Godrej Consumer Products has launched a public service film titled ‘Machar Hai, Mehman Nahi’ as part of its CSR initiative Elimination of Mosquito Borne Endemic Disease (EMBED), focusing on household-level awareness around mosquito prevention.
The campaign has addressed the continued public health risks posed by mosquito-borne diseases such as Dengue, Malaria, and Chikungunya. As per national health data, India has reported over 1.13 lakh dengue cases in 2025, highlighting the need for sustained preventive measures beyond seasonal spikes.
The film has used the cultural lens of Indian hospitality to deliver its message, repositioning mosquitoes as unwelcome intruders rather than harmless visitors. It has reinterpreted familiar cultural expressions to emphasise that everyday household habits, such as stagnant water in coolers, uncovered containers, and neglected spaces, can contribute to mosquito breeding.
The campaign has encouraged families to adopt simple preventive practices within their homes and surrounding environments. It has also been supported through a multi-channel outreach programme including school engagement, community initiatives, wall art across Maharashtra, radio storytelling, and digital activations urging citizens to ‘Unfriend the Mosquito’.
At the core of the initiative, the film has aimed to drive behavioural change by reinforcing vigilance at the household level and positioning mosquito prevention as a shared responsibility.
“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.” — Sudhir Sitapati, MD and CEO, Godrej Consumer Products.
“ 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. Lets unfriend the mosquito and have an anti-hospitality qawwali – machhar hai mehmaan nahin.” — Swati Bhattacharya.
