Latest news with #RohanMehta
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Hindustan Times
Street Dog-Free Delhi: To be or not to be? Residents, RWAs, animal lovers debate on ‘rehabilitation' policy
Increased instances of dog bites have led Delhi High Court to direct the city government to 'rehabilitate' community dogs. But, is this the right move? Residents of the Capital and animal lovers, activitists are yet again at warring sided ever since the news has come to the fore. Several residents, especially those who have had unpleasant encounters with aggressive stray dogs, strongly feel that this action was long overdue. 'In every RWA meeting, the issue of stray dogs comes up and it's embarrassing to know that guests who visit our neighbourhood get chased or bitten by street dogs. In just the last three months we have had two such incidents,' says Anand Goel, president, Vivek Vihar Residents Welfare Association (RWA), adding: 'We have been trying to find a solution to the dog menace for so long and this step is in the right direction. Why can't we place the strays in shelters for the betterment of both the residents and dogs?' 'Leaving aside the biting incidents, some stray dogs in my society bark all night long and are a severe noise nuisance, especially to the elderly and sick persons living here,' says Rohan Mehta, a Rohini-based entrepreneur who recently held a local movement to get rid of strays in his locality. He adds: 'I care about animals, but the grievances of residents matter equally.' For animal lovers and welfare activists, the policy for the 'rehabilitation of community dogs at an institutional level' spells a nightmare. 'It's a harsh and misguided move since relocating dogs causes them huge trauma,' opines Jigyasa Dhingra, founder, PawsInPaws. She has helped in sterilisation of over 100 dogs and feels, 'Such a drive is inhumane because many dogs get injured or even die in the process. These strays have lived their entire lives on the streets. In such a scenario, we need long-term, compassionate solutions like vaccination and mass sterilisation to curb their over population.' 'Stray dogs aren't a problem unless you make them one,' says Raunak, a second-year student at Delhi University's Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), where the issue of community dogs has been a bone of contention for long. He adds: 'Our campus dogs are our friends. Sure they act out sometimes, but that's where we step in. If every neighbourhood had a group of volunteers to check in on strays, get them vaccinated, designate their feeding zones, and get them treated whenever needed — that's enough to make it work!'
Time of India
7 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
The longevity game
HighlightsCannes Lions 2025 has introduced a new sub-category for Long-Term Brand Platforms to celebrate brands that demonstrate sustained effectiveness in building equity and loyalty through creative communication over a minimum of three years. Industry leaders highlighted enduring brand platforms such as Dove's 'Real Beauty' and Nike's 'Just Do It', which have maintained relevance and cultural significance through continuous innovation and alignment with evolving societal conversations. The article emphasises the importance of long-term brand strategies, showcasing examples like L'Oréal's 'Because You're Worth It' and Mastercard's 'Priceless', which have created emotional connections and significant cultural impact over decades. At a time when most campaigns vanish with a scroll, Cannes Lions 2025 is placing a spotlight on what endures. It recently announced a new sub-category — Long-Term Brand Platforms — to recognise platforms that show long-term effectiveness in building brand equity, fostering loyalty and delivering business results through continuous, creative communication. To qualify, brands must have been in the market for three years. They must show three or more distinct campaigns as part of an overarching brand strategy . What are some ideas that have stayed beyond the buzz (and CMO tenures)? That have transcended media formats and become a part of culture? We asked industry leaders to name some 'brand platforms' they believe exemplify long-term thinking — creatively, strategically, culturally. Rohan Mehta, CEO, FCB Kinnect Global: In advertising, fame can fade fast. But platforms that build brand equity over time, that's legacy. Dove's 'Real Beauty' platform has endured because it taps into a timeless truth: The gap between self-perception and societal beauty standards. The platform has been responsive to evolving conversations, from body positivity to digital distortion. From 'Reverse Selfie' to 'Detox Your Feed', Dove has kept the work real, emotionally resonant and socially progressive. Nike's 'Just Do It' is one of the longest-running platforms in marketing history, staying relevant through reinvention. 'Dream Crazy' proved it could still challenge and lead —spotlighting athletes who rewrote norms. From [Colin] Kaepernick to kids with prosthetics, each story made 'Just Do It' feel urgent again, for a new generation, in a new world. India: HDFC Bank's 'Vigil Aunty' — a platform we've built — became a cultural utility. Fraud prevention isn't a glamorous brief, yet the platform made cybersecurity street-smart and WhatsApp-forwardable. Overall, these platforms have endured by adding new meaning every year. That's what brand equity looks like when it's earned, not engineered. John Thangaraj, Chief strategy officer, creative and media, Dentsu India Global: Michelob Ultra, a premium American beer brand, that has long been positioned around drinkability with the tagline: 'It's only worth it if you enjoy it'. 