January 13, 2012 - Campaign India
Perhaps, one city that represents the rapid transformation of our economy is Gurgaon, a sleepy hamlet to a bustling metropolis within a span of a couple of decades. Called the “millennium city” but plagued with 20th century infrastructure issues. Sounds familiar? In a similar vein, the need for Public Relations has transformed over the last couple of decades; from a proxy for a “free advert” to possibly playing a central role in building corporate credibility. However, the profession itself is plagued with an image problem, often quoted as the “Dark Side” and practioners referred to as “Spin Doctors” and their role often limited to generating positive publicity!
Public Relations today needs Empirical Public Relations more than anything else if it has to Click to Read More
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I was invited to speak at a conference organised by The Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India on “Public Diplomacy in the information Age” and my session was titled “Web 2.0 and the new Public Diplomacy”. I am happy to share my remarks at the conference.
The vastness of the subject conflicts with the paucity of time. It almost feels like trying to TWEET a 1000 word essay in 140 characters! No wonder, Twitter comes with a standard pack warning nowadays: Tweet at owners risk 
At the cusp of the telecom revolution in India, a company at the launch of its service, boldly proclaimed “GEOGRAPHY is HISTORY”. Ladies & Gentlemen Welcome to the REPUBLIC OF INTERNET. A nation without boundaries!
If Facebook was a nation, it would be the world’s third largest nation with 500 million users & growing. The Click to Read More
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This is not going to be a long piece as I skipped the third day seminars to spend the day trawling through the shortlists and Lions winner entries along with films which were put after the announcement of the PR, Direct and Promo Lions. A special venue has been created where all the shortlisted, winning work is displayed and it was an educative exercise. More about that later but first to the PR Lions.
Last evening saw the first ever PR Lions being introduced at the 56th International Advertising Festival. The PR Lions are the 11th awards category being introduced. This by itself is a growing recognition of Public Relations and Public Affairs in the overall marketing and business strategy mix. Also, the Lions provide a well recognised and a very highly aspired for platform, which till now was sorely missing. If you don’t know about it yet, visit www.canneslions.com for more.
Overall there were 400 plus entries that were shortlisted down to 30 plus by 18 members of the PR Lions jury. Boy, they Click to Read More
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Will tough talk be sufficient?
Friday evening, I saw in horror as a leading news channel (www.ibnlive.com) carry the story of racially motivated attacks against 4 Indian students in the last few days with 2 struggling for life. According to the news report, at least 70 students have been targets of racial attacks in the last 12 months alone!
Whilst, these actions do not reflect Australians in general and I have heard, seen and experienced their warmth, openness and friendship, actions of a few misguided individuals have to be condemned in the strongest possible manner. These bigots have to be apprehended, locked and the keys thrown away!
Sensing the public anguish, Dr. Manmohan Singh spoke to his Aussie counterpart besides summoning the Australian High Commissioner to the MEA to register our anguish. Stung by the tough talk, ‘racism intolerance’ motive was finally acknowledged by the Aussie Govt after being in denial. It has now assured strictest possible action against those Click to Read More
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