Breaking News from Mumbai Press Club! Campaign fever hots up, elections on July 31

It's Gurbir Singh Vs Bharat Kumar Raut

 Like in the general elections, Progress and Inclusive Development are in focus at Mumbai Press Club biennial elections as battle lines are drawn between two panels headed by veteran journalists Gurbir Singh (Progressive Democratic Alliance) and Bharat Kumar Raut (Journalists United).

The poll will take place at the Club premises on Tuesday, July 31 and the campaign has reached its feverish pitch as candidates from both the camps using social media and physical contacts to woo the voters.

Jatin Desai is the Returning Officer and Haaris R. Shaikh, the Deputy Returning Officer.

Here are the panels vying for control of the premier journalists’ organization.

WHAT THEY PROMISE…

PRapport presents claims and promises of both the sides for judgment by the media fraternity:

PDA

Journalists United

The elections are upon us again, and we have to make the correct choice to secure our club’s future. From a dump in the late 1990s with barely 200 members, we are today a force to reckon with over 2,000 members. The crucial link for this progress has been a group of dedicated journalists that include Gurbir Singh, Rajesh Mascarenhas, Kumar Ketkar and many others. Some of the key milestones in the Mumbai Press Club’s march have been: Successful Housing Scheme that created ‘Press Enclave’ for 250 journalist families at Pratiksha Nagar in 2010 after 7 years of dedicate New, renovated Press Club building inaugurated in 2007 with Media Centre, modern dining hall and terrace sit-out. The RedInk Awards which have grown over 8 years to become the biggest professional recognition for journalistic writing in the country, and have earned a surplus for the club every year. Standing up for journalists rights as in cases like the Charu Deshpande Case and reaching a Rs 30 lakh settlement with the Tata Group for the attack on photographers at Bombay House. However, most of us might have observed that there has been a slowdown in work there are serious shortcomings which have not been addressed by the existing Managing Committee over the last 2 years: The deteriorating quality of food services has impacted revenues and usage negatively. The Building Construction plan which has all BMC permissions has not moved forward. Lack of discussion and debate on media and industry is a matter of concern. We hope to address these and other important issues if you repose your confidence in us: A clean and hygienic Press Club with a wide choice of food and beverages. To ensure quick progress on the construction of a new Press Club Building. Free wi-fi facilities for all journalists and improved media centre. Make the Press Club a ‘Knowledge Centre’ for media debate. Ensuring the safety and security of our members.

Over the years you have reposed your faith in our team with an overwhelming majority to help the Press Club become an organisation that all of us can be proud of. Some highlights: Conduct of health camps that benefited over 500 members. Signing the club's lease agreement which had been pending for the last 25 years. Organising debates on several burning issues More women becoming part of club’s activities thanks to the various women’s issues being taken up Providing hassle-free work environment in the media room with high-speed broadband connectivity and setting up of professional service and maintenance facilities for photo-journalists. Providing top-line entertainment. For instance, Indian Premier League cricket and World Cup football was broadcast live on high-definition screens. Patenting the Redink Awards, which is amongst the most credible media awards in the country We still have miles to go. Once again we seek your support in this journey. Please, vote for Journalist United because we are: JOURNALISTS UNITED FOR PROGRESS We have plans to introduce regional and international fellowships for our members. Increase participation of women media professionals by having dedicated activities for them. We intend to bring more space/land for the club JOURNALISTS UNITED FOR WELFARE We intend to tie up with various private hospitals in Mumbai to bring affordable health care for members and their families; Special health packages for members above 60 years and women members and their mothers.  JOURNALISTS UNITED FOR CHANGE We are keen on rationalising food and liquor charges; Improve the food menu; Provide dedicated studio-like set up for TV journalists JOURNALISTS UNITED FOR FUN We propose to have ‘Happy Hours’ for women members; Celebrate the golden jubilee of the club in a grand manner; Organise various annual sports tournaments

Watch this space for results on July 31.

Social Communication is vital part of PR - PRCI, Concept PR show how

PRCI campaign wins SVUS PR World Gild again this
Year, under Agency Achievement category

Veteran media professional B N Kumar, popular as BNK24x7, credited for launching a novel concept called Social Communication. He has thus acquitted a new tag – Social Communication Activist. Vikypedia talks to BNK, Executive Director of Concept PR and Governing Council Chairman of Public Relations Council of India (PRCI), on his new experiment which has won a national and two international honours – Fulcrum Award: Consultancy Professional – Not For Profit and two SVUS PR World Gold awards.

