Keynote Address

Y Babji, Editor Public Relations Voice

at the BK-GFPR State Level Seminar on Public Relations

on 20-7-2025 at SRC, Mahadevpur, Hyderabad

 

Theme: PR for promoting Peace and Harmony

Dignitaries on the dais and off the dais;

This theme connects the work of PR and Media professionals with the needs of our society. We shall understand the society we live in. Our society is made up of many communities, cultures, ideas and beliefs. We live in a world where communication is fast, but our emotions and relationships are often becoming weak. Technology, no doubt, has brought us closer, but it has also created divisions. In such times, peace and harmony are not just ideals. They are the very essentials for daily life.

We all know that Public Relations is a management function. It helps manage reputation and image. But, in fact, PR is about building strong relationships based on truth, trust and transparency. As communicators, we act as bridges between institutions and the public. We help people understand each other better. That is why we have a responsibility — not just to share information, but to build mutual understanding. Peace and harmony do not begin outside — they begin within us. A communicator who is peaceful inside will send a clear message and connect better with others.

Ladies & Gentlemen, my association with Brahma Kumaris is more than 30 years. I was drawn close to it in 2004, because of Sister Sarala, the then National Media Coordinator of BKs.

Brahma Kumaris organisation, as many of you know, has its presence in over 110 countries. Apart from value based Education and promoting peace, its greatest contribution is teaching Raja Yoga Meditation, a simple and powerful technique. What makes this method unique is that there is no need for chanting, no need to close eyes and no fixed time or place. It is about being aware and calm at any time of day, while walking, while working or while sitting. This practice helps us stay calm, balanced and focused, even during difficult times.

I must clarify that spirituality has nothing to do with religions or their regimens. While religion is a structured system of beliefs and a way of life, spirituality is about self-discovery and inner peace. It is a belief in the Creator and caring for His creation. It is a commitment to ethical behaviour and environmental stewardship.

Now let me tell you about GFPR i.e. Global Forum for Public Relations. Some of you may not have heard about it. GFPR is an initiative of the Brahma Kumaris Organisation. It was created 20 years ago with a strong vision. I am proud to be one of its founding members, along with Rajayogi BK Karuna ji who was the Founding President, the late Dr C.V. Narasimha Reddi ji, who served as our Advisor, Sister BK Sarala ji who is now National President of GFPR, Sister BK Kishori ji, Brother BK Bhagawan and my friends Dr P.J. Sudhakar and Sri T.S.V. Rathnam.

The Forum was created with two simple goals:

1.     PR professionals would share their communication knowledge with Brahma Kumari sisters and brothers.

2.     In return, PR professionals would learn Raja Yoga meditation to improve their focus on work with ethics.

Many of our friends from PRSI and GFPR present here today know and believe in this purpose.

GFPR instituted an award called the Golden Triangle in 2005 to honour individuals who truly live by the values of professionalism, ethics and spirituality. Some of the fortunate recipients of this prestigious award, so far include:

Rajayogi BK Karuna ji, Chief of BKs Media Wing at Mount Abu

Dr. C.V. Narasimha Reddi, Past National President, PRSI, Hyderabad

Mr. Yogesh Joshi, National President of ABCI, Mumbai

Mr. M B Jayaram, National President of PRSI, Bangalore

Mr. K. Srinivasan, Founder CEO of Prime Point Foundation, Chennai

While so, the activities of GFPR slowed down during the COVID pandemic. But since last year, under the Presidentship of Sister BK Sarala ji, GFPR is once again active with new energy.

This year, I am happy to inform you that the Leadership of GFPR has decided to confer the Golden Triangle Award to Dr Ajit Pathak, National President of PRSI and Mr Y Babji, Editor, Public Relations Voice.

While GFPR continues to serve as a Brahma Kumaris initiative, strongly desires to associate with Public Relations Society of India, the Country’s oldest and biggest professional association of PR practitioners and Corporate Communicators, for ethical outreach.

Coming back to the theme of the seminar, let us remember: peace does not mean there is no conflict. It means there is calmness inside. Harmony does not mean everything is the same. It means we all live together with mutual respect. Public Relations is not just about promoting an organisation. It is about speaking to the heart of society.

Let us all, PR professionals, faculty, students and spiritual seekers join together and commit ourselves to communication that is ethical, kind and thoughtful. Let us strengthen ourselves, and in doing so, help create a more peaceful society.

Skill vs. Chance: A caution for Professionals in Advg, PR and CorpCom

For professionals in Advertising, PR and Corporate Communications, understanding the legal and ethical implications of promoting betting and speculative financial activities is crucial. The endorsement of betting platforms can lead to regulatory scrutiny, reputational risks and severe penalties under Indian law. A responsible and compliant approach is essential to safeguard both public interest and corporate credibility.

It is essential to distinguish between skill games, betting games, lottery, share marketing, and trading. The key takeaway is that betting is not skilling. 

In India, games of chance fall under gambling laws and are generally prohibited, while games of skill are exempted from such restrictions. Betting Games include sports betting like cricket, football and casino-style games that rely on pure chance. Skill Games include fantasy sports, rummy and poker, which claim to require skill rather than luck. Lottery is a state-regulated gambling format where winners are drawn randomly and Share Marketing & Trading involves investing in stocks, derivatives and cryptocurrencies. While financially risky, these are generally regulated activities.

Laws that govern gambling, betting, and speculative financial activities in India are Bharatiya Nyaya Samhita, 2024 (formerly Indian Penal Code, 1860); Public Gambling Act, 1867; Information Technology Act, 2000; Consumer Protection Act, 2019; Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 and Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017. These activities attract a 28% GST, generating an annual revenue of approximately ₹7,000 crores for the Indian government.

Countries like UAE, Qatar, North Korea, China and Brunei have imposed strict bans on gambling and betting. Within India, TN, AP, Telangana, Karnataka and Odisha have banned betting and gambling. However, states like Sikkim, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Uttar Pradesh have their own regulatory frameworks.

Concerns about Advertising and Promotion are that certain betting and gaming apps use aggressive marketing tactics, including celebrity endorsements, cashback offers and misleading promotions to lure users. 

Some well-known betting platforms are Dream11, Betway, 1xBet, Parimatch and Fairplay. One thing to be kept in mind is that if money is asked in the process it is certainly not a skill game but a betting game. 

Therefore, it is advisable for organizations, brands and public personalities to avoid sponsoring or endorsing betting platforms or speculative financial schemes. Ethical advertising ensures compliance with Indian laws while maintaining public trust and brand reputation.

- Y Babji, 

PR Educator & Legal Practitioner