Devasis Chattopadhyay

It is so important to appreciate the diversity of views and opinions but also important to bring people together in a way that they are looking at the same thing with the same objectives and goals before beginning a task. This is the role of a leader. To harness the #diversity of views and talents within a team in service of a common goal. In the world of #publicrelations, this holds too, the work we do helps frame a narrative that builds a #reputation and is often about shifting the audience’s perspective. Changing perceptions need people to look at the same thing and see it afresh. This requires a shift in perspective.

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When #IndependentDirectors (ID) resign citing personal reasons it raises various suspicions regarding corporate governance. Thus, the amendment brought about by SEBI sometime ago requiring IDs to explicitly specify the exact reasons for the resignation is welcome. In the event of investigations, these letters may serve as a shield offering immunity to IDs. https://lnkd.in/gzTX_hCt

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A report on a discussion on my book, India’Finance Ministers, brings out some interesting thoughts that are relevant even today. https://lnkd.in/ghFxU-Cr

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This report brings to light serious concerns regarding a potential breach of regulations by SEBI Chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch. Allegations from #HindenburgResearch suggest that Buch continued to earn revenue from a consultancy firm during her tenure with SEBI, potentially violating rules that prohibit regulatory officials from engaging in other professional activities. The revelations have raised questions about conflicts of interest, particularly in connection with her investigations into the #AdaniGroup. Buch has denied any wrongdoing, terming the allegations as attempts at "character assassination." However, the lack of clarity and the ongoing investigation into her financial interests have sparked calls for her resignation. The situation underscores the importance of transparency and strict adherence to regulatory guidelines for officials in such influential positions. The unfolding developments are likely to intensify scrutiny on both #SEBI and its leadership, potentially impacting the regulator's credibility. https://lnkd.in/gWATmyA2

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A recently conducted Economic Survey 2023-24 showed that CSR spending in India has increased by an impressive 53 percent from 2014 to 2022. Corporates have collectively spent INR 1.53 lakh crore on CSR initiatives. Over half this figure was spent from 2019 to 2022 alone, with many companies exceeding their obligations. This is an encouraging trend that has positively impacted education, healthcare and sanitation, rural welfare, and environmental conservation, particularly in the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh. This year could also see the addition of youth skills to these areas following a new scheme announced in the 2024 union budget encouraging paid internships at 500 top companies, with training costs to be borne from CSR funds. #CSR #India #SocialImpact https://lnkd.in/ggqthDgJ

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On Prashant Kishor's (PK) latest interview with Karan Thapar ( KT), I have expressed some views. I post it here. PK uncharacteristically was very vague about numbers in this interview. However, with coaxing and verbal manuvering from KT, he commented that #BJP is losing ( after 5 phases) about 50 seats in the West-North #India grid. If he is correct, it means BJP already lost 50 because voting is more or less over barring Delhi and its surrounding, and East UP in that grid. I am sure PK's understanding comes from the data collected after voting in 5 phases. Now comes the second part, he predicted that in the East-South belt of India, BJP will cover that loss. That means they will add 50 more seats over what BJP got in 2019. Hence, he said BJP would be around 300. In WB, Bihar and Odisa, BJP, in all likelihood, will not be increasing their overall tally over 2019. In other states a sporadic couple of seats may be. So, 300 seems difficult , in all estimates , except. And, I don't have to explain the ' except', I suppose. But what is very surprising is that the 5 interviews given by PK in a span of 2.5 days ( I have watched them keenly), just 3 days prior to the phase 6 and suddenly, he had same messaging, same sequence of arguments, same language and logic ( plz watch him with Rahul Kanwal and KT). These interviews are not of an independent / disinterested consultant. These are reharsed #messaging. He is trying to provide a 3rd party validation through couched messaging to BJP's position. He is trying to bolster and reinforce BJP's campaign in disguise. He is working as a 'Sleeper Agent'. PK got angry with KT because KT pushed him and he lost balance in his prepared messaging. Rahul Kanwal did not push PK in India Today Interview so he was cool. Independent observers generally do not lose their balance and temper because they have no affiliation. Those who lose their cool are not objective. I have for the past 20 years trained over 100 spokespeople from biggest corporates in #MessageHouse creations and #Interviewing techniques. And, this is my humble opinion. And, yes PK has political ambition. And, he holds political hostilities towards #TMC, #INC and a few others who ignored and overlooked his overtures this time around. It showed in his recent interviews. BJP is using all tricks under their hat to hustle the numbers and their #fake #narrative.. And, watching PK do interview with KT will alert you how not to fight a #proxywar in #media. A friend and a former colleague Arif Malik said and I quote, "One of the primary purposes of exaggerating exit poll numbers ( also PK like interviews) is to bolster the confidence of ground officials involved in election fraud. So they don't chicken out when needed. This may sound menial but is the most important part of #election frauds". I add, these techniques are also used for weakening opposition #campaign. As #communications experts we need to be aware of these.

