News Broadcasting
Pencils to the podium as Nataraj draws focus at NDTV Indian of the Year
MUMBAI: When the spotlight shifts from speeches to sketchpads, you know creativity has entered the room. Hindustan Pencils, the company behind classroom staples Nataraj and Apsara, has signed on as the official stationery partner for NDTV Indian of the Year 2025, bringing its long-running love affair with expression to one of the country’s most watched award stages.
The association sees Nataraj lean into its Be Bold positioning, linking stationery often seen as humble and utilitarian with big ideas, cultural achievement and fearless self-expression. The brand’s presence will be woven into the ceremony rather than parked on the sidelines.
One of the evening’s key moments will see a senior member of Hindustan Pencils’ management present the best director of the year award. That handover will be followed by a tight 2–3 minute on-stage conversation, offering a glimpse into how the Be Bold philosophy has shaped Nataraj’s thinking and why creativity still matters in an increasingly digital-first world.
Adding a visual flourish, Hindustan Pencils has curated a live sketch artist experience, with a commissioned illustrator creating custom artwork for each award winner in real time. The idea is to turn recognition into something tangible, a personalised illustration that doubles up as a memento and a nod to the brand’s drawing-led legacy.
Away from the main stage, guests will also find a Nataraj Be Bold photo booth, designed as an interactive pit stop rather than a static backdrop. The installation invites attendees to play, pose and take home keepsakes, extending the theme of expression beyond the formal proceedings.
Speaking about the partnership, Hindustan Pencils chief marketing officer Aishwarya Shinod said the association felt like a natural fit for a brand built around ideas and imagination. The awards, she noted, celebrate individuals shaping India’s future, a narrative that aligns closely with Nataraj’s long-standing focus on creativity and confidence.
With this tie-up, Hindustan Pencils moves stationery out of the pencil box and into the cultural conversation, using the NDTV Indian of the Year platform to remind audiences that bold thinking often begins with a simple line on paper.
News Broadcasting
CNN-News18 to host Fury in the Gulf conclave on West Asia crisis
Three-hour summit to unpack geopolitical fallout and impact on India
MUMBAI: CNN-News18 is set to host a special three-hour broadcast, Fury in the Gulf – War Conclave, on April 7, aiming to decode the escalating West Asia crisis and its far-reaching implications for India.
Scheduled from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, the conclave comes at a time when tensions between Iran and the United States are reshaping global geopolitics and triggering economic uncertainty. With India’s deep energy ties, trade links and large diaspora in the Gulf, the developments carry significant domestic relevance.
Built around the theme ‘Conflict, Consequences, and The Future,’ the programme will feature six curated sessions combining one-on-one interviews and panel discussions. The focus is to cut through the clutter and offer viewers a clearer understanding of the fast-evolving situation.
Key sessions include ‘Diplomacy in Times of War’ featuring Shashi Tharoor, and ‘World After the Iran Conflict’ with voices such as Ram Madhav, Reuven Azar, representatives from the European Union and the Iranian Deputy Envoy. Another session titled ‘Another Dunkirk?’ will bring together K. J. S. Dhillon and Jitin Prasada among others.
CNN-News18 editorial affairs director Rahul Shivshankar said, “In times of war, clarity becomes the most powerful tool. Fury in the Gulf – War Conclave brings together credible voices to address the questions and confusion that arise amid an overwhelming influx of information.”
He added that the initiative is aimed at delivering “facts, perspective, and insight” at a time when misinformation can easily cloud public understanding.
Echoing the sentiment, CNN-News18 CEO– English and business news Smriti Mehra said the conflict marks a defining global moment, with consequences that extend well beyond the region. She noted that the conclave seeks to present the crisis with “depth, nuance and responsibility” so audiences can better grasp its real-world impact.
As geopolitical tensions continue to dominate headlines, the conclave positions itself as an attempt to bring order to the noise, offering viewers a structured, insight-led look at a complex and rapidly shifting global situation.
