Each year on July 16, World PR Day offers a moment of global reflection?Çöa chance to celebrate how public relations has evolved from a tactical publicity tool to a strategic cornerstone of trust, influence, and culture. But in 2025, the relevance of PR has never been more urgent?Çöor more contested.Across boardrooms and newsrooms, algorithms and activist movements, the world is battling a trust deficit. From climate misinformation to corporate greenwashing, from AI-generated deepfakes to political polarization?Çöaudiences are skeptical, institutions are under scrutiny, and reputation is no longer a given. In this volatile climate, PR is no longer about ?Ç£good press?Ç¥?Çöit?ÇÖs about building truthful, transparent, and timeless relationships.As PR thought leader Justin Green, Global President of the International Public Relations Association (IPRA), aptly noted last year: ?Ç£Public relations is the ethical heartbeat of communication. It has the power to shape truth, counter disinformation, and elevate public dialogue.?Ç¥From Diana Fernandes?ÇÖ view of PR as the ?Ç£conscience-keeper?Ç¥ of organizations, to Upasna Dash?ÇÖs call to move from ?Ç£vanity to value?Ç¥, this year?ÇÖs reflections underscore how PR has outgrown the shadow of marketing to become a moral, strategic, and social force.On the occasion of World PR Day 2025, Adgully spoke to eight forward-thinking industry founders who are shaping the future of communications in India. Their voices echo a shared belief: that in a world where anyone can broadcast, credibility is the only currency that matters.As technology amplifies noise and the public grows weary of spin, these leaders are doubling down on meaning, trust, and truth. Whether navigating AI integration, cultural shifts, or crisis narratives, their work proves one thing:PR isn?ÇÖt about managing stories. It?ÇÖs about stewarding trust. ?Ç£We are no longer decorators of narratives. We are custodians of credibility?Ç¥ ?Çô Diana Fernandes, Founder & Group CEO, Bloomingdale Public Relations<img src='https://erp.adgully.me/artical_image\64b889ceefb978a8198c093300b0694e.jpeg' class='content_image'>For Diana Fernandes, World PR Day is more than a calendar milestone?Çöit?ÇÖs a conscious pause to reflect on whether PR professionals are genuinely making a difference or simply dressing up perception.?Ç£World PR Day is not just a day of celebration?Çöit?ÇÖs a day of reckoning. Are we doing the hard, often uncomfortable work of building trust, or are we still caught in cosmetic storytelling? In a world where people question everything?Çömedia, institutions, corporations?Çöour job is no longer to ?Çÿspin?ÇÖ stories, but to unearth what?ÇÖs real and meaningful. I believe PR is now the conscience-keeper of organizations. We belong at the table not just when things go wrong, but when purpose is being defined, when societal impact is being measured.?Ç¥On the role of AI, Diana sees it not as a disruptor but a clarity-enabler: ?Ç£We embrace AI as a filter?Çöit handles the noise, so we can focus on the nuance. At Bloomingdale, AI supports efficiency: real-time monitoring, data parsing, first drafts. But it is empathy and human insight that carry the message across the line. Machines can draft, but only humans can understand pain, hope, irony, and aspiration. Especially in crisis or cultural moments, communication needs a soul. And AI doesn?ÇÖt have one.?Ç¥ ?Ç£PR is no longer about visibility. It?ÇÖs about credibility in a world of collapsing trust?Ç¥ ?Çô Aman Dhall, Founder, CommsCredible<img src='https://erp.adgully.me/artical_image\2bd5e9a5145e7bcf6c91f22b3f4c9638.jpeg' class='content_image'>Aman Dhall offers a sharp reminder that communications today must serve deeper goals than headlines or impressions. ?