Question: Congratulations BNK on winning the SVUS PR World gold for the second time. What was all this about?

For details, click: http://www.vikypedia.in/social-communication-vital-part-pr/

PRCI partners Communex 2018 in Mumbai

• Corporate Communication & PR SUMMIT  to be held on August 9 & 10 
• http://www.communex.in/register-now/          

PRCI is happy to announce that it is partnering the Communex -2018 – www.communex.in -  to be held in Mumbai on August 9 & 10, 2018.

The event will feature some of the most influential voices in corporate communication and will report how communication professionals will find their way and advise executives in turbulent and uncertain times.We live in a time of improbability – with a volatile political scene, and intensified scrutiny and activity of stakeholders across the spectrum. More than ever corporations now need the direction of communication executives to make decisions on how to successfully communicate corporate values during times of political and cultural instability.

Communication strategies are vital for organizations for refining the corporate image and achieving strategic goals. The PR summit will bring spotlight on the, innovative insights, ideas, practices and the radical changes in marketing, public relations, communications, advertising and media technologies. There has been an upheaval from a traditional to a modern way that utilizes new tools for development of marketing and public relations industry and opportunities for improvement to keep pace with the change. The summit covers a wide range of topics that will influence business decisions.

About PR Industry

The public relations (PR) industry grew 18% to touch Rs1,315 crore in FY2017, according to a report titled ‘State of the Industry Survey 2017’ by the Public Relations Consultants Association of India (PRCAI). Actionable approaches that leverage the strengths of public relations, communication, marketing and branding professionals, while bridging internal silos to achieve more profound results! Today’s communication professionals need an understanding of big data and analytics, social media, social business and community management; the ability to create content across multiple platforms and channels; and to tell authentic brand stories to consumers and other critical audiences.

The role of the corporate communications leader is undergoing dramatic changes, with responsibilities growing broader and deeper than ever before. Corporate affairs officers are now shouldering an increasing mandate to act as high-level strategic advisors to CEOs, and frequently serve as members of the senior leadership teams offering insights and business direction.

In today’s frenetic and intensively competitive global market, it’s increasingly critical that the corporate affairs function make deeper contributions within the C-suite inner circle, and be ready to strategically advise in times of crisis and scrutiny. The Summit is about positioning communications as a central leadership function in your organization.

#PotholesRforever, Mumbai Much Much to Maha CM Fadnavis

https://www.change.org/p/devendra-fadnavis-potholesrforever-%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%B0-%E0%A4%B9%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%87-%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%BE-%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A8?recruiter=29763990&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=copylink&utm_campaign=share_petition

#SaveParsikHills gets a boost

The Times of India 07-07-2018

Happy to see Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation restoring greenery on quarry-ravaged Parsik Hills. Its a big boost to our campaign -  #SaveParsikHills

#IamMangroveIamDying: Join our Social Communication Campaign

Say 'No' to discrimination - Bengaluru PRCI-YCC celebrate Daughters’ Day

#Shakti4Beti draws wide applause

BENGALURU: Celebrating Daughter’s Day on Sunday with the theme #Shakti4Beti in memory of Kalpana Chawla the Indo- American NASA astronaut who died in the Space Shuttle Columbia Disaster, PRCI-YCC felicitated six young women achievers awarded scholarship to a girl student from economically backward section.

Social activist Dr. AkkaiPadmashali, fitness expert Wanita Ashok, playback singer Supriya Lohit, police constable Archana, Pragati TV, head of operations, Shilpashree, and head of marketing & exports, Peenya Industrial Gases Pvt. Ltd Laksmi Pillay, were presented awards for being women achievers.

Awardees Dr.Akkai Padamashali & Supriya Lohit

Scholarships were awarded to Hirshita who scored 93.12% in SSLC and financial assistance was extended to Nishanka B.R., a Press Club office helper.

The event was organized by  Public Relations Council  of India (PRCI) and Young Communicators Club (YCC), who have been holding this event for the past seven years. 

This year, PRCI and YCC launched a movement called ‘Swabhiman’ to empower the girl child. Swabhiman is a non-violent movement to empower women through Public Relations.

