top of page

By:

Quaid Najmi

4 January 2025 at 3:26:24 pm

Modi’s ‘Melody’ diplomacy stuns the world

Overjoyed investors buy shares of a wrong company after the PM’s gift Mumbai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday gifting his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni 'Melody' toffees, reviving the light-hearted "Melodi" wordplay associated with the two leaders on social media. Meloni thanked Modi and shared a video on the social media in which she could be heard saying, “Prime Minister Modi brought as a gift, a very, very good toffee - Melody.” Modi, who was also seen in the video, burst...

Modi’s ‘Melody’ diplomacy stuns the world

Overjoyed investors buy shares of a wrong company after the PM’s gift Mumbai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday gifting his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni 'Melody' toffees, reviving the light-hearted "Melodi" wordplay associated with the two leaders on social media. Meloni thanked Modi and shared a video on the social media in which she could be heard saying, “Prime Minister Modi brought as a gift, a very, very good toffee - Melody.” Modi, who was also seen in the video, burst into laughter as Meloni jokingly referred to the "Melody" toffee while showcasing the gift. The hashtag "Melodi", a blend of Modi and Meloni's names, was coined by the Italian prime minister during the COP28 in Dubai in 2023 and later went viral on social media following the warm interactions between the two leaders at global events. Modi, who arrived in Rome on Tuesday, is on the final leg of his five-nation tour to the UAE, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Italy from May 15-20. Modi’s gift not only floored the social media, but also earned gushing gratitude from the manufacturer of the sweet candy, Parle Products, in Vile Parle, Mumbai. “Thank You. Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for taking Parle Melody to the global stage. A proud moment for all of us at Parle Products to see an Indian favourite being shared across borders,” said a social media post from @ParleFamily, a 97-year-old company. Parle Products describes Melody: “Parle Melody brings to you an irresistible layer of caramel on the outside & a delightful chocolate filling inside. Open & pop it in your mouth & relish the unique experience. It won't be too long before you start asking yourself the age-old question "Melody Itni Chocolaty Kyun Hai?”.” Cong Attacks Modi Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and several other Congress leaders also attacked Modi saying he continues his PR even when the economy is suffering. However, Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal hit back at Gandhi, accusing him of "hating India" and refusing to tolerate the "global respect" the country has garnered under Modi's leadership. Gandhi, who is on a visit to his constituency Raebareli and Amethi, said on X, "This isn't leadership, it's a gimmick." At a time farmers, labourers, traders and others in the country are all in tears, the prime minister is laughing and making reels while BJP folks are clapping along, the former Congress president said in his post in Hindi. "An economic storm is raging over our heads, and our prime minister is busy handing out candies in Italy!" he said. Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge attacked Modi over issues of "rising" prices, unemployment, paper leaks, "dampening" investment and "sinking" Rupee, saying the prime minister continues his PR even as the economy is suffering. Shares turn sweet but the company was mistaken Shares of Parle Industries Ltd saw frenzied buying on Wednesday, surging five per cent to hit the upper circuit limit after Meloni posted the video. Investors wasted no time and flocked to the counter to buy the stock. Shares of the firm jumped to Rs 5.25 - the highest trading permissible limit for the day - on the BSE. On volume terms, 8.57 lakh shares of the firm were traded on the BSE during the day. But, there is a catch! Investors mistook Parle Industries for the maker of Melody toffees. Parle Products, the FMCG major, is the manufacturer of Melody toffees and is not listed on the stock exchanges. Parle Industries Ltd is a diversified commercial services provider, engaged in the business of infrastructure & real estate, and paper, waste paper and allied products. The history of swadeshi toffee is entwined with the country’s Independence and the company, House of Parle was founded in 1928 by Mohanlal Dayal Chauhan, a tailor from Pardi near Valsad, then part of the Bombay Province. As the country was flooded with imported sweets and confectionery, he decided to give it a ‘desi’ touch and flavour, and with a band of 12 workers, he launched the Parle products from a musty old warehouse near Vile Parle east station, when large parts areas of Vile Parle west were still marshes dotted with a few old bungalows and chawls. Later, he visited Germany to master the art of confectionery and returned with machinery worth Rs 60,000 to churn out simple sweets, toffees and locally flavoured Indian confections at affordable prices – willy-nilly challenging the imported British offerings. It was in 1983 that the chocolate Melody toffee. -WITH PTI

Cruise Control in Personal Branding

Updated: Dec 2, 2024

Personal Branding

While I was driving home with my dad the other day, he was driving the car on cruise control mode and that’s when I thought - if a car can work on cruise control, what about our personal brands?


Personal branding for business owners and professionals can often feel like an uphill drive. It requires navigating competition, adjusting to market trends, and maintaining your unique identity. Imagine, however, if you could manage this journey with the same ease as engaging cruise control on a highway—consistent, smooth, and goal-oriented. This analogy brings a fresh perspective to how you can take control of your brand without burning out or losing direction.


Cruise control in personal branding doesn’t mean taking your hands off the wheel entirely. It’s about setting the right pace and ensuring a steady presence that reflects your authentic self. In branding terms, this means having a clear vision of who you are and where you’re heading. Take, for example, a business owner who posts regularly on LinkedIn about leadership insights. Their consistency builds recognition, trust, and credibility over time, making their audience associate them with thought leadership in their field.


However, cruise control also requires flexibility. Roads aren’t always straight and smooth, and neither is your personal branding journey. The ability to adapt and shift gears when necessary is vital. Trends change, industries evolve, and so should your approach. If a working professional clings to outdated communication styles or avoids digital platforms, they risk becoming irrelevant. A modern, adaptable brand is one that stays in touch with its audience while evolving with the times.


Authenticity is the fuel that powers your cruise control. A strong personal brand isn’t just about appearing polished or successful; it’s about being real. People value connection, and nothing resonates more than a person who is confident in their unique story. Take the example of an entrepreneur who shares their challenges openly—clients and partners often trust them more because their honesty makes them relatable and human.


Yet, cruise control is also about balance. Overexposure or an overly aggressive approach can lead to fatigue—for you and your audience. A sustainable branding strategy includes knowing when to accelerate and when to let things run at a steady pace. Posting too often, for instance, might dilute your message, while prolonged silence could make people forget your presence. Striking the right balance ensures your brand remains top-of-mind without overwhelming your audience.


Imagine a CEO who takes time to speak at industry events, mentors upcoming professionals, and shares authentic insights about leadership online. Their branding is thoughtful and wellpaced, reflecting their values and expertise while connecting with people at various touch points. This balance builds a brand that feels natural yet impactful, positioning them as a leader who is both aspirational and approachable.


In the fast-paced world of business, cruise control in personal branding is not about coasting passively. It’s about driving with purpose, consistency, and a readiness to adjust as the road ahead changes. When done right, your brand becomes your most valuable asset—a force that drives opportunities and builds lasting relationships.


Remember, personal branding is a journey, not a destination. The road may have twists and turns, but with the right mindset and strategy, you can steer through confidently and leave a mark that lasts long after the journey ends.


Are you wanting to put your personal brand on cruise control but haven’t started at all yet? You may feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/divyaaadvaani


(The author is a personal branding expert. She has clients from 14+ countries. Views personal.)

Comments

bottom of page