News Headline
Dukes Lemonade launches mascot, kicks off promo campaign
MUMBAI: Dukes Lemonade today launched a series of consumer initiatives in the city to make this summer full of takatak taajgi for its consumers.
The aim is to take Dukes Lemonade, the popular lemon drink from Pepsi, closer to consumers through a new campaign which includes a new tagline for the brand, massive on-ground visibility drive, interactive programmes on radio and sampling activities for consumers.
The entire campaign is built around the character called Bandya Shinde and the new tagline is takatak taajgi. Bandya is a reflection of the current rage for Bollywood bhais such as Munna bhai and Aslam bhai. Despite being the short-tempered buddy of a “bhai”, Bandya has a simple view of life without tension or maj-maj, and is loved by one and all. For Bandya Shinde, Dukes Lemonade is a source of refreshment and a way to chill.
Announcing this in a press conference, Pepsi’s head of operations in western region Praveen Someshwar said, “Dukes Lemonade has been a popular lemon drink in Mumbai, and has built up a loyal consumer base over the years. Our initiatives aim at creating fun and excitement amongst existing consumers, and draw new consumers into the Dukes Lemonade fold.”
Special interactive live programmes on radio have been designed for consumers, who can call Bandya to play agony uncle to their problems in life.
The visibility drive will include paintings on local trains, bus-shelters, street banners, point-of-sale and posters among others. Discount coupons will be distributed to consumers outside trains painted with Dukes Lemonade visuals. Consumers can redeem the coupons at the station on the same day, and enjoy their Dukes Lemonade.
Apart from this, consumers can even play a fun game dukes lemonade wheel of fortune at specially designated points in the city, and win complementary Dukes Lemonade bottles, pouches, caps and pens.
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.
