Is this really brand India’s golden era? Ad experts discuss at ET Awards 2017

At the ET Awards 2017, Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister of Maharashtra, made an interesting comment on India Inc. He said, “You cannot stop us (from growing).” Many in the audience thought that it could be a great tagline for brand India.

We asked a few experts from the advertising world to share their thoughts on this, and understand what they are hoping from 2018.

Take a look.

Ashish Bhasin, chairman and CEO - South Asia, Dentsu Aegis Network

This is possibly the golden era for India, and what the CM mentioned does reflect that mood. All the macro-economic conditions are fit; considering we will have a fantastic decade or two. Having said, that as a country we let silly things pull us back and sometimes are we are own worst enemy. Hopefully, we will work on this. There hasn’t been a better time than in this for India. It feels right for the first time for many of us have made the right investments here.

While in 2017 we did see a lot of after effects of reforms, 2018 will be much better. From an advertising point of time, it will definitely be a double-digit growth. Also, a consistent growth is expected through the consistent year.

Tarun Rai, CEO - South Asia, J. Walter Thompson Worldwide

The striking line that Mr. Fadnavis made truly represents the credibility and reality, with a lot of ambition, of the country. The current situation is a bit of a pain but certainly, there is a better year ahead of us.

We deal with all kinds of brands; not just the MNCs but the fast-growing smaller businesses, too. Both demonisation and GST had varied effects on all these business forces. It has been a bit of a rocky year but I am hoping recovery is waiting for us.

Sam Balsara, chairman and managing director of Madison World

The CM did a good job of talking about Maharashtra and Bombay. He did make us feel very positive with his comments, and observations. We need to accept the fact that there is no gain without pain. At this point of time, we have to trust the system, and I certainly think 2018 will be a very good, to make up for the two slightly softer years.

Priti Vyas, chairwoman, Vyas Giannetti Creative

India as a dynamic beast has unleashed. If there has to be discussions, then it has to be around how fast we are going to get where we want to be. The comment by CM was certainly a reassurance that we are on the right move. We also need to understand that there is enough liquidity now. The confidence in the resources is positive; it’s about time to pump up our energies to achieve what we want.