We are in a new era of Public Relations. In the last few years, the importance of reputation management has undergone a sea change. More brands and clients, especially from the leadership teams, are viewing Public Relations from a close range. The industry has undergone a radical change with the advent of social media, which has to a large extent changed the approach to Public Relations. We have a relatively new and young audience that we need to face in the coming years so there are bigger challenges for brands and PR practitioners, who have to be more agile and proactive in their thinking to draw up business solutions for clients.In our exclusive weekly column, PR Conversation, Adgully interacts with leading business leaders to gain their exclusive views and insights on various trends in the PR and communications industry.In an exclusive conversation with Adgully, Ameet Rele, Head of Communications & CSR, Nuvoco Vistas Corp, shares insights on aligning corporate communications and CSR with business objectives. Drawing from his experience across manufacturing, energy, and building materials, he discusses the evolution of corporate communication, impactful CSR initiatives, and key trends shaping the industry’s future, and more.Nuvoco is one of the leading cement manufacturing groups in India. What has been your strategy in aligning its corporate communications and CSR efforts with the company’s business objectives?Nuvoco drives Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) with a profound sense of purpose, guided by its core value of Care. This commitment extends far beyond business, reflecting a genuine desire to uplift communities in the areas of its operations and contribute to a more sustainable world.In strategic alignment with its business objectives, Nuvoco focuses on enhancing and reinforcing its existing programs to maximize their impact. These efforts are brought to life through five strategic pillars: Saksham Bharat for livelihood and skill development, Sangrahit Bharat for natural resource conservation, Shikshit Bharat for education, Swasth Bharat for healthcare, and Sanrachit Bharat for infrastructure development.In line with our business goals, we integrate corporate communications with a strategic blend of reputation management for the mother-brand NUVOCO, through employer branding, digital initiatives, and SEO/SEM. By highlighting our company’s core values and diverse opportunities, we establish Nuvoco as an employer of choice while ensuring our messaging remains impactful across every digital channel. Enhanced SEO boosts our visibility, and targeted SEM efforts ensure that our communications effectively reach and engage the right audiences.Having worked across diverse industries like manufacturing, energy, and now building materials, how do you perceive the evolution of corporate communication in these sectors?Over the past two decades, corporate communications in the B2B sector have undergone a dramatic shift. The era of traditional press releases and one-way messaging is over, replaced by integrated, digital strategies that redefine stakeholder engagement. Today, we don’t just share information - We forge meaningful connections.Social and digital media, alongside content marketing, are indispensable for real-time engagement and long-term relationship building. Content reigns supreme, with messaging tailored to align with business objectives, elevate brand reputation, and enhance market competitiveness. Facts and figures alone fall short; compelling storytelling is the game-changer that creates an immersive, authentic experience across all platforms.Could you share an instance where your CSR initiatives made a measurable impact on the community and the company’s stakeholders?At Nuvoco, we’re all about creating meaningful change through our CSR initiatives, and these projects highlight the difference we’re making in communities:Our flagship program, NUVO Mason, has empowered over 500 individuals across states of Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and West Bengal. Through 300+ hours of training in tile masonry, participants earn NSDC certification and gain direct access to job opportunities. The program’s focus on inclusivity helps people from vulnerable communities take charge of their futures and contribute to local economic growth.Our Project Daksh has also made a significant impact by training over 200 girls as Sewing Machine Operators. With 180 of them now employed in garment manufacturing, the initiative has empowered these women, increased their income, and contributed to the financial stability of their families.Through the SMART Class initiative under Shikshit Bharat, we’ve impacted over 12,000 students across 48 government schools. By introducing interactive Smart Boards, we’ve made learning more engaging and effective, giving students the tools to succeed and build brighter futures for themselves.Through our Swasth Bharat initiative for healthcare, Nuvoco installed a 5KVA off-grid solar power system at a hospital, ensuring a reliable power supply for essential surgeries and care. Additionally, we provided around 100 solar lights to