PR India Post

6th Global PR Conclave & Chanakya Awards

2012-02-08T11:02:00.000+05:30

The countdown for the 6^th Global PR Conclave & Chanakya Awards event being hosted by PRCI has begun. It is just round the corner, on Monday, February 13, 2012.

Time: 10 AM onward

Venue: Rooftop, Trident, Nariman Point, Mumbai

The conclave theme is:

PR – Interface or Interference – Media and PR perspectives

We will also have panel discussions on:

PR Interface or Interference
New Age- New Rage: Challenges and Opportunities in social/digital media
Political/Government PR: Opportunities and Limits

PR professionals can participate as delegates with an on-the-spot registration @ Rs 3,500

We plan to start the Conclave at 10 AM with a formal inauguration to be followed by the key note address.

Maharashtra DGP Mr. K Subramanyam has given his consent to the chief guest.

Veteran journalists H K Dua, Kumar Ketkar, D K Raikar, Ayaz Memon, Ashok Advani, Shishir Joshi will grace the occasion, apart from corporate honchos and communication professionals

One of the signature properties of PRCI is the annual Chanakya Awards that recognizes the outstanding contribution made by corporate, educational institutions, to the PR profession and the society at large.

PRCI also felicitates PR practitioners for their outstanding contribution by inducting them into the PR Hall of Fame. The entire award process is determined by an independent jury.

PRCI Global Conclaves have so far been held Bangalore, New Delhi and Chandigarh and this time round Mumbai chapter has offered to play the host.

PRCI is engaged in providing training, setting standards of professional excellence, and uphold principals of ethics. As a leading voice in the industry, PRCI also advocates for greater understanding and adoption of public relations services. Established in 2004, PRCI has its headquarters at Bangalore with over about 20 active chapters located in Mumbai, New Delhi, Baroda, Chandigarh, Ahmedabad, Bhopal, Bhubaneshwar, Kerala, Hyderabad, Chennai, Jaipur, Kolkata, Lucknow, Pune, Manipal, Mysore, Chhattisgarh, Guwahati and Mizoram.

B N KUMAR

Chairman – PRCI Mumbai Chapter & Global Conclave

What ails Indian public relations?

2012-02-08T00:13:00.000+05:30

Dr. C.V. Narasimha Reddi, Editor, PR Voice, shares his concerns about the PR industry.

● The greatest pitfall of Indian public relations is that instead of being two-way communication, it operates by and large only as one way communication without any provision for effective feedback information mechanism and measurement.

● As a management discipline, public relations is expected to reach every section of the public such as employees, shareholders, customers and assess their feelings. Unfortunately, public relations professionals rarely meet the stakeholders for one-to-one interaction to know their pulse towards organisational policies and programmes. We tend to reach them only through representational media like pamphlets, house journals, newspapers, TV, posters, confining to media relations rather than presentational media face-to-face.

● Public relations in India is suffering from identity crisis. Other professions like journalism, marketing, advertising, finance, human resources etc. are called by one name., whereas public relations is given different names such as corporate communications, public affairs, corporate affairs etc

● Lack of professional educational qualification is another major pitfall of this profession. About 60 percent persons working in this profession entered without any basic qualification in public relations. And that public relations courses are offered only in a few educational institutions. A major challenge is lack of professional public relations education in the Indian Universities.

● Though India lives in her villages, public relations survives in urban India without any machinery at the grassroots.

● Lack of standard public relations textbooks, case studies, induction and inservice PR training, and public relations research are other characteristics that hinder the growth of public relations profession and demands professionalism.

Mission : A Paradigm Shift for PR

What public relations profession needs today is a sense of mission. Public Relations Mission is the need of the hour to shape the future of this profession. Who will design the future plan? It is the primary responsibility of the national PR professional bodies and the educational institutes that are preparing the public relations students to design ‘Public Relations Mission’. What should be the areas of mission? Let us debate both on pitfalls and future mission

Media should report unreported India: H.K.Dua

2011-12-11T13:52:00.001+05:30

Member of Parliament and former Resident Editor of The Tribune, Mr. H.K. Dua, addressing the students and faculty of Whistling Woods International School of Communication at Chandigarh, vehemently underlined the media's role to provide adequate coverage of "unreported India".
There are millions of people who are unemployed, starving, and living below the poverty line, whose voice must be reported and covered by both the print and electronic media, he averred.
He lamented the fact that our Parliament, our executive and our judiciary have failed the society and have not been adequately doing justice to the people they represent, and therefore, only option left for them is to go to media, which increases the responsibility of media persons.
"We are accountable to people and we should not betray them", he reiterated. And every journalist's 'dharma' is to maintain credibility by being truthful and report only the facts instead of coloring them with bias.
Jyoti Kamal, bureau head of CNN-IBN in the city however came up with defence for the electronic media saying that even tv channels are providing adequate coverage to the 'unreported India' though it has to strike the balance between what's more demanded by the viewers as established by various baseline surveys and feedback, and the issues that face the common man.
Vivek Atray, former director of public relations and tourism, information technology for UT Administration for many years, however pointed out that looking at the convergence of technologies the most significant skill set required would be writing appropriate content for diverse media.
CII Chandigarh Council Chairman Vikram Hans pointed out the lack of necessary skill sets amongst fresh pass outs from different institutions that the industry needs, and complimented Whistling Woods for providing students the opportunity to interact with students during their studies.
Dr. Ujjwal Chowdhury, Dean of WWI School of Communication very ably articulated the vision of the School and how the students are being empowered to balance academics with experiential learning.
Somnath Sen, Vice President of WWI, and Maitree Ramaiya provided insight into the film production, and corporate communication respectively.
I had the opportunity to share dais with the stalwart communicators, and it is indeed gratifying that WWI School of Communications has started an MBA in Communication. This was much needed considering the fact that in any organisation or business, the man, material, machine, and money management is made possible only through effective management of communication for which the country needs experts to strategise. Public Relations as art and science of managing communication, and as a management function, it can not only help any organisation improve its brand image but also contribute to its productivity, profitability and convert it into a winning organisation.
I'm sure the debate that brought together the media people on one platform provided fair idea to the younger generation aspiring to enter into the field of communication, the challenges and opportunities that exist in the field. Congratulations to WWI for their endeavours.

ABCI challenges Communicators to be the Leaders in Innovation

2011-11-15T10:03:00.000+05:30

Dr,C.V.Narasimha Reddi
Editor, Public Relations Voice

(Thanks to our regular contributor - a noted public relations professional of India, Dr. C.V.Narasimha Reddi, we have another brilliant round up of the recently concluded ComFest-11
Two major communication events of national importance ‘ ComFest-11 Winds of Change” and ABCI 51st Awards – For Excellence in Business Communication” organized by the Association of Business Communicators of India in Mumbai on11 & 12th November were not only a cynosure of all business communicators and public relations practitioners but also galvanized them to be change agents and leaders in innovation to transform India as a global economic player.

Dr. J J Irani former Managing Director, TATA Steel whose acumen and technological innovation has made TATA Steel the lowest cost steel producing company in the world has set the tone of the conference with his inaugural address on “ Tomorrow’s Corporations” and said the future companies must be licensed by the community for their survival. Anti-Kudankalam Nuclear Power Project agitation was quoted as an example to emphasize the need for community approval. He suggested that the most significant contribution, that an industry could make was by identifying itself with the life and problems of the people to which it belonged and by applying its resources, skills and talents to the extent that it can, reasonably spare them to serve and help the poor: “Employees will choose corporations which care for them, investors and customer will prefer to buy from ethical, socially responsible corporations, Islands of prosperity cannot survive in a sea of poverty, if markets must expand the poor must also become customers’ were the other highlights of J. J Iran’s keynote address.

M.S.Swaminathan, pioneer of Green Revolution who was the Chief Guest at Awards function complimented the ABCI for its excellent record in unfolding the hidden talents of business communicators by presenting prestigious awards and told the audience that he had an inspiring evening in his life in the midst of national change makers and lifetime achievers. He pointed out that with the growth of Indian economy there was also a phenomenal growth of business communication. However, he cautioned the communicators that their commercial message should be integrated with social, ethical values and integrity to ameliorate the 121 crore people of India .

Earlier Yogesh Joshi, President, ABCI welcoming the guests said that the Com-Fest a festival with a difference when national change makers interacted with business communicators to convert them as change agents. As many as 952 nominations were received in the 32 categories of awards. ABCI President observed such a number of nominations was a national record and also indicative of growing competitive talent in the field of business communication.

Sylvester da’ Cunha the creator of the Amul Brand was proud to say that a country like India which was starving for milk became world’s largest milk producer. The catchy slogan ‘ Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread with Amul Butter” caught the imagination of the Indians, he added.

M. V. Nair, Chairman, Union Bank of India in his keynote presentation informed that the bank was inaugurated 93 years ago by Mahatma Gandhi as a bank of Swadeshi Promoters. In a world of constant change, the Chairman Union Bank felt that employees’ mind set should also change to implement the vision, mission and core values of the bank. Communication he said was an important input in change management that should be handled by public relations practitioners with utmost personal communication skills.

In a thought provoking presentation “Maveric in Motion”, the advertising legend Alyque Padamsee said that 50 per cent of Indian population whose age is below 25, the third largest young group in the world paradoxically was ruled by another 50 per cent of the population who are above 60. This dichotomy is a challenge. If we look to the future, he said we must involve youth as our target audience.

Neelima Mishra, Ramon Magsaysay awardee who spoke on the transformation of rural women through self-help groups said the communicators must understand the needs of the audience and communicate with them through the media accessible to them. Being a village girl, she could transform women by identifying their aspirations towards better life which earned her an award of the type of Asian Nobel Prize.

Among others, who interacted with delegates include: Roger Pereira, world renowned PR Consultant, Hudson Samarasinghe, Chairman, Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation and Jayant Pendharkar, former Global Head, Marketing & Communications TCS Ltd.

10- POINT GOLDEN RULES
A 10- Point Golden Rules could be drawn from this ComFest as a follow up by the Public Communication Professionals

1. Public Relations and Business Communication professionals must act as change agents by identifying the changing socio-economic scenario

2. Communicate both with internal and external publics as to make them partners in reaching the corporate goals

3. Counsel the management to adopt corporate ethics with social responsibility as good ethics leads to good business

4. Adopt public relations ethics in tune with corporate ethics to gain credibility for public relations messages

5. Public relations, advertising and marketing must work in unison coupled with information technology in building and positioning the brand of global relevance and also to occupy a unique place for the brand in the minds of the target audience

6. Public relations and business communication professionals must become leaders in innovation to professionalize the discipline

7. Break the tradition and ageold customs to change for the better future

8. Reward success, reward failure also, but also punish ‘ inaction’

9. “Occupy Wall Street Campaign” a division between the one per cent rich and 99 per cent poor is blooming all over the world. Communicators must understand this movement and advise managements to share their profits with the poor.

10. The last but the most important lesson that one should learn from ABCI Awards is “ compilation of best public relations case studies”. As many as 129 awards were given in 32 categories whose achievements could be converted atleast in 10 best case studies for the benefit of both practitioners and academics.

ABCI Leader in Innovation
India today needs a strong public relations professional body and leaders of national repute to advance the profession in the service of the society. Yogesh Joshi, a thoughtful, committed, self-effacing and inspiring man who now heads ABCI proved beyond doubt that any professional body if moved with a good leader and team spirit can do wonders for the growth of the profession. The successful conduct of ComFest and 51st ABCI Awards with about 1000 nominations along with National Change Makers like M S Swaminathan and international standards bears an eloquent proof to the fact that ABCI has now become a model and trendsetter for other professional bodies in the country. An award winner in the category of house journals commented ‘Yogesh is now ABCI Leader in Innovation’ which I think he richly deserves.

Nira Radia tarnished the reputation of PR

2011-11-04T00:36:00.000+05:30

Dr. C.V. Narasimha Reddi

Editor, Public Relations Voice

Controversial Corporate Lobbyist, the owner of Vaishnavi Corporate Communications Pvt. Ltd., which handled public relations programmes of Tata Group of Companies who was questioned by CBI and Enforcement Directorate about her alleged involvement in the Rs 1.7 lakh crore Spectrum Scam in a surprise move announced “ to give precedence to my personal priorities of family and health, I have decided to exist the business of Communications Consulting”.

THREE IN ONE
She owns three companies Vaishnavi Corporate Communications Pvt. Ltd. that dealt with lobbying and public relations of Tata Group of companies, another subsidiary Neucom Consultancy to handle public relations of Reliance Industries and the third one Noesis Consultants which was set up with a number of bureaucrats including Pradip Baijal, Former Chairman of Telecom Regulatory Authority of India as a Policy Advocacy Agency to look after government affairs.
An analysis of the performance of these three companies bears an eloquent proof to the fact that Nira Radia was not only just a public relations practitioner but also a lobbyist and a public affairs consultant.
Though she might have quit her business of corporate communications, her Three-In-One role as a lobbyist, public relations practitioner and public affairs consultant has not only tarnished the reputation of Indian public relations profession but also generated a significant decline in the media and people’s trust about public relations profession, which in fact with all limitations is in the take off stage. This incident may be regarded as if ‘adding fuel to the fire of the discipline’.
It is unfortunate that for no fault of public relations professionals, their image is now at stake. It is for this reason perhaps Tatas have appointed Re-diffusion as their new public relations agency, before she decided to quit. As such the survival of her company was in a dilemma and that there was no alternative except closing it down.

