Sunday, December 04, 2011

CySI institutes an award for internet banking


A joint programme by Cyber Society of India,
Centre for comparability EU studies and IIT Madras
Computer Security Day is observed worldwide on Nov 30th.  This year Cyber Society of India (Cysi) marked the day with a Workshop on Cyber Security at Dept of Humanities and Social Sciences IIT, Madras on  02-Dec-2011, thanks to the sponsorship and patronage received from the Humanities and Social Science (HSS) Dept of IIT and Centre for Comparitive European Union Studies.
The meeting commenced with a Welcome Address by Shri K Srinivasan, President of CySI.  In his address, he dwelt briefly on the activities of CySI especially on its commitment to create awareness on the threats and vulnerabilities of an e-transaction and the use of ATMs and Internet Banking.  He announced institution of an award for the best bank with the most secure and user-friendly Internet Banking features.  Selection criteria,  the committee of jury and other related procedural issues are being addressed, he said.
Shri V Rajendran, Senior Vice President announced the purpose of the Meeting and introduced the distinguished panel of speakers describing their individual capabilities and talents.
Dr C Pandurangan a senior Professor of IIT Madras and Head Indian Statistical Institute, setting the tone for the workshop emphasized the importance of PIN and the password in ATM and Internet Banking transaction. He added that security is not the responsibility nor the domain of a single person or one entity but the collective task of the regulators, users and the service providers. 
Inaugurating the workshop, Smt Sonal V Misra, I.P.S. Supdt of Police, CB-CID Chennai  spoke on the global scenario on cyber crimes, especially on the dangerous trend of some economies which mainly thrive on fraudulent money. She said the public needed safety and justice from the state, which mainly consists of the police, the prosecution and the judiciary adding that what is needed is certainty of punishment and without much delay, admitting that it is a long way to go in India to ensure speedier justice, a tech-savvy administration, a deterrent  punishment system and above all, a computer-literate net-savvy users at the grass-roots level.
Key note address was delivered by Shri M Ramkumar General Manager Canara Bank  He spoke about the responsibilities of banks and public sector banks in particular to ensure customer focused and customer-centric service and use IT as an enabler in all electronic delivery channels .  He added that more initiatives like introduction of a 2-factor authentication in the form of One Time Password for Internet Banking transaction, more secure ATMs with CCTV enabled are all being considered.
After the Tea Break, there were three thematic sessions, the first one on Network Security  by Dr. B. Muthukumaran, Country Head, Secure IQ.  He spoke about bots  and compromised networks and the threats posed by them.  Shri S.N. Ravichandran, CEO Nilagiri Chemicals, Coimbatore spoke about the ills of social networking sites like Facebook and cautioned against posting personal information in it.  Shri S. Balu, Addl Supdt of Police (Retd) T.N Police presented the legal provisions highlighting the strength of I.T. Act 2000 and ITAA 2008.
There was a very lively and extremely interactive session with participants posing questions on a variety of topics like the strength of ISO 27001 standards, the level of security in a Card transactions, the legal position in the event of loss in an ATM or other card transaction etc, all of which were aptly answered by the panelists on the dais.
The meeting concluded with vote of thanks by Shri V Kapaleeswaran, Life Member of CySI followed by lunch.
(Report by V Rajendran and Kapaleeswaran)
please also watch a report by NDTV Hindu on this event.

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Workshop on 'Business and Competitive Intelligence' at IIT

One group  working on competitive strategies in the 'War  Game'.
Prof. Prakash Sai (IIT) and Prof. Murali Dharan (MGSM) looking on
Department of Management Studies (Indian Institute of Technology, Chennai) jointly with Madras Management Association and Macquarie Graduate School of Management (Macquarie University, Sydeny) organised a two-day workshop for the senior corporate executives on 'Business and Corporate Intelligence" on 28th and 29th October 2011.  

In the highly competitive world, all the companies are required to compete globally to fight for their space.  Before preparing for the competition, the companies need to spend enough time to know about their competitors also.  This is known as 'competitive intelligence'. It should be done in a legal and ethical way.  It is reported that many of the Indian Corporates do not take the 'competitive intelligence' seriously and hence they lose many good projects. China is one of the good examples of using competitive intelligence and hence, they are dominating in the world as a powerful nation. 


Probably for the first time in India (since no data is available), IIT has organised this workshop to create an awareness about 'competitive intelligence among the Indian Corporates. .


As part of the workshop, they also organised a 'War Game'.  They divided the participants into four groups.  Each group represented one major existing company viz. Infosys, TCS, Accenture and IBM.  The groups were given before hand the real profile of each company and they were also advised to collect more details about their company and their competitors through various other sources.  


