National PR Conclave 2025 Highlights Digital-Era Engagement

The second day opened with Inu Majumdar, CEO of Radio Orange, Nagpur, delivering an insightful session on “The Role of Radio: Information to Engagement, Especially in Rural Areas.” She highlighted radio’s enduring emotional connection with rural India, describing it as one of the most powerful tools for awareness and behavioural change.

This was followed by a session on “The New Age of PR in a Changing Digital World”, led by Dr. Sameer Kapoor, Director, Adfactors PR, Delhi, who discussed the evolution of PR 2.0. He emphasised that in today’s environment, digital media, influencers, and content creators have become critical in shaping public perception, and that modern engagement must combine strategy with empathy.

A special session titled “Relevance of Customised Stamp for Coal Industry in its Golden Jubilee Year” saw Alok Kumar Gupta, Head of Department, Corporate Communications & Public Relations, CCL, unveil a Special Cover and souvenir ‘Navchetna’ dedicated to the “Coal Warriors” of Coal India and CCL, acknowledging their crucial role in ensuring India’s energy security. The release was conducted jointly by Nilendu Kumar Singh, CMD, CCL, along with Pawan Kumar Mishra (Director–Finance), Harsh Nath Mishra (Director–HR), and R.V. Chaudhary (Director, Postal Services, Jharkhand).

Speaking at the ceremony, CMD Nilendu Kumar Singh remarked, “A postage stamp is not merely paper — it carries emotion and connects hearts. Even in this digital age, letters and posts remain timeless symbols of sincerity.”

Director (HR) Harsh Nath Mishra highlighted the vital role of public relations as a bridge between institutions and society. He pointed out that CCL’s initiatives in safety, CSR, and community engagement demonstrate how communication can drive trust and participation.

A session on “Career in PR & Communication: Challenges and Opportunities in the Era of Digitalisation” featured Dr. Vikas Pathe, Assistant Professor, IIM Ranchi, who advised students to prioritise understanding their audiences and embrace continuous learning to thrive in the fast-evolving communication landscape.

Sanjeev Shekhar, Corporate Affairs, Adani Power Ltd., underlined the importance of authentic media messaging, stating, “Your true image is defined not by what people say in your presence, but in your absence.”

The valedictory session, “Interactive Session with Budding PR Professionals”, featured renowned advertising veteran Prahlad Kakkar, who inspired young participants with his perspectives on creativity, storytelling, and the future of PR in a connected world.

Delivering the vote of thanks, Alok Kumar Gupta expressed gratitude to the dignitaries, speakers, and academic institutions, calling the conclave “a true confluence of ideas and a meaningful platform for shaping the future of public relations in India.”

The National PR Conclave 2025 reaffirmed that modern public relations extends beyond information dissemination — it is about engagement, empathy, and trust-building, connecting organisations with communities and fostering meaningful relationships in the digital era.