ALLEGED ALLEGATIONS
Among others, the alleged allegations against her include: ‘the 5800 tapes revealed how Nira Radio hobnobbed with politicians, bureaucrats and the media, besides influencing the government in getting A Raja appointed as Union Minister for Telecommunications. Therefore, it is proved beyond any doubt that she has exceeded her role as a public relations professional and acted as a lobbyist and public affairs consultant without any code of conduct and ethical considerations. If her soul consciousness is clear, she should not have closed her business leaving 250 employees in the lurch and to their fate.

PR is Distinguished from Lobbying
It is against this background Public Relations Voice as the only journal of Indian PR professionals not only disassociates with the activities of Nira Radia as a corporate lobbyist but also clarifies the distinction between public relations, public affairs and lobbying. In fact lobbying and public relations are two distinct disciplines from the point of view of academies as well as professional practice. These two areas adopt different approaches in strategy, tactics, objectives, target audience, media choice, message formulation, type of presentation and also in cost effectiveness.

If public relations is the management of a two – way communication process between an organization and its public to promote the corporate mission, services, products, reputation and gain public understanding, lobbying is a process in which a paid lobbyist or a pressure group seek to influence those in power. It is also influencing legislators, politicians or the government and persuade them to support or oppose a change in the law. Under the Lobbying Disclosure Act of US, the lobbyist should register and identify with the Congress and disclose his/her clients, the issue areas in which lobbying is being done and that roughly how much is being paid for it. However, the lobbyist’s have to influence those in power with legitimate means by making presentations with facts and figures. Violators in America face civil fines of up to $50,000 under the law.

Self-Imposed Lobbyist

In the case of Nira Radia, she became a self imposed lobbyist without any rules and regulations either formulated by the Government or industry and acted with her own methods to influence the Government in the cause of her clients. The need of the hour is to bring in a law as to regulate the process of lobbying in India as promised by the then Union Minister for Company Affairs so that such incidents may not be repeated as to mar the image of public relations profession. The PR professional bodies of our country must also come forward to make representations with the Government of India to regulate lobbying so that they could not encroach the public relations areas.

We seek your comments on this statement so as to evolve a comprehensive report to make a presentation to the Government of India

Public Relations Ethics and New Media

2011-09-29T18:18:00.000+05:30

National Seminar on Public Relations Ethics and New Media
Editor, Public Relations Vocie.

A one-day National Seminar on ‘Public Relations Ethics’ held at Brahmakumaris Shantivan, Mount Abu, Rajasthan resolved to develop a code of professional ethics for public relations with moral and spiritual values as to promote better relations between the corporate world and their stakeholders.

The Global Forum for Public Relations an outfit of Prjapita Brahmakumaris Ishwariya Vishwavidyalaya organized this seminar for the first time as part of Media Conference 2011 on September 17, with twin objectives: Developing Public Relations Ethics and the Role of New Media in Public Relations.

In his introductory remarks Dr.C.V.Narasimha Reddi, Editor, Public Relations Voice who chaired the session referred to the need for public relations ethics and said that public relations manager is both an ‘advocate’ and an ‘ethics counselor’ to advise the management about incorporating ethics and core values in tune with the corporate mission. And that in order to discharge one’s functions, the PR Manager must learn about ethics, spot ethical issues and shape the organization’s corporate ethics and values.

Dr.Reddi quoted Indian born industrialist Lord Paul of U K who said ‘ we have made a lot of progress economically in India, but there is a shadow over our progress and that is Corruption. Unfortunately, with the economic growth of India, corruption has grown faster’.

Scams
The Satyam Computers Rs.14,000 crore scam, 2G Specturm Rs.1.7 lakh crore scam, Commonwealth Games Corruption, Obulapuram Mining Corporation’s illegal mining scam, Nira Radia Tapes episode not only defamed India in the world market but also generated a significant decline in peoples trust both in government and business. In fact, trust of stakeholders in these companies is almost dead. It is for public relations to work in the direction of ‘Long Live Trust’. Against this backdrop, Dr.C.V.Narasimha Reddi observed that there arose the need for both corporate ethics and public relations ethics. If corporate ethics deals with good and ethical business, public relations ethics focuses on ethical and moral values in disseminating public information.

Earlier, Rajayogi B K Karuna in his welcome address observed that the value based media and public communication system would not only contribute to the socio-economic development of the country but also establish peace and harmony in the nation.

Prof. Ujjwal K Chowdary, Dean Whistling Woods School Communication, Mumbai who delivered keynote address said personal ethics of a public relations practitioner was a pre-requisite and a golden rule towards successful public relations practice. While dealing with historical perspective of public relations code of ethics, Prof. Chowdary urged that Global Forum for Public Relations should evolve a Model Code of Professional standards and ethics for public relations practice by 2012.

Later a session devoted to ‘ New Media for Public Relations’ held under the Presidentship of B K Sarala Anand, President, Global Forum for Public Relations, resolved that new media such as e-mail, blogs, twitter, face-book etc. not only educate the stakeholders but also can redress the customer grievances on line. Chairman, Prime Point Foundation K Srinivasan,said instant messages were possible through internet which had both advantages and disadvantages. However, he exhorted that PR professionals should make use of social media for interactive communication to promote organizational image.

Among those who spoke in the national seminar include: Irfan Khan, former Director, Corporate Communications, Hindustan Lever, Y Bhaskar Rao, Abishek Kumar Singh, Prof. K C Mouli, Makhanlal Chaturvedi University, Arun Arora, Senior Vice President,(CC) Jindal Steel, Ms.Nazi, Farin Emani(Iran), Madhavan Varadarajan, Arpita Prashant, (Chennia), Reema Sarin, Consultant, Delhi, G,Anija, Federic Michael, Hyderabad. B K Anitha and B K Heena conducted the sessions.

The seminar in conclusion recommended that the public relations code of ethics should contain three main elements:

1. Professional values – (truth telling professional competence);
2. Principles of conduct – free flow of two-way information, fair, advancement of profession;
3. Members Pledge for code of ethics.

In another resolution, it has been decided that in the context of India, the media strategy should contain a combination of four media namely –

1.Interpersonal media – meeting;
2.Folk art media – puppets, tamasha;
3.Mass media – press, radio, TV, Film and
4. New media – internet, e-mail, blogs, website.

Such a combination of media the Public Relations conclave felt could reach about 70 crore people both in urban and rural India,.

Value Based Media: The Need of the Hour

2011-09-28T21:24:00.000+05:30

Towards Peace and Prosperity of the Country
Dr.C.V.Narasimha Reddi

A three day Media Conference 2011 on ‘ Valued Based Media’ which was organized by the Media Wing of Rajyoga Education and Research Foundation of Prajapita Brahmakumaris Ishwariya Vishwavidyalaya from September 16 at Mount Abu, Rajasthan has resolved that the media in our country should adopt ethical, moral and spiritual values as part of its code of conduct and serve towards social and public good rather than the commercial and business interest.

ONE GOD:
This conference assumed greater importance as it coincided with the Platinum Jubilee Celebrations of the Brahmakumaris which was inaguarated by the President of India, Smt. Pratibha Patil on 16th September. Referring to the theme of the celebrations ‘ One God; One World Family; Smt. Pratibha Patil observed that Brahmakumaris was not a religion, but it was a spiritual fraternity promoting a spiritual and value based living among the people from all walks of life from different nations, cultures and races.

Rajayogini Dr.Dadi Janaki, Chief of Brahmakumaris in her inaugural address said that the evil of corruption which had contaminated our society like cancer could be contained by the media by cultivating spirituality and values such as love, truth, honesty, tolerance etc.

Earliler Rajyogi B K Karuna, Vice-Chairman, Media Wing who welcomed pointed out that mass media had a greater role in the socio-economic development and in creating harmony among different sects of the society. In her valedictory address Smt. D.K,Aruna, Andhra Pradesh, Minister for Information and Public Relations said that the unholy alliance of media with market and business interests, without social purpose, the journalism would cause hindrance to the success of Indian democracy. Therefore, she urged that media should evolve a self-regulated code of conduct by incorporating moral and spiritual values towards establishing a value based society. Over 1500 delegates representing media persons, public relations professionals, academicians, Brahmakumaris from all over the country and Nepal attended the conference.

7 Point Action Plan
Deliberating through six plenary sessions, six parallel dialogues, one insight session and after undergoing three Rajayoga meditation sessions, the conference arrived at the Seven Point Action Plan for adoption by media.

1. To accord priority to social and public good by practicing and promoting ethical, moral and spiritual values

2. To consider core human and media values as essential pre-requisite for economic and all round development of the country

3. To practice Rajayoga meditation as a means of acquiring spirituality and value based healthy, lifestyle towards peace, prosperity of society.

4. To develop the inner spiritual powers of the soul among media persons to mirror as watchdog in containing widespread corruption and negativity in people’s life

5. To work towards creation and spread of audience friendly, interactive, social, cultural, moral and spiritual messages through internet, electronic, film and print media for the benefit of both young and old.

6. To become positive and practice by effecting the process of spiritual self-awakening and empowerment of values for building better society.

7. To support and supplement the noble causes of well-meaning organizations like the Brahmakumaris Society for Media Initiatives for values, Global Forum for Public Relations etc which are aimed at promoting spirituality, ethics, positive and healthy values in professions and society.

It is hoped that the delegates who attended the conference and exposed to Rajayoga Meditation will adopt spiritual values as part of their life and also publish/broadcast the action plan-2011 in their respective media for action.

A Tribute to Indian Women

2011-03-08T23:54:00.000+05:30

On the international women's day, here's Ogilvy & Mather's greatest tribute they created recently. A must watch.

2011-02-23T23:32:00.001+05:30

Chandigarh, the city beautiful, is the venue of the 5th Global Public Relations Conclave organised by Public Relations Council of India. To be held at Hotel Mountview, Sector 10, Chandigarh,

The Conclave will offer thought leadership, and empower the PR practitioners to upgrade their skills and knowledge to manage communication. This Conclave shall be an exceptional opportunity to meet some of the high profile communication experts of national and international distinction, and exploring the immense potential of PR.

Another highlight of the Conclave is the presentation of annual Chanakya Awards and ‘Hall of Fame’ recognitions, on the first day evening to be followed by entertainment and dinner. The PR Collateral Awards would be presented on the second day of the Conclave.

Register Now
You can get complete details, download Registration Form, the Brochure, and nomination forms for the PR Collateral Awards from our blog.

For any further information, please email now.

PR Voice: 13 Years of Dedicated Engagement

2010-12-12T14:00:00.001+05:30

The quarterly magazine for the Public Relations practitioners, PR Voice, has completed 13 eventful years of dedication by one man army, Dr. C.V. Narashima Reddi. Despite the financial constraints it has continued to keep the flame burning to light the paths of the practitioners in public relations profession. We salute the spirit of Dr. Reddi and all those who had been supporting it cause.
My appeal is that a professional journal is another strong pillar for any professional to keep oneself updated, and all of us must subscribe to it, and even gift copies to the departments of mass communication and public relations. You can download the copy and read it .
Or Just flip through it here. Enjoy!

Open publication - Free publishing - More pr voice

ABCI Com Fest: 2010

2010-11-17T19:28:00.003+05:30

Communicator: The Change Leader
Dr.C.V.Narasimha Reddi
Editor, Public Relations Voice

India, in past decades, has been the world number one in starvation deaths, imports, foreign aid and that it was even considered by Westerners as a nation of snake charmers, saints and ‘ Sanyasis’. In the 2000s, our country was transformed from a chronic underperformer to a potential superpower. India will overtake China as the fastest growing economy and that it will be world No.1. economy in 2020 according to Economic Times. This will also take India’s GDP Growth to 10 per cent.

World’s Biggest Communication Network
What is the secret of this success? May be many! However, ABCI Com Fest 201`0 organised by the Association of Business Communicators of India as part of its 50th Annual Awards function in Mumbai on November, 10 & 11, 2010 proved that ‘ the Communicator as the Change Leader’ has been the key promoter, and persuader par – excellence behind the spectacular success of India in the field of economy. Being the largest democracy in the world, we should not forget that India also has the biggest public communication network in the world, that facilitates the growth rate.

Against this backdrop, innumerable issues such as creating innovative industry leaders, emerging India as an economic super-power, dimension of business communications, positioning of brand Indias, public information infrastructure for global leadership, communication support in solving problems confronting the nation as a big challenge were discussed at length by well known CEOs and communicators.
Act First , then Communicate!

R.Gopalakrishnan, Executive Director, Tata Sons Ltd, who inaugurated the Com Fest said that in the 140 years of history of Tatas only five CEOs who headed the company were responsible for its success. They had long term vision. What is needed today is of good industry leaders with great commitment, vision and the ability to communicate and influence the stakeholders. The greatest ability of a leader Gopalakrishnan observed was his communication skills to persuade and influence the people without authority. While dealing with public communication, the Executive Director, Tatas said that, Actions must always precede the communication effort. Act first, then communicate for better impact was the slogan given to communicators.
Gopalakrishnan advised the communication and public relations fraternity that they must bring to the notice of the management the reality of consumers’ viewpoint about a product or service including the corporate brand.