Well-known poet and Lyricist Dr Doddarange Gowda, a Padmashree awaredee, Dr. N.S Leela, the driving force behind Agastya Foundation Connecting the Dot an Organisation taking science to rural India and forging new educational methods aiming to bring about a change in the pattern of education, spoke.

PRCI-Bengaluru also launched its house journal VAAGMI. 

Dr Gowda, a Padmashree awaredee, said society should not discriminate women. Both male and female are interdependent. It is sad to see the discrimination rising even at high levels in the society. He likened woman to a doctor of the family as she take care of the family’s health. Her presence is seen in every walk of life – from the sky to the earth, he said.

Skit by Cauvery Kanya Gurukulam students

Dr. N.S Leela asked the society to stop thinking that a woman is dependent. The voice of women power is reaching its new heights. We require these type of events and programmes to make the presence of womanhood felt, she said and appreciated the awardees belonging to different fields.

Dr. Akkai is a male-to-female Transwoman, social activist. Her journey is one of courage and determination. From begging on the streets and participating in sex work for two square meals a day, she is now an activist that has inspired many.

Padmashali has filed a petition in the Supreme Court of India against Section 377 stating that the colonial law is in violation of the constitutional rights as well as the 2014 National Legal Service Authority judgment. She was invited by the International Bar Association to speak about the legal rights of sexual minorities, in a conference held at Tokyo in October 2014. She is the first transgender person to receive an honorary doctorate from the Indian Virtual University for Peace and Education.

Constable, Karnataka State Police posted at Electronic City Police Station, Bengaluru, Archana showed exemplary humane concern by breastfeeding an abandoned child on May 30th, 2018. The newborn was found by a rag-picker at a construction site, stuffed in a plastic bag with his umbilical cord twisted around his neck. This simple act by a young mother of a three-month old baby demonstrated her courage, strength and hope for all of us.

Team PRCI-YCC Bengaluru

Mr MB Jayaram, Chairman Emeritus and Chief Mentor of PRCI expressed gratitude to all guests for participating in the event. He also mentioned that daughters are our pride to our nation and equal opportunities have to be given to them. Empowering the girl child would bring a positive change to the society.

Dr LataT S, Chairperson PRCI Bangalore  explained that through the Young Communicators Club (YCC), the youth wing of PRCI, the organisation holds seminars, conferences, workshops and internships. 

A skit by 17 girl students from Cauvery Kanya Gurukulam of Srirangapatna and a play SEE ME AS WE by Acharya Institute of Graduation Students were the other highlights of the event.

#Shakti4Beti campaign was launched in 2016, urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to declare 1 July as Daughter’s Day in memory of astronaut Kalpana Chawla. This campaign falls in line with the Union government’s campaign ‘BetiBachaoBetiPadhao’ to communicate the issue of security of the girl child. PRCI has been trying to create awareness about such an empowerment of girls and women.

Go Green with PRCI; Tree plantation at Kolhapur's Shivaji University

Supporting the Maharashtra Government’s tree plantation drive, PRCI-Kolhapur Chapter has contributed its mite. The Chapter donated 11 saplings of Bodhivriksha (holy fig ree) to Shivaji University. In this picture, Alok Jatratkar, Chairman, PRCI-Kolhapur Chapter, Sateesh Thombre, Dy-Chairman and Rajesh Shinde, Treasurer planting a sapling in the campus of Shivaji University, Kolhapur.

Save Parsik HiIl Campaign wins international recognition

MUMBAI:  Concept PR has earned the Gold under PR Agency Achievement of the Year category in the prestigious US-based 7th Annual PR World Awards for its social communication campaign #Save Parsik Hill, executed on behalf of Public Relations Council of India (PRCI).

This is the second consecutive PR World award for PRCI and Concept PR as their campaign, #Mission Mumbai Local, has won Gold under PR Milestone of the Year at the 6th edition of the awards last year. Concept PR is the lone Indian agency to figure in the awardees list.

 Save Parsik Hill campaign focused on the need to stop check plundering of the hills under the guise of quarrying and protects the bio-diversity of the area. The hills have been the major source of stones for the construction industry in Mumbai Metropolitan Region for over four decades and they have ravaged by blasting and exploiting much beyond the officially allotted areas.

“The PR World Award is recognition of a novel Social Communication Campaign initiated by Concept PR to focus on issues of community interest,” said Ashish Jalan, CEO and director of Concept PR. “It also stands testimony to the consultancy’s professional commitment, dedication and team work. We are happy to have executed the Parsik Hill campaign on behalf of not-for-profit PRCI,” he said.