'Enjoyment' as space for a beer brand might sound generic — until you see the jaw-dropping work they've put out year after year. Rooted in sport, they have activated everything from the NBA and F1 to tennis. But what makes them a shoo-in at Cannes is how they've done it — using cutting-edge tech to create sporting spectacles that are catnip for award juries. Think McEnroe vs McEnroe, Dreamcaster and my personal favourite, Lap of Legends. India: As cliched as it may sound, it would be Surf's 'Daag Achhe Hain'. In two odd decades, it's become the poster child for culture-led creative consistency. 'Daag Achhe Hain'/ 'Dirt Is Good' has been rendered globally in many ways, yet remains instantly recognisable, which is what makes it so powerful. Their recent 'Guess Who Won' campaign marked a bold shift into serious sport — and it's well worth a look. Satbir Singh, Founder, Global: In an age when most brand campaigns last a mere thumb swipe, some of the world's most iconic brands built themselves on long-lasting platforms. The undisputed heavyweight champion is, of course, Nike's 'Just Do It', running well into four decades. 'Real Beauty' by Dove also comes to mind. McDonald's 'I'm Lovin' It' is another. All these campaigns not only mirrored emerging culture, but created a lot of it. They're part of folklore. India: Fevicol and Cadbury spring to mind. Brand managers and ad execs worldwide have envied these, wishing they could create something this long-lasting. Having worked on Incredible India and Red FM's 'Bajaate Raho!' (both going strong after decades), I'm glad Cannes created this category, especially at a time when many brands are happy settling for 200 LinkedIn likes instead of creating something lasting. Jitender Dabas, CEO, Cheil X Global: It has to be L'Oréal's 'Because You're Worth It'. It's timeless, universal and rooted in a powerful emotional truth. It didn't just sell beauty — it sold self-worth. At a time when advertising spoke to women from a male lens, it handed the microphone back. Over five decades, it's evolved without losing its core, enabling premium positioning, inspiring diverse storytelling and building one of the most enduring emotional bonds in beauty. India: I'd pick Thums Up's 'Taste the Thunder'. It may not always get the same applause as more purpose-driven work, but it's a masterclass in sharp, consistent brand building. It didn't chase global cool — it stayed rooted in the Indian intensity. It has driven business impact. It elevates the product truth and lends itself to inspiring story telling. Vikram Pandey, CCO, Leo South Asia Global: This new sub-category was long overdue. In a world increasingly obsessed with short-term impact and real-time metrics, it's important to pause and recognise the brands that have built more than just equity — they have earned trust, relevance and even created movements. Dove is a textbook example. With its 'Real Beauty' platform launched in 2004, Dove didn't just advertise differently — it redefined the conversation around beauty. What's remarkable is how the brand has managed to evolve the idea without diluting its core purpose. India: Whisper has done something powerful with its long-standing efforts towards keeping girls in school. Be it 'Missing Chapter', which championed inclusion of menstrual education in school, or 'Early Period', which addressed changing period biology by preparing eight-year olds, Whisper has, over the years, balanced purpose with business effectiveness while building one of the biggest platforms to help girls in India complete their education. Brands that manage to move the conversation forward, year after year, show us the real power of sustained creativity. Sarvesh Raikar, President, Lowe Lintas Global: I love Geico's '15 minutes can save you 15%'. On the face of it, it doesn't even feel like a big strategic platform — but just an unusual use of statistic to make everyone relook at the category. It's provided some insanely good creative output over the years. Fresh and disruptive, time and again. It helped Geico become one of the giants in the segment and the line entrenched itself in America's pop culture. Now, what more can you ask for? India: Lifebuoy's handwashing education — 'Help A Child Reach 5' and 'H for Handwashing'. These have helped build the world's largest behaviour change programmes over years. Marketing guru David Aaker called it one of the best in the world. The campaign didn't just impart education, it built awareness around the importance of soap, which is critical for market expansion. It also forged public-private partnerships, secured government participation and brought home fame. While [the characters of] 'Gondappa' and 'Chamki' (Future Child) brought global attention on handwash-preventable deaths under the 'Help A Child Reach 5' umbrella, campaigns like 'H for Handwashing and [pygmy hippo] Moo Deng's 'resignation' evolved the platform to make handwashing an unforgettable habit. Shilpa Sinha, Chief strategy officer, APAC, McCann Worldgroup Global: Mastercard and McDonald's. For more than two decades, both brands have delivered business growth and cultural relevance through timeless platforms rooted in universal human truths and activated in timely, resonant ways. Mastercard's 'Priceless' campaign redefined value by championing moments, experiences, inclusion and human impact — exemplified by 'Where to Settle', which used data to provide life-changing support to displaced refugees. McDonald's 'I'm Lovin' It' remains strategically simple and emotionally compelling upholding feel-good moments, brought to life through contemporary moments today. 'Raise Your Arches' reaffirmed its enduring power through wordless and pure brand coded iconic simplicity.