Good Communicators.

In the session ‘creating industry leaders through communication’, Sanjay Chowdhury, Chief of Corporate Communications , Tata Steel, said that basically change leaders have to be good communicators. The world is crying for good leaders. Business organizations need leaders at every level to sustain the growth and meet the global competitive marketing environment. Ability to deal with the people is the greatest attribute of an industry leader which can be imbibed only through communication skills.

Dr.Mathew Hibberd, Director, Communication Studies, University of Sterling, Scotland, UK who dwelt on ‘ How Can Communication Professionals Create Outstanding Leadership in Industry, observed that education and communication are some of the attributes that make great industry leaders. A session that attracted considerable attention was the one addressed by Dr.Narendra Jadhav, Member, Planning Commission, who spoke on ‘ Is India Emerging an Economic Super Power? Describing India as the fastest growing economy in the world, Dr.Narendra Jadhav detailed as to how India which faced macro economic crisis in 1990s, transformed itself into a global economic player with several achievements to its credit.

Four achievements indicated by him included:
1.Growth rate heading to 8.5 per cent;
2. Incidence of Poverty line came down;
3 Foreign exchange reserve improved with about 300 billion dollars;
4. India today became a net lender to international Monitory Fund ( we purchased 200 tons of gold). However, negative area of Indian economy is that in human development index our country ranks at 134 out of 174 countries. This could be improved by spending more on education and health services, he added.

In the session devoted to Media Expectations from Corporate Houses, Kumar Ketkar, Editor, Loksatta said that business media in India developed because of globalization; more coverage then was given to the corporate world in business media. Dealing with what media expects from corporate houses, the editor Loksatta observed that business media is keen to publish the socio-economic change taking place after liberalization. In this context, the corporate world must feed the media with the latest infrastructure and technology being used for the development of the country.

P.M. Sinha, Chairman, Bata India Ltd., who spoke on Communication Fundamental for Turnaround’ has pointed out that employees should come first in the corporate communications strategy, for it is they who act as ambassadors of the company with external stakeholders. And every manager must become a good communicator by adopting global marketing strategy with the principle Think Globally and Act Locally.

Gerson DaCunha, renowned media expert who dealt with the crisis of pesticides in CoCa-Cola and worms in Cadbury, told the delegates that worms in Cadbury was not due to defect in manufacturing but the problem was that of cold storage. Retailers, later were advised to store in refrigerators.

Public Communication Infrastructure
Speaking on ‘ creating and leveraging communication infrastructure for global leadership’; Sam Pitroda, Adviser to Prime Minister on Public Information Infrastructure, that attracted the attention of the delegates the most said the Indian information infrastructure with over 70 crore telephones and other telecommunication gadgets, provide information network to 100 crore people. Describing Mahatma Gandhi as the greatest communicator, Sam Pitroda advised public relations professionals that they should adopt Gandhian techniques of communications to reach the people at the grassroots, with public information network available in the country.

ABCI Com Fest-2010, with the theme – Communicator – the Change Leader is indeed a trend setter and it could be a model for professional bodies to design a new communication strategy in making India as a global economic player. The entire credit for the success of Com Fest 2010 and ABCI 50th Annual Awards Nite goes to Yogesh Joshi and his committed team who gave a new dimension to ABCI as the strongest professional body in India.

India is also going to be the largest English speaking nation surpassing USA. If every manager is a communicator, corporate communication with a suitable strategy and appropriate toolkits and tactics has a vital role to play in the success of every organization be it government, private or an NGO. The greatest challenge for today’s communicator is how to use the public information infrastructure and PR tactics in reaching the stakeholders.

Are we true professional with communication skills to meet the challenge of global communication?. According to one survey Indian public relations communication profession has grwon ‘ quantitatively’ but it is yet to grow ‘ qualitatively’. It is in this context, Com Fest 2010 clearly indicated that if the communicator is the change leader, the change leader himself or herself must be true professional with all communication skills,- reading, writing, talking and listening. Media strategy is yet another important aspect for public communication which should be in tune with the Indian environment. Public Relations Voice suggests a five point strategy to professionalize Indian public communication set-up:

Public Relations Education, Training & Research
Adoption of Multi-media strategy with the combination of interpersonal media, folk arts media , mass media and new media
Integrated public relations communication strategy as to reach all the stakeholders – primary, as well as secondary publics
Adoption of professional code of ethics based on professionalism moral ethical values and spirituality
A strong professional body in ABCI, PRSI, PRCI, GFPR to professionals the discipline

50th Annual Awards Nite
Apart from the Com Fest, the ABCI organized its 50th Annual Awards Nite which was a star attraction to showcase the professionalism of ABCI in recognizing the talents of Indian business communicators. ABCI is the first professional body in India to organize 50 annual awards nites one each in a year since 1960. In fact, it is a mark of prestige to get an ABCI award, which is considered an ‘Oscar of Indian Communications’ industry. Awards were presented in 32 categories from internal magazines, wallpaper, photo feature, annual reports, e-zine, corporate website to digital media.

Eminent Communicators Awards
In addition to 32 categories, ABCI also presented 9 individual awards to renowned communicators of India in different fields such as:
1. Promising Business Communicator
2. Business Communicator of the Year
3. Communicator of the Decade
4. Excellence in Business Journalism
5. Excellence in Financial Communication
6. Excellence in Marketing & Brand Communication
7. Excellence in Strategic Business Communication for non-business communication professionals
8. Global Business Communicator
9. Lifetime Achievement Award

New Accounting Standard to build trust

2010-04-28T00:38:00.000+05:30

Come 1st April 2011, the Indian corporate world would move over to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Many European nations have already migrated to the new system and US too is working out modalities to converge GAAP into IFRS.
The SMEs in India however have been exempted from adopting IFRS because of the huge cost involved in migrating to the new system, the corporates can benefit especially those wooing foreign investors and seeking capital from abroad.
One of the fundamental impact of implementation of IFRS in India, according to experts, is the restoration of trust in companies' financial statements amongst investors and other stakeholders. Looking at the Satyam episode and various other financial irregularities, indeed the greatest challenge before the corporates is to come clean and be transparent in their financial reportings to their stakeholders.
It augurs well for the Indian investors and shareholders but the challenge for PR practitioners in the corporate sectors would be to educate and inform them about the changes and what changes it entails in terms of reporting.

Golden Triangle: The science of being human

2010-04-23T23:59:00.000+05:30

I feel humbled to receive the national Golden Triangle Award from the Global Forum for Public Relations, one organisation that added spiritual dimension to the practice of public relations. I have always considered public relations the highest form of practice that not only strengthens the bonds between an organisation and its stake-holders but, in its truest form, helps the organisation to be truthful and honest in its own work place and ethical in operation to rise upto the expectations of its all stakeholders.
A public relations practitioner fully informed and conscious of ethical practice norms, can help organisations achieve success and leadership by adding spiritual dimensions. An organisation imbibing the Golden Triangle principle can create more positive bonding with its stakeholders, create an environment of peace within, and attain leadership in its area of expertise by following spiritual norms.
As a PR practitioner, spirituality is the most essential segment of one's life that helps one discover one's own potential and reach out to its clients/organisation with utmost powerful communication solutions.
Spirituality, as is normally believed, is not about religion. It is not about any rituals. Being spiritual is being human.
Two researchers, Martsolf and Mickley defining spirituality wrote that it is all about "perceiving the meaning of life, values that are to be addressed, appreciating the transcendent nature of life."
In today's world where the professionalism requires knowledge and skills, the ethics help in making the right decision based on ethical principles and predefined code of conduct, while the spirituality generates the inner power to have holistic view of every action that impacts the people or the stakeholders.
This triumvirate elements squarely jell with the Public Relations practice, which is all about creating relationships. Relationships are always strong, lasting and true, when these are based on the foundation of truth and honesty. And this practice of being truthful, being ethical and being considerate to others happens only by bringing about the change within ourselves. This internal transformation begins by following the spiritual path...that alone can show us, the human beings, the science of being human.

Brand Recall

2010-03-24T00:26:00.000+05:30

Can you recall the brands advertised during IPL matches? Please fill out this form and respond.

Media Kit

2010-03-20T20:48:00.000+05:30

Media kits had been around for ages and is a standard procedure in most media briefings. Though the online media kits are pretty convenient for computer-savvy journos, but nothing beats the stuff that anyone would love to carry back home.
During my days as trainee reporter in Delhi, I would love those fancy folders and jackets at the press conferences for the neat package of information that one could find handy, there were those from public sector undertakings, that stuffed anything and everything from annual reports, to brochures, to product literature, the CEO's messages, and lengthy typed out press releases running into several pages, and it used to be a real effort to search out the desired information. That of course was the time in 80s when there were only typewriters and bulky smudgy xerox machines.
Today the media kits are much more fancy and we have already moved on from floppy drives, to CDs, and now to small pen drives containing the entire information, photos, data, can be neatly organised and distributed.
There had always been innovative media kits that some of the organisations do experiment with, especially the real estate, and entertainment industry. The recent 3Idiots release carried a small 'guide to being an idiot' with usual merchandise, while Taare Zameen Par had a notebook with scribbles of the child character Ishaan.
I still remember when one of the real estate developer wanting to sell his housing project in Himachal, created a media kit shaped like a book, with cutout inserts inside containing a bottle of perfume that smelled like deodar trees, had neatly packaged leaves of a tree, and a cassette that described the project with ambiant sound of a forest in the background.
A good media kit, however, always is useful that helps strengthen the brand and its recall value. However, one can avoid stuffing the information that may not be of much use, or can be supplied on further enquiries.
A good media kit for a press briefing session should have :
a. A usable news release with contact details;
b. A translated version for the vernacular media (or in languages of the media expected to participate)
c. Hi-res photographs, corporate logos, and photographs of the product being talked about;
d. Brief profile of the spokesperson/CEO
e. Separate sheet indicating the name/s of the persons on the dais (in case sitting order is known in advance) for giving out to the photo journalists and tv-crew.
f. FAQ sheet and other background information
g. Corporate/product literature relevant to the press conference;
h. Writing pad and pen inside the docket will always be a welcome addition.

CJ, CorePR

PR-e-Sense on Education Loans

2010-02-02T00:03:00.000+05:30

With hundreds of students aspiring to study abroad, the current ezine from PR Point throws new light on Education Loans.

India Vision Group and ezine PR-e-Sense have set up a Task force with many eminent people as Advisors to create awareness about the Education Loan Scheme among the poor and deserving students.

Download the ezine here.

The Revised Model Scheme of Indian Banks' Association

PR, a Dying Art?

2009-12-22T22:46:00.000+05:30

Every new book on social media considers PR as "dying art", the new book, "Putting the Public Back in Public Relations" by so-called "thought leader" on the web world, Brian Solis, is no better. The socialisation on the web has become the buzz world and panacea for every product, service, or organisation in the world to "succeed".
Unfortunately, the book having been written by an internet buff, and not a public relations practitioner, who has just peeped through the 19" window of the computer screen to sermonise on the profession, considering the Web2.0 as the ultimate solution to corporate crisis communication, has not done any justice to what the author feels as the "dying practice".
Public relations is neither media relations nor the online relations, and the 'public' here is not a teenaged geek passing comments on each and every issue, but a group of serious consumers who, not all of them, sit in front of their computers to understand the brand. They are out there in the market place where they feel, taste, breathe, see and touch the products and services and create the brands for an organisation.
Public Relations is all about people and nothing else. Web is a mere tool, and Twitter, Facebook, Orkut are the new set of screwdrivers added to its kitty which the practitioners are deploying to their best use depending upon the need, and yes, the nev-savvy 'public' is proactively engaged in this exercise.