Ç£World PR Day is a timely moment to reflect on the responsibilities we hold. Strategic communications must help institutions articulate not just what they sell?Çöbut what they stand for. We?ÇÖve worked with clients in sectors like housing finance and public policy, where the challenge isn?ÇÖt media coverage?Çöit?ÇÖs navigating mistrust, exclusion, and fear. That?ÇÖs where PR must act as a societal interpreter, not just a brand megaphone.?Ç¥He?ÇÖs clear about AI?ÇÖs role: ?Ç£We treat AI as a collaborator. It scales the ?Çÿwhat,?ÇÖ but the ?Çÿwhy?ÇÖ still belongs to us. In one campaign for a heritage fragrance brand, we used AI to identify scent-language trends globally. But the breakthrough came from a perfumer who told us, ?ÇÿScent is memory.?ÇÖ That insight couldn?ÇÖt have come from data. It came from empathy. That?ÇÖs the gap only humans can fill.?Ç¥For Aman, the future of PR lies in ?Ç£narrative design?Ç¥?Çöarchitecting trust across moments, mediums, and stakeholders. ?Ç£In a world of scrutiny, clever communication won?ÇÖt cut it. Clarity will?Ç¥ ?Çô Akshaara Lalwani, Founder, Communicate India<img src='https://erp.adgully.me/artical_image\8ddb3a75ce3d99a9651933966863ffed.jpeg' class='content_image'>Having shaped communications for over 15 years, Akshaara Lalwani sees World PR Day as a chance to return to the basics: integrity, empathy, and meaningful engagement. ?Ç£The world around us has changed?Çöinstitutions are under scrutiny, misinformation spreads faster than facts, and the audience is alert, vocal, and unforgiving. In this climate, our job isn?ÇÖt to sugarcoat?Çöit?ÇÖs to simplify, anchor, and humanize. PR has become the space where brand action is held accountable to public expectation.?Ç¥She adds: ?Ç£We?ÇÖre no longer the ?Çÿexecution team?ÇÖ waiting for a brief. We?ÇÖre strategic partners guiding leadership and culture. When a brand faces a crisis?Çöor an opportunity?Çöwe?ÇÖre the voice asking: Is this aligned with who we say we are??Ç¥On redefining PR within the marketing mix: ?Ç£Today?ÇÖs audiences don?ÇÖt separate a press article from an Instagram post or a podcast interview. What matters is consistency and coherence. Our job is to help brands show up?Çönot just loudly, but authentically. Whether it?ÇÖs building movements or diffusing tensions, we help brands stay grounded in their values.?Ç¥?Ç£Trust is the lifeblood of society. And PR is its circulatory system?Ç¥ ?Çô Rishi Seth, Founder & CEO, Evoc<img src='https://erp.adgully.me/artical_image\a01a7cb4c2bb7a6a49f503676dcc26e3.jpeg' class='content_image'>For Rishi Seth, World PR Day is a celebration?Çöbut also a stark reminder of the gravity of their role. ?Ç£We live in a time where foundational trust is eroding?Çöin media, government, even science. Yet societies cannot function without trust. That makes our job as PR professionals far more complex?Çöand far more essential. We must now identify where trust lives, how it shifts, and how to help clients earn it, not just claim it.?Ç¥Seth is pragmatic about AI: ?Ç£It?ÇÖs already helping with efficiencies?Çöcontent creation, monitoring, sentiment analysis. But persuasion, influence, and coalition-building are deeply human acts. AI might catch up to average performance soon, but elite storytelling, emotional foresight, and intuitive judgment remain human territories. That?ÇÖs where the real future of PR lies.?Ç¥ ?Ç£PR is no longer behind the scenes. It?ÇÖs at the helm of shaping culture and commerce?Ç¥ ?Çô Sonalika Pawar, Founder, Bold and Beyond<img src='https://erp.adgully.me/artical_image\2079cdb484ed659afb4f14d8e089d012.jpeg' class='content_image'>For Sonalika Pawar, PR today is inseparable from social consciousness and brand authenticity.?Ç£World PR Day is a chance to celebrate a function that has quietly powered some of the most meaningful shifts in how people view brands, institutions, and themselves. From equity and sustainability to creator culture and digital communities, PR is no longer support?