ITV

Category: PR & Communication

  • Weekend Unwind with: Elite Marque founder and CEO Rajat Grover

    Weekend Unwind with: Elite Marque founder and CEO Rajat Grover

    Mumbai: With another weekend upon us, it is time to unwind with the latest Q&A edition of Indiantelevision.com’s Weekend Unwind—a series of informal chats that peek into the minds of business executives through a fun lens in an attempt to get to know the person behind the title a little better.

    In this week’s session, we have Elite Marque founder and CEO Rajat Grover

    Your mantra for life

    My life mantra is to embody humility, kindness, and unwavering loyalty. I strive to be a giver rather than a taker, following the principle of “Vand Chakho” from Gurbaani, which encourages sharing and consuming together

    A book you are currently reading or plan to read

    Founders at Work: Stories of Startups’ Early Days by Jessica Livingston  

    Your fitness mantra, especially during the pandemic

    Through the pandemic, my fitness mantra has been a lifeline. I’ve been all in for eight years, spending 2 to 3 hours at the gym, lifting weights, and keeping my meals in check. This journey is not just about getting fit; it’s a way of life. It’s helped me stay strong and fulfilled even when times were tough.

    Your comfort food

    Food made by my mother is my go-to comfort food, a delightful edible adventure in every bite.

    A quote or philosophy that keeps you going when the chips are down

    One of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s profound teachings that can serve as a guiding philosophy during tough times is:

    “Even in the darkest moments, there is always a path to light, for where there is love and compassion, there is God.”

    Your guilty pleasure

    Watching Business oriented movies on repeat

    The last time you tried something new

    I found inspiration in daily experimentation and the adrenaline rush of conquering uncharted challenges. I wholeheartedly embraced the idea of trying something new each day.

    A life lesson you learned the hard way

    Don’t offer wisdom to someone whose knowledge bucket is already full and they have no interest in filling it further.

    What gets you excited about life

    The growth journey of Elite Marque and people at Elite Marque.

    What’s on top of your bucket list

    To become a better Human Being and a more religious person

    If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be

    Stay clear of distractions and maintain a focused, disciplined mindset in all your endeavors. When engaged in any task, treat it as if it were your own, taking ownership and responsibility.

    One thing you would most like to change about the world

    The one thing I would most like to change about the world is the education system. Instead of prioritizing projects like solar power, there should be a greater emphasis on financial education. Fortunately, technology and STEM education have made strides, and I hope financial literacy will follow suit.

    An activity that keeps you motivated and charged during tough times

    The indomitable ‘never give up’ attitude of my father and the shared struggles we endured, as well as our journey to overcome them

    What lifts your spirits when life gets you down

    The entrepreneurial mindset and the role of being the elder brother of two sisters bring a multitude of responsibilities.

    Your go-to stress buster

    Gymming and Travelling

  • PR power: How tier 2 and tier 3 businesses soar in the festive frenzy

    PR power: How tier 2 and tier 3 businesses soar in the festive frenzy

    Mumbai: India is a country of festivals, where every occasion is celebrated with joy and enthusiasm. The festive season, which spans from September to January, is a time when consumers splurge on shopping, gifting, and indulging in various activities. According to a report by RedSeer Consulting, the festive season sales in 2022 reached a record high of $10.5 billion, registering a 30% growth over the previous year.

    While the festive season is a lucrative opportunity for businesses across the country, it is especially beneficial for those operating in tier 2 and tier 3 cities, which are witnessing a rapid growth in internet penetration, disposable income, and consumer aspirations. According to a report by MoEngage, tier 2 and tier 3 cities accounted for 65% of the online festive sales in 2022. These cities also offer a cost advantage, a large talent pool, and a diverse consumer base for businesses to tap into.

    However, to succeed in these markets, businesses need to overcome some challenges, such as low brand awareness, high competition, and changing consumer preferences. This is where public relations (PR) can play a vital role in driving business growth and creating a positive brand image. PR can help businesses communicate their value proposition, differentiate themselves from competitors, and engage with their target audience effectively.

