News Broadcasting
Boom and Belonging, News18 Bangla’s Puja Tale Rings Twice on Global Stage
MUMBAI: If storytelling were an art form, this one’s painted in vermillion and gold. News18 Bangla’s Durga Puja brand campaign, crafted in collaboration with Daaker Shaaj, has struck global gold again earning a coveted spot on Ads of the World for the second consecutive year. The campaign celebrates Bengal’s biggest festival through a cinematic blend of emotion, artistry, and community spirit that feels as timeless as the beats of the dhaak itself.
Durga Puja isn’t just a festival, it’s five days of goosebumps, glitter, and grace that transform Kolkata into a living, breathing artwork. It’s where neighbourhoods turn into museums, and the faithful become storytellers. Channeling that magic, the campaign uses the ubiquitous boom, crafted with Daaker Shaaj’s signature detailing, as its visual thread connecting everyday Puja moments in a shared celebration of togetherness.
The film’s Bengali copywriting hums with poetry and pride, weaving diversity, devotion, and the festival’s chaotic beauty into one seamless story. It captures the pulse of the city the late-night pandal-hopping, the sparkle of new clothes, and the laughter echoing over bhog and beats. Every frame feels soaked in nostalgia yet freshly relevant, offering viewers an emotional walk through Bengal’s cultural soul.
Created by Inner Circle, this is not just a campaign but a cultural postcard, one that continues News18 Bangla tradition of elevating festive storytelling. Its repeat recognition on Ads of the World cements the brand’s reputation for innovative, inclusive, and locally rooted creativity that resonates globally.
“Durga Puja is not only a religious festival but an emotive experience for people of Bengal. This campaign brilliantly captures that spirit, blending its rich culture with compelling storytelling,” said Xiaomi India RMM East Gourav Sinha.
Echoing that sentiment Wow! Momo, CMO and co-founder L. Muralikrishnan added, “Durga Puja is not just a festival, it’s a celebration of myriad hues of what Bengal stands for; which is ‘For All. By All.’ This campaign beautifully captures that spirit, blending cultural authenticity with inclusive storytelling.”
By celebrating the vibrancy and inclusivity of Durga Puja, News18 Bangla’s campaign doesn’t just showcase Bengal’s creative might, it reminds us why great ideas, like great festivals, are “for all, by all”. As the dhaak beats rise once again, this campaign proves that when culture meets creativity, the world can’t help but dance along.
News Broadcasting
Kamlesh Singh receives Haldi Ghati Award from MMCF
India Today Group editor honoured for three decades of journalism at Udaipur ceremony.
MUMBAI- Kamlesh Singh just turned a lifetime of sharp words into a shiny shield because when journalism wakes up a society, even the Maharana of Mewar wants to pin a medal on it.
The Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation (MMCF) conferred its prestigious Haldi Ghati Award on Kamlesh Singh, a senior editor at the India Today Group, during a ceremony in Udaipur on 15 March 2026. The national award, instituted in 1981-82, recognises “work of permanent value that initiates an awakening in society through the medium of journalism.”
Singh, who leads several editorial initiatives including Aaj Tak Radio, the Teen Taal community and The Lallantop, was presented the honour by Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, Managing Trustee of MMCF. The citation highlighted his three decades of contributions to Indian media, innovations in digital journalism, mentoring young reporters, and his popular podcast persona “Tau” on Teen Taal, which fosters thoughtful public discourse.
The Haldi Ghati Award, named after the historic Battle of Haldighati symbolising valour and resilience, is one of four national awards given annually by MMCF. Past recipients include Tavleen Singh, Piyush Pandey and Raj Chengappa.
Other honourees this year included Padma Vibhushan Pt Hari Prasad Chaurasia, Vedamurti Devvrat Rekhe, Treeman of India Marimuthu Yoganathan, Vir Chakra Capt Rizwan Malik, and US-based researcher Molly Emma Aitken, who received the Colonel James Tod Award for contributions to understanding Mewar’s spirit and values.
In an era where headlines often shout louder than substance, the MMCF quietly reminded everyone that real journalism isn’t about noise, it’s about the quiet, persistent work that stirs society awake, one thoughtful story at a time.
