While the two nations are in the process of further cementing the relations and trade, Public Relations and Media professionals of India and Russia have committed themselves for greater association for professional development and knowledge sharing. On 29th August, “Indo-Russia Public Relations And Media Conference” was organized by Public Relations Society of India (PRSI), in collaboration with Russian Association for Communication Consultancies (AKOC) at Vivekananda Institute of Professional Studies – Technical Campus (VIPS-TC) featured PRSI National President Dr. Ajit Pathak and Andrey Lapshov (Chairman of AKOC, President of KG), Andrey Barannikov (CEO, SPN Communications), Mikhail Maslov (CEO, Maslov Agency), Dr. Himanshu Shekhar (Senior Editor for Politics and Current Affairs, NDTV), Inna Alekseeva (PR Partner), Prof (Dr) Tanu Dang (Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University), Ms. Yeshi Seli (Consulting Editor, Business India, New Delhi) and Anna Talanina (Head of International Department, Interium PR Agency). The delegation from Russia attended virtually.
The event was conducted by Prof (Dr) Charu Lata Singh, Dean Vivekananda School of Journalism and Mass Communication & Chairperson, PRSI Delhi Chapter. Prof. Sidharth Mishra commenced the programme and welcomed the dignitaries. Dr. Ajit Pathak, National President PRSI emphasized on the significance of this collaboration and Indo-Russian strategic partnerships ; stressing on the role of Public Relations and Media he said that India believes in Vasudhaiva Kathumbakam, which means that the whole world is one family.” He mentioned that this is the first such live conference on Public Relations held between India and Russia. Together, both will work for Knowledge sharing, skill development and promoting best practices and Research in Public Relations.
There are common issues before the Public Relations and media industry of both the countries. Trust, ethics, values, impact of technology have set new challenges before the communication practitioners. Ever increasing Aspirations of stakeholders and emerging opportunities to spread the wings are also wanting effective solutions from the Public Relations, said Dr Pathak.
Andrey Lapshov spoke about the Memorandum of Understanding signed between PRSI and AKOC. “Effective professional communications are essential for building constructive and sustainable relationships between people and states, social institutions, and communities,” he said.
Andrey Barannikov, elaborated on brand diplomacy and the role of public relations in the Indo-Russian partnership. He mentioned about his association with the St. Petersburg National Economic Forum and relationship with India and Indian culture.
Mr. Mikhail Maslov, put light on Indian diversity and market heterogeneity, which needs to be considered for the businesses. Mentioning about AI he said, “Artificial intelligence will not replace human creativity, but it will transform the way we think, act, and collaborate globally in public relations.”
Prof (Dr) Tanu Dang, addressed combating misinformation and SMART PR in the age of AI. She spoke about the role of students as cultural and national ambassadors in PR landscape between the two nations. “To succeed in the Russian market, Indian products must move beyond selling to storytelling” she stressed.
Inna Alekseeva stressed on the strategies using local, trusted voices, providing fast costumer support and an emotional angle to establish a relation with the consumers in the two markets.
Dr. Himanshu Shekhar spoke about the need to create a new synergy between Indian and Russian PR machineries. He shed light on Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction, and the importance of moral code of conduct for journalists in disaster management
Yeshi Seli, covered Russia’s relevance in Indian PR and in the contemporary Indian economic order.
Anna Talanina said “We may speak in different languages, but we all think using the same logic.”
The conference concluded with Prof. Dr. Charu Lata Singh mentioning that, “Interactions like these help us strengthen not just professional ties, but also the cultural and emotional bonds between our two nations”