    Amplifying Tier 2 and 3 Businesses in the Festive Rush

    In the fervor of the festive season, public relations (PR) emerges as a potent tool for catapulting tier 2 and 3 businesses to new heights. These businesses, often overlooked in the grand scheme of commerce, can benefit immensely from the strategic deployment of PR practices. One of the foremost ways in which PR can work its magic is through harnessing the expansive reach of digital media. In an era dominated by smartphones and social media, consumers residing in these emerging markets are progressively relying on online platforms to gather information about products and services. Here, PR takes center stage, assisting businesses in crafting compelling and relevant content that showcases their offerings, spotlights their unique selling propositions, and deftly addresses consumer pain points. This process also involves securing coveted coverage in influential online media platforms that cater specifically to these burgeoning markets, effectively enhancing a business’s visibility and credibility.

    Beyond digital media, PR functions as a pivotal ally in fostering trust and loyalty among a business’s existing customer base. With increasing environmental and social consciousness, consumers in tier 2 and 3 cities are placing a premium on brands that exhibit commitment to ethical and sustainable practices. Public relations plays a key role in bringing these initiatives to the forefront, highlighting a business’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) policies and actions that underscore their dedication to making a positive societal and environmental impact. Customer testimonials and success stories, and awards serve as powerful tools, and PR facilitates the showcasing of these accolades, validating a brand’s quality and performance.

    Crafting Tailored Strategies to Meet Tier 2 and 3 Consumer Demands

    Another area where PR makes its impact felt during the festive season is in orchestrating the excitement surrounding promotional offers. This is executed with finesse by leveraging the considerable influence wielded by celebrities and influencers. In tier 2 and 3 cities, consumers often derive their purchasing decisions from the recommendations of personalities they admire and relate to. PR steps in to identify and collaborate with these relevant influencers and celebrities, facilitating their endorsement of products and services, thereby generating word-of-mouth and driving increased traffic and conversions. Businesses can also benefit from PR in orchestrating online events, contests, and campaigns that feature these influencers and celebrities, setting the stage for a jubilant festive atmosphere and stimulating heightened consumer interest.

    As consumer behavior undergoes dynamic changes during the festive season, PR becomes an invaluable instrument for businesses seeking to adapt and cater to evolving preferences. Consumers in tier 2 and 3 cities now demand more variety, enhanced quality, elevated convenience, and personalization in their purchases. In response, PR steps up by conducting comprehensive market research and analysis, meticulously observing and dissecting these shifting consumer dynamics. Surveys, focus groups, interviews, and social listening are among the tools wielded by PR to gain deeper insights into consumer sentiments and expectations. By harnessing these invaluable resources, businesses can further analyze trends, decipher crucial insights, and take advantage of consumer feedback to craft products, services, pricing strategies, packaging, delivery methods, and communication approaches that are acutely tailored to the unique demands of the festive season.

    The festive season is a golden opportunity for businesses in tier 2 and tier 3 cities to grow their sales, market share, and brand equity. To achieve this goal, they need to adopt a strategic approach that leverages the power of PR to connect with their customers effectively. By doing so, they can create a lasting impression on their customers’ minds and hearts that goes beyond the festive frenzy. It is important to note, however, that the narrative doesn’t end with the festive season. A well-executed PR strategy becomes the cornerstone for sustained growth. By building brand equity and fostering positive relationships with stakeholders, tier 2 and 3 businesses position themselves not just for a seasonal surge but for long-term success in the ever-evolving business landscape.

    The author of this article is Value360 Communication founder Gaurav Patra.

  • Havas announces acquisition of PR Pundit

    Havas announces acquisition of PR Pundit

    Mumbai: Today, Havas has acquired a majority stake in PR Pundit, one of India’s foremost PR consultancy firms. This strategic move marks the debut of Havas Red, a Havas global PR network, into the vibrant Indian market. On closing, the firm will be rebranded PR Pundit Havas Red.

