Bhubaneswar, Ap 24: The Bhubaneswar chapter of the Public Relations Society of India (PRSI) recently organized an independent panel discussion to mark National Public Relations Day 2026. Held at Press Club of Odisha, the event drew communication and public relations professionals, educators, students, journalists, and several senior figures from the field.
During the opening remarks, Prashant Hota, Chairman of Jindal Steel and Head of Corporate Communications in Odisha, highlighted the pivotal role PR professionals play in a developing Odisha. He stated, “Public relations professionals help create a unique brand for Odisha. PR is not just about enhancing a company’s image; it is about managing relationships and building strong, meaningful connections with people.”
Addressing the influence of artificial intelligence on public relations, Hota emphasized that professionals need not fear AI, as it is merely a tool. “AI cannot dream or nurture human relationships; it cannot replace the human touch essential in PR,” he noted.
Providing an academic perspective, Professor Dr. Anand Pradhan, Regional Director at IIM-Sambalpur, stressed the importance of ethics in PR, similar to journalism. “Without ethics, public relations become mere publicity. PR professionals are custodians of public trust, a crucial element of any democracy. Just as diversity enriches democracy, PR messages must reflect multiple perspectives,” he said.
Addressing the gathering, Sandeep Mishra, editor of digital news platforms Odisha Bytes and Odisha Sambad, emphasized the importance of responsibility in PR. “PR professionals craft and disseminate messages that reach the public through diverse media. They must balance the interests of their companies or clients with what benefits the public and the nation,” he remarked.
The panel discussion was chaired by Sudhi Ranjan Mishra, President of PRSI Bhubaneswar, with thanks extended by the chapter secretary, Krushna Chandra Mahapatra. The event reaffirmed PRSI Bhubaneswar’s commitment to promoting professional excellence and ethical standards in the field of public relations.
