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Jupiter Drawing Room’s first global creative independent co.
LONDON : The first global creative independent company, The Dukes of Urbino.com, has been launched by Graham Warsop, the founder of The Jupiter Drawing Room (South Africa). The Jupiter Drawing Room is an advertising agency that has been ranked among the Top 5 Most Creative Agencies in the World by US trade publication Advertising Age’s Creativity in 2001.
An official release stated that The Dukes of Urbino.Com will offer through-the-line creativity to a range of potential clients including media independents, marketers, advertising agencies.
Warsop said, “We believe the time is right for an initiative of this nature. Certain critical factors have come together — 1) the increasing recognition being given to the value of brands, 2) the heightened necessity for creativity or distinctiveness in communications, 3) the need for integrated communications and ideas that transcend traditional advertising solutions and 4) the advancement of technology such as video conferencing and the worldwide web.”
The release also mentioned that the Dukes of Urbino.Com will source creative work from a number of individuals around the world. However, it would combine the skills, resources and track record of The Jupiter Drawing Room to deliver its promise of being a primary creative service. The Jupiter Drawing Room has established its credentials as a through-the-line independent agency with a high creative profile (in the last two years awards include five Cannes Lions, eight Clio’s, six One Show Pencils and the first D&AD Silver Pencil for ambient media in 2000). The case-studies showcased excellent examples of increasing sales and brand value for clients such as Nike, Fiat and the Coca-Cola Company.
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.
