Mathrubhumi Managing Editor P.V. Chandran has been named the recipient of the Shahid-e-Hind Award, a distinction presented annually by the Memorial Committee in memory of freedom fighter T.P. Kumaran Nair. The award will be conferred on 13 July at a memorial function in Kozhikode, with Human Rights Commission Judicial Member K. Baijunath presiding over the ceremony.  

Chandran, who serves as Whole Time Director and Managing Editor of Mathrubhumi Printing and Publishing Private Limited, has long been recognised as a prominent figure in Kerala’s media and industrial landscape. Under his stewardship, Mathrubhumi has continued to uphold its reputation as one of the state’s most influential Malayalam dailies, playing a vital role in shaping public discourse and cultural identity.  

Beyond his editorial responsibilities, Chandran has distinguished himself as an industrialist and social activist. In 1958, he co-founded the Kerala Transport Company alongside his father, laying the foundation for what would become one of the region’s most significant enterprises in logistics and transport. His entrepreneurial vision extended into diverse sectors, with directorial roles in Kalpakka Rubber Plantations Private Limited, KTC Cars India Private Limited, KTC Automobiles Private Limited, PVS Automotive Company Private Limited, PVS Hospitals Private Limited, and PVS Memorial Hospital Private Limited. These ventures reflect his commitment to fostering economic growth and providing essential services across industries ranging from agriculture to healthcare.  

Chandran’s leadership has also been felt at the national level. In 2015–2016, he served as President of the Indian Newspaper Society, representing the collective interests of the country’s print media industry. His tenure underscored his dedication to strengthening the role of journalism in India’s democratic framework, advocating for press freedom and the sustainability of print publications in an era of rapid digital transformation.  

The Shahid-e-Hind Award, instituted to honour the memory of T.P. Kumaran Nair, carries deep symbolic resonance. Nair’s legacy as a freedom fighter is celebrated through this recognition of individuals who have made significant contributions to society, whether through public service, industry, or cultural leadership. By selecting Chandran, the Memorial Committee has highlighted his multifaceted achievements and enduring influence on Kerala’s social and economic fabric.  

The forthcoming ceremony in Kozhikode is expected to draw attention not only to Chandran’s personal accomplishments but also to the broader values of resilience, service, and commitment embodied by the award. For Mathrubhumi, the honour reaffirms its standing as a publication led by individuals deeply invested in both journalistic integrity and community development.  

As Chandran prepares to receive the Shahid-e-Hind Award, his career stands as a testament to the power of combining editorial vision with entrepreneurial drive and social responsibility. The recognition serves as both a tribute to his contributions and a reminder of the enduring relevance of values championed by freedom fighters like T.P. Kumaran Nair.  

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Kochi’s Kappa CULTR, Mathrubhumi’s flagship intellectual property, has added another accolade to its journey by securing Silver at the prestigious WOW Awards Asia 2026. The festival, celebrated as Kerala’s biggest electronic music gathering, was honoured in the “Festival of the Year – Music (Above 10,000 Attendees)” category, further strengthening its reputation as one of India’s most impactful live music experiences.  

The award was received by Anup Mathew, Senior Vice President, Media Solutions (Print), Mathrubhumi Group, at a ceremony held at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai. The WOW Awards Asia, recognised as one of the region’s most respected platforms for experiential marketing, MICE, weddings, and live entertainment, evaluated entries across 106 categories. A jury of more than 100 senior industry leaders assessed submissions on creativity, execution, and overall impact.  

Festival Founder and Director of Digital Business, Mayura Shreyams Kumar, expressed pride in the achievement: “Winning the Silver Award at the WOW Awards Asia is a proud moment for the entire Kappa CULTR team. This recognition reflects our commitment to creating not just a world-class music experience, but a complete festival experience that resonates with audiences while showcasing Kerala as a vibrant destination for live entertainment.”  

Echoing the sentiment, Festival Founder and Director of Operations, Devika Shreyams Kumar, emphasised the cultural vision behind CULTR: “This recognition is a significant achievement for us and for everyone who has been part of the Kappa CULTR journey. CULTR was never built to be just another festival. It was built to create a culture — one that brings together music, art, fashion, movement, production, and a community that truly shows up for the experience. Kerala has always had the energy. What we wanted to do was give that energy a world-class platform while keeping the festival’s spirit rooted in who we are. This award is a reminder that something powerful is being built here. And for us, it is only the beginning.”  

