The 19th edition of the Pepper Awards was a grand celebration of talent and innovation in the advertising and creative community of South India. Held at Le Meridien Kochi, the event brought together over 300 participants from across the four states of South India, all gathered to honor the best of the best in the industry.
This year’s ceremony was particularly special, as it was dedicated to the memory of the legendary late Piyush Pandey, a titan in the world of advertising. The collective heart of the industry paid homage to his monumental contributions, with a special tribute presented by the 40 distinguished jurors who have shaped the Pepper Awards over its remarkable 19-year journey.
Sonal Dabral, Founder of Tribha and former Vice Chairman of Ogilvy India, delivered a moving and insightful memorial speech, capturing the essence of Piyush Pandey’s genius and his enduring impact on the world of creativity. “He gave India its voice back, after having been so Westernized for so long,” Dabral said, highlighting Pandey’s ability to craft campaigns that resonated deeply with Indian audiences.
The competitive spirit of the awards shone brightly, with 140 awards being distributed across 50 categories, recognizing the very best work from the region. Be Positive, Chennai, took home the Grand Prix and Agency of the Year (South India) award, while Stark Communications, Freeflow Ideas, Bangalore, and Big Bears Advertising won top honors in their respective states.
Mathrubhumi, a leading media group, was named Advertiser of the Year, a testament to their impactful contributions to the advertising ecosystem. Mathrubhumi team accepted the award, which recognizes the group’s commitment to creative excellence and innovative storytelling.
As the industry looks to the future, the Pepper Awards serve as a reminder of the power of creativity to inspire and uplift. Piyush Pandey’s legacy will continue to inspire generations of creatives, and his impact will be felt for years to come.
The winners:
– Grand Prix & Agency of the Year (South India): Be Positive, Chennai
– Best of Kerala: Stark Communications
– Best of Karnataka: Freeflow Ideas, Bangalore
– Best of Telangana: Big Bears Advertising
– Advertiser of the Year: Mathrubhumi
The Pepper Awards has been a crucial platform for recognizing the unique creative voice of South India, particularly Kerala. The awards ceremony features a curated panel of globally renowned advertising luminaries as judges, adding to its credibility.
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