the positive role of public-private partnerships in enhancing urban infrastructure. Together with Coca-Cola India Foundation, we’re addressing the need for reliable drinking water across key areas in Ayodhya, benefiting both residents and visitors. By strengthening the city’s water access, this effort is a crucial part of our broader commitment to improving civic amenities and ensuring a sustainable, community-centered development.”

This latest initiative builds on the foundation’s legacy of water stewardship. Through initiatives like Project Jaldhara, Anandana and the SM Sehgal Foundation have implemented water conservation and access projects across several water-stressed regions including Kolar in Karnataka, Anantapur in Andhra Pradesh, and Aurangabad in Maharashtra. These efforts have included check dam construction, desilting of traditional tanks, and decentralized drinking water systems that have directly benefitted over a million people across India.

In Ayodhya, this effort continues that journey—supporting local governance, easing pressure on existing infrastructure, and enabling safe water access for all, regardless of background or status.

New Delhi | 26 May 2025

A Joint Venture of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC), Hardy Exploration & Production (India) Inc., and Invenire Petrodyne Limited has successfully commenced production from the PY-3 Field, located offshore in the Cauvery Basin on the east coast of India.

Originally brought on-stream in 1997, the PY-3 Field had been shut since July 2011. Since then, a multi-phase revised Field Development Plan (FDP) has been implemented to revive production.

Phase I of the revised FDP has now been completed. This included integrity assessment, conditioning, and activation of the subsea well PD3SA; installation of subsea infrastructure; and hook-up to the Floating Production, Storage, and Offloading (FPSO) vessel Svetah Venetia. The FPSO is being used to process and separate oil, gas, and water. The produced oil is stored on the FPSO and offloaded to shuttle tankers for transport to refineries.

Phase II of the FDP will involve the drilling of additional wells and the application of enhanced oil recovery (EOR) techniques to boost output from this prolific field, which yields light, sweet crude oil.

Hardy Exploration & Production (India) Inc., a company of the Invenire Energy Group, is the operator of the block with an effective 22.79% participating interest. ONGC holds a 50.63% effective participating interest, and Invenire Petrodyne Ltd. holds the remaining 26.58%.

In a joint statement, Mr. Manish Maheshwari, Chairman, Invenire Energy, and Mr. Arunangshu Sarkar, Director (Strategy & Corporate Affairs), ONGC, expressed their appreciation to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) and the Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH) for their support, guidance, and unwavering encouragement, which were instrumental in achieving this milestone. Mr. Maheshwari added that this marks a significant step in Invenire’s operational journey and reaffirms the JV’s commitment to contributing to India’s energy security.

Kolkata, May 26, 2025: In a moment of immense pride and celebration, Kolkata girl, Dr. Nandini Chandgothia, a recent graduate from Guru Nanak Institute of Dental Sciences and Research (GNIDSR), a premier institution under the JIS Group Educational Initiatives has achieved a historic feat by securing the All-India Rank 1 with a 100 percentile score in the Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test (INI-CET) for the July 2025 session.

Dr. Nandini Chandgothia

The INI-CET, conducted by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), is one of India’s most competitive and prestigious national-level entrance examinations for admission into postgraduate medical and dental programs such as MD, MS, MDS, DM, and M.Ch. It is the gateway to premier institutions including AIIMS-New Delhi and other AIIMS campuses, JIPMER-Puducherry, PGIMER-Chandigarh, NIMHANS-Bengaluru, and SCTIMST-Trivandrum.

Dr. Chandgothia, from the 2019–2024 batch of GNIDSR, not only emerged as the topper in this rigorous national exam held on May 17, 2025, but also earned recognition for her consistent academic brilliance, having previously secured All-India Rank 7 in NEET MDS 2025.

Speaking on this occasion, Sardar Taranjit Singh, Managing Director, JIS Group, said, “Dr. Nandini’s phenomenal success is a reflection of the academic rigour and nurturing environment we strive to provide at GNIDSR. Her achievement not only brings immense pride to the JIS Group family but also inspires thousands of aspiring healthcare professionals. We are committed to shaping future leaders in healthcare, and her journey sets a shining example of what perseverance and guided excellence can accomplish.”

Mumbai, 26 May 2025: We’ve all experienced it — that sudden jolt, the flickering of lights in the cabin when everything (and everyone) shakes just a little. But what if, in that moment of turbulence, you were wearing a bra so comfortable, so secure, it actually made you forget the chaos? 

Welcome aboard “Comfiest Bras Ever”—the cheeky, cinematic, and comfort-first campaign by Nykd by Nykaa, starring long-time brand voice Bhumi Pednekar, who brings her signature warmth and persona to the skies. Known for lending her influence to real and relevant conversations, she is an authentic, relatable voice of the brand, making comfort a non-negotiable. Bhumi’s presence in this campaign is a breath of fresh air — bringing honesty and authenticity to a category long overdue for change.