The WOW Awards Asia 2026 also featured curated workshops, case study presentations, and expert-led discussions on emerging trends, innovation, and the future of live and experiential industries. For Kappa CULTR, the Silver win marks another milestone in its journey of redefining Kerala’s place on India’s live entertainment map, promising even more ambitious editions in the years ahead.  

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Hyundai Motor Company has unveiled a new stage-based format for its celebrated Goal of the Tournament initiative at the FIFA World Cup 2026, enhancing fan participation by allowing supporters to vote for the best goals at each stage of the competition before a final global vote crowns the ultimate winner.  

Announced in Seoul on 29 June 2026, the update transforms one of Hyundai’s most enduring fan engagement programmes into a dynamic, multi-stage experience. Since its inception in 2006, the Hyundai Goal of the Tournament has become a tradition, celebrating unforgettable strikes such as Maxi Rodríguez’s volley in Germany 2006, James Rodríguez’s spectacular effort in Brazil 2014, Benjamin Pavard’s thunderous goal in Russia 2018, and Richarlison’s bicycle kick in Qatar 2022.  

The new format ensures fans remain engaged throughout the tournament, with voting opportunities during the group stage, knockout rounds, and a climactic global ballot after the Final. This evolution reflects Hyundai’s ambition to deepen its connection with football audiences worldwide, positioning the brand as a facilitator of shared sporting memories.  

Sungwon Jee, Executive Vice President and Global Chief Marketing Officer of Hyundai Motor Company, emphasised the initiative’s purpose: “The FIFA World Cup creates unforgettable moments for fans around the world, and Hyundai Motor is proud to help celebrate those moments by creating more opportunities for fans to participate and stay connected throughout the tournament.”  

The enhanced programme complements Hyundai’s broader FIFA World Cup 2026 commitments, including its largest-ever official fleet deployment, pioneering robotics integration, the Be There With Hyundai global artwork contest, and a worldwide test drive campaign. Together, these initiatives underscore Hyundai’s strategy of blending mobility innovation with cultural engagement, ensuring the brand remains at the heart of football’s global spectacle.  

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The Cannes Lions Festival is widely regarded as the world’s leading celebration of creativity in advertising and communications. HEINEKEN’s recognition places the Dutch brewing company among a select group of global brands that have consistently demonstrated the power of creativity in driving commercial success and strengthening customer relationships across international markets.

The award goes beyond recognising memorable advertising campaigns. It reflects HEINEKEN’s broader philosophy of using creativity as a key business strategy. Over the years, the company has integrated creative thinking into product innovation, customer engagement, sponsorships, experiential marketing and corporate responsibility programmes. Creativity has become an essential part of the company’s identity rather than simply a marketing tool.

Founded more than a century ago, HEINEKEN has grown from a regional European brewer into one of the world’s largest beer companies. Today, it develops, markets and distributes premium beer and cider brands across more than 90 countries. Led by its flagship Heineken® brand, the company manages a portfolio of over 500 international, regional and local brands that cater to diverse consumer preferences while preserving local character and identity.

Industry experts believe HEINEKEN’s continued relevance across generations is due to its ability to adapt to changing consumer lifestyles, media habits and cultural trends. The company has consistently produced campaigns that combine humour, emotional storytelling and cultural relevance. Many of its advertisements have focused on themes such as responsible drinking, inclusivity, social connection and shared human experiences, helping the brand position itself as a lifestyle company rather than only a beverage producer.

HEINEKEN has also earned recognition for embracing innovation and experimentation. Through immersive digital campaigns, interactive experiences and partnerships with major sporting and entertainment events, the company has found new ways to engage audiences worldwide. Sponsorships linked to football, music festivals and global entertainment platforms have helped strengthen its connection with consumers.

