Archive · 17 Nov 2025
Ramesh Narayan Champions Societal Good Through Advertising Industry Initiatives
Imagine a man named Ramesh who works in advertising, which is usually about selling things.
But Ramesh believes advertising can be used to help people and make the world better.
He started projects to bring clean water to villages, so women don't have to walk so far.
He also created a program to teach kids in city schools important skills like speaking English and using computers, helping them get good jobs instead of dropping out.
Another project helps older people find happiness by giving them a place to gather, do fun activities, and talk with friends.
He even started a project to help kids in poor neighborhoods learn English so they can do well in fancy schools.
Ramesh shows that even big problems can be solved when people work together and use their skills for good.
Ramesh Narayan, founder of Canco Advertising, has been recognized for leveraging the marketing and communications industry for societal good.
He championed initiatives like the Integrated Village Development (IVD) Scheme, bringing water access and self-reliance to 43 villages impacting over 14,000 people.
His Bhavishya Yaan program has empowered over 5,000 students from municipal schools with skills like spoken English and computer literacy.
Ananda Yaan offers elder day-care, providing community and activities to combat loneliness, while The Lighthouse Project improves English skills for underprivileged children.
Narayan emphasizes that positive change is achievable, citing personal projects like planting a 900-tree forest and receiving industry-wide support without financial compensation.
- Who
- Ramesh Narayan, Founder of Canco Advertising
- What
- Championing societal good by leveraging the MarCom industry's potential for positive change through initiatives like water access, education, elder care, and English language programs.
- When
- Over the past decades, with specific initiatives launched years ago (e.g., Bhavishya Yaan 16 years ago, IVD Scheme 5 years ago).
- Where
- Primarily in India, with initiatives impacting tribal villages, municipal schools, and urban communities in Mumbai.
- Why
- To address societal issues such as lack of water access, high school dropout rates, underemployment of youth, isolation of the elderly, and educational disparities, aiming to create self-reliance, dignity, and opportunity.
- Founder
- Canco Advertising
- Awards
- AFAA Changemakers for Good Award
- Initiatives
- Integrated Village Development (IVD) Scheme, Bhavishya Yaan, Ananda Yaan, The Lighthouse Project
- IVD Scheme Impact
- Transformed 43 villages, impacting over 14,000 people
- Bhavishya Yaan Impact
- Empowered over 5,000 students in municipal schools
- Tree Planting
- 900-tree forest in Cuffe Parade, 2,500 trees at Raj Bhavan