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
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Published: Jun 26, 2026 8:21 AM | 1 min read
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- Ashok Kumar Das, founder of Hansa Research, has passed away at the age of 75, marking the end of a nearly four-decade career in India's market research industry.
- He was instrumental in the Indian Readership Survey (IRS) and contributed to the Rural Socio-Economic Classification (Rural SEC) and the television audience measurement service INTAM.
- Das served as Non-Executive Director of Hansa Research until its acquisition by the Swamy brothers.
- Arvind Sharma, former Chairman of Leo Burnett, praised Das for his intellect, creativity, and integrity, expressing personal loss at his passing.
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.”
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