    Winners of the Provoke Media’s Consumer Consultancy of the Year, at the recent Asia Pacific Awards in 2023, PR Pundit is an integrated communications consultancy that has built its reputation and equity as front runners in consumer lifestyle, serving more than 100 retainer clients across a variety of sectors including hospitality, F&B, corporate, CPG, start-ups, lifestyle, luxury, and beauty & skincare. The 25-year-old company boasts expertise in brand positioning and corporate communications and has a team of 160 PR practitioners across its three offices in Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi NCR.  

    PR Pundit has been a valued affiliate of Havas in India for some time. This acquisition cements the association and enhances Havas’ capabilities to extend public relations services in India as part of its bouquet of creative, media and healthcare offerings. In parallel, Havas Red’s continued international expansion adds important new expertise and geographic reach to the network’s global clients. The entry into the Indian market is the network’s second addition in 2023, following the opening of Havas Red South Africa earlier in the year.

    PR Pundit founder and MD Archana Jain will continue to lead PR Pundit Havas Red, reporting to Havas India Group CEO Rana Barua and Havas Red global CEO James Wright.

    “We are thrilled to welcome PR Pundit to the Havas family. The synergies between PR Pundit’s expertise, Havas India’s clients, and the global PR clients of Havas Red are exceptionally strong, setting the stage for many meaningful collaborations. With the backing of Vivendi and their extensive entertainment assets in India, the expansion into PR, communications and social media is a strategic move that aligns perfectly with the evolving landscape of the market and industry,” commented Havas chairman and global CEO Yannick Bolloré.

    “Joining Havas will enable us to enrich our services and geographic reach for the benefit of our clients,” said Archana Jain, who founded PR Pundit in 1998. “We are excited to lend our expertise and entrepreneurial drive as well as share our local PR understanding with Havas Red in our common goal of undertaking benchmarking work and fostering long term partnerships, with our people and clients. Our relationship is based on shared values to elevate service capabilities, open doors to new opportunities and embrace best practices from around the world.”

    Havas India group CEO Rana Barua said, “This acquisition once again reinforces our commitment of delivering comprehensive and impactful solutions to our clients. In our endeavour to offer integrated end-to-end communication solutions, we identified that the PR function was a missing piece. This acquisition brings together, two extremely powerful entities, Havas Red which has presence across 15 global markets with unmatched influence and reach, and PR Pundit, one of the most respected PR agencies in India with unparalleled brand reputation and a robust clientele. I welcome team PR Pundit to the Havas India family. Together with Havas Red, I look forward to the beginning of an exciting journey.”

  • Guest Article: The building blocks of successful PR campaigns

    Guest Article: The building blocks of successful PR campaigns

    Mumbai: In the ever-evolving landscape of public relations, crafting a successful PR campaign is both an art and a science. It requires finesse, strategy, and a deep understanding of your client’s goals and objectives. As the founder of Scenic Communication, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformational power of a well-executed PR campaign. Today, I’ll share with you the building blocks that underpin the success of every PR campaign we undertake.

    1.   Strategic Planning: The Foundation

    Every successful PR campaign begins with a solid strategic plan. This is where you define your goals, target audience, key messages, and the tactics you’ll employ. It’s crucial to align your PR efforts with your client’s broader business objectives to ensure your campaign has a meaningful impact.

    2.   Audience Understanding: Know Your Stakeholders

    To effectively reach your audience, you must first understand them. Conduct thorough research to identify your target audience’s demographics, interests, behaviors, and pain points. Tailor your messages to resonate with their needs and preferences. Remember, successful PR is about building relationships, and knowing your audience is key to forging those connections.

