News Headline
SoHo Square launches TVC for Stop Not Stixz
NEW DELHI: A new television campaign has been launched by Perfetti Van Melle India (PVMI) to popularise its new ‘Stop Not Stixz’ in addition to the existing two variants – Golz and Disks – in its ‘Stop Not’ confectionary items.
The 35-second commercial created by SoHo Communications focuses on establishing the irresistible taste of the product that one gets hooked onto.
Soho Square Mumbai ECDs and creative heads Anuraag Khandelwal and Satish deSa said, “However old we boys get, once dad is in the room, he gets the remote to watch what he pleases – which has to always be something very very boring. Protesting is futile. We showed youngsters how to turn this power equation on its head. With the addictive power of the new Stop Not’s Stixz.”
The TVC highlights a situation that possibly happens in every household in India, which is the fight over the TV remote. The story has two brothers who to get the remote back, distract the father with a packet of Stop Not Stixz. He unknowingly tries the snack but gets hooked onto the taste and finally gives up his remote and the power to watch his favourite programme for a packet of Stop Not Stixz.
Perfetti Van Melle India snacks business head Samit Srivastava said, “It was an interesting way to communicate Stop Not Stixz. The situation is extremely endearing, real-life and something every kid can relate with. We are extremely confident about the new brand and are sure that the new TVC will help generate excitement amongst kids.”
Awards
Hamdard honours changemakers at Abdul Hameed awards
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.