An Imaginary Government e-Health project worth of 10 billion dollars, spread over 10 years was given as the project for 'bidding'.  The groups have to prepare their competitive strategies based on their strength and the competitors' strength.  


Finally, all the groups were made to present their strategies for evaluation.  The concept of 'War Game' can also be used in the training workshops.  It is reported that some of the major MNCs use this 'War Game' concept within themselves, to understand more about their competitors.  Some of their own employees will be made to represent their competitors in their 'in-house war game'. 


At this stage, I am reminded of a Thirukkural, by Saint Thiruvalluvar who wrote this following couplet 2000 years back.  This Thirukkural summarises how modern day corporates can manage the competition.


வினை வலியுà®®் தன் வலியுà®®் à®®ாà®±்à®±ான் வலியுà®®் 
துணை வலியுà®®் தூக்கிச்செயல் -  Thirukkural 471


(Before undertaking any task, weigh judiciously (1) the nature of the task on hand, (2) your own strength, (3) Competitor's strength and (4) the strength of your support team, allies and partners.)


PodUniversal Edition 142


This Thirukkural shows, how important is the 'Competitive intelligence' before undertaking any task.  Please watch 8 minutes interview on this workshop.

This video may also be watched from http://youtu.be/6eouWvA7IlM

Monday, October 24, 2011

Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) Platinum Jubilee Commemorative Oration - "Corporate Governance"

Live Blogging from Taj Coromandel, Chennai - 24th October 2011 - 5.55 pm
Live Blogging Team :  Mr D. Murugesan, A.R. Sridhar, Prasanna,(all from IOB) under the guidance of Mr Prime Point Srinivasan and Mr V. Rajendran of Cyber Society of India
The live blogging team welcomes you to the grand event of the Oration of Dr. M. Veerappa Moily, Union Minister of Corporate Affairs.
Please keep refreshing your browser for continuous updates.
Many eminent personalities of Chennai were present in the hall.  Prayer song was rendered by IOB's Amrithavarshini team.
Bank's CMD Mr M. Narendra presented a shawl and a bouquet of flowers to the Chief Guest.

Welcome by CMD of IOB
Mr M. Narendra CMD welcomed the gathering and the Chief Guest.  He explained  the development of Bank since its foundation in 1937. He stated that  the total business as of Sep 2011 had crossed Rs 2,91,000 crores.  The Bank had opened its 2,250th branch in the holy town of Sringeri. 
Corporate Governance has become an important aspect in Banking Industry.  Dr. Veerappa Moily is a very competent person to talk about the Corporate Governance. Dr. Moily's tenure as CM of Karnataka is hailed as one of the best.  He has contributed a lot in the education field.  Dr Moily Was Chairman of several commissions. 
Dr. Moily is an eminent lawyer.  His books prove his literary skills. 
After Mr Narendra's welcome speech, Dr Veerappa Moily made his presentation on 'Corporate Governance'.

Dr Veerappa Moily speech
Dr Moily appreciated the growth of IOB in the recent years and also appreciated the good work done by Mr Narendra, CMD. He was confident that IOB would move from the present 7th position to 2nd or 3rd position in an year or two.
He goes on to say what Corporate Governance is and what an important role it plays.  India should occupy 2nd or 3rd in terms of governance.
Corporate Governance has to be value based.  Senior leadership should have strong values.  A good governance is not just compliance but performance.  Business should be principle-based.
Though many circulars are issued, they are not practised effectively to bring in an ideal governance.
Cadbury Report in UK brought about many reviews in India.  Best Practices Code have been introduced.  Corporate Governance is an ethical attitude issue.  
Indian banking has undergone many transformations.  Performance and credibility and sustainability of the Indian banking system is the best.  But, despite this, we should not feel complacent.  Best practices have to be formulated.  Good governance is the most important characteristic of the banking system. 
Denationalisation was professed by some.  But nationalisation of the banks in India is a good thing which has happened and because of this only banks have stood the test of time.  Even in the nationalised stage, banks have shown their competitive spirit.
3 reasons for the need for good corporate governance in banks
1.  For retail depositors
2.  For loans and advances - opaque
3.  Contagion effect - if one bank fails in corporate governance it might affect the system.
By stipulating standards, regulators ensure corporate governance.
Objectives of Basel II are also in sync with the objectives of good corporate governance.  RBI has also come up with many standards.  European Commission has come out with good corporate governance standards. 
Each individual has a role to play in corporate governance.  The collective performance of the individuals make the corporate governance.
"Occupy Wall Street" is an example of the effect for ineffective corporate governance.  Banks and FIs should ensure good corporate governance because they are the pillars of an economy.
Some economists say that competition will ensure good corporate governance.  Banking industry may be exposed to less competition.  Hence, Banks have to take more efforts to ensure corporate governance.
Liberalisation policy has to be gradual.  Reforms needed to rebuild economic movement.  Success of the Indian economy depends upon the expansion.  India's economic reforms have contributed to the growth rate.
Present crisis in Europe is the most serious crisis in banking system in Europe since 1930.
In India, there is a need for infra spending.  Biggest challenge is to ensure that the current concerns regarding the present crony capitalism do not lead to do any damage to liberal capitalism. we use to tie you with red tape.  now you are welcomed with red carpet.
Country can march forward if economic and political freedom are ensured.  Banking sector should become the models for setting the standards of corporate governance.
IOB has been a pioneer in setting high standards and wish that the Bank gets the award for the best governance.
Minister ended his speech with thanks to IOB.
Mr Narendra and Mr Bansal, Executive Director presented a memento to Dr. Moily.
Mr Bansal, Executive Director, proposed the vote of thanks.