    3.   Compelling Storytelling: The Heart of PR

    Great PR is essentially great storytelling. Craft narratives that captivate your audience, highlight your client’s strengths, and showcase their uniqueness. Storytelling humanizes brands and fosters emotional connections, making your messages more memorable and impactful.

    4.   Media Relations: Forge Valuable Connections

    Building relationships with the media is a cornerstone of PR. Cultivate connections with journalists, bloggers, and influencers in your client’s industry. Be a resource, not just a promoter. Provide valuable insights, data, and expert opinions to position your client as an industry thought leader.

    5.   Content Creation: Fuel Your Campaign

    Content is king in today’s digital world. Create high-quality, shareable content that aligns with your campaign’s objectives. This can include press releases, blog posts, videos, infographics, and more. Content should be informative, engaging, and tailored to the platform you’re using.

    6.   Crisis Management: Be Prepared

    No PR campaign is without its challenges. Be prepared for potential crises and have a crisis management plan in place. Quick and thoughtful responses can mitigate damage and maintain your client’s reputation.

    7.   Measurement and Analytics: Prove Your Impact

    PR is an investment, and clients want to see a return. Use measurable key performance indicators (KPIs) to track the success of your campaign. Metrics could include media mentions, website traffic, social media engagement, lead generation, and more. Regularly analyze data to refine your strategy.

    8.   Adaptability: Embrace Change

    The PR landscape is dynamic, with trends and technology constantly evolving. Stay ahead of the curve by embracing change and adapting your strategies accordingly. Keep learning, exploring new tools, and refining your skills to remain competitive.

    9.   Client Communication: Maintain Transparency

    Open and honest communication with your client is paramount. Keep them informed about the progress of the campaign, challenges faced, and results achieved. Build trust by being transparent about your efforts and outcomes.

    10.   Team Collaboration: Leverage Expertise

    Successful PR campaigns are rarely solo endeavors. Surround yourself with a team of talented individuals who bring diverse skills and perspectives to the table. Collaboration fosters creativity and leads to more comprehensive and effective campaigns.

    In conclusion, the building blocks of successful PR campaigns are founded on strategy, audience understanding, storytelling, relationships, content, crisis management, measurement, adaptability, client communication, and teamwork. As the founder I firmly believe that by adhering to these principles and constantly honing our craft, we can continue to deliver outstanding results for our clients and elevate the field of public relations.

    Remember, the world of PR is ever-changing, but these building blocks remain constant. Embrace them, refine them, and watch your PR campaigns thrive.

    This article has been authored by Scenic Communication co-founder Anindita Gupta.

  • Unlocking the nutritional secrets: The magic of millets for optimal health

    Unlocking the nutritional secrets: The magic of millets for optimal health

    While having adequate health coverage is essential, we sometimes overlook the critical role nutrition plays in maintaining good health.

    What are millets?

    Millets are a group of small-seeded grasses that have been cultivated for thousands of years, primarily in Africa and Asia. They are incredibly diverse, with various types like finger millet, pearl millet, foxtail millet and sorghum, just to name a few. These tiny grains pack a powerful nutritional punch and they’ve been a dietary staple for many cultures throughout history.

    Millets: Nature’s nutritional powerhouses

    1. Rich in nutrients

    Millets are a group of small-seeded grasses that have been cultivated for thousands of years, primarily in Africa and Asia. Millets are an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, providing sustained energy throughout the day. Millets are also a good source of B vitamins, particularly niacin (vitamin B3) and pyridoxine (vitamin B6), which are crucial for metabolism and overall well-being.

    2. High in fibre

    Fibre is essential for digestive health and helps regulate blood sugar levels. One of the standout features of millets is their high fibre content. Millets, with their abundant fibre, can aid in preventing constipation and promoting a healthy gut microbiome, which is increasingly recognized as a key factor in overall health.

    3. Gluten-free

    For those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, millets are a fantastic alternative to wheat and other gluten-containing grains. They are naturally gluten-free, making them a safe choice.

