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Heads or tales, truth or dare: 2023 to 2024, the games we play: Suvir Paul
Mumbai: Insight-driven storytelling, driving the collapse of disciplines:
More focus was given to using insights that pique audience interest to drive visual storytelling, bettering reach and engagement. Companies are no longer looking to just advertising or digital firms to drive creativity, equal opportunities are being provided for all kinds of communication and engagement firms to demonstrate creativity in building narratives, campaign ideas and come up with innovative engagement strategies.
Omni channel campaigns the way forward:
The advent of platforms and technology is paving the way for communication professionals to expand their own understanding of how a simple idea can translate to audiences across channels. Creating a consistent brand experience is going to be a key differentiator in an over-informed marketplace. The trick is to understand the way audiences are consuming information and come up with strategies across online and offline mediums, giving them a seamless brand experience.
Technology at the forefront, with generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) taking center-stage:
It was heartening to see greater adoption across the industry with more people using AI to help deliver faster, smarter and sharper. Great discussions and debates on the use of AI in workplaces, where copyright, ethical use and authenticity of content came under question. It will be interesting to see how Retrieval-augmented Generation (RAG) techniques for enhancing the accuracy and reliability of generative AI models with facts fetched from external sources, will play a key role in time to come.
A highly engaged workforce, respected and recognized for the value they create:
Nothing of significance was ever achieved alone. For all the good work we hope to do it’s important to understand the aspirations of a highly engaged workforce. Invest in team building, mentoring, outlining the vision and how we will get there. The clarity of the vision and an equal understanding of what we are chasing, with clear indicators of success, is the key to managing this multi-disciplinary talent. Diversity matters – build a workforce where everyone is heard and equal opportunities are provided.
Best days ahead, enthuse positivity and manifest your reality:
While there will be enough and more happening around which will diffuse, dishearten, drive fear and uncertainty – resort to a philosophy of actually making a difference. Good leadership will be key to making a positive difference, setting examples for people to role model. Leadership is a multifaceted role and happens at all levels within organizations, not just among those who work in defined “leadership positions”. A workplace culture of ‘doing good and doing it right’ will be a great differentiator.
Delivering increased value and being agile in a dynamic marketplace, 2024:
Agencies that command a premium, will be invested in data-driven insights, understanding of technology to drive business transformation, an ability to develop clear persuasive messaging and ideate innovative communication strategies, delivered by great talent. It’s all about marrying the science and art of engagement.
The views expressed are solely of the author and written without any AI intervention.
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.