Public Relations: Truth and Beyond

2009-09-16T22:41:00.003+05:30

Dichotomy of public relations profession is that it is still dogged by over 500 definitions. The communicators have still not been able to find one single definition for a profession which works for the organisations and seeks, at the very outset, their value proposition.
What is the value proposition for public relations? And who actually are the public relations practitioners? Spin doctors? Manipulators?
In the current information age where transparency, social responsibility, and integrity are again being looked into with seriousness, public relations practice is one such profession that can help organisations remain socially responsible, and responsive to its stakeholders.
When I informally discussed the topic of ethics and spirituality in public relations that Global Forum for Public Relations invited me to speak on at Mt Abu on 13th September, during the national roundtable on the Golden Triangle model evolved by Dr. C.V. Narasimha Reddi, the response was skeptical and lukewarm. Ethics and PR do not go together if you have to survive and keep your job intact, was one strong opinion.
Last year, at an international public relations forum, one of the practitioner openly admitted "we lie for our clients".
Yet, I have always differed on this issue having been a firm believer in the ethical practice of public relations.
"Public be damned" was the credo in late 19th century when propaganda, press agentry thrived and resorted to hyperbole. Early 20th century saw the emphasis on responsible Public Relations with recognition of the fact that every stakeholder (or 'public') is important, initiating "public be informed" period in the evolution of this profession.
All along, whatever name that may have been attributed to the practice of public relations, it remains for me "the art and science of managing communication"
If we trace the etymology of the term "communication" to its Latin origin, "communis", it meant establishing oneness.
Public Relations builds, and strengthens "relations" with various "publics" through effective communication.
If that be so, can anyone think of build a strong, meaningful, positive relationship based on untruth or dishonesty? Can you think of a relationship with your customers or vendors which is founded on dishonest or false communication? The entire practice of public relations, therefore, revolves around truth. Truth is not, and has never been, a substitute for public relations.
And as a strategic management function, public relations helps organisations, in turn, adopt ethical means of doing business and truthfully manage its operations. Truth, honesty, integrity, credibility are some of the key attributes of successful public relations practice...and these are the key elements of spirituality or ethical human behaviour.
Considering public relations anything but ethical is a misnomer. However, the key question comes here, that whether we are able to incorporate the ethical values into PR practice today? Largely no. Yet to truly professionalise the practise of public relations it is necessary that we integrate ethical and spiritual values in our conduct.
For any profession to be credible it requires two major core strengths, i.e. competence and character. Competence comes from professional knowledge and experience, and its constant upgradation and skill enhancements. Character is what our own personal values are. Is our character impeccable? Are we honest in our dealing with our clients? or with our organisation's stakeholders? Are we truly the conscience keepers for the organisations that we represent?
The Golden Triangle concept comes at the most appropriate time. And with the support of Global Forum for Public Relations, we do hope that PR fraternity shall rediscover the most significant spiritual aspect of their lives. Yes, we are talking about fortifying the ethical behaviour that comes through spiritual practice, of understanding one's purpose in life, and also the direct impact that our life's work and decision has on the lives of the people around us.

Copyright September 2009 C J Singh . CorePR . Chandigarh . India

The Golden Triangle: A New PR Model

2009-09-16T14:37:00.003+05:30

With rising scams, white collar crimes, and the PR practice coming under cloud for its role in disseminating false or inaccurate information amongst the stakeholders, the question of ethics, though discussed extensively at various fora, somehow has remained at the backburner amongst PR practitioners (though not all).
The Global Forum for Public Relations organised the National Roundtable at Mt Abu on 13th September and various speakers analysed the situation and Editor of PR Voice, Dr. C.V. Narasimha Reddi, who evolved the PR model for excellence in its practice, the Golden Triangle, was unveiled.
Rajyogi BK Karuna ji opened the discussions with the need to create a great India which can be achieved only through infusing spiritualism into PR practice.
Dr. Reddi lamented the fact that in our country PR practice has yet to acquire a status of a profession because of the absence of proper syllabus, text books, accreditation, and regulating unethical practices.
Following ethics and spiritualism by PR practitioner alone can bring about the desired change, he said.
The new model, Golden Triangle, promotes integration of Professionalism, Ethics and Spiritualism into the PR practice,in order to take it to the next level of excellence.
This is definitely a big challenge for each one of us to meet, yet imbibing spiritualism in PR practice is not a difficult task since it requires a PR person to be considerate, affectionate, and genuinely concerned about the welfare of other beings, said BK Sarala Anand, Manager HRD and PR from BHEL, Hyderabad.
Prof. K.C.Mouli, faculty at MLCN University of Journalism, Bhopal highlighted the instances in the government where PR practitioners have to succumb to the pressure from their superiors, but only a professional can put the things in right perspective in case he is courageous enough and understands his ethics.
BK Binny gave new perspective to the discussions saying that PR has a synonym in 'pyar', the spiritual factor that makes the difference.
Prof Ananya Mehta from Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication, Pune, commented that though ethical practice in reality may be at stake, the values are being reinforced amongst the students right in the classrooms at Symbiosis.
Rajyogi BK Sheilu said that spirituality gives strength to face ethical dilemmas but one can resolve them by having a more holistic and long-term view of the outcome than the short-term.
I too had the opportunity to share my views on this subject which is very dear to my heart, which I shall be sharing with you later in a separate post. Overall, the interaction did brought an entirely different perspective and was an eye-opener, said one of the participant from Pune.
CJ

National Round Table on Public Relations

2009-09-13T11:45:00.002+05:30

Global Forum for Public Relations is conducting a National Round Table on Public Relations at Mt Abu today at 3pm, to discuss the new PR Model - The Golden Triangle -evolved by Dr. C.V. Narasimha Rao, Editor, PR Voice, Hyderabad.
The panel to be chaired by Dr Reddi, includes Yogesh Joshi from Mumbai, Zubair, a PR consultant from Pune, Prof Ananya Mehta of Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication;Debabvani Mukherjee, Deputy Director,DNPI, Kolkata; and yours truly from Chandigarh.
BK Sarala, Zonal Coordinator, Media Wing Andhra Pradesh and Manager HRD/PR, BHEL, Hyderabad would be doing the summing up while Ms Mumtaz Fatima, Joint Director, Youth Services, Govt of Andhra Pradesh, Hyderabad would be proposing the vote of thanks.
Check out future details on live blogcast from Mr Srinivasan.
CJ
CorePR
from Mt Abu

Media Conference at Mt Abu

2009-09-13T11:31:00.002+05:30

The National Media Conference organised by Global PR Forum and Media Wing of Rajyoga Education and Research Foundation and Prajapaita Brahma Kumari Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya at the International Headquarters at Mt Abu has seen numerous national and international speakers, professionals, academicians, and media personalities bringing to the fore the need for spirituality for achieving peace and development in the world.
The highlight of the conference has been the live webcasting on the prime point blog which has been well received by the internet community worldwide. The credit goes to Mr Srinivasan of Prime Point Foundation, who reached Mt Abu from Chennai to personally handle the blogcasts with the help of students of Symbiosis Institute.
On Sunday, the 13th, the Global Forum for Public Relations is conducting a roundtable to unveil the Golden Triangle model evolved by past president of PRSI and Editor of PR Voice, Dr. C.V. Narasimha Reddi.
Log on the the blog posts for regular updates, straight from Mt Abu.

3rd International PR Conference in Bangalore

2009-08-21T00:46:00.003+05:30

Global Communication Association (GCA) in association with Public Relations Council of India (PRCI) is organizing its 3rd International Conference, this time in Bangalore, India on 26-27 November 2009 at Hotel Lalit Ashok, Bangalore.

The 2007 inaugural conference of the Global Communication Association at Shanghai & 2nd International Conference in Oman during the year 2008 was a great success.

Academicians, Policy Makers, Corporate Executives, Representatives from NGO’s and Research Scholars are invited to contribute papers on topics related to the theme “GLOBAL VILLAGE: Are we there yet?” or just participate as a delegate.

For more information on the event, you may visit www.globalcomassociation.com or www.prci.in or www.prciblr.in or mail to info@prci.in

Regional Seminar on TV News

2009-08-17T20:54:00.003+05:30

Media Information and Communication Centre of India (MICCI) in collaboration with Friedrich Ebert Stiftung and CorePR, are organising a one day seminar on "TV News: Market Forces vs Social Responsibility" in Chandigarh on 21st August 2009.

This is an open forum in which the communication professionals, opinion leaders, and others are participating to brain storm on the growing commercialisation, and becoming entertainment oriented with 'news value' becoming more of a 'nuisance'.

Please respond back and email back to me for more details and participation in the debate.

CJ . CorePR

PR eSense

2009-08-07T15:59:00.000+05:30

Download the pdf of the June 2009 issue of PReSENSE.

PR Next

2009-05-19T11:39:00.001+05:30

Mr. Vikram Kharvi, PR blogger on indiaprforum.blogspot.com has started a new fortnightly for the communication professionals, PR Next. Check it out. Great addition to PR literature.
CJ, CorePR

TV Key to Media Future

2009-03-26T10:54:00.002+05:30

Here's an interesting insight into the emerging online video viewing trends vis-a-vis television viewing and how it is impacting the tv advertising market place.

Our own Chandigarh lad, Mr. Manish Bhatia, who is currently the President of Advanced Digital Services for Nielsen in USA, discusses it with fellow professionals in a panel discussion. Read more on Media Daily News.

PR Lions - Jury President's Message

2009-02-27T14:47:00.002+05:30

I am reproducing here the message of Lord Tim Bell, President of the Jury for PR Lions 2009 for the PR fraternity

"This is the first time the Cannes Lions Festival has acknowledged the existence of Public Relations as part of the communications and marketing mix and decided to award Lions for outstanding work in this field. It is long overdue and I’m flattered and privileged to be the first President of the jury.

In 1961, before most of you were born, I joined CPV, the first British-owned international advertising agency and its sister Public Relations company, Voice and Vision. I guess I learned how advertising and Public Relations were allied trades at that time and yet PR was considered inferior to advertising. Today, nearly fifty years later, the client community and the industry have finally recognised that they are both essential parts of the marketing business. Moreover, creativity and imagination, as well as skill, are vital to both.

I hope the first PR Lions will be a success and inspire better work, and recognise that all communications can change the way we live and the way we think; down to the mundane things like what we buy, what we wear, what we enjoy and most of all, the way we regard things, people, companies, countries and of course brands. I hope the winners will be proud and well-celebrated. I’ll do my best and I’m sure the jury will as well. But most of all, I hope it is all a very happy event."

Cannes 2009 to have PR campaign category

2009-02-27T11:42:00.002+05:30

PR Lions would be the award that the PR fraternity can now vie for at the Cannes Lions 2009 scheduled for June 22, 2009.

The PR agencies can submit entries for Sector Related PR, Product and Service, and Techniques, which will have Lord Tim Bell, chairman of Chime Communications, to chair the inaugural PR Lions Jury.

Great news for PR fraternity for finding a space in the Cannes.

Public Relations Voice: New Issue released

2009-02-18T23:29:00.001+05:30

Dear Members,

The October - December, 2008 & January - March, 2009 combined issue (Volume 12) of Public Relations Voice, (the only journal for Indian PR professionals) by Dr C V Narasimha Reddi, focusing on "history of Indian public relations" is now circulated.

'Which is the birthplace of public relations in the world?' questions Dr Reddy in his editorial. The lead story is on "the unseen power - a history of Indian public relations" travels from Indus valley civilization to globalisation.

Other important articles are -

(1) "PR's growth in India" by Dr Doug Newsom, US professor
(2) "My profession - my experience" by BD Sharma, CK Sardana & Charanjit Singh

(3) "Taglines that influence the people"

Also, find a report on 30th All India PR conference held at Guwahati in December 2008 and News about 10th APPR conference at Hyderabad in February 2009 and many more.

For copies and subscription details write to Dr CV Narasimha Reddi, Editor, PR Voice, House of Public Relations, 8-3-978/4, Srinagar Colony, Hyderabad 500 073 Fax +91 (40) 23307477, Ph +01 (40) 23745549, Cell 9246548901 and email drcvn@hotmail. com

Subscription details
Annual - Rs.200 (one copy) for individual and Rs.500 (two copies) for institutions
2 years - Rs.350 (one copy) for individual and Rs.800 (two copies) for institutions
Life subscription - Rs.2500 (two copies) for individuals and Rs.4500 (three copies) for institutions

Regards,

--
Babji. Y,
PR Practitioner & Teacher

Power of PR

2009-02-11T10:33:00.002+05:30

One of the greatest challenge for PR practitioners is to prove the worth of PR to their managements, and the common refrain one encounters is that "this was never done", "do the way we want it to be done", and "what are the financial gains of PR activity".

The PR practice being a management function, its practitioners must learn to communicate with these internal stakeholders in the language they understand, presenting them with the facts and figures that they cannot deny. The methodology is simple - just adapt the statistical analysis, time lines, and PERT charges and all other tools that the managements are familiar with. Using these tools also helps the PR practitioner in streamlining the work flow and communication strategies. And in so far as the measurements or the financial benefit a company can gain through PR activities, the exercise helps in quantifying the deliverables, making them, hence, measurable.

A long term and short term goals that the communication plan intends to achieve also helps in formulating budgetary requirements for a particular activity. The best part of PR efforts is the power of visualisation that the PR practitioner or the department can bring to the corporate actions, and breaking them down into the tactical aspects eases the operational aspects too.

Over twenty years back when I joined a German manufacturing company, the first bottleneck was tiding over these perennial queries and 'objections' that challenged me to break these internal barriers first and show the benefits that the Power of PR can bring to an organisation. It is also a misconception that the managements do not understand the role of PR. The fact is that we, at times, fail to educate and inform them the need and impact which an effective communication plan can bring about.

PR Crisis for Satyam

2009-01-20T11:10:00.003+05:30

With each passing day, Satyam crisis deepens as new 'a-satyams' emerge, tarnishing the image further. The new team would have hardtime to refurbish the body, heart and soul of the sullied image of Satyam in the months and years ahead...and there are others who are making 'hay while the sun shines'. A t-shirt company has launched a new range of slogans, what they call, "Satyam Raju Disgracing t-shirts". I don't know how many would like to wear it, except for the hard-hit stakeholders, or those wanting to publicly protest in front of their headquarters, yet the e-campaign would further add to the disgrace and challenge the communication brains assigned to salvage its image.

