National PR Day (21st April 2008) With a difference

Dr, C.V. Narasimha Reddi

Editor, Public Relations Voice

The National Public Relations Day, which is the red-letter day for public relations practitioners, was celebrated with great fervor and gaiety at the Federation House in Hyderabad on April 21, when the Hon’ble Minister for Information and Public Relations Mr. Anam Ramnarayana Reddy was the Chief Guest. It was unique in the sense that for the first time in the history of public relations in Andhra Pradesh that the day was jointly celebrated by three professional bodies – namely Public Relations Society of India, Hyderabad Chapter, the Federation of Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry and Global Forum for Public Relations, Hyderabad. The theme of the conference was ‘Right to Information: Strengthening of Indian Democracy.

The Minister for Information and Public Relations Mr. Anam Narayana Reddy in his address said the Right to Information Act was making the common man a partner in good governance and development process. He observed that Andhra Pradesh became a role model in the implementation of Right to Information Act and said that public relations professional bodies and public relations professionals must take the message of Right to Information to the grassroots.

In a message the FAPCCI President, Mr. Atluri Subba Rao greeted public relations professionals on the eve of National Public Relations Day and said that they should strive in strengthening our vibrant and largest democracy in the world by empowering people with useful information.

Chief Information Commissioner, Andhra Pradesh State Information Commission in his keynote address on the theme felt that there should be greater coordination between the public information officers under the Right to Information Act and public relations officers of various public authorities in disseminating information of various government and public sector organizations to the masses at large. Such integrated approach will create a well-informed citizenry in sustaining good governance and a vibrant democracy.

As many as 1.8 lakh public information officers are involved in Andhra Pradesh in providing an easy access to the public about public information, the Chief Information Commissioner said.

Earlier Dr. C.V. Narasimha Reddi, Editor, Public Relations Voice explained the importance of National Public Relations Day and asked public relations professionals to rededicate themselves to the cause of professional excellence. Public relations in India had passed through the stages of

1. Propaganda (1500 BC. 1858AD)

2. The Era of Publicity (British India 1858-1919)

3. The Gandhian Era of Public Communication (freedom Struggle 1919-1947)

4. The Age of Public Relations Independent India 1947-1991)

With the introduction of New Industrial Policy, Dr. Reddi said Indian
Public Relations entered global perspective with multi-national companies. Referring to the State - of - the – Art public relations Narasimha Reddi has pointed out that public relations profession in India had grown quantitatively and that it is yet grow qualitatively. Therefore he said that public relations education, in service training, evaluation are some of the measures if taken up public relations in India would not only became professional but also help the country in growing as world’s second biggest economy.

Rajayogi B K Karuna. Chief of Multimedia, Brahma Kumaris and President, Global Forum for Public Relations, said that 2008 would be a year of challenge for public relations professionals to prove their proficiency in the socio-economic development of the country. He announced that a Media Dialogue cum Retreat with the theme Empowerment of Media through values would be held at Mount Abu the Headquarters of Praja Pita Brahma Kumaris Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya from May 22-26, 2008. Ethics, Spirituality and Professionalism in Public Relations will be discussed on May 23 as part of the media dialogue.

Awards

Five Awards were presented by the Minister as mark of recognition of the talent of different public relations professionals.

(1) The Public Relations Messiah Award was given posthumously to Farrok S. Mulla, the founder President of Public Relations Society of India that was sponsored by Public Relations Voice.

(2) The FAPCCI Award for Excellence in Corporate Social Responsibility was presented to Kesoram Cements for adopting 12 villages as part of rural development.

(3) Dr. C.V. Narasimha Reddi Award for Best PR Manager was presented to Y Babji, PRO, Andhra Pradesh Khadi and Village Industries Board, Hyderabad

(4) The Golden Triangle Award instituted by GFPR was given to Yogesh Joshi, President, ABCI, Mumbai.

(5) The PRSI Special Recognition in organizing abilities was presented to N L Narasimha Rao, past National Vice-President, PRSI.

Earlier M.Pramoda Rao, Chairman, PRSI, Hyderabad Chapter welcomed the gathering while BK Sarala Anand, Secretary General, GFPR proposed a vote of thanks.