‘Ink of Democracy’ Wins India’s First Gold at Cannes Lions 2025 for Havas Creative

In a milestone moment for Indian advertising, Havas Creative India, the creative arm of Havas India, has secured the country’s first-ever Gold Lion at Cannes Lions 2025 for its stirring and thought-provoking campaign, ‘Ink of Democracy’, created in collaboration with The Times of India.

The campaign earned top honours in the Print & Publishing category, winning praise for its bold minimalism and striking symbolism. Centered around the deep visual and emotional significance of electoral ink—the purple mark that signifies participation in the democratic process—the campaign delivered a powerful editorial statement. In an unprecedented move, The Times of India’s editorial page was printed entirely in purple ink, devoid of headlines, copy, or branding. The stark silence of the page served as a compelling visual metaphor for voter apathy and the many voices that remain unheard when citizens choose not to vote.

With this historic win, ‘Ink of Democracy’ not only elevated creative storytelling but also sparked a vital conversation around civic engagement—proving that sometimes, the loudest message is the one left unsaid.

Rana Barua, Group CEO, Havas India, South East Asia and North Asia, said, “Winning a Cannes Lions for Ink of Democracy is a moment of immense pride—for the work, the people behind it, and what it stands for. At our core, we’ve always believed in the power of creativity. We truly believe it has the power to shape conversations and spark change. I’m incredibly proud of Anu, Ravinder, Soham and our team that brought this idea to life. Also, a huge shoutout to Team TOI, Joji, and our global team for their belief in the idea and all the support. Here’s to a team that continues to raise the bar, pushing boundaries with integrity, heart, and fearless creativity.”

Anupama Ramaswamy, Joint MD & Chief Creative Officer, Havas Creative India, added, “From the moment we thought of Ink of Democracy, I knew in my gut this idea needed to be made and needed to be seen by the world. It wasn’t loud or flashy, but it had truth, purpose, and heart. One thing I held onto was patience. And a quiet tenacity to see it through, no matter how long it took. What makes this Cannes Lions win truly special is my young team that brought it to life—Soham, Ravinder, and Annie—who poured everything into it. They carried the idea with courage and craft, and I couldn’t be prouder. A big thank you to Rana and the global team at Havas for believing in the work and helping us take it beyond borders. This is a shared win, and a reminder of what’s possible when we trust our instincts and support one another.”

Widely regarded as the pinnacle of creative excellence in advertising and communication, the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity celebrates the boldest and most innovative ideas from around the world. Havas Creative India’s historic win is a powerful testament to the rising influence of Indian creativity—work that not only informs, but inspires transformation on a global stage.