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Teenager honoured for hygiene kit for the homeless
A teenager who turned the family living room into a makeshift centre to process hygiene kits for the homeless has been recognised for his efforts. Rohan Mehta, from Kensington in west London, founded his In The Bag project two years ago. So far, the 17-year-old has donated 130 bags containing toiletries, toothbrushes and other items to homeless Londoners. Rohan, who is studying for his A-level exams at Latymer Upper School, was given the Young Achiever award by Kensington and Chelsea Council and recognised with a civic honour by Hammersmith and Fulham Council. The philanthropic teen said homelessness had always been an issue that really affected him. Rohan said when he was small and would spot someone on the street, he would ask his parents if they could provide that person with money or food. "I always knew I wanted to do something to be part of the solution so when I got a little bit older, I thought, what tangible stuff could I do? "I wanted to create something practical that could really help people, not just raise awareness, but give them something that could make them feel a little bit better, give them back some of their dignity. That's why I wanted to start In The Bag." Rohan was only 15 when he began developing the idea. His family's living room quickly filled with shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, toothbrushes and toothpaste. He said: "I wanted to focus on something with daily hygiene. When you're homeless, you don't have access to a lot of these things and when you're able to stay in a shelter overnight, for example, if you're able to clean yourself up properly, it makes you feel a lot better. "When I started studying economics, I started getting this idea of a job-seeking element to this and the whole cycle of poverty and I realised how incredibly difficult it was to break that. "You really cannot have a job interview if you do not look presentable and clean... so I wanted to do my part in sort of breaking that barrier because it's really, really difficult." His efforts have been recognised by two London councils. In March, he was handed the Young Achiever's Award by the mayor of Kensington and Chelsea. In April, he was given a civic honour by Hammersmith and Fulham Council for his contributions to building a stronger, safer, kinder borough. Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to Councils fear bankruptcy amid homelessness crisis People living on London's streets rises by 26% 'No time is a good time to be homeless' In The Bag
Hindustan Times
24-04-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Call Center Solutions for Small Businesses Fuel India's Digital Customer Revolution
New Delhi – A quiet revolution is sweeping through India's small business sector—not with grand headlines or government subsidies, but through something as simple and powerful as a phone call. As India's digital transformation accelerates, Call Center Solutions for Small Businesses are becoming an indispensable tool for entrepreneurs looking to scale sustainably while offering fast, reliable, and professional customer service. Whether it's a boutique clothing brand in Jaipur or a logistics startup in Bhopal, small business owners are increasingly adopting cloud-powered call center platforms to streamline operations, connect with customers, and level the playing field with larger competitors. In an age where customer experience can make or break a brand, small businesses are recognizing that they can no longer rely on informal WhatsApp messages or untracked phone calls. 'When a customer calls and no one answers, that's more than just a missed call—it's a missed opportunity,' says Radhika Singh, a small business consultant based in Noida. 'Today's consumer expects quick, efficient service, and small businesses must be ready to meet that standard.' One of the biggest barriers to adoption in the past was cost. Traditional call centers required bulky hardware, large teams, and complex infrastructure. But cloud-based providers like VoIPTech Solutions are changing the narrative. 'We built our solution with small business owners in mind,' says Rohan Mehta, CEO of VoIPTech Solutions. 'You shouldn't need a massive IT department or a Silicon Valley budget to provide excellent customer service. Our call center systems are scalable, affordable, and incredibly easy to set up.' The result? Even a 3-person team can handle a high volume of customer calls professionally—something that was nearly impossible just five years ago. The impact isn't just theoretical. Consider the case of a small e-commerce business that sells handmade skincare products across India. Before integrating a call center solution, the team struggled to track orders, address complaints, or offer timely support. Today, with automated call routing, order updates, and a basic CRM integration, the same business has doubled its customer satisfaction score—and seen a noticeable drop in return rates. 