Havas Creative India, in partnership with The Times of India (TOI), has made the country proud by winning its first Gold Lion at Cannes Lions 2025. The winning campaign, titled ‘Ink of Democracy’, received top honours in the Print & Publishing category.
The powerful idea behind the campaign was to remind people of the importance of voting. How? By turning the entire editorial page of The Times of India into a bold shade of purple — the same colour used to mark voters’ fingers in India. There were no headlines or logos, just a strong visual message about voter apathy and the voices that often go unheard.
Rana Barua, Group CEO of Havas India (South East Asia and North Asia), called the win “a moment of immense pride” and thanked the people behind the work. He especially mentioned Anu, Ravinder, Soham, and the rest of the team for bringing the idea to life. He also gave a big shoutout to Team TOI, Joji, and the global Havas team for believing in the campaign and offering their full support.
Anupama Ramaswamy, Joint MD and Chief Creative Officer at Havas Creative India, said that the idea wasn’t flashy, but it had purpose, truth, and heart. She praised her young team for their dedication and courage, and said this win proves that patience and belief in a good idea can go a long way.
This victory not only highlights the strength of Indian creativity on the global stage but also proves how a simple visual can inspire real conversations and encourage social responsibility.
