Mumbai: In a landmark achievement for Indian advertising, Havas Creative India, the creative agency of Havas India, has brought home India’s first Gold Lion at Cannes Lions 2025 for its poignant and evocative campaign ‘Ink of Democracy’, developed in collaboration with The Times of India.
The campaign clinched the prestigious Gold in the Print & Publishing category, standing out for its striking simplicity and powerful symbolism. Rooted in the visual and emotional resonance of electoral ink, the campaign took a bold editorial stance by printing The Times of India’s editorial page entirely in purple—the color used to mark fingers of those who vote in Indian elections. The page was stripped of headlines, logos, or words, serving as a silent yet potent protest against voter apathy and a reminder of voices left unheard.
Rana Barua, Group CEO, Havas India, South East Asia and North Asia, said, “Winning a Cannes Lions for Ink of Democracy is a moment of immense pride—for the work, the people behind it, and what it stands for. At our core, we’ve always believed in the power of creativity. We truly believe it has the power to shape conversations and spark change. I’m incredibly proud of Anu, Ravinder, Soham and our team that brought this idea to life. Also, a huge shoutout to Team TOI, Joji, and our global team for their belief in the idea and all the support. Here’s to a team that continues to raise the bar, pushing boundaries with integrity, heart, and fearless creativity.”
Anupama Ramaswamy, Joint MD & Chief Creative Officer, Havas Creative India, added, “From the moment we thought of Ink of Democracy, I knew in my gut this idea needed to be made and needed to be seen by the world. It wasn’t loud or flashy, but it had truth, purpose, and heart. One thing I held onto was patience. And a quiet tenacity to see it through, no matter how long it took. What makes this Cannes Lions win truly special is my young team that brought it to life—Soham, Ravinder, and Annie—who poured everything into it. They carried the idea with courage and craft, and I couldn’t be prouder. A big thank you to Rana and the global team at Havas for believing in the work and helping us take it beyond borders. This is a shared win, and a reminder of what’s possible when we trust our instincts and support one another.”
The Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity is the world’s most prestigious platform for creative excellence in advertising and communication. Havas Creative India’s historic win underscores the growing impact and global recognition of Indian creativity that not only informs, but transforms.
