The Advertising Club Coimbatore hosted a special tribute to celebrate the life and legacy of Piyush Pandey, one of the most influential figures in Indian advertising. The event brought together members of the creative community to honour the man whose ideas reshaped the country’s advertising landscape.
Dr. Nandini Rangaswamy, Chairperson of GRG Educational Institutions, was the Chief Guest for the occasion. In her address, she reflected on Pandey’s extraordinary contribution to the world of advertising, noting how he infused Indian advertising with a distinctive voice and emotional depth. She emphasized that his work transcended mere commercials, giving Indian brands an identity rooted in everyday life and culture.
Speaking on the evolution of the industry, Dr. Nandini observed that Indian advertising has transformed from the era of catchy radio jingles and colorful print ads to today’s dynamic, digital landscape. With digital platforms now accounting for more than one-third of India’s total ad spend, she highlighted how technology has revolutionized the way stories are told, turning every smartphone into a marketplace, a theatre, and a storytelling medium.
She also spoke about the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, stressing that authenticity and emotional connection will continue to define successful brands. The advertising of the future, she noted, will belong to those who can tell real, meaningful, and memorable stories that resonate deeply with audiences.
The evening featured a special audiovisual presentation titled ‘Omnipresent’ by Ashok Gupta, Former Creative Director and General Manager at Ogilvy, which offered a fascinating glimpse into Piyush Pandey’s creative journey and enduring influence.
Earlier RLN. Shivakumar, President of The Advertising Club Coimbatore, opened the proceedings with a welcome that set the tone for the evening. He highlighted Pandey’s pivotal role in shaping the nation’s advertising and credited him with bringing an unmistakably Indian sensibility to ad campaigns,
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Balakrishnan Shanmugam, Secretary, The Advertising Club, Coimbatore.
