7 Most Socially Relevant Advertisements on Indian TV

Let’s change our mindset, one advertisement at a time.

Advertising is often criticised for pushing agendas to sell a particular commodity. In India, we often argue about advertisements portraying women as sex objects, talking about skin colour and even talking about body shapes. But every now and then, there are some ads that have a strong social message attached to them. Even though these ads aim to cushion the image of their brand, their efforts must be given due credit.

1) Anouk: This advertisement by an ethnic apparel brand sheds light on homosexuality, and how it’s as normal as a heterosexual relation. It beautifully brings out the message that love means supporting your partner, no matter what.

2) Jabong: This Jabong advertisement is all about breaking the established notions in the society. It goes: ‘I am not a match…. I am not a catch… your mom won’t call me suitable. You don’t have to call me pretty…you don’t get to call me ugly…you don’t deserve my pity…I’m just me…”

3) Mia: Women are often told to leave work after marriage and children, to dress a certain way, to speak politely, not to stay out late at night and this ad brilliantly shuts all those arguments.

4) Tata Tea: Tata Tea has had a history of making socially relevant advertisements. Whether it’s the latest advertisement which asks the public to wake up or whether it’s this one, which emphasises on the importance of vote. It could actually come in handy for you in this election season.

5) Vogue: Boys are told from a very young age to not cry as it is a girls forte. In fact, one can say there is immense pressure on them to not cry and hide emotions. But maybe repressing natural emotions for so long leads to inbuilt anger that comes out in the form of violence and domestic abuse. And this ad by Voge tackles just that.

6) Rin: It doesn’t matter where you come from, every person has a right to be treated with respect. A pretty bright way of selling a Rin detergent bar.

7) Lifebuoy: This soap bar advert is on the lines of unhygienic conditions in some parts of India saying that every year, 2 million children under the age of 5, die of infections like Diarrhoea and Pneumonia... and this ad is about celebrating a child who, against all odds, has just turned 5.