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Disclosure of IT risks should be made mandatory for all Indian companies - Cyber experts

Dr Santhosh Babu IAS, IT Secretary of Tamilnadu Government
inagurating the Media Workshop
"Disclosure of duly audited IT risks should be made mandatory by SEBI for all Indian companies for the information of investors, as it is being done in US" said cyber experts at the Media Workshop held at Chennai Press Club on Saturday the 15th October 2011.
  
Cyber Society of India (CySI),  one of the pioneer bodies in India established in 2004 to create cyber awareness among the public, conducted a Media workshop on Saturday the 15th October 2011 at Chennai Press Club. Dr Santhosh Babu IAS, IT Secretary to Government of Tamilnadu inaugurated the workshop.  Mr Bharathi Thamizhan, Joint Secretary, Chennai Press Club delivered the key note address.  Around 30 media professionals participated in this workshop. 
While welcoming the participants. K. Srinivasan, President of CySI emphasised the need for introducing cyber related lessons at the school level itself, so that the students are prepared to understand the cyber challenges and the consequences of cyber law.  
Dr Santhosh Babu IAS explained how  Tamilnadu Government is implementing e0Governance in the state.  He also said that the Government is planning to recruit officers as 'Information Security Officers' to manage the information security.
Mr Bharathi Thamizhan, Joint Secrretary of Chennai Press Club explained how online media has grown compared to the print media.  He also explained the how the new gadgets like IPad have changed the style of communication.
The inaugural session was followed with a panel discussion.
Mr V Rajendran, Vice President of CySI and Cyber Advocate explained some of the important features of Cyber Law and the penalties involved.
Mr S N Ravichandran, Joint Secretary of CySI and Cyber crime investigator explained the risks involved in social media networks and how cyber crimes were committed using various internet media. He also explained how the investigators are able to book the culprits, wherever they are.
Mr M L Srinivasan, a well known cyber security expert emphasized the need for transparent disclosures of IT risks by all corporates in India, as it is being done in US at the direction of Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).  Annually, the Auditors include the financial risks in the Annual Reports for the information of invesotors.  Same way, he insisted SEBI also should  issue guidelines making the disclosure of IT risks as mandatory in the Annual Reports for the information of investors.  
Dr Muthukumaran, an academician turned cyber security expert discussed on increased security for net-Banking  transactions by way of advanced 2-Factor Authentication methods. He also stressed the need for Indian companies getting ISO 15489 certification for preservation of records.  Due to the technological changes, the data stored in the servers, become unreadable over a period of time and banks and other organizations find it difficult to provide digital data for more than 10 years. Government need to store citizen data for several decades under e-Governance model. Hence, the data should be stored in neutral digital data format, so that they could be presented even after several years.  Dr Muthukumaran said that ISO 15489 certification guides an organization  on maintenance of archived digital data in the proper format.  Unfortunately, in India, so far, only one company had gone for such certification and all other companies, including banks should go for such certification immediately, he said.
Mr Nurullah, a senior Tamil Journalist anchored the programme in an interesting manner.  Mr Shanker Kumar, Secretary, CySI proposed vote of thanks.
Please see the photo stream of this event.
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Sunday, September 18, 2011

National Media Conference 2011 - Valedictory - 180911





Live Blogging start at 6.30pm by team K Srinivasan, Satish Surve,Aniruddha Kulkarni, Harshad Wadadekar.


S S Tripathy
(National President,All India small news papers association,Lacknow.)
Mr. S S tripathy has started their speech by saying, media has supreme power to build and destruct the government, people should unit and help media in social development.


