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Pepsi IPL 2015 goes with ‘Unity in Diversity’ theme
MUMBAI: Sony Max and Six, the official broadcasters of the Pepsi Indian Premier League (IPL), have given viewers a reason to cheer by launching the new campaign for this edition of IPL: ‘Ye Hai India Ka Tyohaar.’
As the name suggests, the campaign aims to connect hearts and lives by creating a national euphoria and strengthening emotional affinity towards the sport.
‘India Ka Tyohaar’ invites people to break their differences and join in the revelry, which is aptly communicated through a heart shaped mnemonic that excludes spirit of togetherness.
The campaign kicked off with a series of three prequels set in distinct situations of people’s life, ending with the common message of ‘India Ka Tyohaar.’ Sony Max and Six have roped in the musical duo Salim-Sulaiman to compose the anthem “Dooriyan chodkar… dil se dil jodkar.”
Sony Max EVP and business head Neeraj Vyas said, “Pepsi IPL reaches out to people across age groups, gender and languages. This year’s initiative is a unique thought that stems from the insight of how Pepsi IPL over the years has grown to be a huge festival which people celebrate together. It is a perfect blend of cricket, entertainment and festivity packaged in one. The campaign will be promoted in each and every platforms. And with time we will launch an interactive campaign for the digital medium.”
IPL starts right after ICC cricket World Cup and when queried about it, Vyas told Indiantelevision.com, “We have learnt from our experiences before and that’s why we have a different campaign this time. IPL has its charisma and the campaign will back it. The 2015 edition is going to be bigger and better and in all aspects and I am sure about it.”
The multilingual concept will be witnessed during IPL too as the tournament will be showcased in five different languages viz English, Hindi, Bengali, Tamil and Telegu. While Sony Aath will feature the Bengali edition, MSM may launch two new channels for Tamil and Telegu. But the ad inventory will remain the same and regional players won’t get the opportunity to participate for a particular region.
DDB Mudra CCO Sonal Dabral said, “If cricket is a religion in India, Pepsi IPL is the only true festival. Unlike any other sporting event in the world, it’s a microcosm of the passion and madness that envelops our country whenever cricket is played, uniting hearts and minds in its wake. And unlike any other festival in India, this is one festival that every Indian celebrates. It got the colors of Holi the festivity of Diwali the brotherhood of Eid and joy of Christmas. What else can you call it but one amazing India ka tyohaar? Its been a privilege and an honor to create this big idea for Pepsi IPL.”
Speaking to Indiantelevision.com Dabral said that the name behind the campaign came because of all the religious diversities we are witnessing now a days, “The video shows Muslim man picking a Sikh kid on his shoulder and that’s the beauty of IPL and that’s why it’s ‘India ka Tyohaar,’” he concluded.
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.