Another important factor behind HEINEKEN’s success is its focus on sustainability. Through its “Brew a Better World” strategy, the company has integrated environmental and social responsibility into daily operations. The programme focuses on reducing environmental impact, encouraging responsible consumption and supporting local communities. As consumers increasingly expect businesses to demonstrate social responsibility, HEINEKEN has made sustainability a central part of both its operations and brand image.nnovation across industries. In an increasingly crowded global marketplace, HEINEKEN’s latest achievement stands as a reminder that creativity remains one of the most powerful competitive advantages any brand can possess.

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Mumbai: Prithvi Handa, a seasoned marketing leader with more than 15 years of experience in brand building and consumer engagement, has been nominated for the prestigious Experiential CMO Awards 2026 by EVENTFAQS Media. The recognition, part of the WOW Awards Asia 2026, highlights his contribution to shaping the future of premium spirits marketing in India.  

Currently serving as Category Marketing Head for Teacher’s & Malt Scotch Whisky Portfolio at Suntory Global Spirits India, Handa has built a reputation for combining deep consumer insights with innovative storytelling to create culturally resonant brand experiences. His nomination underscores his ability to translate strategic thinking into impactful campaigns that strengthen brand positioning while driving business growth and long-term equity.  

Handa’s career trajectory reflects a blend of analytical rigour and creative vision. Beginning his professional journey in market research at Kantar, he developed a strong foundation in consumer behaviour and insights. This early grounding has informed his approach to marketing, enabling him to craft strategies that resonate with evolving audiences and cultural trends. Over the years, he has successfully led portfolio development and consumer-centric initiatives that have elevated the relevance of some of the world’s most iconic premium spirits brands in India.  

At Suntory Global Spirits (formerly Beam Suntory), Handa has played a pivotal role in shaping the growth of Teacher’s and the broader malt whisky portfolio. His campaigns have consistently demonstrated an ability to connect with consumers on an emotional level while reinforcing the premium positioning of the brands. By leveraging insight-led strategies and experiential engagement, he has ensured that these brands remain culturally relevant in a dynamic and competitive market.  

The Experiential CMO Awards, now in its fifth edition, celebrate marketing professionals who are redefining brand experience with vision, innovation and impact. Scheduled for 3rd July 2026 at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, the awards form part of the WOW Awards Asia, a platform dedicated to recognising excellence in experiential marketing and events. Handa’s nomination places him among a distinguished group of leaders who are driving the future of brand engagement in India and beyond.  

Recognised for his passion for premium brand building and his ability to align strategy with consumer behaviour, Handa continues to influence the spirits industry’s marketing landscape. His work exemplifies how culturally attuned storytelling and consumer understanding can create meaningful brand experiences that endure. As the industry increasingly values experiential connections, his nomination reflects both his past achievements and his ongoing role in shaping the next chapter of marketing innovation.  

Prithvi Handa’s journey from market research to leading premium spirits marketing demonstrates the power of insight-driven creativity. His nomination for the Experiential CMO Awards 2026 is not only a personal milestone but also a testament to the growing importance of visionary marketing leadership in India’s premiumisation story.  

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The White Square International Festival of Creativity has announced its 2026 winners, spotlighting projects that are shaping the future of marketing, branding, advertising, and communications worldwide. With 1,115 entries from 40 countries across Europe, the Americas, MENA, Asia, and Africa, the Festival reaffirmed its role as a global platform for creative excellence and exchange.  

This year’s entries reflected the industry’s most pressing trends, demonstrating the power of strategic thinking, innovation, and craftsmanship. They underscored how communications increasingly influence business, culture, and society, while also inspiring new benchmarks for brands. White Square 2026 became a meeting ground for ideas that challenge conventions and redefine creative standards.  

Eight international juries — spanning Branding, Marketing & Digital, Creative, Craft, Media, Mass Media, Clients, and the Grand Jury — evaluated submissions with rigorous analysis and debate. The jurors, representing more than 45 countries and including award-winning practitioners from leading global festivals, assessed entries on creative ideas, execution, and effectiveness. Each jury selected a Best of Contest, from which the Grand Jury chose the Grand Prix of White Square 2026.  

Judges highlighted the exceptionally high calibre of work and the intense competition across categories, noting that the Festival’s awards remain a respected international mark of achievement. The winners represent a new generation of creative work where bold ideas meet strategic precision, outstanding craftsmanship, and proven effectiveness. These projects not only capture attention but also create lasting value for brands, influence markets, and set new directions for the industry.  