nearby villages, improving safety and quality of life for local residents.Through these programs, Nuvoco is not just giving back to the community but creating lasting, sustainable change that lifts individuals and entire communities toward a brighter, more inclusive future.What trends in corporate communications and CSR do you believe will shape the building materials industry in the coming decade?In the next decade, Corporate Communications, particularly in the building materials industry, will be revolutionized, becoming hyper-digital, further transparent, and explicitly purpose-driven. Stakeholders, from customers to investors and communities, are no longer looking for just quality products—they want genuine proof of sustainability, innovation, and tangible impact. AI-driven content, immersive experiences, and interactive platforms will set the new standard, with real-time analytics, SEO, SEM, and advanced digital tools driving faster, smarter, and highly personalized communication. Social media will evolve beyond a mere marketing tool, becoming a platform for trust-building and meaningful engagement, where authentic conversations hold greater significance than ever.Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is evolving from a mere obligation to a fundamental leadership imperative. Companies will need to prioritise social commitments and cultivate a strong reputation through responsible social engagement. Sustainability will become indispensable for success and a positive brand image. Businesses will be compelled to deeply integrate sustainability into their operations. Only those organizations that proactively adopt innovative CSR strategies will lead the way in a future where environmental and social responsibility are the true measures of success.

Bajaj Finserv has elevated Swapna Wazalwar to the position of Senior Lead - CSR Communication. This promotion comes at a time when the company is intensifying its focus on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. Bajaj Finserv, known for its commitment to social impact, has been actively involved in various projects aimed at empowering vulnerable communities, especially in areas such as education, healthcare, and livelihood enhancement.In the fiscal year 2023, Bajaj Finserv invested significantly in CSR activities, spending over ?117 crore on various projects, with a strong emphasis on youth and child development, as well as financial inclusion for underprivileged sections of society. Their initiatives, such as the Certificate Programme in Banking, Finance, and Insurance (CPBFI), have empowered thousands of first-generation graduates from rural areas, providing them with employment opportunities in the financial sector.Swapna Wazalwar will now play a crucial role in communicating and expanding these impactful initiatives, ensuring that Bajaj Finserv continues to lead in making a meaningful difference in the communities it serves.

Adgully’s IMAGEXX Summit and Awards 2024, the premier PR industry event, took place on July 18, 2024, at the Holiday Inn, Aerocity, Gurgaon. This prestigious event brought together industry leaders, professionals, and innovators to celebrate excellence in public relations and communication.The event witnessed an insightful panel discussion on ‘Navigating Geopolitics: The Role of Public Policy and ESG in Shaping Global Communication Strategies’. The panel was led by Rahul Kashyap, Executive Director, PRP Group, and the esteemed panelists included:Sonal Singh, Head - Corporate Communications, Jindal StainlessAnil Patni, EU Policy and Outreach Expert, Apex AdvisersSanghpriya Gautam, Director, Speyside.The industry experts explored how geopolitical factors influence government actions and the resultant effects on businesses, particularly within the Indian manufacturing sector. They also delved into the critical role of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria in shaping business strategies.In today’s global landscape, the interplay between geopolitics and corporate strategy is undeniable. Government decisions, often shaped by international dynamics, profoundly impact business operations.Rahul Kashyap opened the conversation by posing a crucial question: “How do you see that geopolitics affects government decisions and the effect of it on the corporate side of it?”Sonal Singh, representing the Indian manufacturing sector, provided insights into how communication strategies often come into play post-crisis. She explained, “I believe a lot of communication strategies kick in after the geopolitical disaster has already happened.” Citing the impact of Chinese imports on various industries in India, Singh highlighted how the Trump administration’s Section 232 tariffs catalyzed global shifts from globalization to nationalization. She noted, “That one decision of Trump triggered governments all across the world to take action.”Singh further illustrated the importance of timely government intervention by referencing India’s dependency on imported containers. Despite ample research and advocacy, significant policy changes often occur only during crises, such as the Galwan incident. She