B K Om Prakash 
(Chairperson,Media wings, Indore.)
Om prakash is happy as the basic thought of organising seminar is achieved because of the participation of experts from traditional media,social media,PR media and other professionals from different part of country.media is very important and can play major role in changing society.
He read out seven line resolution and urged traditional media, media professionals to adopt ethics and moral values for healthy peaceful developing society. 


Mrs. D K Aruna 
(Hon'ble minister for information and PR, Govt. of A.P.,Hyderabad.)
She expressed her concern about the unholy alliance of media leading to  media being misused for commercial gains. She was hopeful that a day will come that media would follow ethics and values.


Dr Dadi Janaki, Chief of Brahmakumaris


Dadi Jankiji the chief Bramhakumari shared their experience and ended up, her appeal to the traditional media  to follow the values of benefited society, with blessings to all.


The two-days conference ended up with B K sarla Anand,President of Global Forum for Public Relation, proposing vote of thanks.

National Media Conference - Second day - Panel discussion - 180911



Live Blogging will start at 3pm by team K Srinivasan, Satish Surve,Aniruddha Kulkarni, Harshad Wadadekar.


K C Mouli
(Sr. Faculty, PR & Advertising, MLCN University of journalism, Bhopal)
Mr.K C Mouli Start Their speech with question that what is proactive media?
saying media highlights news of VVIPs before it happens known as proactive media. Media plays important role in these case like kagil war, women selling, child marriage,bribes, politicians and in anna hajare campaign media played proactive role.Growth of media has assumed better significance with rise in technology. 
informer, educator, communicator & also an activist.
participation of media in proactive way is good message for dvelopment of india.

Mr. Rajeev Khosla
(Addl Director,I & PR, Govt. of Hariyana, Chandighar.)
Media can be social, its not only commercial, media mates mass aware & touches life of masses haryana sex ratio has been highlighted with help of media. Media can be great force in social development.


Dr. Devendra Sharma
(Sr. Cartoonist,Indore.)
He Said about media role in society, how it looks towards society & how society looks towards media. 

B K Niranjana
(coordinator,media wings,Baroda(Alkapuri)Subzone)
Its not only responsibility of media but also everyone to change for society. i assume you these three days would be helpful for you knowing proactive media. people should change their mentality on their own to remove corruption, One has to understand self which is spirituality.meditation is the biggest answer to increase self power.


Irfan Khan
(Ex-Director,corporate communication, Hindustan lever,Mumbai)   
Media Played important role in india against corruption campaign. Media itself is a undergoing transformation, people are moving up, print media is suffering a loss since last five years are social for theme. we need to move for better technology, better media & better world for new generation.   

Arun Arora
(Sr.vice-president,corporate communication,Jindal steel,delhi)
Short term punishment work long term reward is best option motivation works as effectively as reward and punishment.If one focuses on strength the weaknesses will disappear. Media person can stop reporting on negative reporting and should report positively.Change the mind set, that normal news also be a good news why not talk about good news, change containt by using simple language while talking about spirituality.we should forget the past and concentrate on, now what we can do.


Ashish Gupta
(Regional Mnager,Sadhna News,Indore.)
Its wrong always blaming media, its not bad, the way it has been taken. we should stop adding masala to the news and give the exact message. Media is bridge between society and government, it should awaking both sides.media is not at fault, media is giving whatever is demand of audience. people knows how to criticize  but not how to fight against it. common man has to change first then only the society will change.


Dipendra shrestha
(Station director,radio annapurna, pokhra, Nepal.)
Information is power and media is power to change society. Today a big question arises, is it a business or service. we can not do everything we have planed, due to religious problems.Media has started collecting money for campaigns. contains, quantity and quality are three things where we need to concentrate.To change the society we have to change media insight.



National Media Conference 2011 - Second Day - Plenary Session 180911



Live Blogging By Satish Surve(Media Trainee)
The second day session started at 10.30am with plannery session on the theme Challenges and Opportunities before Modern Mass Media
Mr. B K Sushant (Natinal Co-ordinator Media Wings Delhi) felt the soft skills need to improve among the media persons.he is saying there are some good and bad things in media but we have to select what will be benefited for us.
there are people who things that to be in media there is nessesity  of English 
language and every language has its own power.


Dr.C V Narasimha
(Former Director,Information and PR,Govt Of A.P.,Hydderabad)
During independence media role was vital,now media becomes business,false occupations they manipulate news for business,political interference is much more Dr.Narasimha Reddy was saying about there dream where they saw golden triangle which having three pillars. humanity is depending upon three pillars govt.,media and god,when this three pillars will work properly india will be punyabhumi.there will be love, peace and value.