    4. Antioxidant-rich

    Antioxidants help combat oxidative stress and inflammation in the body, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer. Millets are loaded with antioxidants, including polyphenols and tannins.

    Health benefits

    1. Weight management

    The combination of fibre and complex carbohydrates in millets helps control appetite and keeps you feeling full for longer periods. Millets for weight loss can be a valuable asset for individuals looking to manage their weight, potentially leading to lower health insurance premiums as maintaining a healthy weight is often associated with lower health risks.

    2. Diabetes management

    Millets have a low glycemic index, meaning they don’t cause rapid spikes in blood sugar levels. Millets for health makes them an excellent choice for individuals with diabetes. Better blood sugar management can lead to reduced healthcare costs associated with diabetes.

    3. Heart health

    A healthier heart can translate to fewer heart-related medical expenses. The fibre, antioxidants and potassium in millets all contribute to heart health. These grains can help lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol levels and support overall cardiovascular well-being.

    4. Bone health

    Millets are a good source of magnesium and phosphorus, essential minerals for maintaining strong bones and teeth. Including millet in your diet can help prevent conditions like osteoporosis, potentially reducing the need for costly orthopaedic treatments.

    Incorporating millet into your diet

    Now that we’ve uncovered the nutritional secrets of millet, you may be wondering how to enjoy these grains in your daily meals. Here are some delicious and easy ways to incorporate millet into your diet:

    ∙    Start your day with a warm bowl of millet porridge, similar to oatmeal. Add your favourite toppings like fruits, nuts and honey for a nutritious and satisfying breakfast that can support your overall health and health insurance policy.

    ∙    Substitute millets for rice in your favourite pilaf or fried rice recipe. Their nutty flavour and fluffy texture work wonderfully.

    ∙    Use millet flour to make gluten-free baked goods like bread, muffins and pancakes.

    ∙    Prepare a refreshing millet salad with diced vegetables. This makes for a perfect side dish or a light lunch option that aligns with your health insurance goals.

    Conclusion

    Millets are more than just a nutritious grain; they can be a valuable ally in your quest for optimal health, which in turn can positively impact your health insurance. Incorporating millets into your diet, can harness the nutritional secrets they offer and potentially reduce the healthcare costs associated with chronic diseases. Good health isn’t just about comprehensive insurance plans, it’s about the choices you make every day to safeguard your well-being. So, why not give millets a try and experience the magic for yourself? 
     

  • China Expands Global Technological Ecosystem Efforts with Open-Source Blockchain Network and AI Modeling Platform

    China Expands Global Technological Ecosystem Efforts with Open-Source Blockchain Network and AI Modeling Platform

    China has been making significant strides in its efforts to create global technological ecosystems, with recent developments including the launch of a global blockchain network and an open-source artificial intelligence (AI) modeling platform. These initiatives, as reported on the WatcherTechno website, are part of China’s ongoing endeavors to bolster its economy after periods of lockdown and disruption. The nation’s government and tech sector have been collaborating to spur economic growth and innovation, with announcements of multi-trillion-dollar plans for high-tech infrastructure development and strategic investments from tech giants Alibaba, Baidu, and Tencent.

    While China aims to rival the United States in technological leadership, it’s also investing in initiatives aimed at fostering global ecosystems. In the past week, two key announcements have been made to further this goal: the Chinese government unveiled the international Blockchain Service Network (BSN), and Zhejiang University in Eastern China launched the open-source AI platform named Dubhe.

    The Blockchain Service Network (BSN), a government-led project developed by Beijing Red Date Technology, has announced plans to deploy its international network starting August 10th. The BSN’s mission is to enable decentralized application (dapp) developers to create new blockchain applications as easily as assembling Lego bricks, thereby fostering a rapid development of a global ecosystem for developers and users alike.

