More Tea?

Given the current media frenzy on swine flu, you'd be forgiven for thinking that nothing else is happening in the world. However, there are important elections going on at the moment. India has launched a month long election for the Lok Sabha (lower house) and is using a plethora of digital marketing techniques to inform and encourage Indians to vote. Tata was probably the first, back in 2007 with its tv ad, Jaago Re for Tata Tea, "Don't just wake up, Awaken!' for as we all know, tea cuts across all social boundaries. It then joined forces with NGO Jonagrahaa to educate on the voting process. Since then, Facebook, You Tube, blogs, Twitter, Games, you name it, they're all being used to discuss ideas, encourage 'social awakening' and the use of a basic human right, the right to vote. It's an interesting take on internet use and moves us on from the Obama days. Indiavoting in particular is worth a view. News, discussions, cartoons, music, maps, my favourite is the games section: I batted but was bowled out pretty quickly. One can also download the Big Fat Democrazy, an e-book edutainment approach to the elections and voter awareness. Different page layout, but same goal, Engage Voter includes voting trends, profiles, forum, videos and a build your own dream cabinet. For a background to the election, check out this BBC analysis or click here for a profile of the key players and likely future Prime Minister