Çöit?ÇÖs strategy.?Ç¥She?ÇÖs passionate about correcting a long-standing myth:?Ç£People still think PR is media coverage. But the real work happens before the headline?Çöin crafting ideas, shaping values, and building lasting relationships. The best campaigns don?ÇÖt chase clippings. They build conversations that evolve and endure.?Ç¥ ?Ç£Trust isn?ÇÖt given. It?ÇÖs earned?Çöover time, across channels, and under scrutiny?Ç¥ ?Çô Komal Lath, Founder, Tute Consult<img src='https://erp.adgully.me/artical_image\4f0a9f81f65ef1065efbda09f36c8c6f.jpeg' class='content_image'>Komal Lath underscores the expanding scope of public relations in 2025, especially in an age of AI-generated news and fragmented platforms.?Ç£PR has moved beyond managing reputations to actively building them. In today?ÇÖs digital ecosystem, everything is real-time. People expect brands to engage meaningfully, respond quickly, and stay accountable. That?ÇÖs no longer a media function?Çöit?ÇÖs a cultural responsibility.?Ç¥On myths about PR, Lath says: ?Ç£The idea that PR is just about press releases is outdated. PR today spans owned, earned, paid, and experiential spaces. It?ÇÖs about being seen, but more importantly?Çöbeing trusted. And that takes strategy, consistency, and care.?Ç¥ ?Ç£We?ÇÖre moving from vanity to value. From optics to outcomes?Ç¥ ?Çô Upasna Dash, Founder & CEO, Jajabor Brand Consultancy<img src='https://erp.adgully.me/artical_image\00255928db7c7a4e030697a5c8dad8b4.jpeg' class='content_image'>Upasna Dash believes World PR Day 2025 represents a new era?Çöone where communications is no longer a bolt-on function, but a foundational pillar of modern business. ?Ç£PR is shaping not just brand perception but policy discussions, investor sentiment, and public accountability. That?ÇÖs why communications teams now sit at decision-making tables. We?ÇÖre helping organizations navigate complexity with clarity, credibility, and compassion.?Ç¥And yet, she notes, the old myths persist: ?Ç£People still reduce PR to ?Çÿgetting your name out there.?ÇÖ But true PR is about consistent, values-driven storytelling. It?ÇÖs about how a company shows up when it matters most?Çöduring a crisis, a launch, or a moral choice. The power of that work is compounding, not cosmetic.?Ç¥ ?Ç£PR isn?ÇÖt a shortcut to attention?Çöit?ÇÖs a long-term investment in meaning?Ç¥ ?Çô Ritika Garg, Founder & CEO, Avance PR<img src='https://erp.adgully.me/artical_image\6535617b61d73c94d78ef3b6e8e855e5.jpeg' class='content_image'>After five years leading Avance PR, Ritika Garg sees this World PR Day as a milestone in the maturing of India?ÇÖs communications industry.?Ç£We need to move beyond superficial metrics. Sure, logos in pitch decks look great?Çöbut the real value of PR is in building narrative equity. It?ÇÖs about giving voice to ideas, to underrepresented communities, to authentic brand purpose. And that takes intention, not just execution.?Ç¥On the most persistent myth, she says: ?Ç£That PR is all about being seen. The truth is, what?ÇÖs seen doesn?ÇÖt always stick?Çöwhat connects, does. Our job is to build credibility, not hype. That means digging deeper, listening harder, and staying relentlessly human.?Ç¥ From Storytelling to StewardshipThe voices of these eight leaders point to a profound truth: PR is no longer about shaping the story alone?Çöit?ÇÖs about shaping systems of trust.As World PR Day 2025 reminds us, public relations has emerged as one of the most future-facing disciplines in business, combining the rigor of data, the power of empathy, and the responsibility of conscience.In a world increasingly driven by technology but yearning for authenticity, PR is not only relevant?Çöit?ÇÖs irreplaceable. 

