New Delhi, [India], March 17: The Most Consumer Friendly Brand Awards 2026, hosted by Brandworks Media, successfully held on 17th March 2026 at the Constitution Club of India, New Delhi, in celebration of World Consumer Rights Day 2026. The summit brought together eminent leaders, industry representatives, and consumer advocates exchanging powerful insights, and impactful conversations around consumer rights, and trust in the marketplace. 

The event commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the inaugural by Chief Guest Dr Harsh Vardhan, Former Union Health Minister of India, Guest of Honour Smt Kuljit Kaur, President All India Women’s Conference HQ, New Delhi, and Dr Jitendra Sharma, MD and Founder CEO, AMTZ Vizag, and other distinguished guests. The occasion was further graced by notable personalities including Mrs. Meenakshi Datta Ghosh, IAS Retd. Former Secretary to the Govt of India & Advisory Board Member, Patient Safety & Access Initiative of India Foundation, New Delhi, Mrs Bina Jain, Board Member Consumer Online Foundation & Member of the Jury, and Mrs Maja Daruwala, Author & Chief Editor, India Justice Report, among others. 

The lamp lightening was shortly followed by a warm welcome speech of Prof. Bejon Kumar Misra, Editor & Publisher – The Aware Consumer. Setting the summit’s tone, he articulated the collective power of consumers, stating, “We are all consumers. There must be no discrimination, and every voice should be heard within the system and above all, consumers do not seek mercy; they demand their right”

The book–‘GRAHAK’ – The Man Who Awakened a Nation of Consumers was officially launched by the Chief Guest Dr Harsh Vardhan, Former Union Health Minister of India, with CA (Dr.) Nitin Soni, CEO & Founder of Adhyyan Books, facilitating the occasion. In his address, CA (Dr.) Nitin Soni, CEO & Founder of Adhyyan Books, Publisher, reflected on the incredible journey of the consumer protection movement, the evolution of product information and transparency available today, and the need to empower consumers, while expressing his sincere gratitude to Prof. Bejon Kumar Misra for his unwavering dedication.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest, Dr Harsh Vardhan, Former Union Health Minister of India, echoed the ethos behind the Consumer Protection Act 1986. Appreciating the book’s intent to chronicle the journey in granting consumer rights, he emphasised on deeper commitment to society and humanity. Reflecting on the decades-long struggle, he noted that even after 40 years, the movement stands at a crucial juncture, urging collective action to go beyond familiar boundaries. As he aptly remarked, “We have just dipped our feet into dangerous waters, and even a single chapter can turn into a milestone if we keep moving, because a consumer is not just a buyer, but a rightful citizen whose empowerment contributes to nation-building.” 

The summit also featured the presentation of The Most Consumer Friendly Brand Awards 2026, recognising organisations who put consumers first.

Taking the dialogue forward, Smt Kuljit Kaur, President All India Women’s Conference HQ, New Delhi, underscored the evolving dimensions of consumer rights, linking them to broader societal change. Drawing attention to everyday consumption patterns, she raised concerns about the lack of regulation in widely consumed products such as fast food and the unchecked use of ingredients like palm oil, particularly targeting children from emerging middle-class families. She also stressed the urgent need for stronger regulatory oversight to protect vulnerable groups.

Dr Jitendra Kumar Sharma, MD and Founder CEO, AMTZ Vizag, in his address stated, “Consumer protection becomes far more challenging in complex and technology-driven sectors like healthcare, where the systems are intricate and difficult to comprehend. This makes it imperative to strengthen safeguards and transparency, to ensure that consumers are adequately protected.”

Adding to this perspective, Mrs. Meenakshi Datta Ghosh, IAS Retd. Former Secretary to the Govt of India & Advisory Board Member, Patient Safety & Access Initiative of India Foundation, New Delhi, reflected on the intent behind flagship initiatives such as Ayushman Bharat and the vision of universal healthcare, while drawing attention to the gaps that persist in implementation. “Rebranding without strengthening infrastructure and human resources risks becoming tokenism. If primary, preventive, and community healthcare continue to be overlooked, and if rural areas remain understaffed, we are only addressing part of the problem. True healthcare reform lies in bridging these gaps and ensuring that care begins long before a patient reaches the hospital.” she said. 

In the Vote of Thanks, Mrs Bina Jain, Board Member Consumer Online Foundation & Member of the Jury, stated, “I would like to acknowledge the invaluable guidance that has shaped this initiative and extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the awardees. Your commitment to maintaining high standards not only sets a benchmark but also inspires others to follow.”

A panel discussion on the theme “World Consumer Rights Day Theme: Safe Products, Confident Consumers,” moderated by Prof. Bejon Kumar Misra, brought together leading voices including Mrs Maja Daruwala, Author & Chief Editor, India Justice Report, Mr Nakul Pasricha, CEO-PharmaSecure & VP ASPA, Dr Sangeeta Sharma, Professor Neuropsychopharmacology IHBAS, Delhi, and Mr Rajat Banarji, Vice President Corporate Affairs, Amway India Enterprises, New Delhi. The panel collectively emphasized that ensuring product safety through strong regulations and accountability beyond the point of sale is essential to building consumer trust and justice. 

Concluding the event, Mr Harish Chandra Uniyal, Managing Director, Brandworks Media Pvt Ltd, delivered the closing address, emphasising that true impact lies not in celebrating brands alone, but in upholding the core principle that the consumer is king. He extended his gratitude to partners and sponsors, including Amway, the Indian Pharmaceuticals Alliance (IPA), and knowledge partner The Aware Consumer. He also reiterated  that the conversations initiated at the summit must translate into tangible action and urged greater participation in future editions of the Most Consumer Friendly Brand Awards.