Prof.Ujjwal K. Choudhary
(Dean, Whistling Woods School of Communication,Mumbai.)
He quoted its good to includes spiritual things in media but we have to concentrate on main stream media. He also said how media is engaged in cricket, crime, celebrity and cinema. lets look insight people changing their view toward media the good eg. is Anna Hajre campaign. After 15-20 years media become now multidimensional called an user generated media,we have to find good things in today's media.


Mr. Ravindra Bastola
(Editor,Pakhra Awaj Daily,Pokhra,Nepal)
He urged for freedom of press. He discussed about terrorist issues saying people should unite and fight against challenges. Media should play the role  shaping the society.


Session ended with Guided Meditation by B K Vimla.


live  blogging team,
K.Srinivasan, Satish Surve, Aniruddha Kulkarni, Harshad Wadadekar.

Saturday, September 17, 2011

Media conferance & Exhibition 2011 - Dialogue sessions - 170911

Harshad from Whistling Woods reporting live from Mount Abu with help of Aniruddha and Satish

Please see the earlier postings of this Conference.
http://prpoint.blogspot.com/2011/09/national-media-conference-2011-welcome.html
http://prpoint.blogspot.com/2011/09/national-media-conference-2011-first.html



Dialogue 1 -Restortion of moral & social values

Rajaesh Rajore [Resident Editor,Dainik Dshonnati,Khamgaon]
He in his addressal said morals come from society we live,art of being happy is to live in good society giving example of Anna Hazare's Campain he also said its duty of media to provide the right information


Dialogue -2
A catalyst for positive change

 B.K Girish [Sr Journalist & Faculty,Value Education,Gyan Sarovar,Mt Abu]
Speaking to the audience he said,there should be positive changes in media,it should play major role against corruption.Media should play role of catalyst.We the people from society have whole right to raise our voice against corruption and we should always be on right path.

Jaikrishna Gour[Editor,Charaibeti & Nano Darshan Magazine,Indore]
He briefly discussed how media is distributed in multimedia.Increase in Technology helped media spread evrywhere,post 82 media started developing,he also said during his time people use to trust what ever written in newspapers but now-a-days its getting dificult to trust the newspapers too.

Dialogue 3
Electronic Media,its Scope & Challenges


Sanjeev Chouhan [Crime Editor News Express Channel,Noida]
Focusing on TRP's he briefly discussed how masala is added to news before telecast.Also he mentioned Freedom of Press and maintaining accuracy is huge task for Press upcoming years.

Ashima Singh Gureja [Ast Prof Dept of media studies Vivekananda Institute,Delhi]
She discussed about scope and challenges in media,talking about electronic media she said electronic media is not only concise its above that,its not only news its beyond that.one has to be focused and concentrate on ideas.Less creativity and media being mirror of stories,whatever media thinks is always not possible are limitations she mentioned.

Satish Kapoor[President Brotherhood Film Festival,New Delhi]
He gave an idea about how difficult it was organising film festival in earlier days due to lack of research and creativity,now due to development in technology we can conduct research, creativity has increased too,so division of work helps makes the work simpler is what he quoted.

Dialogue 4
New media scope and challenges

K.Srinivasan[CEO,Prime point]
He explained the various challenges post by the technology media like social media networks and mobiles and internet sites,he said the time had come that the school teachers and parents realise the importance and create proper awareness among the children on proper use of the new media

B.K.Yashwant[Coordinator,IT & Communication Dept,Bramhakumaris Mt abu]
He explained how Bramhakumari's are using internet media,mobiles and broadcast media successfully for conveying positive messages

Dialogue 5 [Group 1]
Developing PR Code of Conduct

Narsimha Reddi [Former Director,I.T & PR govt of Andhra Pradesh]
He discussed in brief about Code of Conduct for Public Relations
Proffessionalism,Ethics & Personal Ethics.Combination of three make code of conduct.He also said spirituality is more important in PR,love is an external quality of code.

Prof Ujjwal Kumar Choudhary [Dean Whistling Woods International,Mumbai]
He gave an idea of need for ethical presentation of content based information,He quoted "Any bad news is Good news" your intention should be good,then he gave an idea how social networking plays an important role and ended saying Good actions speak about values of your organisation.

