AD Agencies
Media Mantra wins PR mandate for Archies
Mumbai: Media Mantra on Monday bagged the PR mandate for Archies to drive its corporate communications strategy in the country.
Media Mantra, as a PR partner, will take the responsibility of aligning regional communications and reinforcing Archies’ market leadership in India. They will work on Archies’ corporate reputation and awareness, amplifying its visibility, strategic communication counsel, and overall public relations and media relations.
Media Mantra will also be instrumental in developing effective stakeholder engagement strategies, brand positioning, and external communication management. Archies’ latest appointment is in line with its vision to inject new inspiration and creativity into the renowned brand, foraying into emerging markets and extending its long history of success in the country.
Media Mantra founder and director Udit Pathak said, “It’s a matter of great pride for Media Mantra to partner with a legacy brand like Archies. Acting on our role as strategic advisers, we intend to apply our vast knowledge and expertise to execute innovative, disruptive, and high-impact PR campaigns that will create a positive impact on Archies’ business in India.”
“With our 10th anniversary around the corner, Media Mantra has carved its own niche as a leading multi-practice and full-service PR and digital media agency across sectors. D2C is one of our strong practice areas, and the current mandate will help consolidate this practice even further. We are excited to support Archies in its bid to enhance their visibility, credibility, and prominence in the media ecosystem at large, and amongst their target audience in particular,” he added.
Archies’ executive director Varun Moolchandani said, “From a firm that just sold cards, Archies has come a long way to establish itself as a full-fledged social expression enterprise. We’ve been the trailblazers of India’s gifting ecosystem for 44 years on the back of our ability to keep innovating and improving our offerings.”
He further added, ” Building on the same vision, we’ve roped in the services of Media Mantra to help us reposition our brand and amplify our presence in the country. We look forward to a long-term and mutually beneficial relationship with them.”
Founded in 1979, Delhi-based Archies has been in a league of its own, with its chain of offline and online stores being synonymous with greeting cards and popular for special occasion gifting. Having begun by selling greeting cards and gifts, the well-established company has only grown with the modern culture, increasing urbanisation and improving standards of living. It currently operates with over 250 franchises and 230+ exclusive outlets, named Archies Gallery, which are spread across 120 cities and six countries.
With sentimental value driving its brand appeal to all age groups and demographics, Archies has now reduced its dependence on greeting cards, diversifying into new categories. The firm, currently, boasts a diverse portfolio comprising different and unique products like artificial jewellery, crystalware, chocolates, soft toys, perfumes, grooming products, and their recent foray into the skincare and beauty segment.
AD Agencies
ABBY Awards 2026 names 3 jury chairs across digital, PR and publisher
Aditiya, Dharmaraj and Puri to lead key categories at Goafest 2026
MUMBAI: The Ad Club has announced the appointment of PG Aditiya, Deepshikha Dharmaraj and Pavita Puri as jury chairs for the Digital, PR and Publisher categories respectively at the ABBY Awards 2026, powered by The One Club and The One Show.
The awards are set to take place during Goafest 2026 from May 20 to 22 at Taj Cidade de Goa Horizon, bringing together some of the biggest names in advertising and marketing.
PG Aditiya, founder and CCO at Talented, will chair the Digital jury. A former chief creative officer at Dentsu Webchutney, he now leads Talented, an employee-owned independent agency known for its unconventional structure and award-winning work for brands such as Meta, Google, Britannia and Tanishq. The agency has also been recognised as a global ‘Best Place to Work’ by Campaign magazine for two consecutive years.
In the PR category, Deepshikha Dharmaraj, CEO at Burson Group India, brings over three decades of experience in public relations and integrated communications. She oversees multiple entities including Burson Genesis, GCI Health India and Hill & Knowlton India. Known for her strategic counsel and leadership, Dharmaraj has also served as president of industry bodies such as PRCAI and PAFI, and has been a jury member at global platforms including Cannes PR Lions and D&AD Awards.
Pavita Puri, chief brand and marketing officer at The Indian Express Group, will chair the Publisher category. With over 15 years of leadership experience, she has been instrumental in driving the group’s transition into a digital-first media powerhouse, overseeing brands such as The Indian Express, Financial Express, Loksatta and Jansatta. Her earlier stints in advertising include roles at Rediffusion and Lowe India, where she handled marquee clients across sectors.
The appointments reflect a strong mix of creative, communications and media expertise, underscoring the awards’ focus on recognising excellence across evolving industry segments.
As the industry gears up for Goafest, the ABBY Awards 2026 promise to spotlight standout work, with seasoned leaders at the helm of jury deliberations shaping the benchmark for creative excellence.