    As states WatcherTechno, BSN data centers are now integrated with six major decentralized blockchains: Tezos, NEO, Nervos, IRIS net Cosmos, Ethereum, and EOS. Developers on these public networks can deploy nodes and applications using BSN’s data storage, bandwidth, and other resources.

    It’s worth noting that resistance from some governmental members within BSN to adding six international blockchains has led to the network’s division into BSN-China and BSN-International. However, this is unlikely to impede the overall progress of BSN.

    Meanwhile, Zhejiang Lab launched the open-source AI platform Dubhe on Saturday, aiming to create a powerful modeling platform that fosters a collaborative global AI ecosystem and accelerates the development of machine learning models.

    Named after Dubhe, one of the seven bright stars forming the Big Dipper and a symbol of wisdom in Chinese culture, the platform offers research and development teams four main advantages: a high-performance basic computing environment, a comprehensive AI development toolkit, integration of AI model deployment across Edge, Cloud, and terminals, and an intelligent collaborative execution system.

    Developed by nearly 100 researchers, the project is supported by numerous partners, including Alibaba Cloud, Ant Financial, Hikvision, Sense Time, Deep Glint, China Construction Bank, Ant Work, and Ecovacs Robotics. Zhejiang Lab itself was founded in 2017 by the Chinese government, Zhejiang University, and Alibaba Group.

    The open-source AI platform is designed for six key research and development areas: intelligent vision, intelligent transportation, intelligent finance, smart cities, intelligent healthcare, and intelligent robots. Its foundational structure provides access to embedded machine learning models and vast volumes of big data.

    While it remains uncertain whether the development of global ecosystems will raise similar concerns among Dubhe members, as observed with BSN, the presence of multiple state-involved stakeholders may elevate the risk of conflicting interests.

    Ecosystem-driven endeavors led by Chinese tech companies, naturally, encounter fewer political hurdles. For instance, multinational company Baidu launched its open-source autonomous driving platform, Apollo, in 2017, which has since become the world’s largest open-source autonomous driving platform, counting BMW, Ford Motor Co, Toyota, Volkswagen, and Honda among its partners.

    Irrespective of ownership and structure, China’s growing number of initiatives in open technological platforms positions it to increasingly engage researchers, developers, and enterprises worldwide in technological ecosystems under China’s guidance.  
     

  • Spiffy PR wins the PR mandate for Bake Live Studio by Sarjena Foods Pvt Ltd

    Spiffy PR wins the PR mandate for Bake Live Studio by Sarjena Foods Pvt Ltd

    Mumbai: Spiffy Public Relations, a Mumbai-based digital communications agency known for its strategic and outcome-focused public relations, is proud to announce its collaboration with Bake Live Studio as its partner for all PR and communications initiatives.

    Located in the heart of Mumbai, Spiffy Public Relations has earned a reputation for crafting compelling narratives that resonate with audiences across various platforms. With a core focus on strategic public relations, social media mastery, media partnerships, celebrity integrations, and influencer liaisons, the agency is dedicated to illuminating its clients’ journeys to success. This partnership aims to harness the agency’s expertise in propelling brands to prominence and ensuring Bake Live Studio’s story reaches a broader audience.

    Sarjena Foods Pvt Ltd directors Vishaal Vira and Nirmal Gogri stated, “We are thrilled to have Spiffy Public Relations on board as our communications partner. With their extensive experience and innovative approach, we believe they will help us share the unique essence of Bake Live Studio with the world.”

    Spiffy PR founder Kajol Jain expressed her enthusiasm about this collaboration, “Bake Live Studio’s commitment to excellence and creativity aligns perfectly with our agency’s values. We are excited to work alongside their team to craft compelling narratives that capture the magic of Bake Live Studio’s offerings.”

    As Bake Live Studio embarks on its journey to become a premier destination for food enthusiasts, Spiffy Public Relations is poised to ensure its story shines brightly in the media landscape.

