The National PR Education Day, celebrating the birth anniversary of PR pioneer Dr CV Narasimha Reddi, highlighted the increasing role of public relations (PR) in today’s digital landscape. Held in Hyderabad, the event saw Capt. N Uttam Kumar Reddy, Telangana’s Minister for Irrigation, Food & Civil Supplies, as the chief guest. Capt Reddy emphasised the transformative nature of information dissemination, noting that PR professionals are now more crucial than ever in navigating the flood of both genuine and misleading information.
“The world of information is changing beyond imagination,” Capt. Reddy remarked. “In this sea of content, including fake news, PR professionals must continuously refine their skills to meet the industry’s evolving demands.”
The event was presided over by K Sreenivas Reddy, Chairman of the Telangana Media Academy, who reiterated the State’s commitment to addressing PR challenges.
Prof. Jagat Bhushan Nadda, Director of the Consortium of Educational Communication, Government of India, echoed this sentiment by stressing the pivotal role of quality in PR. He said, “PR practitioners are integral across corporates, PSUs, governments and NGOs. An enriched PR curriculum and further research in the field are essential.”
He also highlighted PR’s significant role in international diplomacy and its contributions to raising awareness on critical issues like climate change.
Dr Ajit Pathak, national president of the Public Relations Society of India (PRSI), emphasized the organisation’s focus on enhancing professional standards and acknowledged the enduring influence of Dr CV Narasimha Reddy in guiding future PR practices.
The event also witnessed the presentation of prestigious awards. Ch Srinivasa Rao, Dy General Manager (Corporate Communications) at NMDC Limited, Hyderabad, received the “Dr CVN-PRSI Best PR Manager of the Year – 2024” award. Dr T Ravi, Chief Public Relations Officer at Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD), was honoured with a “Jury Commendation” for his significant contribution.
Javvadi Lakshmana Rao, Bureau Chief of The Pioneer in Vizag, was conferred the PR Voice Literary Excellence Award.
Sixteen outstanding students from diverse educational institutions were given merit certificates, and three esteemed teachers along with three dedicated counsellors were recognised for their exceptional efforts in advancing public relations.
A book, “Ramaneeya Gnapakalu,” authored by C Rama Devi, Chairperson of the CVN Public Relations Foundation, was released during the celebrations.
