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A year of milestone achievements and future visions: Kunal Luhar
Mumbai: As 2023 draws to a close, lets ponder and reflects on a year marked by significant evolution and strategic growth. From being a traditional agency focussing on digital activities to embracing a more comprehensive branding and creative landscape. This year was about transcending boundaries and exploring new horizons, for us at 5W1H.
2023: A year of diverse creative endeavours
Our collaboration with Build Prowl was a notable highlight, involving intricate packaging work and a high-profile photoshoot with Tiger Shroff. This project set the stage for its impactful Out-Of-Home (OOH) campaign, marking a milestone in our creative journey.
In our pursuit of integrated omnichannel approaches, our work with Shott exemplified our commitment to innovation. The “Summer at Shott” campaign brilliantly merged digital, outdoor, and print media. The launch of Shott’s new outlet in Pune further showcased our versatility, incorporating cutting-edge CGI videos and drone footage, reflecting our adaptability to emerging digital trends.
Our work with Accu-Chek delved into on-ground research and in-depth interviews, offering insightful narratives into the lives of diabetic patients. This culminated in a powerful print campaign that resonated deeply with audiences.
In the realm of video production, we produced a series of impactful videos for Yes Bank, focusing on cyber insurance and fixed deposit campaigns, adding another feather to our creative cap.
Team dynamics: The core of our success
2023 also witnessed significant strides in team dynamics. Building on our experiences from previous years, we refined our hiring strategies, welcoming strategic appointments to our top management. We bolstered our team with roles such as account directors, creative directors, and AVPs, each bringing unique perspectives and skills.
Embracing a transparent work culture, we adopted an open-door policy, fostering discussions on a range of topics from revenue and expenses to individual achievements. This culture of transparency and collaboration has been a key driver in aligning our team with our foundational values and goals.
Technology plays a crucial role in enhancing our operations. We have integrated AI tools for content creation, report generation, and internal task management, which has significantly helped us boost efficiency and meet our clients’ evolving demands.
Looking ahead: Building pillars for 2024
As we step into 2024, our focus is on constructing three key pillars that will define our future trajectory.
Empowering start-ups in branding:
Recognizing the potential in burgeoning start-ups, we aim to provide comprehensive branding support, from brand name development to packaging and initial media content creation.
Revolutionizing social media presence:
Acknowledging the rising importance of video content, we are building an internal creative team dedicated to elevating brands to influencer status, enhancing their audience engagement and market presence. Embracing the power of micro-production in content marketing, we aim to deliver compelling short-form videos that captivate our audience, foster meaningful connections, and strategically position our brands in the ever-evolving digital landscape.
Strengthening our media team:
Balancing creativity with business acumen, we are committed to ensuring our clients achieve optimal returns on their investments, making our media team a cornerstone of our strategy.
In conclusion, 2024 is not just about our agency’s growth; it’s about being a catalyst for start-ups and brands navigating the marketing landscape. These pillars represent our commitment to flexibility, creativity, and intelligence in an ever-evolving world.
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.
