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Peta serves legal notice to O&M, Hutch for parakeet ad
MUMBAI: Ogilvy & Mather (O&M) which is the creative agency for Hutch has been served a legal notice from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta) India’s advocate Raj Panjwani. The notice has also been sent to Hutchison Telecom asking them to withdraw their recent ad campaign featuring cricketer Rahul Dravid and a parakeet. This notice follows the failure of O&M and Hutch to respond to Peta’s letter asking them to stop airing this ad.
The ad is in direct contravention of the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 (WPA) and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (PCA) 1960. As per the Registration of Performing Animals Rules 2001, section 23 of chapter V of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960, any person who wants to use an animal in a film or an ad has to receive prior permission from the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI).
In this case, O&M has not received the required permissions. The animals have to be hired from animal suppliers who are registered with the AWBI, and not a single animal supplier in Mumbai is legitimately registered.
The parakeet shown in the recent Hutch ad is a protected bird, and cannot be used for any ads or films under any circumstances. Possession of protected animals (who are listed in the different schedules of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972) without an appropriate ownership certificate from the requisite chief wildlife warden of that state is a criminal act, as is the trade and trafficking of all wild birds.
The ad also supports a cruel industry: the illegal trade and trafficking in captive birds. “Please realise that even the parakeet shown in your ad met with the same cruelty as all captive birds: painful clipping of his wing feathers and a life of captivity in a tiny cage in which he can barely turn around,” writes Peta India chief functionary Anuradha Sawhney in her letter to the company.
Last year, Peta wrote a letter appealing to all ad agencies across India to adhere to animal-protection laws when shooting with animals and to consider the treatment of animals on the sets.
“O&M is well aware of the laws governing the use of animals in films. We have written to them in the past regarding a donkey they used in a Sprite ad, again without permission. We want everyone to know that wherever you go with animals, Peta will follow you,” adds Sawhney.
Attempts to contact O&M India group president and national creative director Piyush Pandey or Hutchison officials by indiantelevision.com proved futile.
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.
