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Journalist, author and A&M industry thought leader Anant Rangaswami no more
Mumbai: Journalist, author and keen observer of the media and advertising industry Anant Rangaswami has passed away on Tuesday morning in Bengaluru.
Rangaswami wore many hats during his career. He was editor of Storyboard, the advertising, media and marketing show on CNBC-TV18. Previously, he was the founding editor of Campaign India and senior editor at Firstpost.com. A lifetime spent in the industry Rangaswami was associated with leading media companies including Star TV, Sony, and BCCL’s Times Television and Times FM. He also served as vice president at TBWA India.
Rangaswami has authored two books ‘Watching from the Sidelines’ and ‘The Elephants in the Room: The Future of Advertising in India’.
Most recently, Rangaswami was working with close friend Rajesh Kejriwal as editor and curator of the flagship industry event Zee Melt organised by the Kyoorius Group.
Those who followed Rangaswami on his social media handles know him for his incisive and witty takes on the latest advertisements shaping our culture. He was also a vocal advocate for the issues that shaped the moral and social fabric of the times we live in. Rangaswami had changed his Twitter name to Don’tLetHateWin@AnantRangaswami in recent times, which says a lot about how strongly he felt about the state of affairs in the country.
Rangaswami was a dear friend to many in the media and advertising industry. This publication does not mourn his passing but rather celebrates the legacy he left behind.
Sad to hear #AnantRangaswamy s news this morning- in a way glad he moved in with his children to bangalore some time back – a straight forward critique who minced no words – one who has reinvented himself a few times in his career – I will miss a sounding board – Rest in Peace
— Partho Dasgupta (@parthodasgupta) May 24, 2022
An advertising professional, salesman, journalist, editor, event manager, he was a maverick and always on top of his game. A colleague & friend that I’ve known for over 3 decades, he was candid, outspoken, a fine big hearted human being. Will miss you dearly. #AnantRangaswamy
— Raj Nayak (@rajcheerfull) May 24, 2022
Anant was one of a kind. He was generous with his time, his counsel, his influence. And he was generous with everyone. He called a spade a spade and a bad ad a bad ad. He lifted us and brought us back to the ground in equal measure. I’ll miss you terribly @AnantRangaswami https://t.co/Jj5zS9fwUd
— Gautam (@gautxm) May 24, 2022
No, @AnantRangaswami, it can’t be true. My phone is going to ring and you will share some epiphany you just had. Or your blunt take on a trending topic. Or a passionate project you’ve embarked on. Go well, Anant.
— Ramki (@ramkid) May 24, 2022
Shocked to hear of the untimely passing of #AnantRangaswami, marketing maven, journalist, thinker. His tweets before illness had the handle “Don’t Let Hate Win” that showed where his heart was. Send some good vibes to India from there, dear @AnantRangaswami. We need it. Om Shanti
— Madhavan Narayanan (@madversity) May 24, 2022
An old friend @AnantRangaswami passed away this morning. Always was ready for the good fight. Condolences to the family. Om shanti.
— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) May 24, 2022
Gutted to hear that @AnantRangaswami is no longer with us. He was an amazing man and an even better friend. Thank you for all you were and all you did. I pray God builds you a Totos in heaven. One day I will drink with you there.
— Bobby Pawar (@FRIEDFOODBRAIN) May 24, 2022
Remembering @AnantRangaswami.
What could be a better way of celebrating his memory than by trying to live up to his exhortation “Don’t Let Hate Win”? pic.twitter.com/Gq8cwRGpcq— (@paritoshZero) May 24, 2022
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.