Full-service communications consulting agency Bloomingdale Public Relations Pte. Ltd has announced the appointment of Vikram Kharvi as its new CEO. With over 27 years of strategic communications and marketing expertise, Kharvi is set to lead Bloomingdale PR into a new era of growth and innovation.Diana Fernandes, Founder and Group CEO of Bloomingdale Public Relations Pte. Ltd., expressed her excitement about Kharvi's appointment: "We are pleased to welcome Vikram to our leadership team. His extensive experience and innovative approach to communications will be pivotal in driving Bloomingdale PR to new heights. Vikram's leadership will enhance our capabilities and unlock new opportunities for expansion and creativity. With Vikram at the helm, we are poised to elevate our operations and further solidify our position as a key player in the Industry."Vikram Kharvi has held senior roles at leading firms such as Adfactors PR, Tata Housing, Sampark PR, ANSSI Wellness, and Indian Express. His expertise in public relations, corporate communication, and traditional and digital marketing demonstrates his capability to lead Bloomingdale PR with exceptional confidence and vision. Kharvi's appointment aims to leverage his extensive expertise to drive Bloomingdale PR's strategic initiatives. He will focus on growth, operational excellence, talent development, and expansion into untapped geographies."I am honoured to join Bloomingdale PR," said Vikram Kharvi. "Having known Diana for over a decade, I have always been inspired by her tenacity and entrepreneurial spirit. This role is more than a professional milestone; it's an opportunity to work with a dynamic team that shares my passion for excellence. Together, we will elevate Bloomingdale PR to new heights, transforming it into a powerhouse of strategic communication and brand excellence. I am excited to embark on this journey and drive impactful change across industries and borders."

Bloomingdale Public Relations Pte. Ltd., a leading communications firm renowned for its innovative strategies and impactful campaigns, has been appointed the PR agency in select Asia markets for Crunchyroll, the ultimate home for anime worldwide.  Based in India, Bloomingdale will be responsible for strategic planning and coordination of Crunchyroll?ÇÖs regional PR efforts in India, Singapore, Indonesia, and the Philippines. The scope of work includes strategic planning, client liaison, account management, media relations, and press office management, among others. In Southeast Asia, Bloomingdale will be supported by Eastwest Public Relations for local strategic counsel in Singapore, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Based in Singapore, Eastwest PR will be responsible for landing high-impact earned media stories for Crunchyroll in all three markets and building the corporate reputation of Crunchyroll as the premiere destination for anime.  Anime continues to rise in popularity and has become a cultural force ?Çô across all demographics and audiences. According to the latest Anime Industry Report by the Association of Japanese Animators, the global anime market grew by a staggering 106.8 percent in 2022, hitting a record 2.9 trillion yen (around US$19.1 billion), driven mainly by the international market outside of Japan.  Championing the art and culture of anime, Crunchyroll boasts a passionate global community of anime fans. To provide an immersive anime experience to all fans, Crunchyroll provides anime content streaming service and several other anime-related offerings such as theatricals, e-commerce and merchandise, music, manga, events, gaming, and experiential.  The timely appointment of Bloomingdale and Eastwest PR will further drive brand awareness and accelerate user growth for the platform across the region. "We are excited to embark on this journey with Bloomingdale PR and Eastwest PR as our trusted partners in India and Southeast Asia. With their strategic counsel and expertise in media relations, we are confident in our ability to further establish Crunchyroll as the ultimate destination for anime enthusiasts in the region?Ç¥ added Akshat Sahu, Director of Marketing - APAC, Crunchyroll. Diana Fernandes, Founder and CEO of Bloomingdale PR, expressed her excitement about the partnership, stating, "We are honoured to be entrusted with the PR mandate for Crunchyroll across Southeast Asia. The anime community is vibrant and growing quickly across South East Asia. We are committed to leveraging our expertise and creativity to elevate Crunchyroll's brand presence and engage with fans across the region." Naveen K, Partner at Eastwest PR, commented, "Millennials like us grew up watching anime as a hobby. Today, Gen Z has embraced the category as a beloved form of mainstream entertainment. There is perhaps no better household brand than Crunchyroll when it comes to anime, and we are excited to partner with the company to deliver impactful campaigns that resonate with audiences of all demographics.?Ç¥ As Bloomingdale PR continues to foster strategic partnerships and drive impactful campaigns across India and Southeast Asia, the agency remains dedicated to delivering excellence and driving success for its clients.

