Gold Lions Set the Tone
FCB India struck Gold in the Outdoor category with its culturally resonant “Lucky Yatra” campaign for Indian Railways. Tackling ticketless travel, the campaign reimagined train tickets as lottery entries — blending behavioral insight with India’s fondness for luck. The result: massive on-ground impact and elevated commuter engagement across Mumbai’s rail network.
Havas India brought home the second Gold in the Print & Publishing category for “Ink of Democracy,” a campaign developed in partnership with The Times of India and the Election Commission. By printing entire newspapers using unused electoral ink, the initiative made a powerful statement on civic duty — urging readers to value their vote and never waste the ink that symbolizes democracy.
Silver Sweep Across Categories
FCB Kinnect earned a Silver in Outdoor for “Too Yumm! To Cheer,” a witty campaign that turned stadium snack bans into an opportunity by creating edible cheer signs — oversized chips with fan slogans printed in edible ink. It was a flavorful blend of product innovation and cultural relevance.
Talented also claimed a Silver Lion in the Outdoor category for “Nature Shapes Britannia.” The campaign transformed traditional OOH media into biodegradable installations built around existing trees, showcasing Britannia’s sustainability ethos with both message and medium.
In Health & Wellness, Godrej Creative Lab’s “Naga Saint Eye Test” won Silver for its work with the Eyebetes Foundation at Kumbh 2025. By offering eye exams, diabetes testing, and free spectacles in collaboration with the Naga Akhara, the campaign merged medical service with spiritual service — impacting thousands of pilgrims and police personnel.
Lowe Lintas secured a Silver in the Pharma category for “Dawai Reader,” created for Alkem Laboratories. The campaign delivered continuous medical updates and global research to healthcare professionals — reinforcing Alkem’s commitment to medical education and patient care.
Bronze Wins Round Out the Day
Ogilvy Mumbai bagged two Bronze Lions in the Outdoor category. “Chai Bansuri – The Tea Flute,” created for Brooke Bond Taj Mahal, turned a steaming kettle into a working flute that played Indian classical music — a poetic blend of tradition, sound, and tea culture. The agency also earned recognition for “Vi Guardian Beads,” developed for Vodafone Idea. The campaign innovatively engraved sacred Rudraksha and Tulsi beads with contact numbers to help reunite lost individuals at Kumbh Mela with their families.
FCB India’s “Lucky Yatra” also secured a Bronze in Outdoor — underlining the campaign’s versatility, reach, and deep cultural resonance.
A Promising Start
These Day 1 wins mark a moment of pride for the Indian advertising fraternity, with creativity rooted in culture, purpose, and innovation taking center stage. With four more days to go, all eyes are on how India continues to build on this impressive momentum.
Metal Tally for Day 1 Across Categories: