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ICICI Prudential Life Insurance opts for MindShare
NEW DELHI: ICICI Prudential Life Insurance has shifted its Rs. 200 million media planning and buying account from Initiative Media to MindShare. Apart from MindShare and the ex-incumbent, there were three other agencies in the final round.
ICICI Prudential Life Insurance, head – marketing, Abhishek Bhatia said, “We had briefed five agencies (in the second round) to test their media planning in terms of tools and applications and creativity in terms of their usage, and buying before opting for MindShare. Though it was a close decision, MindShare seemed to be most closely aligned with our specific needs.”
In all, nine agencies were invited in the first round. The new agency will handle the TV, print, cinema, radio and other mass media buying for ICICI Prudential. Bhatia said that Lowe will continue to work on the creative business while Ogilvy Landscapes will handle outdoor advertising.
On the win, Group M South Asia chief executive officer Andre Nair said, “We are very pleased that India’s number one private life insurer has appointed us as their media partner — it’s an achievement that speaks for itself. Through our interactions with the team, we’ve seen that ICICI Prudential places a premium on innovation and rigour, which is in conjunction with our approach to media investment.”
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.
