More than 100 participants from different Journalism institutions attend

Bhubaneswar, April 20: The KIIT School of Mass Communication organised its first Public Relations Summit at the auditorium of Campus 18 today on the eve of National Public Relations Day on the theme “Public Relations: Telling Your Own Story in a Dynamic World”.

Addressing the gathering at the inaugural session, Prof. Himansu Sekhar Khatua, CEO, School of Mass Communication lauded the efforts of his team to organise such a vibrant event. He announced the Public Relations Summit to be the annual event of the school which will be organised always on the eve of the National Public Relations Day.

Giving his presidential address at the inaugural session, Prof. Hrushikesh Mohanty, Vice-Chancellor, KIIT Deemed to be University, encouraged the students to make their own stories that will set examples. He wished the students to meet their goals by utilizing opportunities wisely.

Gracing the inaugural session as chief guest, Mr. Rana Yashwant, Group Managing Editor, India News deliberated how effective communication has all pervasive impact in this present context. He said, “A country is functional only when the citizens have different opinions and understanding. Further he explained the qualities and skills required to have a future in public relations. “It’s important to be an exceptional speaker, otherwise the story appears to be deformed,” he added.

Mr. Amarjyoti Mahapatra, Chairman, PRSI, Bhubaneswar Chapter, who was the chief speaker for the inaugural session, said, “One must identify if the story is worth telling. Before that he himself should be convinced by the story”. He also explained the popular mantra, “Accept the change. Adapt and innovate’.

Ms. Ruby Nanda, Faculty, School of Mass Communication, KIIT Deemed to be University, gave the welcome address by introducing the guests, while Mr. Sudarsan Sahoo, Faculty, School of Mass Communication, KIIT Deemed to be University, proposed the vote of thanks.

The speakers for the plenary session were Mr. Jyoti Prakash Mishra, Chief Public Relations Officer, East Coast Railway, Dr. Santanu Rath, Director, Personnel, Odisha Mining Corporation Ltd. and Mr. Prashant Kumar Hota, Executive Vice-President, Group Head CSR, Education & Sustainability Head, Odisha Corporate Communications, Jindal Steel & Power Ltd.

Mr. Mishra spoke about different aspects of public relations activities with taking examples from Indian Railways. On the same line, Mr. Rath recounted the story of his involvement in restoration of power in the Phailin-hit districts in 2013. However, Mr. Hota narrated his own story on his struggle to get a space to be listened. He also highlighted how the focus of his organisation changed time to time as per the necessity. The speakers also answered the several queries of the participants by providing real life examples.

The plenary session was moderated by Dr. V. R. Raju, Public Relations Consultant, GRIDCO, Odisha.

More than hundred students and faculty members from the journalism and mass communication departments of Utkal University, Ravenshaw University, Berhampur University, Birla Global University and other affiliated colleges participated in the event.