Dialogue 5 [Group 2]
New Media and PR

Arun Arora [Senior Vice President,Corporate Communication,Jindal Steel]
He explained with examples how western countries make use of the social networking sites for effective customer relations

Arpita Prashant[Asst prof M.O.P Vaishnav college for women,chennai]
She explained her study on how people perceive media negatively

Madhavan Varadarajan [PR consultant,Chennai]
He emphasised imortance of traditional Public Relations, not withstanding the growth of social media

K.Srinivasan [CEO,Prime Point,Chennai]
He explained with examples how social media is driving the main-line media.He quoted recent example of Anna Hazare's anti corruption movement which was initially promoted by social media and mobile media and later picked up by regional media

National Media Conference 2011 - First day - Inauguration

K. Srinivasan, Prime Point reporting live from Mount Abu.  I am being assited by Harshad, Aniruddha and satish students of Whistling Woods Mumbai, MBA batch.
Pl read the earlier postings at
http://prpoint.blogspot.com/2011/09/Anational-media-conference-2011-welcome.html

The first day of the Conference started at 7 AM with a session on Meditation by Sr. B K Usha.  She was giving the techniques of meditation.  She also emphasised on the need for removing negative thoughts from the mind and to fill with the positive thoughts. Such positive thoughts would help to reduce the stress, she added.
The inaugural session started at 10 AM with invocation.  Raja Yogi B K Karuna, Vice Chairman, Media Wing of Brahmakumaris welcomed the augidence.  During his speech, he quoted President Pratibha Patil, who launched the Platinum Jubilee of Brahmakumaris yesterday at Delhi.

Now Harshad from Whistling Woods reporting live from Mount Abu


Prof Kamal Dixit[National Co-ordinator Society of Media Initiative for values] gave brief introduction about the seminar and mentioned successful campaign of Anna Hazare.Later Ganesh Vndana by Raju Bhai and Group,then


B.K.Omprakash[Chairperson,Media Wing Indore] explained the objective of the conference,to understand oneself and mentioned Dadi Jankiji as source of inspiration to all.


B.K.NIRWAIR [Secretary General,Bramhakumaris] shared nice thaughts in his Adressal he mentioned article in Speeking Tree,Times of India how they have explained exact difference between Spirituality and Politics.And also said Spirituality brings peace and lack of sprituality brings corruption

Irffan Khan [Formar Director Corp Comm HUL,Mumbai] in his addressal he said if we want to save India from everything one has to be strong enough to handle any circumstances.

Rajeev Ranjan Nag [Editor India News] He explained how channels have changed chasing the TRP ratings.He quoted recent example of Indian Prime Minister addressing the media on 2G scam,he said at the same time wellknown actress Rakhi Sawant was addressing the media,some of the channels in order to gain mileage of TRP ratings shifted from PM's press conference to Rakhi Sawant show.

Rajyogini Dr. B.K.Dadi Janakiji
95 year old Dadi Janakiji in her innaugeral address expressed the concern of increase in corruption in all segments.She also expressed the concern that Small things are made big and Big things are made Small by media,now media has to play a positive role in the development of society.Inaugural session ended with B.K Chandrakala proposing vote of thanks.


Friday, September 16, 2011

National Media Conference 2011 - Welcome Session

Live report from Mount Abu - 16th Sep 2011 8.00 PM
Report by K. Srinivasan, V Madhavan and Ms Arpita Prashanth
Brahmakumaris, one of the leading spiritual organisations is organising a National Media Conference and Exhibition at Mount Abu, Rajasthan from 17th Sep to 19th Sep 2011. This Conference coincides with the Platinum Jubilee Celebrations of Brahmakumaris and Silvee Celebrations of their Media Wing.
Around 1500 Media and PR professionals across the country are expected to participate in this Conference. As we are writing this live blogging' many delegates are arriving at the venue from various places.
They have organised a 'welcome session' today evening at 6 PM to brief the participants about the programme.
The theme of this conference is "Value based Media - Need of the hour". An Exhibition is also organised to showcase the latest developments in the media industry. Pl see the photographs of the welcome session and the exhibition.

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Do not become slave and addict of social media; Keep at arm's distance

K. Srinivasan, Founder, Prime Point Foundation addressed the members of Social Media Club at Chennai on Saturday the 27th August 2011.  He was speaking on "Public Relations (PR) through Social Media".  During his speech, he explained the growth of internet and social media in the recent years. He also explained how corporates and individuals could use social media effectively for promoting their products or services.  He also explained how HR departments were looking at the social media links of the candidates and judge them.  Hence, he suggested all youngsters to use the social media properly.
Srinivasan also quoted various examples of his own podcasts which were used by mainline media.  He also cautioned the audience about the security aspects of various social media.  He concluded his speech with a caution that social media, though to be used at appropriate time, should be kept at arm's distance.  He advised the audience not to become addict to social media.  He suggested wherever possible use 'face to face' or one-one-voice communication, instead of social media, to bring 'human touch'.
As the speech was going on, some of the members were live tweeting the bullet points.
The Photos taken during the event is streamed below:

The presentation is also given below.