The Singapore Indian Fine Arts Society (SIFAS) has appointed Bloomingdale Public Relations Pte. Ltd. (Bloomingdale PR) as its official PR agency to commemorate its landmark 75th Anniversary Celebration.SIFAS, established in 1949, is a cornerstone of Indian cultural heritage in Singapore. This non-profit organization is dedicated to fostering artistic excellence and appreciation for Indian fine arts across various disciplines. 2024 marks their Diamond Jubilee, a significant milestone celebrating their rich legacy and unwavering commitment to nurturing talent.?Ç£We are honoured to be chosen as SIFAS?ÇÖ PR agency for their 75th Anniversary Celebration,?Ç¥ said Diana Fernandes, Founder and CEO of Bloomingdale PR. ?Ç£Our expertise in strategic communication will help SIFAS highlight its remarkable contributions to Singapore?ÇÖs cultural landscape and craft a captivating narrative that resonates with audiences both locally and internationally.?Ç¥Menaka Gopalan, Executive Director of SIFAS, expressed her delight about the collaboration: ?Ç£As we celebrate our Diamond Jubilee, we are thrilled to partner with Bloomingdale PR to showcase SIFAS?ÇÖ rich heritage and cultural significance. Together, we aim to commemorate our achievements and pave the way for a vibrant future for Indian fine arts in Singapore.?Ç¥This momentous year also marks two decades of the prestigious SIFAS Festival of Arts. Since 2003, the festival has served as a platform for showcasing the finest Indian fine arts in Singapore. Partnering with the Esplanade since 2005, they have brought international and local talents to the forefront.The 2024 SIFAS Festival of Arts promises to be a year-long celebration (May 19th, 2024 ?Çô May 19th, 2025) filled with captivating events and activities. Through this festival, SIFAS aims to solidify its enduring legacy and envision a bright future for Indian fine arts in Singapore.

Bloomingdale Public Relations Pte Ltd., one of the fastest-growing PR firms in Asia, wins the PR mandate for Bel Group in the dynamic markets of Southeast Asia. Following a successful collaboration with the Company in India, where Bloomingdale played a pivotal role in creating and elevating the brand image, the firm will now take charge of all public relations activities for Bel Group in Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia. With a strong brand-building legacy and a reputation for delivering impactful PR campaigns, Bloomingdale PR is poised to bring its PR expertise to the forefront in this region, managing all earned corporate and consumer media relations for Bel Group in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore. The collaboration showcases a robust Southeast Asia focus for Bloomingdale PR, thereby establishing a solid foothold in the Southeast Asia region and leveraging Bloomingdale PR's extensive experience in public relations and influencer marketing.One of the recent milestones of this partnership was Bloomingdale's role in announcing Bel's innovative brand initiative- the launch of Indonesia's first cheese factory for kids ?Çô the Belcube Cheese Factory at Youreka Kids Farm, Jakarta. The successful event witnessed many influencer and PR activities meticulously orchestrated by Bloomingdale, showcasing the firm's prowess in creating compelling narratives and impactful brand experiences across the APAC region.Sharing her thoughts on the announcement, Diana Fernandes, Founder and CEO of Bloomingdale PR, said, "We are thrilled to continue our journey with Bel Group in Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Our previous collaboration in India was a testament to the synergy between our teams, and we are confident that our strategic approach and creativity will further enhance the brand's presence. Our shared commitment to innovation and excellence positions us to deliver unparalleled PR services in Southeast Asia."Alamjit Singh Sekhon, General Manager, Bel Group- South East Asia, remarked, "We are excited to collaborate with Bloomingdale PR yet again as we expand our presence in the Southeast Asia region. Bloomingdale played a pivotal role in the growth of The Laughing Cow brand in India, contributing to the brand's success and establishing a strong presence. We are confident in their ability to build and strengthen our brand's awareness across Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Bel Group is committed to providing healthy snacking products that are accessible, delicious, and nutritious products in line with the philosophy of 'for all for good.' This partnership signifies a new chapter of growth and engagement for us."As Bloomingdale PR continues to grow its footprint in Singapore, the firm remains dedicated to crafting compelling brand stories and building lasting connections between clients and their audiences. Over the last decade, Bloomingdale PR has catered to over 100 clients across industry verticals such as hospitality, lifestyle, startups, technology, and real estate.