  • Madchatter Brand Solutions bags PR Mandate for P2P social investment platform Rang De

    Madchatter Brand Solutions bags PR Mandate for P2P social investment platform Rang De

    Mumbai: Madchatter Brand Solutions, a fast-emerging integrated communications firm, announced that it has won the public relations mandate for Peer-to-Peer lending platform Rang De. Madchatter’s expertise in strategic communications and deep understanding of the financial service industry has helped the agency successfully secure the account.  Through the partnership, Madchatter will work closely with the communications team at Rang De to help enhance the brand’s visibility and drive impact-focused storytelling around the company’s offerings across national, regional and international media.

    Rang De is India’s pioneering and only peer-to-peer lending platform focused on providing timely and affordable credit to unbanked communities, including farmers and rural entrepreneurs. A RBI-registered NBFC-P2P platform, Rang De has been working towards revolutionising credit access and enabling financial inclusion. Since 2019, the company has disbursed over Rs 57 crores in loans and fulfilled more than 17,000 loans to rural entrepreneurs through a strong community of 8500+ social investors who enable and invest in rural entrepreneurs. The company was also selected to be a part of the Google for Startups Accelerator program.

    Speaking on the association, Madchatter Brand Solutions founder Rachna Baruah shared, “The win is a testament to our agency’s unwavering commitment to creating meaningful impact. Rang De, since its inception, has been creating a positive impact on society, and I believe that  together we can amplify their mission and create a narrative that resonates locally and globally, that propels social transformation forward.”

    “We are thrilled to have Madchatter as our official PR and communications partner. I believe that their expertise in the communications industry is well aligned to our vision as we work towards empowering communities across the country,” added Rang De CEO & co-founder Smita Ram.

    Founded in 2017, Madchatter is an integrated communications firm that has been working with emerging businesses as well as established organisations that require the right brand positioning and media footing. The agency has a track record of driving effective communications strategy for clients across BFSI, fintech, Web3, blockchain, real estate, advertising and marketing, amongst others. 

  • 28 young practitioners accredited with prestigious AIPR Certification from PRCAI

    28 young practitioners accredited with prestigious AIPR Certification from PRCAI

    Mumbai: Today, the Public Relations Consultants Association of India (PRCAI) announced the results of Summer 2023 round of the Accreditation in Indian Public Relations (AIPR), witnessing an increasing number of ranked professionals’ year-on-year, with higher quality submissions. A growing cohort, saw 28 promising young PR professionals from across the country secure their elite certification, contributing to distinguished group of certified practitioners, now reaching a total of 68 since the program launch.

    “As the realm of communication and reputation management continues to evolve, the need for highly skilled and certified Public Relations professionals has become more important than ever before for our industry. This intensive certification process offers a transformative learning experience and motivation for individuals seeking to thrive in the world of public relations,” said PRCAI president Atul Sharma.

    In this batch, 128 people applied for the certification with 57 moving on to the final jury round. Furthermore, the bar has been raised with a higher cut-off score.

    The results showcase the dedication and progress of the applicants. The numbers are indeed telling of the quality and dedication of these professionals. Among the 21 Accredited candidates of Level 1, the cut-off rose to 69.22 percent, and of the seven Accredited candidates of Level 2, the aggregate cut off scores grew to 68.92 percent.

    The AIPR Summer 2023 top rankers:

    •             Level 1 was aced by Ravindra Samant, Adfactors PR, who topped with the highest aggregate score of 78.87 per cent, followed by Tanu Gupta of On Purpose Consulting with a score of 76.89 per cent. In third place, is Manya Tandan of Edelman India who earned 76.27 per cent.

    •             Level 2 witnessed Tanoo Gupta, Ruder Finn PR (India) with the highest aggregate score of 81.05 per cent, followed by Riya Jain of Ruder Finn PR (India) as first runner-up with a score of 78.23 per cent. The second runner-up is Sonia Rachel Abraham of Avian WE who earned 73.27 per cent.

