PRSI Bhubaneswar celebrates National PR Day 2026

Bhubaneswar: The Bhubaneswar Chapter of the Public Relations Society of India (PRSI) observed National Public Relations Day 2026 today at the Press Club of Odisha.

The event brought together a distinguished panel of communication experts, media veterans, and academicians to deliberate on the future of the industry in an era of digital transformation and regional growth.

Addressing the gathering, Prashant Hota, President & Head of Corporate Communications at Jindal Steel, highlighted the strategic role of PR in the development of the state. He urged professionals to move beyond corporate image management and focus on nation-building.

He further said, “PR professionals have a critical role in realizing the vision of Vikshit Odisha and we must create a unique Brand Odisha. PR is fundamentally about managing human relationships and building trust, not just managing corporate perceptions.
There is nothing to feel insecure about AI, as it is just a tool, not the master. It can process data, but it cannot dream or manage the nuances of human relationships.”

Providing an academic perspective, Prof. (Dr.) Anand Pradhan, Regional Director of IIMC Dhenkanal, stressed that ethics remain the bedrock of the profession.

He noted that PR professionals act as public communicators within a democracy. He emphasized that PR messaging must be inclusive and reflect a diversity of opinions to maintain credibility.
“Public Relations without ethics is merely propaganda,” he remarked.

Sandeep Mishra, Group Editor of Odisha Bytes and Odisha Sambad, urged PR practitioners to maintain an “ear to the ground.”

He reminded the audience that while PR serves a client or company, the ultimate responsibility lies toward the public interest and the country.

The session was chaired by Sudhi Ranjan Mishra, Chairman of the PRSI Bhubaneswar Chapter, who reflected on the need for credibility in a dynamic digital ecosystem.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, Secretary of the Chapter.
The gathering reinforced PRSI’s commitment to fostering professional excellence and ethical standards among practitioners, students, and media representatives alike.