A man of integrity: Arvind Sharma pays tribute to Hansa Research founder Ashok Kumar Das

Arvind Sharma, former Chairman of Leo Burnett, has remembered his long-time colleague and friend Ashok Kumar Das, whose pioneering work left an indelible mark on India's market research industry

by e4m Staff
Published: Jun 26, 2026 8:21 AM | 1 min read

Ashok Kumar Das, founder of Hansa Research, has passed away, marking the end of a nearly four-decade career in India's market research industry.
He was instrumental in the establishment of Hansa Research and served as its Non-Executive Director until its acquisition by the Swamy brothers.
Das contributed significantly to the Indian Readership Survey (IRS), the Rural Socio-Economic Classification (Rural SEC), and the television audience measurement service INTAM.
Arvind Sharma, former Chairman of Leo Burnett, praised Das for his intellect, creativity, and integrity, highlighting their long-standing collaboration on the IRS.

Ashok Kumar Das, founder of Hansa Research, has passed away. Over a career spanning nearly four decades, he played a key role in the development of India's market research industry.

Das founded Hansa Research and later served as its Non-Executive Director before the company was acquired by the Swamy brothers.

He was closely associated with the Indian Readership Survey (IRS), contributed to the development of the Rural Socio-Economic Classification (Rural SEC), and backed the launch of television audience measurement service INTAM.

Arvind Sharma, an advertising veteran and former Chairman of Leo Burnett, paid tribute to Das, saying: “So sorry to read the news of his demise. As an MRUC board member and Chairman, I worked with Ashok Das on IRS for many many years. He had a sharp intellect. A creative mind. And he was a man of integrity, which in dependable market research is the starting point. I will miss him, above all, as a friend. Sadgati Ashok Das.”