    School of Communications & Reputation (SCoRe), a technical partner for this rigorous testing for PRCAI, evolved the program further by adding a literacy education kit comprising guidelines on both assessment rounds, a detailed curriculum and guidelines on how to prepare for them, and sample     

    papers for the applicants. Candidates were assessed for their competencies and expertise across the entire spectrum around public relations. This encompassed evaluation through an Aptitude Preliminary Round that scrutinized their proficiency in various facets of the field, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the knowledge and skills required for success.

    In the final jury round encompassing 20 jury members, those who qualified the prelims, presented to a jury bench comprising a dynamic set of consultancy leaders, corporate communication, academic and HR professionals who came forth to meet them on 5 August across four centers in Bengaluru, Delhi, Gurgaon and Mumbai.

     “It is heartening to see the pool of certified professionals have grown to 68, who stood the test of skill and leadership across levels to prove their mettle. The certification is the gateway for AIPRodigy to aspire and inspire others who are entering this profession and to take it seriously and by making a mark early on. It is crucial as an industry body to empower practitioners that will raise the bar in efficiency and quality of talent year-on- year,” said PRCAI CEO Deeptie Sethi.

    The Accreditation in Indian Public Relations stands as the foremost certification for PR experts within India, acknowledging individuals who have showcased unparalleled proficiency and mastery in this domain.

    Dean of School of Communications & Reputation Hemant Gaule concluded, “We’re elated to announce this year’s accredited PR professionals, and it’s heartening to witness a significant surge in the performance of the candidates. This not only underscores the elevating standards of PR talent in India but also reflects the dedication and hard work poured into their craft. A special thanks to the PR firms and their leadership for their unwavering support and commitment to this program.”

  • Artsmith bags PR mandate for FanClash

    Artsmith bags PR mandate for FanClash

    Mumbai: Artsmith.in, one of India’s leading public relations and communication firms, has been appointed to handle the public relations for FanClash, Asia’s largest esports fantasy platform. The account was won after a multi-agency pitch.

    FanClash is a platform that allows esports fans to establish and manage their own fantasy teams, as well as earn incentives based on how those teams perform in real-world competitions.

    For well-known esports like FreeFire, PUBG Mobile, COD Mobile, COD PC, Valorant, CS:GO, League of Legends, and Dota 2, users may monetize their expertise and passion with FanClash.

    FanClash offers a platform for you to interact with and enjoy the world of esports, whether you’re a casual watcher or a die-hard supporter.

    Speaking on the appointment, FanClash co-founder and CEO Richa Singh said, “The innovations and in-depth understanding that Artsmith showed in their vision and approach are something that came the closest to where we as a brand want to position FanClash. Their vision is aligned perfectly with ours, and we are looking forward to teaming up with Artsmith to get the work actioned immediately.”

    Artsmith will try to create a long-lasting ecosystem that captures the distinctive IP of fantasy esports and helps people become accustomed to its thrilling methods and features.

    In addition to serving esports customers, Artsmith also successfully handles communication and curates original sports content for a number of other businesses, such as the world-renowned sportswear company Puma.

    In addition to managing some of India’s most well-known sports leagues and national sports federations, their affiliation with FanClash is yet another achievement.

    The agency is currently managing communications for a number of additional esports clients, including 8bit Creatives, S8UL, Revenant Esports, Cybeart, Qlan, and ESFI, under an exclusive mandate.

    “As a specialised e-sports PR agency, we wanted a portfolio where we had clients from the segments that matter in the e-sports sector. Fantasy esports, with its distinctive features, is one of those assets that has the potential to become a game changer in the esports sector, and we have the wherewithal and understanding of how that potential can be tapped to create the right impact for the brand. I personally feel that as women entrepreneurs, we have a lot that we can do through this partnership for the sector as well as for women gamers, and I am really looking forward to and excited to work with the dynamic team at FanClash,” said Artsmith.in founding principal Udita Dutta.