DEHRADUN: In the midst of the ongoing 47th Annual National Conference of the Public Relations Society of India, strong messages on women’s empowerment, the decisive role of public communication in national development, and recognition of excellence in public service dominated deliberations on the second day of the event in Dehradun. The three-day national PRSI conference, which will conclude later today, brought together senior political leaders, policy thinkers, communication professionals and public servants from across the country.
The second day of the national conference on Sunday witnessed a series of keynote addresses and discussions that placed strong emphasis on women’s empowerment, the critical role of public communication in national development, and recognition of excellence in public service delivery.
The conference, attended by public relations professionals, policymakers, academicians, senior bureaucrats and media representatives from across the country, served as a platform to deliberate on the evolving responsibilities of public communication in a rapidly changing social and technological environment.
1 of 10
Addressing the gathering as the chief guest, Uttarakhand Assembly Speaker Ritu Khanduri Bhushan said that true empowerment of women is possible only when they achieve economic independence. She said women must have equal access to employment opportunities, entrepreneurship and decision making roles to ensure inclusive and sustainable development.
“Women’s empowerment cannot remain limited to slogans. Economic independence is essential for women to participate meaningfully in society and governance,” she said. She added that public relations and communication have emerged as powerful tools to bridge the gap between governments and citizens, enabling transparent and effective dissemination of information.
Ritu Khanduri Bhushan also highlighted the growing scope for women in public relations and communication fields. She said the sector offers immense opportunities for women professionals, provided the focus remains on credibility, transparency and responsible communication. She underlined that the challenge for the industry is not only to disseminate information quickly, but also to ensure that the information reaching the public is accurate and trustworthy.
Our correspondent reports that she praised the role of the Public Relations Society of India in acting as a vital link between public institutions and citizens. She said the organisation has contributed significantly towards communicating government policies, welfare schemes and development initiatives to people at the grassroots level.
Former Chief Minister and former Union Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank also addressed the conference and described public communication as the backbone of national development. He said effective communication strengthens democracy by ensuring that people are informed, engaged and able to participate in governance processes.
“Public communication today is not optional. It is essential for the functioning of a strong democracy and for building trust between the government and the people,” he said. He added that institutions like the Public Relations Society of India play a crucial role in reinforcing this trust by promoting ethical and responsible communication practices.
Our correspondent adds that he stressed the need for the public relations industry to adapt to changing technologies while maintaining credibility. He said innovation, digital platforms and professional integrity must go hand in hand to address misinformation and protect democratic values.
Padma Shri awardee B K Sanjay, who attended the conference as a special guest, spoke about Uttarakhand’s development journey over the past 25 years. He said the state has made notable progress in education, healthcare, medical education and basic infrastructure. He added that continuous improvements in essential services have helped the state move steadily towards long term development goals.
The conference also featured a moment of recognition for outstanding contributions to public service. Uttarakhand Health Secretary R Rajesh Kumar was honoured with the PRSI National Award for his significant role in strengthening health services in the state. The award was presented in the presence of senior leaders and professionals from the public relations fraternity.
Accepting the award, R Rajesh Kumar said the recognition belonged to the entire health department team. He said consistent efforts were being made to improve healthcare delivery, particularly in remote and hilly areas. He highlighted the expansion of telemedicine services and the introduction of air ambulance facilities as key initiatives aimed at ensuring timely medical assistance in difficult terrain.
Our correspondent reports that he said the guidance of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Health Minister Dhan Singh Rawat has been instrumental in improving health outcomes across the state. He said the objective remains to deliver quality healthcare services to the last mile.
PRSI National President Ajit Pathak welcomed the delegates and dignitaries, stating that the annual conference provides an important forum for reflection on the responsibilities of public communication professionals. He said discussions during the conference highlighted the need for ethical practices, innovation and sensitivity to public sentiment.
Senior officials, corporate leaders and communication experts participating in various sessions discussed challenges posed by misinformation, the impact of digital media, and the growing responsibility of communication professionals in times of crisis. Speakers emphasised that public relations must go beyond image building and focus on public interest, accountability and social responsibility.
As the conference moves towards its conclusion later today, organisers said the deliberations and insights shared over the past two days would help shape future strategies for the public relations profession in India. Participants expressed hope that the conference outcomes would contribute to strengthening communication frameworks that support democratic governance and inclusive development.
Dheeraj reports on governance, public services, jobs, and regional developments across Uttarakhand. He specialises in recruitment news, public-sector updates, and civic issues that impact everyday citizens. His reporting brings accuracy, context, and a grassroots perspective to local journalism.