Friday, August 12, 2011

Even the so called 'transparent' companies need to conduct image audit

K. Srinivasan addressing the Rotary Club of Temple City.
Rtn M S Srinivasan (President) and
Rtn. Hemachandran (Secretary) on the stage.
K. Srinivasan, Chairman of Prime Point Foundation was invited to talk on "Image Audit" at the Rotary Club of Madras Temple City on Thursday the 11th August 2011.  During his talk, he emphasised the need for studying the 'hidden perception' of the stake holders, to understand the real internal and external image of the organisation.  
He explained that the perception was being formed by every individual on any organisation based on the (a) performance of the organisation (b)  personal experience with that organisation, (c) what he hears from others and (d) the  rumours floating around about the organisation   He also quoted the example of current elections and political parties to prove how across the state, people perceived uniformly.  
He added that the net effect of individual perception created the image about the organisation.  He also said that same logic applied to commercial and non commercial organisations, political parties, NGOs, educational institutions and even individuals.
Srinivasan, quoted the examples of how the perception had played greater role in making or ruining the organisations.  Hence, he insisted that all the organisations study the 'hidden perception' of their stake holders, more specifically their own employees to plan the future strategies. 
During the "Q &A' session, members posed lot of interesting and brilliant questions.  One of the members asked whether the companies who were following 'transparent' practices need to study such hidden perception.  For this, Srinivasan responded by saying that though  the  persons regularly performing exercises and yoga, with clean  habits, need to possess good health theoretically, it never happened in reality. Hence, they also undergo  health check up. 
"Transparency is a relative term.  What is transparent according to the management, need not be the same in the perception of employees.  Hence, even the so called 'transparent' companies need to audit the perception of their employees regularly, to understand and strategise their plans", he added.
This Rotary Club is one of the oldest clubs in Chennai City with many VIP members.  President of this Club Rtn M S Srinivasan and Secretary Rtn. Hemachandran organised this event.   Please see the photo stream.

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Era of Mr Era Sezhiyan, a legendary Parliamentarian with impeccable character

The book 'Parliament of the People' being released by
Justice Natarajan (Second from right). Mr Era Seshiayan (left extreme) looks on.
Thuglak Editor Cho Ramaswamy receives the book
Photo courtesy: The Hindu
Mr Era Sezhiyan (88), an octogenarian Parliamentarian is one of the most revered political leaders of India.  He has served Indian Parliament for more than 22 years and is considered today as one of the authorities of Indian Parliament system.  Even now, the Speakers of Parliament and other politcal leaders used to consult him on various procedures of Parliament. He belongs to the generation of leaders like Morarji Desai, Jayaprakash Narayan, Vajpayee, Somnath Chatterjee and many others.  
We can feel proud to live in an era, when Mr Era Sezhiyan is also living.  Since many of his friends could not spell the name 'Sezhiyan', he is popularly known as 'Era' among the Parliament members and Government officials. I am greatly fortunate to interact with him several times on various national issues and to invite him for the Prime Point Foundation's events. 
A few months back, he compiled and released a book on Shah Commission Report about Emergency exceesess.  We had also at that time, recorded his exclusive interview and published in our PodUniversal.
In the span of more than 22 years in Parliament, he has made several speeches, which drew the attention of then Government and which are also relevant today.  Institute of Social Sciences has compiled some of the important speeches and published a book titled 'Parliment for the People".  This book was released by Justice Natarajan, one of the former well known Supreme Court Judges on 9th July 2011 at Chennai.
Many leading personalities admired the services of this legendary person.  Mr Era Sezhiyan, though not a member of Parliament, is quite active in public life, sharing his views through media.
Please see the photo stream of the function.  The report of The Hindu is given below.
Please read the Hindu report dated 10th July 2011
"Era Sezhiyan, a person of impeccable character"

