Godrej Consumer Products launches ‘Machar Hai, Mehman Nahi’ CSR campaign to drive awareness on mosquito-borne diseases

Godrej Consumer Products (GCPL) has unveiled a public service film titled ‘Machar Hai, Mehman Nahi’ as part of its CSR initiative, Elimination of Mosquito-Borne Endemic Disease (EMBED). The campaign aims to raise awareness about mosquito-borne illnesses and encourage preventive action at the household level.

The film addresses the persistent public health challenge posed by diseases such as dengue, malaria, and chikungunya, which continue to affect millions across India each year. It highlights how the everyday presence of mosquitoes often leads to complacency, despite the serious health risks involved.

Built on the cultural insight of India’s deep-rooted tradition of hospitality, the campaign reframes mosquitoes as unwelcome intruders rather than harmless visitors. It draws attention to common household habits, such as stagnant water in coolers, uncovered containers, and neglected spaces—that serve as breeding grounds.

Commenting on the initiative, Sudhir Sitapati, MD and CEO, Godrej Consumer Products, said, “Mosquito-borne diseases remain a major public health concern. It requires collective awareness and sustained behavioural change. Through ‘Machar Hai, Mehman Nahi’, we wanted to use a cultural insight that resonates deeply with Indian households. By rethinking the idea of hospitality, we hope to inspire people to take simple but effective preventive steps that keep their homes and communities safer.”

Creative storyteller Swati Bhattacharya, who conceptualised and wrote the campaign film, added, “In India, hospitality is not just a tradition—it is an instinct. Just like we welcome guests, we also welcome mosquitoes with stagnant water and open rubbish bins. Let’s unfriend the mosquito and have an anti-hospitality qawwali—machhar hai mehmaan nahin.”

The campaign urges households to adopt simple preventive measures to reduce mosquito breeding in and around their homes. It will be supported by a multi-channel rollout, including school engagement programmes, community outreach, wall art, radio storytelling, and digital initiatives aimed at driving behavioural change.