By defining rather than merely reflecting trends, the winning entries earned their place among the world’s most remarkable creative work. White Square 2026 thus reinforced its reputation as a festival that celebrates creativity’s ability to inspire, transform, and lead the global communications industry forward.  

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India’s presence at Cannes Lions this year has been subdued, with only five Lions secured so far. The standout among them is ‘Don’t Look Up’, a collaboration between TBWA\Lintas Mumbai and Ducktape Studios, which earned a Bronze Lion in the Script category. The film, created for Steadfast Stationery’s counterfeit money detector, uses escalating absurdity and dark humour to transform the simple act of holding a banknote up to the light into a gripping narrative.  

Russell Barrett, chief creative experience officer at TBWA\Lintas, credited Kapil Batra, president – creative, for the script that anchored the project. “The reason this film is so special is because of the story that Kapil told. The script is what started it,” Barrett said. He also praised director Raylin Valles of Ducktape Studios for elevating the narrative through inspired direction and AI-driven craft. “While it may have won in the Script writing category, without the inspired film direction and AI work, nothing would’ve happened.”  

The film’s structure is notable for keeping the product largely out of sight until the final reveal, a choice Barrett defended as strategic. “I’d argue that the product is the hero. It’s at the centre of this story. Without the Steadfast product this film wouldn’t exist. Being central to a story doesn’t mean it needs to be in every frame of a film.”  

By turning a functional product into a piece of entertaining storytelling, the campaign demonstrates how creative ambition can elevate even utilitarian solutions. Barrett reflected on the challenge of making such products resonate beyond their category: “Whether a product is B2B or B2C, everything needs to start with the idea. A great idea brilliantly told with the tools we have at our command, in this age gives any brand its winning edge.”  

India’s overall showing at Cannes Lions 2026 remains modest, with agencies seemingly pursuing a more selective entry strategy that prioritises quality over volume. While this approach has yet to yield a broader medal haul, the campaigns that have succeeded reaffirm India’s strength in transforming local insights into ideas with universal appeal. ‘Don’t Look Up’ exemplifies this edge, proving that even a functional product can capture global attention when storytelling takes centre stage.  

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Lewis Hamilton’s first victory in Ferrari red was more than a sporting milestone — it was a financial earthquake. His 106th career win at the Spanish Grand Prix added an extraordinary €2.2 billion to Ferrari’s market capitalisation by the time the podium ceremony concluded, underscoring the commercial gravity of motorsport’s most recognised driver.  

The Milan stock exchange responded almost instantly, reflecting the pent‑up anticipation since Hamilton’s move to Ferrari in 2025. That signing was hailed as one of the most commercially consequential in Formula One history, even before results arrived on track. Despite a debut season without a single podium, Hamilton was estimated to generate €70 million in incremental annual revenue for the Scuderia. His first photograph in Ferrari red alone triggered $412,000 in sponsor activations across HP, IBM, and Puma before he had completed a competitive lap. By the end of 2025, Ferrari’s sponsorship and brand revenues had surged to €800 million, a 22 per cent year‑on‑year rise.  

Barcelona transformed that accumulated momentum into a tangible market event. Ferrari’s Formula One team has long been the mythology that sustains its broader commercial empire — the narrative that justifies pricing power, keeps waiting lists for road cars stretching years ahead, and elevates the brand beyond the realm of mere manufacturing. A win of this magnitude, delivered by Hamilton, reinforces every strand of that mythology at once.  

Ferrari’s valuation has never been a straightforward reflection of cars sold. It is a reflection of desire, legend, and competitive relevance. Hamilton’s triumph encapsulated all three in a single afternoon, reminding investors and fans alike that Ferrari’s fortunes are inseparable from its racing heritage. The Barcelona victory was not just another addition to Hamilton’s record tally; it was a moment that crystallised the union of sporting achievement and brand equity, proving once again that Ferrari’s greatest asset is the mythology it continues to write on track.  

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For more than two decades, JDO Global has been a trusted creative partner to some of the world’s most influential names in the drinks industry. Known for crafting world-class executions, delivering sharp strategy and instilling long-lasting belief in brands, the agency has consistently demonstrated its ability to elevate the drinks sector through design and storytelling.  