Sign the Petition

2008-12-22T22:56:00.002+05:30

Our friend, Mr. K. Srinivasan, of PR Point, has sent the following circular for you to take note of this an sign the petition. It is in public interest.

"Election Commission of India has submitted their recommendation 5 years back to the Indian Government to include 'None of the above' option in the ballot papers/ EVMs after listing all the eligible candidates. Four years back, one Senior Advocate has filed a PIL in the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India praying for direction to the Election Commission/Government of India to direct them to implement this to enable voters to reject bad candidates. If this recommendation is implemented, political parties would start fielding better candidates.

Since, the General Elections are likely to be announced soon, India Vsiion Group has made out a petition to Hon'ble Chief Justice of India to take up the case and order the Election Commission to implement this.

If you have not already signed the peition, please go to this link and sign the petition today itself.
http://www.petitiononline.com/elec2009/petition.html

We plan to submit to Hon'ble Chief Justice of India on 1st Jan. Please sign this immediatley and circulate to your friends and contacts.

K. Srinivasan"

Next All-India PR Conference in Chandigarh

2008-12-18T15:59:00.000+05:30

The PR fraternity is requested to keep the next December free for the Public Relations Conference which has been awarded to the Chandigarh Chapter.

As we shall keep you updated through this Blog on the developments as the preparations for the Conference proceed, we assure every participant a grand memorable experience in 'the city beautiful'.

Already, the three state governments i.e. Panjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh, and union territory of Chandigarh have expressed their solidarity and support to the Conference, and hopefully we shall have participants and speakers from the South East Asia region.

We invite all the Public Relations practitioners to send in their suggestions to make the program more meaningful.

The Chapter has already had a couple of meetings with the Directors of Public Relations of various state governments, as well as within the Chapter, and the planning is afoot at a fast pace.

Depending upon the response, we intend to have a pre-conference workshop session to be conducted by an international faculty, besides the pre- and post-conference tours to nearby hill stations.

Chandigarh is linked with the rest of India with six available flights, fast train connections, and express highway from Delhi.

Looking forward to your arrival to contribute to the knowledge bank of the PR profession.

Best Programmes Award for Chandigarh Chapter of PRSI

2008-12-18T15:56:00.000+05:30

The Chandigarh Chapter of Public Relations Society of India received "The Best Programmes Award" for the year 2008 at the recently concluded 30th PRSI National PR Conference at Guwahati from 11-13 December 2008.

Mr.V.P.Sharma,Jt.Director(PR),BBMB & Chairman,Chandigarh Chapter,PRSI and Renuka B.Salwan,Dy Director,Bureau of Indian Standards & past chairperson of the chapter, who attended the Conference, received the award on behalf of Chandigarh Chapter.

The current Chapter Chair, Mr. V.P. Sharma, Joint Director Public Relations with Bhakra Beas Management Board, was a happy man, as he received two awards on behalf of his organisation, which received the “Best Corporate Film" and also the "Best Corporate Brochure" awards at the PR Conference.

Our heartiest congratulations to all those who contributed extensively in keeping the Chapter active through their participation.

Mr. Sanat Lahiri is no more

2008-12-03T10:49:00.000+05:30

Another stalwart of Public Relations, Mr. Sanat Lahari, who held the reins of PRSI in 1974, has passed away. He left for his Heavenly Abode on the same day, i.e. 7th October 2008, the day we lost Mr. K.R. Singh. Unfortunately, I learnt about it only now through Ms Aditi Syam who was informed by Mr. J.M. Kaul from Kolkata.

Mr. Sanat Lahiri has also been the past President of IPRA, and served TISCO Ltd as Director Public Relations. He was member of the PR sub-committee in Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and was the visiting professor of Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta.

He has also been in the Government of India's Advisory Board on Communication and Broadcasting, as also in the Committee on PR and Publicity in Public Undertakings; Consultant on the UN Economic Committee, Asia and Far East on Communications.

In his career he has also served Dunlop India Limited.

May his soul rest in peace.

Desh Sewa Rattan Award for Renuka Salwan

2008-12-03T10:25:00.000+05:30

It is a matter of great pride for PR fraternity that one of our active PR practitioner, Ms Renuka Salwan, Deputy Director Public Relations, Bureau of Indian Standards, Chandigarh, and immediate Past Chairperson of PRSI Chandigarh Chapter, has been conferred the Desh Sewa Rattan Award yesterday at a function in Ludhiana.

A four-decade old NGO, Shaheed Memorial Sewa Society at Ludhiana, conferred the award on eight women who have contributed to the society through their commitment and dedication in their field of work.

Renuka Salwan indeed is a dynamic leader with determination and resolve, and as a professional has contributed immensely in generating awareness about the safety and standardisation of consumer products.

We wish her many more winning innings.

Ravi Dara is no more

2008-11-28T22:32:00.000+05:30

Many of us in the PR field would have heard her name or met with her at various PR fora. An energetic lady, and a great person that she was, was shot dead in her 19th floor room in Hotel Taj. I, who had known her so closely for the last nearly two decades, deeply grieve this loss. And the grief is aggravated by the unprecedented mayhem that Mumbai has faced at the hands of terrorists, shattering lives of hundreds of families around the globe who lost their nears and dears.

May her soul rest in peace.

Remembering KR

2008-10-08T10:33:00.000+05:30

I met Mr K.R. Singh - Kanwar Rajendra Singh to be exact - at the national council meeting of PRSI in 1989 and was greatly impressed by his clarity of thoughts and articulation. He was a multifaceted personality who could interact with anyone and everyone with ease and could discuss with you on any subject, whether it is the kind of wine he was drinking or the fish curry or the Indian diplomacy.
And I remember in 1991, he was the first sitting President of PRSI who agreed to visit the Chandigarh Chapter and address the members. I had gone to pick him up in a borrowed Ford from a friend, and the moment he was in till the time we got down at the hotel, I was better informed about the Ford's history and car's attributes.
KR was a respected journalist, having started his career as a staff correspondent of The Times of India. Later he was with Hindustan Times as Chief Reporter, and later published an English tabloid from Mumbai, 'The Daily' for five years.
He moved to corporate communication after joining IBM and also served as President of Birla Engineering Services, and later of Birla Medical Technologies. He was on the board of directors of three Birla companies for several years.
He was chairman and managing director of a Kirloskar Group company engaged in setting up of cancer treatment facilities in India.
He was the man in a hurry, but would enjoy every moment of his life. He would spend hours with his friends from PR fraternity till late evening, and one could find him up early in the morning ready for the day ahead.
The leadership he provided to PRSI, and the India Foundation for PR Education and Research, that gave me the opportunity to interact with him quite frequently, had been exceptionally memorable golden moments that I cherish so fondly today.
CJ

A legend passes away

2008-10-08T09:46:00.000+05:30

The man full of verve, wit, and smiles...the legendary communicator...the former National President of Public Relations Society of India, Mr.K.R. Singh, passed away yesterday after a cardiac arrest. He leaves a deep chasm in every heart who knew him personally. His contribution to the PR profession had been unmatched...and we shall miss him.
We pray for peace of the great departed soul, and convey our heartfelt condolences to all nears and dears. CJ

National Media Conclave at Mt Abu

2008-09-22T00:47:00.001+05:30

The two-day National Media Conference 2008 at Mount Abu, Rajasthan, India, was held on 20th and 21st September 2008.

You can read about the discussions at the conference and view pictures at PRPoint. Just click here to get the complete update on the Conference.

Dr. Kalam's Message to Youth

2008-07-27T19:03:00.001+05:30

Our friend, Mr. Srinivasan of PRpoint met Dr Abdul Kalam, former President of India at Chennai on 24th July 2008. You can go to click here to listen to Dr. Kalam's message to the Indian Youth. CJ CorePR

India on the crossroads?

2008-07-22T10:47:00.001+05:30

India is passing through a political crisis. May be for the time being. But it is great masala for all the TV channels which for the last two days have got a lot of fodder to munch around, and opportunities of "Breaking News" every hour of the day. Though India is passing through a crisis of sorts, it is time for our channels to 'make hay (the mullah) while the sun shines'.
Watching every Indian tv channel these days is an effort to find out what is the fact and what is the fiction, though for the majority of the viewers it is the entertainment value the channels are trying to offer.
What is the role of media in any national crisis? Mr Vijay Menon, former Secretary General of Asian Mass Communication and Research Centre, Singapore, in his Foreword to "Role of Media in National Crisis", writes, "The media, in the popular view, should play a healing role in times of national crisis. But there is a lack of clarity, leave alone unanimity, about that role.... The journalist is often in a quandry, torn between his professional duty to provide a true and complete account of developments or events and exhortations to temper candour with caution lest his reporting should inflame passions rather than cool them."
Looking at this definition one wonders how many journalists, especially on the electronic media, are really in a "quandry", morally, while reporting.
Let's think.
CJ

PR is not a substitute for truth

2008-07-17T14:29:00.000+05:30

Last year there had been discussion on whether PR people lie and some of the senior PR practitioners at an international conference made no bone about the fact that 'yes they do lie on behalf of the client', that led to serious discussion on the issue, with many votaries for the business of lying.
Unfortunate indeed. Most corporates do not understand the need to be truthful, honest and ethical, and they run to PR agencies to white wash their image, who, again many of them, oblige with a smile.
As a firm believer in the ethical practice of all professions, and the dictum that Public Relations is NOT a substitute for truth, lays down the mandate for the practice of PR. It does not mean that the bad image cannot be corrected, provided the individual and/or the corporate is willing to learn and clean up its own act and adopt the right course of action.
The recent Hollywood release Hancock holds the message for the PR practitioners as well as the corporates. Here's a super hero who carries a bad image until he runs into a PR man, Jason Bateman, who helps him change his habits and his behaviour, and the good things follow...even attracting a positive media.
CJ

2008-07-15T11:22:00.000+05:30

One of our members Paddy Padmanabhan very rightly pointed out about India's rank at 120 in the international ranking, and aptly mentioned about PR intervention.
It is time that Incredible India also wakes up to the reality of our times. There are numerous issues right from corruption, bureaucratic redtapism, injustice, poverty, health crisis, etc., that emanate from mismanaged communication. Living as we are in an interdependent world, and the good that the liberalisation process brought for the Indian economy, it is time to review and improve the situation further through re-engineering the old hackneyed systems of governance, and speed up the process of development.
The need is to communicate government's concerns and vision to all segments, horizontally and vertically, and roll out time-bound action plan, besides initiating the sensitisation process within the government machinery.
Even today, any corporate initiative is looked with suspicion and every possible hurdle is put in place where the formula of MBO-management by objectives (objections?) is seen in action. Lack of intra-departmental and inter-departmental communication where each works at tangent with maximum attempt to subvert any developmental process by hiding essential information from the stakeholders.
Despite the e-governance process being implemented the accountability factor in the government has yet to take appropriate shape.
Communication challenge involves putting their cards bare with all procedures and processes shared at one instance with defined timeline of approvals without which the responsibility shall never get fixed, and India shall continue to suffer in terms of its progress, and its image.

National PR Education Day

2008-07-13T18:40:00.000+05:30

Global Forum for Public Relations has always been proactive in contributing to the knowledge of the public relations practitioners, and this time it has come up with another novel idea of designating 6th August as the National PR Education Day.
The day has been earmarked in honour of former National President of Public Relations Society of India (PRSI) and Editor of PR Voice, Dr. C.V. Narasimha Reddi, who turns 75 on this day.
Indeed a great tribute that we can pay to this great personality whose contribution to PR practice in the country is unparalleled.
The young aspirants who intend to adopt PR as a career are always at a loss to understand the nuances of Public Relations practice, primarily because of the lack of adequate literature, research, and studies on the subject in Indian context.
All PR practitioners are requested to send their ideas as to how we can perpetuate this day most meaningfully and contribute to the enhancement of PR educational resources.
Let 6th August be the Day of reckoning for all the PR practitioners, and chalk out plans as to how we would like to contribute to this cause for the next five years, to make PR education and its practice in the country to match, and even surpass the international standards, and establish benchmarks of its best practices here.
So put on the thinking cap and start writing back.
And wherever PRSI, PRCI, IABC, and other similar organisations have their chapters, must hold a meeting and brainstorm on the issue engaging the academia in this process.
CJ Singh, CorePR, Chandigarh

Global Forum for Public Relations: Awards function

2008-07-13T11:45:00.000+05:30

GLOBAL FORUM FOR PUBLIC RELATIONS, the India International Association for Values and Ethics in Public Relations Profession, is organising an Awards and Felicitation Function at Hyderabad, on 18th July. Sri G. Vinod, Minister for Labour and Employment, Government of AP shall be the chief guest, and guests of honours include our very dear Dr. C.V. Narasimha Reddi, amongst various other dignitaries.

Rajayogi B.K. Karuna ji, Chief of Multimedia and PR, Brahmakumaris, Mt Abu; Sri Atluri Subba Rao, Former President, FAPCCI, Hyderabad; are to receive the Awards, while Shri Suraj Prasad Agarwal, President, FAPCCI, Hyderabad shall be felicitated.