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Celebrating Children’s Day: The Child as the Father of the Man On this day, as we remember Chacha Nehru’s love for children and his belief in their boundless potential, I find myself reflecting on how children truly are “the father of the man.” Watching my own child grow has reminded me of the simplicity, curiosity, and resilience we sometimes lose in our adult lives, especially in a field as dynamic as PR and marketing. Children teach us invaluable lessons about communication—they’re unfiltered, honest, and bold. In the world of brands and storytelling, these qualities are rare gems. Whether it’s the fearlessness in trying something new, the persistence in asking “why,” or the joy in simple victories, every interaction with children renews my perspective on work and life. Over the years, I’ve learned that staying connected with this childlike spirit fuels our creativity and helps us approach challenges with fresh eyes. Chacha Nehru believed that children are the architects of the future, and today, as I watch the next generation grow, I feel inspired to approach my work with the same innocence, passion, and wonder. Wishing everyone a Happy Children’s Day! May we continue to learn from the young minds around us and remember the child within ourselves. #ChildrensDay #ChachaNehru #PRLife #MarketingProfessionals #TheChildWithin #Storytelling

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An effective board of directors is critical to the success of any organisation. Clear, strategic and focused leadership that meets (or exceeds) the expectations of shareholders and stakeholders is imperative, particularly in the Indian scenario where #corporategovernance is often under stress. Some of the foundational elements that lead to board success are: THE RIGHT PEOPLE: A truly effective board calls for a mix of directors with the right skillsets, interests, industry knowledge/experience, behavioural qualities and strong value systems. DIVERSITY / DIFFERING PERSPECTIVES: A diverse board yields different perspectives. This makes them less susceptible to “groupthink”. LEADERSHIP: A STRONG CHAIR: An effective board requires a chair who can focus on strategy development and oversight; develop a partnership with the CEO; interface with shareholders and act as collective voice of the board; govern with integrity; lead the board to collaborate and focus on issues that matter. GOOD BOARD PRACTICES: Regularly attend board meetings; tailored induction programmes to enable directors get appropriate knowledge of the business; assessment of board performance; effective meeting management. https://lnkd.in/gFWDY2Dt

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IPL business valuation soars and so does the brand value of KKR and RCB.

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Under the Companies Act, #IndependentDirectors (IDs) can be held responsible for only those activities of the company of which they had knowledge, had consented to, or provided approval for. There are provisions that mandate independent directors on a board register their dissent if they notice any wrongdoing. If an ID fails to do so, the ID may also be tagged as a defaulter in his personal capacity. This could result in him or her being declared unfit to hold any significant position. For instance, an independent director of Modulex Construction Technologies submitted a 65-page resignation letter to the exchanges highlighting the corporate governance issues at the company. https://lnkd.in/gHPG_p3u

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I always try to find the connection between something that happens in my life and the work that I do. In the context of public relations and reputation building, I guess the analogy would be about too much visibility being a bad thing. Finding the right balance that makes you and your organisation valued and appreciated versus overexposed and criticised or under-appreciated is the key. How much is too much? For me, two weeks of continuous travel was just right to bring home the value of home. For others, this could be different so there is no one right answer. Just the need to keep vigilant and ask the right questions seems to be the learning. Is the spokesperson getting too accessible to the media? Are they posting too much on social media? Does what they offer seem to be valued or is it starting to feel like the walls are closing in and nobody is listening anymore? The ability to truly listen and understand the pulse of an audience seems to be the answer that emerges. #reputation #publicrelations

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https://mybs.in/2daSrmZ Apart from showing signs of an impending softness in the economy’s ability to absorb capital investments, the decline in capital expenditure of both the Centre and the states in April-September 2024 provides an opportunity for applying policy fixes to sustain growth, not tinkering with cash management norms.

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Discover the impact of lower polling percentages on Lok Sabha elections. Uncover who gains, the ruling front or the opposition, when turnouts dip.What happened in previous elections? Dive into the depths of Indian elections with Prannoy Roy's authoritative book. Translated by KK Jayakumar, this exploration promises insights that will reshape your understanding of electoral dynamics. #loksabhaelections2024 #prenoyroy #kkjayakumar

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India’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth in the January-March quarter of FY24 likely slowed to a four-quarter low of 6.8% from 8.4% in October-December, on account of slowdown in manufacturing and services sectors growth, according to the median of a poll of 19 economists. In Q4FY23, GDP had grown 6.2%. At 6.8%, however, the country’s GDP growth would have grown way higher than the 5.9% projected by the National Statistical Office (NSO) in its second advance estimates (SAE). For the full year FY24, the NSO has pegged the GDP growth at 7.6%; but with the projected fourth quarter growth, India’s economy likely grew at 7.8% in the year. #economy #gdp #indianeconomy #poll #news

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The regulatory body, Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), has found itself at the center of controversy, with employees raising serious concerns about the workplace culture being 'toxic' under the leadership of Chief Madhabi Puri Buch, and the role of the HR department in addressing these grievances Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/esrQSTui BW People.in BW Businessworld Annurag Batra Bilquis Naqvee Noor Fathima Warsia

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A ritual requires intention, attention, and repetition. As a PR professional, this makes me think about the power of having a simple message (based on deep insight – with good intention) and using that to hold attention by repetition. Like many other aspects of life, the power of compounding holds true in PR as well. Find an interesting and worthwhile story to tell and keep repeating it and over time, it builds into a ritual and becomes a habit or a tradition. Our thoughts become our words and they frame our actions. Cheers to the power of PR and birthdays as moments to reflect on life with intention and attention. A new year beckons, all that’s left is for me to ask myself what part of my life I want to build with repetition, and that over time will define my reputation. #rituals #reputation

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In the rapidly evolving world of hashtag #content creation, the rise of AI brings both challenges and opportunities for original #writing. Our recent article in AI Magazine explores the delicate balance between human creativity and AI-generated content.

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