This year, JDO Global has once again been recognised at the highest level, winning the prestigious World Drinks Award, Icons of Drinks, for the second consecutive year. The accolade cements its position as the Brand & Packaging Design Agency of the Year, a title that reflects both creative excellence and enduring impact.  

The achievement is not simply about design aesthetics but about the agency’s philosophy of creating “award-winning belief.” By aligning brand narratives with consumer trust, JDO Global has built a reputation for delivering work that resonates across markets and cultures. Its portfolio spans collaborations with global drinks leaders, where packaging and brand identity are treated as powerful vehicles for emotion, heritage and innovation.  

Winning the award two years in succession underscores the consistency of JDO Global’s approach. In an industry where trends evolve rapidly and consumer expectations shift, the ability to remain relevant while setting benchmarks is a rare distinction. The recognition also highlights the agency’s role in shaping how drinks brands are perceived, ensuring that every bottle, label and campaign carries a story that consumers can connect with.  

The Icons of Drinks honour celebrates not only creativity but also dedication to the wider drinks industry. JDO Global’s success reflects its commitment to innovation, its understanding of cultural nuance and its ability to translate brand strategy into compelling design. For clients, this means more than just striking visuals—it means building enduring equity and consumer belief.  

As the drinks industry continues to expand globally, with premiumisation and storytelling at the forefront, JDO Global’s recognition as Brand & Packaging Design Agency of the Year reinforces its leadership. The award is a testament to the agency’s vision, its collaborative spirit and its unwavering dedication to shaping brands that stand the test of time.  

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Agency de la Cruz Ogilvy has been recognised as a winner in Fast Company’s 2026 World Changing Ideas Awards, a global honour celebrating breakthrough innovations that deliver meaningful impact. The accolade was awarded for the agency’s Glowing Relief campaign, a project designed to safeguard Puerto Rico’s ageing population during recurring power outages.  

Developed in partnership with Alivia Health, Farmacias Plaza, and Alivia Home Delivery, Glowing Relief introduced the world’s first FDA-compliant phosphorescent prescription label. This simple yet transformative innovation allows patients to identify their medications in the dark without relying on electricity, batteries, or flashlights. Integrated seamlessly into pharmacy workflows, the initiative has already distributed more than 30,000 labels across the island, empowering older adults to manage their medications safely while offering caregivers greater peace of mind.  

The recognition comes during a milestone year for de la Cruz Ogilvy, which was recently ranked the #1 agency in Puerto Rico and #36 worldwide in the 2025 Effie Index, the industry’s definitive benchmark for marketing effectiveness. The Effie Index evaluates agencies, brands, and networks globally based on award-winning campaigns, underscoring the agency’s ability to deliver both creative excellence and measurable results.  

Now in its ninth year, the World Changing Ideas Awards spotlight organisations tackling urgent global challenges across climate, health, AI, and social equity. This year’s programme featured 191 projects across 14 categories, selected from more than 1,500 entries. Fast Company editors and reporters judged submissions on impact, sustainability, design, creativity, scalability, and societal benefit.  

Carlos Thompson, President of de la Cruz Ogilvy, emphasised the campaign’s human-centred ethos: “Glowing Relief demonstrates how creativity can become a force for good when it is grounded in empathy and designed to solve real problems. We are honoured to see an idea born in Puerto Rico recognised on a global stage.”  

Sebastián Bullorini, Chief Creative Officer, added: “This recognition highlights the importance of creating ideas that go beyond communication and generate meaningful change. Seeing Glowing Relief improve medication safety for older adults across Puerto Rico is incredibly rewarding.”  

Fast Company, the only global media outlet dedicated entirely to the intersection of business, innovation, and design, will feature select winners in its Summer 2026 issue. Alongside Glowing Relief, the edition will showcase pioneering solutions ranging from geothermal energy to municipal grocery stores, reflecting the breadth of innovation shaping the future.  

By combining empathy-driven design with practical execution, de la Cruz Ogilvy’s Glowing Relief campaign demonstrates how creativity can transcend traditional advertising to deliver lasting social value—an achievement that firmly positions the Puerto Rican agency among the world’s most impactful innovators.  

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