Inaugural Marquee Awards India Celebrates 2017 Winners

Marketers #MakeTheirMarq in the inaugural edition
“Hindustan Unilever wins the coveted Green Marketer Award at the “Marquee Awards 2017”

The Advertising Club (TAC) India hosted the inaugural edition of the unique “Marquee Awards” at Grand Hyatt, Mumbai today. Presented by News18 India, powered by COLORS and MTV and partnered by One India, the prestigious event was flagged off by Honorable Minster of Textile, Information & Broadcasting, Government of India – Smt. Smriti Irani as Chief Guest of Honor. The Awards saw the enter marketing fraternity come together to recognized brands for their excellence in marketing, building sustainable and path breaking brands.

Hindustan Unilever won the coveted Green Marketer Award, which honors brands that have strived and conquered, by keeping a close focus on environment sustainability. The Special Award for “Conquering an impregnable fortress” was won by Bira 91. Pro Kabaddi League was recognized as the brand that “Traversed unchartered waters” and Paytm was recognized for “Riding on an emerging wave”. Honda Motorcycle &Scooter was awarded for “Breathing new life into a category”, Indian Accent was recognized for “Creating a Global Impact” while Oppo was recognized for “Carving out a Niche” for themselves in a highly competitive category.

Speaking at the Marques 2017 guest of honor for the awards, Honorable Minster of Textile, Information & Broadcasting, Government of India – Smt. Smriti Irani said “My congratulations to all the award winners and thanks to the jury that made this great selection. It fills me with a sense of deep gratitude and privilege that I stand here today as the Minister of the Information & Broadcasting. I am what I am today thanks to this industry.”

She further added “The advertising industry inspires millions across this nation. Having been a part of this journey, I have just one appeal this evening - while we sell dreams to the nation and world, there are many amongst us who wither away with the passage of time. All I implore today to the industry stalwarts is that we now, in a systemic fashion, build a platform that takes care of those who need help, specially from the creative faction of the industry, so that the world does not accuse us selling dreams but living a lie.

I hope that one day, on this stage, some of us will stand here to applaud an Indian media company that has made it at the global stage.”

Speaking about the mega success of the Marquee Awards, Mr. Raj Nayak, President, The Advertising Club said, “Marquees 2017 has emerged as the gold standard in marketing awards. I thank the Honorable Minister for Textiles and Information & Broadcasting, Smt. Smriti Irani for gracing the maiden edition of Marquees 2017 as Chief Guest; enhancing the prestige of the Marquees. I also thank the Jury Chair Sanjiv Mehta & the distinguished Jury for their indulgence; commitment in making the awards robust, transparent & credible.”

Talking about the scale of Marquees 201,7 Mr. Partho Dasgupta, CEO, BARC India said, “The debut edition of Marquees has set a new benchmark of excellence by recognizing brands that have challenged the communication archetype in the industry, thus appealing to the evolved consumer of today. These awards through their differentiated scope, right from the jury panel to representation to categories has ensured that they are a marketer’s dream.”

Speaking on the occasion, Avinash Kaul, Managing Director, A+E Networks | TV18 and President - Network18 said, “We take great pride in associating with the first edition of Marquees, and congratulate the winners. At News18 India we identify with the spirit of celebrating brands that drive positive change. News18 India as a brand has also undergone a transformation after the rebranding exercise and the results are visible in top ratings for the channel. This only re-affirms our association with Marquees which has today honored path-breaking marketing campaigns that have inspired change. News18 India remains committed to doing impactful stories aimed at empowering our viewers"

Marquees Awards 2017 was a laudable event bringing together thought leaders and industry veterans from Advertising, Marketing and the Media Fraternity. The scale, execution excellence and inclusivity of the awards has established Marquees as a coveted industry award.