PR Blogs

2008-07-05T10:19:00.000+05:30

Google Blog Search is the new utility from the Google team. Just key-in your favourite subject and it would turn up links to all the bloggers from around the globe. What a resource for the public relations practitioners! A search for 'Public Relations' turned up 8,215,944 links to blogs on the subject. Imagine the vast treasure-trove available in the netspace for everyone to learn. Happy blogging!

New issue of PR-e-Sense available for download

2008-06-03T17:42:00.000+05:30

The 27th issue of the most respected and read online ezine on public relations, PR-e-Sense, edited and published by Mr. K. Srinivasan of PR Point, is now available for download.
This issue focusses on the theme "PR Online Resources". Image Management and PR Point Groups complete 9 successful and active years and enters 10th year in June. To coincide with this, various PR online resourcs available today have also been included in this ezine.
This ezine will be a handbook for professionals and students to get all the top PR Resources.
Please enjoy this ezine and give your feedback to editor@corpezine.com.
Please Click here to Download the e-zine. Don't miss it.

Women in Media: Seminar Programme

2008-05-30T13:42:00.000+05:30

Different sessions for the Women in Media scheduled next week in Chandigarh, includes:

Session 1: Major Problems of Women Journalists in Print & Electronic Media
Session 2: The Superiority Myth: Men vs Women
Session 3: Why coverage of women issues get a raw deal?
Session 4: Need for well-defined gender policy in print and electronic media

We shall welcome any views and opinions of the readers on the issue.

Women in Media

2008-05-23T16:29:00.001+05:30

Media Information and Communication Centre of India (MICCI) is organising a two-days seminar on "Women in Media:Fighting Stereotypes - Identity & Gender" on 7-8 June 2008 at Golden Jubilee Auditorium, Panjab University, Chandigarh.
Though there is no registration fee, formal registration in advance is necessary to make appropriate arrangements.
Public Relations Society of India-Chandigarh Chapter and CorePR are the Knowledge Partners in organising this seminar.
For further information please contact Geetu Batra, CorePR, 0172-2613190 / 5016581, or email at info@corepr.com
CJ Singh

PR Conference on Communication Challenges

2008-03-05T19:49:00.000+05:30

The Chandigarh Chapter of PRSI is organising a one-day Conference on "Media Paradigm and Communication Challenges" on Sunday, 16th March 2008 at the CII Convention Centre, Chandigarh.
Leading luminaries from the field of print and electronic media, PR practitioners, and academicians shall be addressing the Conference.
The registration fee is Rs.1500.
For further details, please send email.

Golden Jubilee Year of PRSI

2008-03-05T19:08:00.000+05:30

Public Relations Society of India (PRSI) completes 50 eventful years this year. There are a number of activities planned around the country. The Chandigarh Chapter, one of the 33 Chapters of PRSI, is organising a Golden Jubilee Felicitation function on 15th March 2008, at the CII Convention Centre, Chandigarh, where former National Presidents of PRSI shall be felicitated.
For further information please get in touch with us through email.

Opening for Corporate Head PR

2008-02-04T10:17:00.000+05:30

A leading IT company in Chandigarh requires Corporate Head PR.

MBA or Equivalent qualification in Mass Communications or Public
Relations with 4-6 years of relevant work experience.

The candidate will be required to liaise with the media (Print, TV, Radio and Online) on a regular basis. Other KRA's will include:

• Media Research, Writing articles, Preparation of newsletters, Distributing press releases to the targeted media
• Preparation and editing of marketing materials and collaterals
• Co-ordination of PR activities at an all India as well as international basis, mainly the US

Knowledge of new age media like Blogs, internet media etc. will be a key requirement

In brief, the candidate will be responsible for complete ownership of the Brand building exercise including collateral, PR and other customer acquisition techniques.

A candidate with extensive networking with the media and excellent written and communication skills will be preferred. He/ She must also possess a good knowledge of computers.

Key Skills: PR, Public Relations, Liaison with Media, Blogs, Online Marketing, Media Research,

Qualifications: MBA/ Mass Comm with minimum of 4-6 years work exp. Age below 35 years.

Please send resume to info@corepr.com

Corporate Ethics: Infosys shows the way

2008-02-03T21:34:00.000+05:30

Many would have missed the newsitem in several newspapers last week about Infosys fining its Executive Directors for violating company's code of conduct. He was fined for failing to notify the company in time that he sold 10,000 company shares the week before. Infosys' insider trading rules state that directors and officers may buy or sell company shares only after prior notification to the company. Further, notification must also be given within one working day following the execution of such transactions.

Looking at all the news reports it is clear that the news is based on Infosys's release where it is making a clear acknowledgment of the lapse, identifies the senior director by name, and specifies the 'misconduct'. Great example of conformance to good corporate conduct, and proactive acknowledgment.

The penalty of Rs.5 lakh imposed on the director, again, shows the corporate vision...the penalty does not go to the corporate coffers but to a charity.

In today's world of cut-throat competition and race to save the corporate face and image from public glare, here is a company which continues to, and infact, enhances its corporate image in the public eye, by sharing an otherwise damaging news. Kudos to Infosys management for following the fundamentals of public relations...there is no substitute for truth....and it pays to be truthful and honest.

Why Public Relations?

2008-01-28T11:30:00.000+05:30

Last week a harried colleague from the industry called up to ask that his management is asking him to explain as to why their organisation needs public relations? This is the question perhaps still taking the round of corporate circles primarily because most of the work relates to intangibles, and also because, majority of our PR practitioners have not started using the measuring techniques of their PR efforts.
Another significant aspect of PR is its role as a strategic management function. PR has, unfortunately, remained limited to media coverage and the amount of photographs or clips one can generate. Since PR is not a substitute for truth or the good work, the PR practitioner must set the agenda for the corporates to prepare itself to address larger issues since existence of every organisation impacts a large number of stakeholders. Therefore the moment we profile our stakeholders and address the issues that concern them directly or indirectly, there is whole lot of PR deliverables needed to generate goodwill and better understanding about the organisation through appropriate communication, which, at times, goes beyond mere media relations.
The challenge for the PR practitioners today is to understand the professional aspect of their calling, so that no one asks them 'Why PR?'

Bloggers Code of Ethics

2007-12-09T10:42:00.000+05:30

The Ogilvy PR's team has designed code of ethics for the bloggers. A must read. Click here.

Conference Registration

2007-10-25T12:26:00.000+05:30

Further to my earlier communication, the brochure and registration form can be downloaded from either the website of Chennai Chapter or Chandigarh Chapter of PRSI, or you can also get in touch with the respective chairman of the local chapter of PRSI for registering yourself for the Conference.

All India PR Conference

2007-10-24T00:25:00.000+05:30

The next All India PR Conference is being held in Chennai on 13-15 December 2007 at Hotel Green Park, Chennai.
The theme of this conference is, Public Relations & Infrastructure Development in India.
The registration details are as follows :
PRSI Members : Rs. 4,000/- per delegate (for registrations before 15 November '07)
: Rs. 4,500/- per delegate (after 16 November '07)
Non-Members : Rs. 5000/- per delegate (for registrations before 15 November '07)
: Rs. 5,500/- per delegate (after 16 November '07)
Participant's spouse : Rs. 2,000/- per delegate
Full-time Students : Rs. 2,000/- per delegate
Foreign delegates : US$ 250 per delegate
* 10% concession on total delegate fee for 3 or more delegates from the same organisation.
** Rupees 1000/- each for sight seeing on 16th December 2007 (Optional)

You can download the Conference Brochure and Registration Form from PRSI Chennai Chapter's website.

PR for Hospitality Industry

2007-10-21T23:54:00.000+05:30

With booming tourism and the hospitality industry, here is a lesson for all of us, not to do what this hotel did to its valued customer. The customer made a power point and sent it to the hotel management as well as to their friends, and now it is available on the net. I am sure this would have turned away numerous customers from this hotel over the years. It is worth going thru this presentation.

Do We Believe in Ourselves?

2007-10-17T15:51:00.000+05:30

In a recent interaction with the district public relations officer of a state government, during a training programme for them, it was surprising to know that despite their being in the department for over two decades, majority of them were not very happy with their jobs.
The reason was obvious; right from their immediate superiors to their bosses in the political circles were not interested either in making a policy changes for the good of the people, but just to see their mug-shots and statements into the press. The bigger the photo, the happier they are.
There is lack of opportunity for showing their creative abilities, and their opinion does not hold any value for their superiors.
It is time that all the politicians, MLAs, and senior bureaucrats are sensitised about the importance of doing good, and then getting themselves written about rather than the other way round.

Seminar on Community Radio

2007-09-20T19:21:00.000+05:30

Seminar on
Community Radio for Social Empowerment
Chandigarh . October 6-7, 2007

Media Information and Communication Centre of India (MICCI) is organising a two-day seminar on Community Radio in Chandigarh.

All those engaged in the field of community radio, government, academia, corporate sector, representatives of various voluntary bodies, producers, equipment suppliers, etc., are invited to join in.

There is no registration fee for participating in this seminar. However, every participant must confirm in writing and register with the secretariat on or before 1st of October 2007.

Each participant must make his/her own travel and stay arrangements.

The seminar is being organised in the wake of the Government's policy of allowing NGOs to set up their own community radio stations. The forum will therefore explore ways to overcome the challenges through collaboration, information shsaring, and mutual learning, while working out the modalities of operationlising the opportunities that it offers now to the NGOs.

Register Now:
Please fax/email/mail your confirmation of participation with your complete contact details, including name, address, organization, telephone, mobile, fax, and email id, to:
Ms Navjot Gill
Media Information & Communication Centre of India c/o Core Communications Pvt Ltd
3366, FF, Sector 32D, Chandigarh 160 031
Phones: 0172-2613190, 5001581
Email: info@corepr.com

National Headquarter:
Media Information and Communication Centre of India (MICCI)
94 B, Second Floor, DDA Flats, Shahpur Jat
New Delhi: 110049
Phone: 011-26492191
E-mail: miccind@gmail.com,
Web Site: www.micci.in

Dr. Kalam's Podcast

2007-08-24T17:11:00.000+05:30

Have you heard Dr. Abdul Kamal on "Top 10 Challenges and Role of Youth" on the 60th anniversary of our independence? Click here for an exclusive podcast produced by Mr. K. Srinivasan of PR Point. Our heartiest congratulations for giving an opportunity to everyone to listen to the great philosopher of our times, Dr. Kalam.

Chandigarh Tourism on the move

2007-08-22T18:54:00.000+05:30

Chandigarh Tourism deserves kudos for excellent move to popularise the city as a perfect destination for business and leisure. Every day there is an addition to some of the other activity that is involving more and more people. The Director Public Relations and Tourism, Mr. Vivek Atray, is the man with the vision, and vitality who is definitely making things happen. More

Remembering Dilgir

2007-08-19T23:56:00.001+05:30

Chandigarh Chapter of PRSI organised a special function on the birth anniversary of late Prof H.S. Dilgir on 18th August.
On the occasion Prof Dilgir's book, "Scattered Thoughts", a collection of poems, was released by Mr Pawan Kumar Bansal, Member of Parliament and State Minister for Finance, Govt of India.
Prof Dilgir was the founder chairman of the Chandigarh Chapter.

International PR Conference in Tehran

2007-07-30T11:37:00.000+05:30

Kargozar Public Relations Institute (KPRI) will hold Iran 4th International Conference on Public Relations in Tehran on 15-16 November 2007.
The conference is aimed at exchanging Public Relations knowledge in an international level and promoting the profession in Iran by holding some expertise seminars and workshops on public relations different fields. Some expertise exhibition will be also set up during the conference.
For further information, and registration details, please click here.

Good Design is Good Business

2007-06-26T09:48:00.000+05:30

This nugget of wisdom came from Thomas Watson Jr, former IBM CEO, while addressing the Wharton School of Business in 1973. The Indian companies with the opening up of the economy have also started realising the importance of good design, whether it is product, services, or communication. A well executed design brings in lot of respect, brand identity and loyalty, and trust, especially when it precisely communicates corporate philosophy and is consumer friendly.
The Indian designers therefore are much in demand across the globe for their aesthetics and ergonomics which they are capable of creatively deploy in the products.
It is worth reading the latest 'Outlook Business' for a comprehensive overview of the emerging communication scenario and how the design, or the visual imagery, is being used not as a mere support function but as a part of the corporate strategy.

Corporate Image Monitor

2007-05-22T12:33:00.000+05:30

There is another interesting study on corporate image of top 20 Indian companies, a study conducted periodically by AC Nielson ORG-MARG.

Chandigarh is the Cleanest City

2007-05-21T10:37:00.000+05:30

Chandigarh has been declared as the cleanest city in India, by a survey conducted by A.C. Nielsen ORG MARG, covering 18 state capitals, including the metros, on the basis of the opinion of citizens on cleanliness in their cities.
Chandigarh city emerged the best city with a score of 144, followed by Chennai with a score of 118 and Kolkata, with a score of 108. Others in that order are Bangalore, Bhubaneshwar, Lucknow, and Trivandrum. Delhi ranked 9th with a score of (99), which is below the all-city average of 100.
The city cleanliness survey was commissioned by Lifebuoy.

