The International Public Relations Festival, organized by the Public Relations Society of India, continued its second day with an exciting lineup of events at the Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar International Convention Centre in New Delhi. The festival showcased an award ceremony, four engaging sessions on various themes, and a vibrant display of cultural programs.
The day commenced with the first session, “G20 Leadership: A proud occasion for India,” which was presided over by Shri Uttam Lal, Director (HR) of NHPC Limited Haryana. Speakers, including Yeshi Seli, senior editor of The New Indian Express, and Dr. Ramu Survajjula, Head of Strategic Partnerships at Woxen University, Hyderabad, highlighted India’s positive impact and significant role as part of the G-20 leadership.
The second session, “Communication: Challenges and Opportunities,” was chaired by Professor Satya Bhushan Das, CMEE Director at IIM, Calcutta. He emphasized the importance of trust, commitment, and positive interaction in effective communication. Other notable speakers, including Mr Nazeeb Arif, Executive Vice President and Head of Corporate Communications at ITC Limited, and Dr Anubhuti Yadav, Professor of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, shared their insights on challenges and trends in the field of business communication and digital communication.
The third session, led by Professor Subhash Sood of Mass Communication Academician, focused on the demands and challenges of public relations today. Professor Kulveen Trehan, Senior Assistant Professor at Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, emphasized the significance of honesty, transparency, and empathy in image building and reputation through corporate social responsibility. Dr Nimish Kapoor, Scientist at Vigyan Prasar, discussed the importance of audience understanding and emotional connection in PR research and innovation practices.
The fourth and final session, moderated by Dr. Harsha Bhargavi, explored the power of storytelling in mass communication and public relations. Mr. Shyam Parekh, Director of Rajendra Prasad Institute of Communication and Management, highlighted the effectiveness of storytelling in capturing people’s interest. Directors from various museums, including the National Railway Museum, the National Science Centre, and the National Gallery of Modern Art, shared insights on connecting with the public and promoting Indian art and culture through mass communication.
The festival’s second day concluded with a grand awards ceremony, where 46 awards were presented across 12 categories. Esteemed guests, including Mr Bernd Andersson, Dy Trade Commissioner & Commercial Attache of the Austrian Embassy, Mr Rajiv Ranjan Mishra, Senior Energy Consultant at the World Bank, and Prof. Dhruba Jyoti Pati, Dean Director, India Today Media Institute, were present to felicitate the winners.
The evening concluded with an extraordinary cultural program featuring a mesmerizing performance by Anuja Sinha and Kunal Singh of Waves Band. Sheetal Sharma moderated the festival’s concluding session.
The International Public Relations Festival has provided a platform for professionals from various fields to share their expertise and perspectives. This three-day event celebrates the power of public relations and its impact on the global communication landscape.