“We launched a well orchestrated social communication campaign on the Environment Day in association with the Mumbai Press Club last year,” said B N Kumar, executive director – Concept PR. The basic idea was to bring into sharp focus the environmental damage being done by unchecked quarrying. The campaign involved twitter, facebook posts and an online petition to the Chief Minister to stop further quarrying of the Hills, he said.

Four NGOs – Shree Ekvira Aai Pratishtan (SEAP), Awaaz Foundation, Vanashakti and Watchdog Foundation have backed the drive. Later, SEAP continuously supported the campaign by writing to various authorities such as the Thane district collector, Konkan Divisional Commissioner, the forest and pollution control board officials pointing out that many hills have begun to disappear and whatever is left needs to be saved..

As the massive public opinion gained momentum, various stake holders and government agencies have veered round to the fact that Parsik Hill quarrying needs to be stopped now. Even the Maharashtra’s Directorate of Geology and Mining has said Parsik Hills have come under danger zone.

“We are happy to have been associated with the PRCI campaign Save Parsik Hill. The consistent campaign has been able to raise awareness levels among various stakeholders,” said Nandakumar Pawar, forunder director of Shree Ekvira Aai Pratishtan (SEAP). “But the battle is not yet over. We have to ensure Parsik Hill is protected from quarrying altogether. SEAP, along with PRCI, will continue the campaign through various tools of communication,” he added..

M B Jayaram, Chief Mentor and Chairman Emeritus of PRCI, said: “We are glad that the joint efforts are paying dividends. It has been great experience working with Concept PR on our campaigns and win international recognition for the second consecutive year.”

The coveted annual SVUS PR World Awards programme encompasses the world’s best in recognizing public relations, marketing, corporate communications, investor relations, and business development professionals, teams, departments, and achievements from every major industry in the world. Organizations from all over the world including public and private, for-profit and non-profit, largest to smallest and new start-ups, have submitted their nominations.

More than 80 judges from a broad spectrum of industry voices from around the world participated and their average scores determined the 2018 award winners, the organizers said.

Level-playing field for Girls, please!

#Shakti4Beti - a stage show at PRCI Bengaluru event in progress. Pix: DIVYA VENKAT POGARU

As PRCI celebrates Daughters’ Day to commemorate late Indo-US astronaut Kalpana Chawla, here are some random thoughts by M B JAYARAM, Chief Mentor and Chairman Emeritus of the national communicators body

Kalpana Chawla has been inspiration for many girls as she demonstrated to us as to how one reach the sky with hard work, determination and above all focused approach.

All that girls need proper opportunities and you see how they excel.

In this context, let me mention that PRCI has aptly chosen #Shakti4Beti as our focused theme to empower the girl child.

India is a society of contrasts and even contradictions.

On the one hand the society worships deities such as Durga as the symbol of Shakti or triumph of good over evil, and Lakshmi as the Goddess of Wealth, while on the other girls and women are still being subjected to ill-treatment.

Even in the 21^st century, and at a time when India is racing to emerge as an economic super power, it is really sad that women and girls are discriminated against. Gender disparity is still a major socio-economic issue.

Isn’t is a sad commentary on the society in general that we need to have women welfare departments and women rights commission as though they are some endangered species?

 I do not think that many right thinking women would crave for privileges and any special treatment – be it at home, school/college or even at work places.

Girls just want level playing field. PRCI also supports the same thought when wesays Shakti4beti.

Women always excelled if they are given freedom as men and not shackled with anti-women practices.

Apart from mythology, even history has innumerable examples of women doing wonders. Take the case of Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi, or for that matter freedom fighters such as Sarojini Naidu who were in the forefront of struggle against British tyranny. Kasturba worked silently with Mahatma Gandhi. In post -independent India too women have done as good as men and even better at times.

In education, sports, social service, politics, management, movies, corporate sector – you name it, you have women excelling.

Even at PRCI, we have many women working with their men that too without any inhibitions and issues! In fact, the Daughters Day event at Bengaluru was successfully led several women office-bearers.

But it is still sad that the ratio of women coming out into the open isn’t  very encouraging.

Majority of girls and women are still being relegated to domestic work and the kitchen.

But with increasing education and the society becoming liberal, things should improve and the girl child will get empowered.