PR Events

2007-05-13T09:42:00.000+05:30

On 2-3 August 2007:
Marcus Evans, Malaysia is organising a seminar on corporate communication at Mumbai. (There is special discount for PRSI members). Further details can be obtained from Mr. VAvinesh Nadarajan, Phone: +603 27236600, avineshn@marcousevanskl.com.

13-15 December 2007:
29th All India PR Conference is being held in Chennai, India. Further information can be obtained from Mr. R.K.Dharan, PRSI Vice President South, rkdharan@yahoo.com

PR at a cross-road!

2007-05-06T23:23:00.000+05:30

Last week, while conducting a training programme for the senior officers of the PR department of a state Government, I came across some interesting queries as we discussed the subject of ethical practices in PR :

One, "what would you say since most of the news and the special sections for the state government's news that the media provides in their editorial columns is squarely dependent upon the government's advertising released to them? The state government has massive advertising budget running into crores that is dangled before the newspapers to receive 'positive' coverage. Isn't it 'news for money' policy?"

Two, "media relationship is a 'hate-hate' relationship. They abuse the government PR department and we also do not give a damn to them since we know that they would report what we want so long as the ads are released to them."

Three, "are the editors of the newspapers truly the journalists or the marketing men?" The last question cropped in contest with the recent cash prize of Rs.25,000 given to the editor of a vernacular daily by its management for bringing in more advertising revenue to the newspaper in the previous year.

Valid questions. Need to be mulled over.

CJ Singh
http://prsichd.blogspot.com/

Punjab Govt to Engage Private PR Professionals

2007-04-28T16:31:00.001+05:30

The Punjab Government would formulate a policy to provide recognition to the PR Companies and private PR practitioners to insure their involvement in ongoing government’s PR activities, under Public-Private Partnership (PPP).

Mr. Jagjit Puri, Secretary, Information and Public Relations, Punjab disclosed this while presiding over a seminar on Achieving Excellence in PR through IT Intervention organized by Public Relations Society of India, (PRSI) Chandigarh Chapter.

In his presidential address Mr. Puri advised PRSI to compile a directory with details of PR Companies working in

India

and abroad to help the PR Department to use their services for media management in in other states or abroad.

Talking about long emotional attachment with PR, Mr. Puri recollected his memoirs when he was a University student and started his carrier as an Assistant Public Relations Man in some Private Company. He said that today the Information technology had totally changed the face of the world, all the borders and barriers had been eliminated and flow of information became very easy through internet networking. Mr. Puri urged PR practitioners to continuously upgrade their technological skills for collective interface with the media to reach out to the grassroots level. Mr. Puri also underlined various PR challenges faced by the state government for effective flow of communication.

Col Rajesh Dua, General Manager, IT, Punjab Infotech in his key note address touched upon 4 step PR Process of Research, Planning~ Communicating and Evaluating. He gave detailed account of current technologies and their applications for strategic information systems. He said that managing a local problem, partnership between general, IT and users management is crucial and e-governance is not about transporting processes, but transforming processes.

Earlier in her welcome address, Ms. Renuka B. Salwan, Chairperson of the Chandigarh Chapter said that technological changes have a significant impact on communication and PR professionals have to adopt it fully. PR is an information related discipline and information data banks help in PR planning and strategies. On the occasion, she also announced to annually organize Dilgir Memorial lecture every year on his birthday falling in August.

Mr Charanjit Singh, Managing Director, Core PR stated that for achieving professional excellence, it is imperative to be competitive, ethical and truthful. For effective and efficient management of PR campaigns , PR practitioners should learn to use the entire range of communication tools available with them whether traditional or the modern ones like webcasting, blogging, podcasting, etc.

PRSI Chandigarh Chapter honours Vivek Atray with Award of Excellence

2007-04-28T15:44:00.000+05:30

Chandigarh Chapter of Public Relations Society of India (PRSI) has selected Mr. Vivek Atray for the PRSI Award of Excellence for his contribution to the Public Relations.

The award was presented at the seminar held on "Achieving Excellence in PR through IT intervention" as a part of National PR Day celebrations here today at the Chandigarh Press Club.

Mr. Atray had been instrumental in professionalising the public relations in the UT administration and has immensely contributed to enhancing the image of the city and promoting it as a tourism destination through extensive use of effective communication techniques.

April 21 is the National PR Day

2007-04-20T23:49:00.000+05:30

Heartiest greetings to the PR fraternity on the National PR Day.

On 21st of April 1968, the PRSI organised the first All India Public Relations Conference in New Delhi, and adopted the Code of Athens (adopted by the International Public Relations Association as the code of ethics for the PR practitioners), for the PR practitioners in India.

All those who wish to read the Code of Ethics and the Global Protocol on Ethics in Public Relations, can download from the PRSI Chandigarh Chapter website. http://www.prsi.in/code_of_ethics.htm.

As we observe this year, let us remind ourselves, that this day, the 21st April, is the annual reminder to update ourselves and at least read and understand the code of ethics enumerated for the PR practitioners, and adopt them in our lives to practice it truthfully.

Big 92.7 FM is Number One

2007-04-19T16:15:00.000+05:30

Chandigarh media scene is alive and throbbing, especially with the launch of two private radio stations, Big 92.7FM and MyFM 94.3, owned by Adlabs and Dainik Bhaskar respectively. The city had earlier had only one local channel of AIR, and last year saw the transmission of AIR Rainbow from Delhi through Kasauli transmission, adding zest to the radio buffs. Even the local AIR station had seen the advent of many private software producers for which the trend was set by RadioBuzz in November 2002, that provided some zing to the programmes.

And Chandigarh appears to be on the radar of everyone including the market research organisations which thought of moving out of the metro-oriented listenership surveys and explore the Tier-II cities. In March-April 2007, Mumbai based Indica Research Consumer Insights, which has numerous listernship surveys to its credit, conducted the research in Chandigarh across the age groups of 15-34 yrs ( male & female), households belonging to SEC A/B/C.
Obviously both the private radio channels, BigFM and MyFM scored a lead over the All India Radio Rainbow. And amongst these three, Big92.7FM has emerged as leader with 82 percent overall listenership.
Music being a key differentiator, BIG 92.7 FM’s music positioning has received the endorsement of Chandigarh with 81% of Chandigarh voting it the best on Music.. My FM has also received thumbs up for their music by 64% of Chandigarh, both scoring above AIR Rainbow in the parameter of most enjoyable stations to listen to with 77% and 69% votes respectively, which AIR scored 18 percent.
As to the popularity of the RJs amongst city listeners, for their distinct lingual flavour and persona, Pankaj, Meenakshi, Nidhi of BIG FM have scored the maximum votes to be the top 3 RJs of the City. MyFM’s RJ Khushi ranks 7th amongst the top 10s, while other being from BigFM.
CJ Singh . CorePR

Photo Exhibition

2007-04-18T23:03:00.000+05:30

Our friend from Public Relations Haryana, who has made a mark as a photographer with numerous awards to his credit, is putting up the exhibition of his latest collection at Panjab Kala Bhavan, Sector 16, Chandigarh. The Exhibition opens tomorrow, i.e. 19th April at 5:15pm. Let us join him and compliment him in person. CJ

Budget Your PR efforts

2007-04-07T13:57:00.000+05:30

April is the month for the PR people to review the results of their efforts of the past and plan for the future. One of the essential component is to consolidate the report for your organisation or each of your clients with the results achieved through various PR initiatives last year. And get ready for the presentation on what you want to accomplish in the coming 12 months.
This exercise is of tremendous help, and has several advantages. One, it makes you proactive; two, it helps the top management understand the need for professional PR support in all its operations; three, it provides you with the opportunity to plan your activities and get approvals for the budgets.
However, do incorporate the proposed timelines, and measurement parameters of your success.
Best of luck in this year of pig, which, in the Chinese culture, is associated with fertility and virility, and bearing children in the year of the pig is considered very fortunate, as they will be happy and honest.
So it is a happy time for PR people to show their 'fertility and virility' in culling out newer ideas and launch newer campaigns (your children), which should bring happiness for all stake-holders, provided they are 'honest'...based on ethical professional values.
Happy April :)
CJ, CorePR

Lie travels faster than the truth?

2007-03-29T22:56:00.000+05:30

Last month has seen two major rumours showing the power of communication, especially if it is a lie. I remember what Mark Twain once said, “A lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is putting its shoes on.”

The rumour of deaths by mobile phones travelled all across the northern region within one day, while a week back, the rumour of 'impending earthquake' kept many people out of their homes the whole night. My enquiries revealed that most of the people received phone calls from friends or relatives informing that an 'earthquake is expected so rush out'. The entire Panjab, Rajasthan, Haryana, was affected within a matter of hours...and it all happened between 1am and 3am.

The question is: who started it? And how come majority of the people believed it, without realising that the mankind has yet to reach a stage to be able to predict earthquakes.

Prof. H.S. Dilgir is no more

2007-03-29T19:01:00.000+05:30

We have lost the father-figure of journalism, author, journalist, Public Relations professional, playright, theatre artist, film producer, and more importantly, a truly saintly Teacher, and a great human being. He was the founder president of the Chandigarh Chapter of Public Relations Society of India, and had attended several all India PR conferences. A visiting faculty to several journalism and public relations departments to various universities, he had authored several books on public relations, and journalism.
He was admitted in Sector 32 Hospital today morning as he complained about breathlessness, but on reaching there at 9:30am he had a heart attack and his blood pressure also dropped suddenly. Though the doctors struggled on and despite our best of prayers, he passed away at 3pm. He had willed to donate his body and with the concurrence of his wife and two daughters, the body was handed over to the Govt Medical College, Sector 32 hospital, while the eyes were gifted immediately to the eye bank in the hospital. He was a great man, who cared about every little thing, and would go all the way to help anyone. After his retirement he had taken sojourn in the Nadiali village where he built up his library and taught little children. He spearheaded the literacy movement in his small hamlet, a village of few families, where no one, especially the girls, had any schooling. But he relentlessly dedicated his life to ignite the power of learning amongst children, and helped many children graduate from the village.
Like me who had the opportunity to know him right from the days in the department of journalism, there are countless students around the globe who cherish some of the choicest moments that we spent with him. I had the good fortune of being with him till the last moment.
He lives amongst us. Physically, his eyes would light up someone's lives. His body would give the insight to the medical students, to learn and save many lives, in their professional life time. We salute him. And pray to God, to give peace to the departed soul...though we know that though he left in peace, living his life to the fullest, he would not rest...and would be preparing for his next plan of action.
CJ Singh

PR Accreditation

2007-03-20T12:10:00.000+05:30

PR Accreditation is a big issue and I have been writing about it for quite some times, but not much progress has been achieved. In the recently concluded PR meet in Goa which included the national council meeting also on the 18th, Dr. Ajit Pathak, President, PRSI, informed "about the efforts taken by the PRSI in getting accreditation for public relations practitioners from the Centre on the lines of the highly developed countries, in tune with the emerging economic environment."
This is a good initiative but at the same time the involvement of Centre, or the PIB, or the HR ministry should be restricted only to the extent of regulating and managing the appointment, and promotions of the PR practitioners in the government PR set-up, with the rider to obtain accreditation from the national accreditation board of PR. Because, accreditation of PR has to be managed by a high-powered national-level board of experienced PR professionals, who should conduct the examination, hold interviews, review projects/case studies, and then accredit the practitioners.
It is time that such an accreditation board is constituted independent of any PR body but taking the representation of all the PR societies functional in the country today.

Tribune launches Himachal edition

2007-03-17T19:33:00.000+05:30

The Tribune launched its Himachal edition two days back. Tribune had its beginning in Lahore, and after partition was printed from Shimla for sometimes, and later at Ambala, before moving into Chandigarh.
The Himachal edition shall continue to be printed from Chandigarh and shall be distributed in Himachal.
The Tribune is perhaps the largest circulated daily in the region with combined circulation of its four editions being over 3 lakh copies.

News Portals

2007-03-17T19:11:00.000+05:30

Some of our friends in PR have entered into the online media/PR field with aplomb, and three of them are right here from Chandigarh. For getting information about the city and businesses around here in the northern region, some of the excellent informative portals are :
http://www.citizenxpress.com/, www.indianewscalling.com; and www.infomailers.com. The newsmakers are getting more and more opportunity to reach out to the mediamen.

However, the big question to all those who are handling portals. How many of the media men are truly accessing this news and using it in print? How many of such news is being picked up by other portals?

Let's hear from you.

Media Accountability

2007-03-17T16:24:00.000+05:30

Chandigarh chapter of PRSI organised a seminar on 'Media Accountability' on 13th March. The prominent panelists included former editor of Panjabi Tribune, Mr. S.S. Bhullar, advisor to Dainik Bhaskar Mr. V.P. Prabhakar, author and former chairman of the department of mass communication Prof. H.S. Dilgir, a senior journalist from Canada Mr. N.S. Shergill, current chairman of the department of mass communication, Panjab University, Mr. Jayant Pethkar.

The seminar was a result of a recent developments on the vernacular media scene in Punjab during the Punjab Assembly elections held during February. The media had vyed with one another to corner the maximum mullah from the political candidates in the fray not only to publish their advertisement, but also the paid-for 'news', the later being the area of concern for the journalists.

