News Headline
AOL’s new brand campaign in the US
MUMBAI: “Want a better Internet?” That’s the question America Online is asking in a new brand campaign in the US.
The new ad campaign is intended to reposition America Online as the service that is truly on the side of the online consumer. Print ads in leading American newspapers outline AOL’s commitments to its members. AOL has also announced the first redesign of its logo since 1991, which among other things gives the familiar triangle a more up-to-date look.
The initial print ad, by The Martin Agency, explains eight commitments AOL is making to its members. “Today,” the ad says, “we’re announcing a series of commitments that will drive our employees to one common goal: to make life online better for our members, and in so doing, to improve their lives.”
From today 11 October, a series of television ads by BBDO debut. The commercials bring AOL’s commitments to life by highlighting the company’s relationship with its members in a more personal way.
In one of the TVCs shot on the AOL campus in Dulles, Virginia, an office receptionist looks up to see that a huge crowd of AOL members has turned up at headquarters with ideas on how to make the Internet better. In the second ad, an individual AOL member comes to talk with executives about how to improve the Internet. The executives wholeheartedly welcome her ideas.
Additional episodes will follow, all featuring interactions between “employees” and “members” that show how AOL is listening to members and is committed to being on their side. The ads end with the tag: “Want a better Internet? America Online. Broadband, Wireless, Dialup” to remind consumers that AOL serves members however they connect to the Internet. The ads will air during primetime, late night and cable, with accompanying print and radio.
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.