In Nykd by Nykaa’s newest campaign film — shot in a blush-toned cabin with cheeky flight announcements and playful moments of mid-air chaos, turbulence becomes the ultimate test of comfort, and Nykd’s Comfiest Bras pass with flying colors. The film is not only joyful and relatable but also expressive, and empowering. And at the center of it all? Nykd by Nykaa’s thoughtfully engineered bras that feel like second skin, providing steady support no matter how shaky things get. 

The message is simple: if your bra can support you at 30,000 feet, it can support you anywhere! And Nykd by Nykaa Comfiest Bras Ever are the ones you need!

Since launching in 2020, Nykd by Nykaa has been on a mission to demystify and redefine lingerie for everyday women. The brand has been on a journey to reimagine bras as comfort gear — honest, reliable essentials made for real bodies and real routines. 

Adwaita Nayar, Executive Director, CEO Nykaa Fashion and Head of Owned Brands, said adds, “At Nykd by Nykaa, we’ve always believed that innovation in intimate wear begins with listening — to women, to their needs, and to what’s long been missing in the category. This campaign is a bold step in that direction — blending thoughtful design with everyday ease. It’s not just about creating products that look good; it’s about reengineering comfort for real bodies and real routines. With Bhumi as our voice, we’re continuing to redefine what support means — not just physically, but emotionally and culturally too.” 

Commenting on the campaign, Bhumi Pednekar says, “Comfort, to me, is feeling supported without even thinking about it—and that’s exactly what Nykd by Nykaa bras offer. They move with you, not against you, and make sure you feel at ease no matter what your day looks like.”

Whether you’re navigating actual turbulence or the metaphorical kind — Nykd by Nykaa is your co-pilot in comfort. With a range of seamless, size-conscious, and style-forward bras, the brand wants women to feel supported and seen every single day.

Sony Entertainment Television’s iconic dance reality show Super Dancer is all set to return with its fifth season. The new season will see 12 exceptionally talented young contestants, each handpicked by 12 renowned choreographers who have personally chosen these young prodigies for their extraordinary talent and popularity. Each contestant will be paired with an individual Guru – a mentor who will help nurture their talent into extraordinary artistry. But Super Dancer – Chapter 5 isn’t just about dance, it’s also about emotion and dives deeper into the emotional bond between the contestants and their first Gurus aka Mothers, celebrating the unconditional love and sacrifices behind every superstar child.

The soul of the show is brought alive by the much-adored judges — the stunning and spirited Shilpa Shetty Kundra , the ever-graceful Geeta Kapur (fondly known as Geeta Maa), and bringing fresh energy to the judges’ panel this year is none other than the celebrated choreographer Marzi Pestonji . Together, they bring heart, humor, and honesty to the journey of each young performer. Known for his unique and entertaining style, Paritosh Tripathi is all set to take on hosting duties for the new season.

Speaking about the show Shilpa Shetty adds, “It’s every mother’s dream to see her child shine. Being a mother myself, I understand the deep, unconditional love and endless support that a mother gives her child. As a judge, I always look for that impact — a performance that not only impresses me with technique but touches my soul. I am extremely excited about the new season and look forward to seeing all the superstars along with their extraordinary mothers.”

 Speaking about the show, Geeta Kapur shares, “This season goes a step further by highlighting the sacred bond between a mother and her child. Each contestant, who already enjoys massive fanbase on social media, will bring with them a spark of originality, fearless experimentation, and the dedication to turn an idea into a breathtaking performance. I am looking forward to bonding with all the talented and popular contestants.”

Speaking about the show Marzi Pestonji expresses, “I’ve had the pleasure of being a guest on Super Dancer in the past, and every single time, I walked away amazed by the sheer talent, the energy, and the passion these young dancers bring to the stage. But being here now, as a judge for the very first time, feels incredibly special and honestly, quite emotional.”

Haryana, May 26th, 2025: In a heartfelt move towards community care, FUJIFILM India inaugurated its newest FUJIFILM Smiles Home at The Earth Saviours Foundation, Mandawar Village in Sohna, Haryana – a home to 750 individuals. The new shelter is an expansion of Fujifilm Smiles Home which was launched on World Smiles Day last year, providing basic amenities.

With the inauguration of Fujifilm Smiles Home, the shelter will serve as a dignified and safe space for specially abled, destitute and abandoned people. Designed with long term sustainability in mind, the facility features insulated iron structures and is equipped with essential amenities such as medical beds, wheelchairs, walkers, almirahs, fans, coolers, curtains — while fostering a renewed sense of belonging, dignity, and wellbeing among its residents.

Speaking on the inauguration, Mr. Koji Wada, Managing Director, FUJIFILM India said, “At FUJIFILM India, we are committed to delivering innovative products and solutions that embody our Group’s purpose of ‘Giving our world more smiles.’ By blending diverse ideas, unique capabilities, and extraordinary people, we aim to create solutions that bring joy and smiles to the world. With Fujifilm Smiles Home we aim to turn compassion into action—spreading empathy and adding more smiles to the community.”