stated, “India is such a large behemoth. There are so many other pressing issues in front of the government that sometimes things have just to be jerked into action.”Transitioning to the topic of ESG, Rahul Kashyap remarked on its critical importance and the perception of its weaponization. Anil Patni responded by tracing the evolution from Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to ESG. He observed, “Before this buzzword of ESG came around... we had something called CSR.”Patni emphasized on the longstanding tradition of Indian companies engaging in social responsibility as a strategic business practice, which has now expanded to include environmental considerations due to global awareness initiatives like the IPCC reports. He added, “Now, companies are forced to become good citizens. They have to pay attention to their carbon footprint.”Patni underscored the regulatory aspect, stating, “In Europe, you have a European climate law. In India also, now it is compulsory for the top thousand companies... to compulsorily report on their environmental performance.”Sanghpriya Gautam elaborated on the intrinsic value of ESG, asserting its necessity. He stated, “Everyone in this world is using resources... So that’s how the environmental aspect of ESG comes in.” Gautam stressed on the importance of addressing local needs and fostering sustainable CSR programs to ensure long-term benefits for communities. He highlighted the governance aspect by pointing out the safety concerns in regions like Gurgaon, which can deter investment. Gautam emphasized, “Investment in ESG is not negative; you get really good returns.”In conclusion, the discussion illuminated the profound impact of geopolitical decisions on government actions and corporate strategies. The emphasis on ESG underscores its growing significance as a framework for responsible and sustainable business practices. As businesses navigate these complex dynamics, the integration of geopolitical awareness and ESG principles will be crucial for long-term success.

mPokket, India's fastest-growing loan app, today announces the appointment of Ms. Rajani Jalan as its new Director of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and People Relations (PR). In her new role, Ms. Jalan will lead mPokket's efforts in developing robust CSR strategies, enhancing public awareness of the company's social commitments, and steering the brand's narrative across various platforms.Ms. Jalan's passion for CSR is deeply rooted in her belief in the power of businesses to make a meaningful impact on society. At mPokket, she is inspired by the company's existing CSR initiatives and the welfare of its employees. Her vision includes ramping up employee participation in social responsibility efforts and launching more sustainable CSR initiatives within the organization. Her approach aligns with mPokket's commitment to contributing positively to the community and fostering an ethical, socially responsible corporate culture.Gaurav Jalan, Founder and CEO of mPokket, commented, "Rajani's passion for enacting positive change aligns perfectly with our values, and we are confident that her leadership will further amplify our efforts in social responsibility. With her unique blend of creativity and dedication, we look forward to achieving greater impact and fostering a more inclusive and sustainable approach to corporate social engagement. We are confident that her leadership will not only enhance our CSR and PR endeavours but also inspire our team to contribute to our collective goals as an organisation." With a unique blend of creativity and social consciousness, Ms. Jalan brings to mPokket an impressive background as a Textile Designer from the Fashion Institute of Technology. Before joining mPokket, she carved a niche for herself as an independent designer, contributing to export houses and managing a successful cloud kitchen business. Her freelance projects have not only showcased her design prowess but also her dedication to social causes, making humanitarian work a core part of her professional journey. Speaking on her appointment, Ms. Jalan commented, "The vision and mission of mPokket resonate profoundly with my inherent drive to effect positive change through corporate social responsibility endeavours. I look forward to leveraging my unique background and experiences to implement strategies that will not only amplify our impact but also foster a more inclusive and sustainable approach to corporate social engagement, while cultivating a strong culture of philanthropy within the organisation." Ms. Jalan's appointment underscores mPokket's ongoing dedication to social responsibility and ethical practices. Under her guidance, the company aims to strengthen its position as a leader in CSR within the financial sector, fostering community well-being and promoting sustainable business practices. Additionally, her role as Director of People Relations marks a strategic transition in mPokket's organizational strategy, aimed at enhancing internal stakeholder engagement and fostering employee engagement, and ensuring the well-being of the organisational workforce.