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FCB Ulka takes case study competition to the Net
MUMBAI: FCB-Ulka, India’s fifth largest marketing communication group, has taken its communication strategy case study competition for business schools on to the worldwide web.
FCB-Ulka Comstrat, now in its seventh year, is the first ever case-study competition in the area of marketing communications held for management students in the country, claims an official release. FCB-Ulka Advertising, which has formulated the concept along with the K J Somaiya Institute of Management Studies and Research says the uniqueness of the competition lies in the fact that unlike other case study competitions, which are in the field of marketing or finance, Comstrat is the only competition conducted in the area of advertising and communications.
The strategic planning team of the agency develops these cases in close co-ordination with top marketers, which are then then distributed to management schools from around the country. As a first step, participants have to submit a synopsis of their interpretations of the communication strategy issues. A panel evaluates the synopses and six short listed management schools are invited to make a presentation to a larger audience. Final presentations for this year are scheduled to be held on 23 November in Mumbai.
For FCB-Ulka Comstrat 2002, the agency’s interactive arm has created a website where the 2002 case study has been posted in a downloadable form. To help prospective participants, the site also contains past cases and winning presentations. The effort has been aimed at creating a better understanding of the quality of presentation of analysis, strategy and the winning features, says the release.
In the past years, some of the best management institutes across the country have participated and the event has enlisted support from leading companies including Cadbury Schweppes, Hutchison Max, Tata Indica, ITC Gold Flake, Cadburys Bournvita and Marico Parachute which have helped the agency develop “real-life” communication strategy case studies.
Further details can be had from www.fcbulkacomstrat.com.
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.