Mr. Abhi Shekhar Singh, Vertical Head – Corporate Communications & CSR, FUJIFILM India, added, “FUJIFILM India has been vocal about its sustainability efforts and as a brand, we ensure that we engage with the community that needs our attention. We started working with Earth Saviors Foundation last year and realized the value that we added in this infrastructure development of their shelters which helped them. As an extension and enrichment of the activity, we decided to support them in building a shelter so that more people can stay comfortably and lead a respectable life. By our little efforts we will keep aspiring to staying true to our group purpose of “Giving our world more smiles.”

FUJIFILM India reaffirms its commitment to creating a meaningful social impact through a series of innovative and compassionate initiatives. This initiative is not just an isolated effort but an integral part of FUJIFILM India’s comprehensive strategy to address pressing social needs and promote holistic well-being. Through such efforts, FUJIFILM India continues to demonstrate its deep commitment to corporate social responsibility by enhancing quality of life, fostering empathy, and nurturing a culture of care and support within diverse communities.

National, 26th May 2025: In a landmark achievement, Sripal Jain, CPA, CA, and Co-Founder of Simandhar Education, has been recognized as a 40 Under 40 Honoree for the remarkable work he accomplished in 2024 within finance education and professional training. This prestigious accolade further strengthens Sripal’s position as a visionary leader shaping the future of accounting education in India and beyond. Notably, Sripal is the only Indian to receive this distinguished honor, highlighting his exceptional impact and pioneering contributions on the global stage. 

Sripal Jain

The 40 Under 40 Awards spotlight the top practicing public accountants, educators, and thought leaders who are visibly transforming the accounting profession through exemplary leadership, innovative thinking, collaborative efforts to unify the profession across generations, and impactful community outreach that extends the profession’s visibility beyond the workplace.

Mr. Sripal Jain has been invited to participate in roundtable discussions and receive his 40 Under 40 award at the 2025 AICPA CIMA Engage conference, scheduled for June 8 at the Aria Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. This prestigious event celebrates emerging leaders driving innovation and excellence. Sripal’s recognition highlights his transformative leadership at Simandhar Education, India’s leading institute for US CPA, CMA, and EA courses. The award, judged by industry experts, honors his key role in scaling Simandhar, forging global university partnerships, and placing over 1,000 students in top CPA firms across India and the US. In addition to his educational leadership, Sripal serves on the boards of five CPA firms—QX, Analytix Solutions, Sandmartin, Hippline Consulting, and Oremus, further amplifying his influence in the global accounting community. This accolade underscores Sripal’s commitment to elevating India’s presence in the global finance arena.

“Being named a 40 Under 40 Honoree is a profound recognition of our relentless commitment to transforming accounting education and bridging the gap between academia and industry,” said Sripal Jain. “This accolade is a tribute to the dedicated team at Simandhar Education, our esteemed partners, and the thousands of students whose aspirations drive us forward. We are focused on leveraging innovative technologies like Digital Sripal AI and expanding our global footprint to empower the next generation of finance professionals.”

Sripal Jain recently launched Unique Classroom and the world’s First AI mentor-Digital Sripal, revolutionizing personalized finance education, while leading impactful webinars and earning recognition from ICAI. He also authors US CMA course material with Becker Professional Education and is a sought-after speaker for Thriveal CPA Alliance, sharing expertise on scaling CPA firms. His recognition as a 40 Under 40 Honoree underscores his visionary leadership, unwavering dedication to student success, and pioneering spirit in reshaping finance education. His work continues to elevate India’s presence on the global accounting stage, producing record-breaking achievements, including the first-ever 100+ CPA passes in a single month by an Indian institute and mentoring multiple Elijah Watt Sells Award winners.

Noida, 26^th May 2025: Spectrum@Metro, Sector-75, was buzzing with excitement as over 6,000 enthusiastic attendees gathered for a spectacular Musical Night. The evening brought together a thrilling mix of music, star power, and celebration, making it one of Noida’s most vibrant entertainment events this season.

The spotlight was on Punjabi cinema’s beloved trio — Ammy Virk, Sargun Mehta, and Nimrat Khaira — who took the stage to promote their upcoming comedy Saunkan Saunkanay 2. Their appearance was met with roaring applause, and their interaction with fans added a lively cinematic flair to the event.

Live performances by Hommie Dilliwala and RTIST91 had the crowd grooving, while popular RJ Kamby and RJ Kavneet kept the momentum high with their engaging commentary and fun-filled hosting.

“Spectrum@Metro has always envisioned creating vibrant experiences that bring people together,” said Ajendra Singh, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Spectrum@Metro. “Seeing such enthusiasm for music and cinema affirms our vision of making this destination a cultural heartbeat of Noida.”

With the massive crowd soaking in the music, lights, and entertainment, the night marked a new high for Spectrum@Metro — setting the tone for many more unforgettable experiences to come.