I am of the strong opinion that the empowerment begins at home.

Mothers, more than anyone else, should unshackle themselves and treat their daughters on par with boys.

This thought has to be communicated well through various means of communication, including social and traditional media.

I know social media is a double edged sword. I am sure with proper use it will help us cut through the mindset against the girl child.

Shakti4beti will have achieved what it is meant for.

I sincerely hope that we will not have to celebrate daughters’ day specially. We shall work towards observing  a Skill Development or Talent Promotion Day, next year!

But to achieve this PRCI will have to do aggressive communication which I am sure our teams are capable of.

Finally, let me say: Shakti4Society – not mere for Beti!

#Shakti4Beti –campaign to empower girl child

Need to go beyond #BetiBachaoBetiPadhao, 

say communication activists

MUMBAI/BENGALURU, June 15: With #Shakti4Beti as theme  focusing on empowering the girl child, a social communication campaign has been launched.

In an annual event, National communicators body Public Relations Council of India (PRCI) observes July 1 – the official birth anniversary of Indo-US astronaut late Kalpana Chawla – as the Daughters’ Day to draw the attention of the society on issues related to the girl child.

A skit focusing on Daughers being enacted at SIMSR, Mumbai, last July

 “We are inspired by the government’s campaign #BetiBachaoBetiPadhao,” said PRCI governing council chairman B N Kumar. “PRCI is keen that the society goes beyond protecting and educating the girl child. As a democratic, civilized society we must empower the girl child so that she plays a niche role in the nation building activities, Kumar, who is also a social communication activist, said.

“A girl child in India continues to be given a raw treatment,” said PRCI chief mentor and chairman emeritus M B Jayaram. “Be it in rural areas, agriculture fields or even in places of work and bollywood, women have been complaining of discrimination,” he said and stressed that women deserve level playing field.

“How can we even imagine the New India-2022 story without the active involvement of daughters,” asked educationist and chairperson of PRCI’s youth wing Young Communicators Club Geetha Shankar. Enough has been said and written about girls and boys working as equals, but precious little has been done, she said and stressed: “Women do not crave for any favours. Please do not put any obstacles in our growth,” she said.

...at Bengaluru, last year

The campaign launched today will culminate around July 1. Apart from holding events around #Shakti4Beti or #EmpoweringDaughter, PRCI and YCC will hold a series of activities across its chapters in various cities such as Bengaluru, Mumbai, New Delhi, Kochi, Chennai, Kolkata, Bhubaneswar and Chandigarh mobilizing communication students from universities and colleges to do the messaging.

Contests in debates, short films, photography, poster design, and street play will be held apart from social media campaigns. An online petition addressed to the President of India, Women and Child Welfare Minister and the National Women’s Rights Commission will be launched requesting listing out an agenda towards ensuring a level playing field for the girl child, PRCI said.

Snapshot of Daughters' Day '17 event at Kochi 

Why should I read newspapers?

Recently, we (at PRCI) had an opportunity for interns in journalism for working on editorial supplements for a Mumbai newspaper. While we received few entries to our invitation to write essays on some current topics, one of the candidates bowled a bouncer! We asked him as to which are the newspapers that he reads. He shot back: “Why should I read any newspaper and know about what has already happened?” The panel of interviewers did not know where to look! And this reminded me of a question that a journalism student at Andheri (Mumbai) asked me: who is Rajdeep Sardesai! 
(This article first appeared on Reputation Today)

For the detailed comment, please check:
http://reputationtoday.in/views/i-read-newspapers/

Wanted: #GST4Petrol

Please sign this petition addressed to the PM.
https://www.change.org/p/how-long-do-we-have-to-reel-under-fuel-price-hike-weight?recruiter=29763990&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=copylink&utm_campaign=share_petition.

How long do we have to bear this burden?

Petrol and diesel prices are skyrocketing again. The common man doesnt get any respite despite promises from ruling party and protests by the opposition

Our simple question is: Why can't we bring petrol and diesel prices  under GST?

At present, a central excise duty of 23% and State VAT of 34% is  levied on petrol and diesel. Thus, the total tax works out to 57%.

If these essential products are brought under GST , the maximum tax will be only 28%. This means the prices of petrol and diesel can come down by almost 50%.

The people and the economy at at large will be benefited as it will have a positive, cascading effect. 

Please act in public interest and give the common man the much-needed relief.