Mr. Bhullar lamented the practice of publishing the 'doctored news' on payment basis with many of them going under print without the statutory disclosure that it was an 'advertisement' or 'advertorial'. He said that the Fourth Estate was the only redeeming factor in the general corruption prevailing in other three 'Estates', which ruefully has also become saleable just like any other commodity.

Mr. Prabhakar said that the media has to be accountable and must work for the social good and vehemently expressed the growing interference of commercial or business side of the newspaper into the editorial arena. He also condemned the advertisements issued by various political parties that were not only aggressive but in bad taste, which need to be refused by the media for which media itself must setup its own code of ethical and moral practices.

Prof. Dilgir felt that for any journalist truth is the only defence and anyone digressing from the facts, accuracy and truth, is digging his own grave. He called upon the journalists to restrain themselves from getting too selfish and materialistic that is taking them away from professional conduct towards corrupt practices.

The panelists and the participants felt that not all was lost since the situation in developed countries like US is also much worst, but freedom must come with a level of responsibility which the mediamen themselves can control and manage to save itself from its degradation.

It was also felt that Press Council of India must be given more teeth so that the erring newspapers and channels can be put to task.

A memorandum in this regard is being sent to various stakeholders, the journalists associations, as well as the PCI for their information and taking up corrective action.

Right to Information Act

2007-03-13T23:00:00.000+05:30

We have been hearing a lot on the Rights to Information Act for long, and as it stabilises there had been many hiccups in its implementation...and even now, many have several issues on mind.

To get an update on the Act, the city shall have one of the most prominent contributors to the formation of this Act, Mr. Shekhar Singh, who is the founder member of the National Campaign for the People's Right to Information.

Shekhar Singh has taught at St. Stephen’s College, University of Delhi, at the North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong and at the Indian Institute of Public Administration, New Delhi. He is currently Director of the Centre for Equity Studies, New Delhi and has worked with the Government of India and has been Advisor to the Planning Commission of India. He has also been associated with various non-government organisations and popular movements. He is a founding member of the National Campaign for the People’s Right to Information (NCPRI), a governor of the International Development Research Centre, Canada, and co-chair of the task force on transparency, a part of the Initiative on Policy Dialogue (IPD) of the University of
Columbia. He has authored and co-authored various books.

He will be in Chandigarh on the request of Asian Education Society on 21st March 2007 to address the Seminar at CRRID, at 11am. Mr. Rajan Kashyap, Chief Information Commissioner, Panjab, shall preside over the meeting.

You are most cordially invited.

Scholarship in Journalism

2007-03-13T22:32:00.000+05:30

To encourage pursuit of studies in journalism and allied subjects, Rotary News Trust has instituted a scholarship for those eligible candidates in the age group of 20-30 years, who, after graduation, seeks admission in a recognised University imparting education in journalism.

The scholarship equivalent to one year's fee shall be provided on the basis of the selection by the Rotary International District 3080. There is only one scholarship available. The last date for sending in the application to the Rotary Club near you is before 30th April. Only those candidates who have applied for admission and have been selected, shall be eligible for applying for this scholarship.

For further information you can contact me, Rtn. C.J. Singh, District Coordinator for Journalism Scholarship, Rotary International District 3080. info@corepr.com / seejaysingh@gmail.com

PRSI New Website

2007-03-05T23:04:00.000+05:30

The National Council of Public Relations Society of India has come up with its own website, www.prsi.co.in. Well the PRSI members can get the latest information about National Council activities from the website. Though many of its pages are under construction, it is hoped that it would fulfil the much felt need of the Society. Congratulations to Dr. Ajit Pathak.

PRSI National Council Meeting

2007-03-05T12:28:00.000+05:30

The next National Council meeting of the Public Relations Society of India is scheduled on Saturday 17th March 2007 at Goa.

The meeting shall start at 3pm in the Goa Chamber of Commerce, Panjim.

PR Challenges to Outshine Brand & Business

2007-03-05T12:22:00.000+05:30

Goa Chapter of PRSI is organising a one-day workshop on "PR Challenges to Outshine Brand & Businesses" on Sunday, 18th March 2007 at the Goa Chamber of Commerce.
For further details please get in touch with Mr. Rajesh Parida : rajeshparida@goashipyard.com, or call him on 098239 20469.

PRSI Chandigarh: Roundtable on Media's Role in Recent Elections in Punjab

2007-02-27T16:45:00.000+05:30

PRSI Chandigarh Chapter is organising a roundable on "Media's Role in the Recent Elections in Punjab" on Wednesday, 13th March 2007 at ICSSR Complex, Panjab University, Chandigarh at 10:30am

There is no registration fee for this programme, to be followed by lunch.

Kindly confirm your participation to the Chapter Chairperson Mrs. Renuka B. Salwan.

New PR Body in Chennai.

2007-02-27T16:14:00.000+05:30

Here is a new PR body in the country ... PR Syndicate. They have their website prsyndicate.wetpaint.com and though it does not contain the contact details or whereabouts of its office/location, some of the contents point out about its operational area in Chennai.
On 8th March, the PR Syndicate is observing the International Women's Day. The body was formed in February 2006.

Our congratulations to the members of this new body and I do hope that they would associate themselves with some of the established bodies for better coordination and exchange of ideas.

CJ

Taxi Drivers in Chandigarh receive Training

2007-01-27T10:35:00.000+05:30

Chandigarh Chapter of Public Relations Society of India (PRSI) in association with the Chandigarh Tourism and Chandigarh Institute of Hotel Management (CIHM), launched a capacity-building programme for the taxi drivers at the CIHM campus on 25th January.

The pilot programme was launched for the licensed taxi drivers in the city which was formally inaugurated by Mr. Man Mohan Singh Kohli, who is a member of the governing body of CIHM, and Ms Renuka Salwan, Chairperson of Chandigarh Chapter of PRSI.

Our objective is to sensitise these taxi drivers as also other first point-of-contacts for the tourists, to be the ambassadors of the city, and render services ethically and professionally, informed Charanjit Singh, convenor of the programme, and former national vice president of PRSI.

Any tourist destination, besides the infrastructure, requires the support of its residents and whole lot of service-providers must partner in this entire exercise to make a destination into a brand and a wholesome pleasant experience for the tourists, he said.

A Code of Conduct for the taxi drivers was also released and each driver attending the programme was given an incentive of Rs.100 and a Certificate.

CJ

Strategic Media Relations Conference

2007-01-23T13:42:00.000+05:30

Strategic Media Relations Conference and Workshop, which AMIC is endorsing, is being held at Singapore from 5-7 February 2007.

The new media era of blogs , RSS , wikis and podcasts revolutionises the way communicators reach out to the crucial stakeholders with major repercussions. News and information is travelling in lightning speed and easily accessible anytime, anywhere, on any device . Adding fuel to this trend is the challenge to stay apprised with the media relations efforts to prove the ROI. Synchronising sustainable media strategy and utilising new and innovative technologies is the key deliver to rising above the competition.

Are you able to augment your communication efforts in the changing media landscape with the invasion of new media? Can you pave the way to a bigger budgetary pie for your media relations efforts by proving the worth of the spent? Are your media strategies in sync with the journalists' instincts and resonate with the media interests?

To register yourself online :
http://www.conferences.com.sg/registration.htm

CJ

Ethical Dilemma

2007-01-22T10:39:00.000+05:30

Almost every day a PR person faces numerous ethical dilemmas which makes him stop and ponder: Is it right? Can it be done? Should I do it?

Please share your personal experiences how you resolved the personal ethical issues especially when dealing with your bosses, or the media, or any of the stakeholders in the course of your duty.

CJ

Denise Lawrenece's Talk

2006-12-28T12:40:00.000+05:30

Denise Lawrence of UK, Department of Value Education, Brahma Kumari’s World Spiritual University, in her special talk, organized by Global Forum for Public Relations on 24th Dec 2006, here in Hyderabad said we live in a highly materialistic world which compromises and contaminates our life style. The power of materialism has eroded the natural spiritual strength and people are unable to resist corruption, temptation and a variety of addictions.

Narrating her experience in media during her career in UK & US she said that a country like India with its age-old historical background and following the commandments contained in great epics like Ramayana & Mahabharata, which advocated human and ethical values in the normal life has a great potential to take up many practices of the present day including Corporate Communication.

She said that the root cause of any ill was the general spiritual depletion and the need of the hour was to restore spiritual component of a human being and the source of spiritual strength. Such an environment will enable us to integrate the power of spirituality into our social, professional, communication and family approach.

She, therefore, stressed the need for ensuring ethical values in dealing with corporate communication to achieve positive credibility for the organization.

She has co-related these elements to the Golden Triangle set by the Global Forum with regard to Professionalism, Ethics and Spirituality for effective Public Relations.

The chief guest of the programme, Dr. C.V. Narasimha Reddi, Editor of PR Voice, observed that Corporate Ethics and Public Relations Ethics should go hand in hand in gaining organizational credibility. He advised the corporate communicators to bear values and ethics in mind in their day-to-day corporate activity. Quoting the meaning of ‘meditation’ as ‘connection’ he said that the very business of corporate communication is to establish a connection between the organization and its various publics. This way, meditation can be used as a ‘medication’ to overcome stress and strain and to sharpen one’s own skills.
(Contributed by Mr. Y. Babji)

Best PRSI Chapter Award for Chandigarh

2006-12-13T18:48:00.000+05:30

Chandigarh Chapter of Public Relations Society of India got the Best Chapter Performance Award at the just concluded 28th All India Public Relations Conference organised by PRSI at Lucknow.
Mrs. Renuka Salwan, Chairperson of Chandigarh Chapter, who had led the 21 member delegation from the Chapter, received the award from the chief guest, the former president of Mauritius.
PRSI Chandigarh Chapter had been instrumental in starting and mentoring a Chapter of PRSI in Himachal Pradesh earlier this year, besides launching its own website, and regularly organising programmes for professional development of its members.

Chandni Luthra's Talk

2006-12-10T12:20:00.000+05:30

It is for the information all those who confirmed for attending the talk by Ms Chandni Luthra, Vice President, ITDC, New Delhi, on "New Dimensins in Tourism Promotion", at Chandigarh on 12th December stands postponed now to 19th December, Tuesday, at 5pm at the UT Guest House.
The Department of Tourism, UT Administration, Chandigarh, is the sponsor of the evening.

New Dimensions in Tourism Promotion

2006-12-03T13:03:00.000+05:30

Chandigarh Chapter of PRSI is organising a lecture presentation on 'New Dimensions in Tourism Promotion' on Tuesday, 12th December 2006 at 4:45 pm at UT Guest House.
Presentation shall be made by Ms. Chandni Luthra, Vice President, Indian Tourism Development Corporation, New Delhi.
She is a PR veteran and closely working with the Chandigarh Administration in the promotion of the city as a tourism destination.
All of you who can make it, are most cordially invited.

Welcome Aboard

2006-12-03T13:02:00.000+05:30

We welcome all those new members who are signing up the group. Welcome Aboard. We shall appreciate if you can comlete your profile as well as post questions or the information that you would like to share about the public relations practice with your other fellow members in the community. There is a lot to learn from each other.

With best wishes. CJ

PR Milestone

2006-11-08T16:57:00.000+05:30

On 30th October 2006, we have possibly passed a milestone in public relations. The press release turned the century. It is believed that Ivy Lee, who is also considered to be the father of modern public relations, created the first press release for his client, the Pennsylvania Railroad. This was following an accident on October 28, 1906, in which 50 people lost their lives when a three-car train met with an accident at Atlantic City. Lee convinced his clients to distribute a public statement on the accident and even take the journos on the accident site through a special train.

The New York Times is believed to have commended this approach of openness and published this press release, verbatim, in their 30th October 1906 issue with the header, 'Statement from the Road'.

Trust and honesty indeed is the hallmark of public relations; as someone has rightly said that truth is not a substitute for public relations. And that is the truth that all of us in the profession must appreciate and practise. CJ

National PR Awards

2006-11-08T09:41:00.000+05:30

Public Relations Society of India invites entries for the Public Relations National Awards 2006, on the occasion of the 28th All India Public Relations Conference being held at Lucknow.

Entries are invited from PR agencies/consultants/advertising agencies in the categories of House Journals, Bulletins/Newsletters, e-newsletters, corporate campaign, mass awareness campaign, PR in action case study, etc.

Please get in touch with Dr. Ajit Pathak, National President, PRSI, for sending your entries,
drajitpathak2002@yahoo.com, pathaka@iocl.co.in

Rashtriya Gaurav Award to PRSI National Vice President North

2006-11-03T20:31:00.000+05:30

Mr. Rajesh Kumaar, the National Vice President (North) of Public Relations Society of India., has been honoured with the prestigious Rashtriya Gaurav Award-2006 on 29thOctober 2006 in the 14th Akhil Bhartiya Hindi Sahtiya Samaroh
The award has been conferred on him for his his book on Public Relations, 'Jansampark -Sashakth Bhartiya Avdharna'. and outstanding contribution to the enrichment of Hindi language, and literature.
Congratulations from the PR community.