Gulf Oil collaborates with Big FM and TV9 for Season 3 of Suraksha Bandhan initiative

The festival of Raksha Bandhan holds a special place in the hearts of all Indians. Commemorating the occasion, Big FM joined hands with Gulf Superfleet Turbo Plus Truck Engine Oil for the third edition of their campaign ‘Suraksha Bandhan’.

The initiative aimed to recognise the relentless efforts of the truck drivers and showcase gratitude for their work. It emphasised their health and safety, which is the need of the hour. While Season 1 of the campaign witnessed truckers being united with their sisters in a heartfelt manner and Season 2 saw the festival being marked with innovative Suraksha Rakhis (carrying soap strips) amid the pandemic, Suraksha Bandhan season 3 takes a step forward this year by getting the drivers vaccinated at a place of their convenience.

Truck drivers, especially since the onset of lockdown, have been tirelessly travelling from one state to another to deliver goods, essentials and medical supplies including oxygen cylinders and medicines which has been the topmost priority. To ensure their safety, it is crucial for them to be vaccinated and help them in the process as they may not be as technologically savvy. Understanding the importance of this and the challenges they may face, Big FM, TV9 and Gulf Superfleet Turbo Plus Truck Engine Oil embarked on the mission to help over 10,000 trucker friends to get their ‘Suraksha Ka Tika’.

With RJs of the network helping spread the word, the campaign was conducted in partnership with TV9 Network. The 15-day free vaccination drive received words of support and encouragement from Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari during the launch. He appreciated the efforts of this campaign, emphasised the importance of vaccination and encouraged the trucker community to join the drive to ensure their safety.

Sunil Kumaran, Country Head, Product, Marketing and Thwink Big, Big FM, said, “At Big FM, our endeavour has always been to prioritise campaigns that help bring about a positive change in society whilst ensuring tangible outcomes. As India continues its fight against the deadly virus, it is important to look out for our trucker friends, who are on the move 24x7 and ensure their safety as well. Vaccination is the need of the hour and we are glad we are using the power of radio to spread awareness and reach out to the trucker community once again through this initiative. We are thrilled to partner with Gulf Oil for the third consecutive year and successfully culminate the campaign.”

Ravi Chawla, MD and CEO, Gulf Oil Lubricants India, said, “Truck drivers have gone above and beyond their call of duty to make sure the wheels of the nation stay running through this difficult period. Speaking and listening to them through our strong on-ground network, we realised their own safety remained a huge concern for them and their families. The promise of our brand, Gulf Superfleet Turbo+ is protection and that is precisely what we are ensuring through this campaign.  We are happy to extend a helping hand to them and take an active step towards their protection through this vaccination drive. Going by the success of our past associations with Big FM, Suraksha Bandhan Season 3 is yet another collaborative effort and we are thankful to them for helping spread this message to a huge audience through their vast network. We would like to thank TV9 Network for their support.”

Big FM and TV9 tied up with hospitals and truckers’ associations for the vaccination drive across 11 cities, including Mumbai, Ghaziabad, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Faridabad, Lucknow, Indore, Ahmedabad, Baddi, Delhi and Ambala. In order to create awareness around the initiative, they invited stories from the truckers where they spoke about the current situation and how difficult it has been for them. Throughout the duration of the campaign, the radio network hosted doctors and experts to address questions, bust myths and hesitancy pertaining to the vaccination. The entire campaign was amplified on the brand’s social media platforms reaching out to millions across the country.