'We were always good at making our product,' says the founder, 'but now we're finally good at supporting it too.' The Indian government's initiatives under the Digital India campaign and the Digital MSME Scheme have created a supportive ecosystem for small businesses looking to modernize. There is growing awareness that communication technology—particularly call center infrastructure—should not be exclusive to enterprise-level firms. Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, recently emphasized the role of tech in MSME growth, stating, 'Digital inclusion isn't just about getting online—it's about staying competitive in a global economy. We must empower our small businesses with the right tools to scale.' Yet, challenges remain. Many business owners are hesitant to adopt new systems, citing unfamiliarity or fears about data privacy. Others simply don't know where to begin. 'Digital literacy is still a big gap,' says Mehta of VoIPTech Solutions. 'That's why we invest heavily in onboarding and support. We offer live demos, multilingual help centers, and 24/7 assistance to make sure every business—no matter how small—can thrive.' He adds that many of their clients initially thought call centers were only for large corporations, only to realize later how these tools directly impacted their bottom line. Another key shift has been the rise of remote and hybrid work models, accelerated by the pandemic and now a mainstay across industries. Call center solutions have adapted accordingly—offering dashboards that employees can access from anywhere, mobile-friendly interfaces, and live supervision for managers. This has allowed businesses in even the remotest parts of the country to hire virtual agents and deliver consistent support without needing a physical call center. For many, this has meant employment opportunities, flexibility, and access to better-paying jobs—while businesses reap the benefits of reduced overhead costs. The future of Call Center Solutions for Small Businesses is bright and brimming with innovation. AI-powered chatbots, voice sentiment analysis, predictive routing, and integration with tools like WhatsApp, Shopify, and Zoho CRM are already part of modern systems. This means that a small retailer in Udaipur can now offer the same level of service as a global brand—automatically recognizing returning customers, offering personalized responses, and resolving issues in minutes. 'Call centers are no longer about agents sitting in cubicles,' says Singh, the consultant. 'They're about smart, adaptable systems that understand your business and your customer.' As India's small businesses continue to grow, the need for efficient, reliable, and smart communication tools will only intensify. Call Center Solutions for Small Businesses are not just a tech trend—they are becoming the very backbone of customer experience in the MSME sector. And for the businesses willing to adapt, the reward is more than just better service—it's long-term sustainability in a competitive digital world. Note to readers: This article is part of HT's paid consumer connect initiative and is independently created by [the sponsor NAME]. HT assumes no editorial responsibility for the content, including its accuracy, completeness, or any errors or omissions. Readers are advised to verify all information independently. Want to get your story featured as above? click here!
Time of India
23-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Flipkart ad labels its double sale as Sa Sa Le Le
E-commerce giant Flipkart has launched a summer sale campaign. Dubbed "SASA LELE," the double sale campaign promises twice the excitement and twice the discounts. The campaign hinges on a jingle that repeatedly chants "SaSa LeLe" instead of explicitly mentioning a sale. The jingle is accompanied by visuals that showcase Flipkart's diverse product catalogue – from refrigerators to kurtas – in a repetitive and absurd manner. A promotional link released by Flipkart warns viewers, "Be warned warned, you can't see this just once once." Pratik Shetty, CMO at Flipkart, said, "We briefed the team to be bold, creative, and unexpected. And SASA LELE hits that sweet spot. It's so strange, it's smart. The audience will watch it once, then twice. Maybe thrice. SASA LELE is beyond possibilities – it's not just a sale, it's a DOUBLE SALE.' Rohan Mehta, CEO of FCB Kinnect , added, "In today's attention economy, the weird wins. And with this campaign, we doubled down on the weird. SASA LELE is a dream come true for our mad-hatters. It's creative, it's memorable, and most importantly, it's unmistakably Flipkart." Neville Shah, CCO at FCB Kinnect, said, 'A sale is about selling. And with a sale almost on all the time, we needed to announce the size of this. We looked at pop culture. Then owned it. A meme made GRAND? Opera. What are the things on sale? THE CATALOGUE. How do we have fun? Like this. We love it.' Whether it's the nonsensical jingle, the repetitive visuals, or the sheer audacity of the concept, one thing is clear: Flipkart is betting big on the power of the unusual to capture consumer attention and drive sales. Watch the film here:
