The Public Relations Society of India (PRSI) successfully concluded a three-day international festival featuring a series of sessions and honouring outstanding institutions and individuals in the field. The festival served as a platform for industry experts to share their views on various topics related to public relations and communication.
The festival’s final day witnessed four insightful sessions, which brought together renowned speakers and delegates from across the globe. The first session, titled ‘India – Spiritual Guru of the World’, explored the significance of spirituality in the modern world and how it can be effectively communicated to the masses. The session was presided over by Mr Mukesh Gupta, President of GraphicsADS, who emphasized the role of meditation and the importance of a spiritual environment in nurturing success.
This session, on the topic of ‘World Peace through Indian Values’, featured esteemed speakers, including World Peace Ambassador HH Acharya Muni Lokesh and Sister BK Hussain from Brahma Kumari Gurugram Ashram. Both speakers emphasized the need for peace of mind as a prerequisite for global peace and highlighted the power of positive communication in establishing harmony among nations.
Presiding over the second session, Mr Sarthak Bahuria, former Chairman of Indian Oil Corporation Limited and Scope, appreciated the work of PRSI and emphasized the importance of such efforts in guiding society in the right direction. He acknowledged the G-20’s role in providing momentum in various development fields and highlighted the challenge of maintaining that momentum. Additionally, Mr Pankaj Kumar Singh, Additional Secretary of the GST Council Secretariat, stated that GST has brought significant changes to the Indian economy. He recognized the rapid expansion of the advertising and PR service sectors and their potential to contribute to the country’s economy.
Dr Surbhi Dahiya, a Professor at the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, shared her perspective on the Indian media ecosystem, noting that the 2007-2008 recession marked its beginning. She commended the remarkable progress of the Indian media in a short period, with the advertising sector surpassing Rs 1 lakh crore for the first time. She also highlighted that content, commerce, and society are the fundamental sources of the media and entertainment field. In 2022, for the first time, the Indian media and entertainment sector reached Rs 2 lakh crore, experiencing a 20% increase and working towards further strengthening the ecosystem.
The third session, chaired by Shri Sameer Goswami, former President of PRSI, focused on the critical role of health communication, particularly in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Speakers such as Ms Suganthy Sundararaj, Regional Head of Public Relations at Apollo Hospital, Chennai, and Dr Rachna Dubey, IECB Director of Public Health and Family Welfare Department, Madhya Pradesh, discussed the importance of adequate health awareness campaigns and the impact of mass media in spreading vital information.
The festival also featured sessions on topics such as ‘Bhagwat Geeta and Management’ and evaluating storytelling in public relations. These sessions provided valuable insights into the integration of spirituality, ancient knowledge, and modern management practices.
In addition to the thought-provoking sessions, the closing ceremony included a felicitation ceremony where institutions and individuals who have contributed exceptionally in their respective fields were honoured. Distinguished guests, including Rajya Sabha MP Dr Sonal Mansingh, Mauritius Ambassador Mr H. Dillum, and Foreign Ministry Ambassador Mr Rajasekhar, among others, attended the ceremony.
Speaking at the felicitation ceremony, Dr Mansingh highlighted the importance of diplomacy in public relations and commended India’s global foresight demonstrated through vaccine exports during the pandemic. Ambassador H. Dillum emphasized the role of public relations in strengthening organizations and individuals, while Ambassador Rajasekhar highlighted the benefits of international relations through such programs.
The festival concluded with a closing session presided over by Dr. Charulata Singh, Dean of Vivekananda Institute of Professional Studies, who emphasized the power of photography as a communication tool. The session featured renowned photographers, including Shekhar Ghosh and Indu Dang, who shared their experiences and insights on professional photography and its impact on storytelling.
Dr PLK Murthy, Secretary General of PRSI, thanked all the speakers, delegates, and participants for making the festival a resounding success. He thanked everyone for their contribution and support in making the event a memorable and enriching experience. The festival came to a close with the national anthem.
The PRSI International Festival served as a platform for fostering knowledge exchange and professional development in public relations and communication. It brought together industry experts, thought leaders and practitioners to explore emerging trends and challenges in the industry. The festival’s success reaffirms PRSI’s commitment to promoting excellence in public relations and serves as a testament to the growing significance of effective communication in a rapidly evolving global landscape.