A host of speakers, led by S. Natarajan, former Supreme Court Judge, on Saturday hailed Era Sezhiyan, veteran parliamentarian, for his services to Parliament and steadfast commitment to the protection of constitutional institutions, advocacy of decentralisation and the importance of propriety and probity in public life.
Launching “Parliament for The People,” a publication of Mr Sezhiyan’s speeches in Parliament, at a function here, Mr Natarajan described the parliamentarian as a person of impeccable character and integrity, a man of erudition and a constitutional expert.
He recalled that after Mr Sezhiyan’s defeat in the 1977 Lok Sabha election, several national leaders including the then Prime Minister Morarji Desai and External Affairs Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee wanted him to enter the Parliament again through Rajya Sabha by getting elected from any of the northern States where the Janata Party was strong. But, Mr Sezhiyan had turned down their offer. The issue was resolved in 1978 when the then Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.G. Ramachandran, on the advice of Mr Desai, had agreed to extend his party’s support to Mr Sezhiyan’s election from Tamil Nadu to the Rajya Sabha.
Mr Natarajan, Editor-in-Chief of THE HINDU N. Ram and industrialist R. Veeramani recounted that in August 1989, in response to Mr Sezhiyan’s appeal, then Chairman of the Rajya Sabha and Vice-President S.D. Sharma had expunged disparaging remarks made by members in the House against the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) in the light of the Bofors scandal.
The former Supreme Court Judge said this episode had demonstrated how much respect was given to Mr Sezhiyan, who was no longer a member of the Upper House then. He added that the book brought out effectively how legislative business could be carried on with dignity and decorum in spite of serious differences of opinion among members of the legislature.
The function was organised by the VIT University, Institute of Social Sciences, New Delhi and the Rajaji Centre for Public Affairs, Chennai.
Mr Ram, who received the first copy, said interactions with Mr Sezhiyan on a host of issues over the years were educative, enriching and productive. He was never a high-profile parliamentarian but extremely active from the start.
Referring to Mr Sezhiyan’s defence of the CAG on the Bofors deal controversy, Mr Ram said this had a contemporary relevance. The CAG, a relatively low-profile institution, had made a valuable contribution on the 2G spectrum allocation scandal. Mr Ram said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who was otherwise soft spoken, had done a wrong thing by criticising the CAG.
George Matthew, Director of the Institute of Social Sciences, which had published the book, explained how Mr Sezhiyan, through an indepth study, had highlighted the constitutional impropriety inherent in the functioning of the Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme.
Describing Mr Sezhiyan as a wonderful activist too, Dr. Mathew said he observed Mr Sezhiyan’s organising skills during the visit of former Prime Minister V.P. Singh to Tamil Nadu in 1990 after the National Front government was unseated from power.
G. Viswanathan, VIT University Chancellor, who presided over the function, recalled the moments that he and Mr Sezhiyan spent together as Members of Parliament (Lok Sabha) during 1967-1977. During those years, members rarely rushed to the well of the House or displayed unruly behaviour.
He described Mr Sezhiyan as a deep thinker and a person who expressed his views in a forthright manner.
Cho S. Ramaswamy, Editor of ‘Thuglak,’ said when Mr Sezhiyan spoke in Parliament, he was heard with rapt attention. He was respected by all members including former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. B.S. Raghavan, former civil servant, commended the Parliamentarian for raising the level of political discourse.
Mr Sezhiyan said he was trained by leaders such as C.N. Annadurai and Jayaprakash Narayan. (EOM)

Blog writing will improve the writing skills - Seminar at Vivekananda Vidyalaya

Smt Durgadevi choudhary Vivekananda Vidyalaya, Kolathu, Chennai has a 'Journalism Academy', started in 2009.  The students from 6th Standard to 10th Standard are the members of this Academy.  This academy provides opportunity to the students to improve their writing skills and also shape them as a future journalist.  Frequently, the School is inviting senior journalists to interact and share the views.
Students interacting with K. Srinivasan on journalism
On 2nd July 2011, I was also invited to share the views with the students.  Mr P A Narrendiran, another PR and Communication professional also joined me. Around 150 students participated in this seminar.   
When I asked the students, as to how many of them were having e mail account, almost 90 percent of them raised their hands.  When I asked them, as to how many of them were using Facebook or twitter, more than 60 percent of them raised their hands.  Finally, when I asked the students, as to how many of them were writing blogs, nobody raised their hands, excepting one girl.
This is a general trend among the school. and college going students. Present day students prefer facebook or twitter because of the sms lingos.  On the other hand, one has to spend time for writing blogs, that too in a formal language.  
Though facebook, twitter and other social media networks are good social media tools for connectivity, they are spoiling the writing habits of these students.  In these social media, the students use sms lingos and abbreviated languages without proper spelling and grammar.  Finally, when they are writing formal letters, they find it extremely difficult to write even a 100 word communication.  I explained to the students the 'challenges' while using social media tools and how 'blog writing' can improve their writing skills.   
Since the new generation students are highly techno savvy, I suggested them to create new  blog and start writing once or twice a week.  I asked them to write about any  topic of their interest, including the sports, games, music, etc.  I told them such blogs will improve their writing skils in long term and also their self confidence.  Some of the students assured me that they would start a blog on the same night and report to me.  I am awaiting their response. Mr Thanukrishnan, Principal and other teachers also offered to help the students by reviewing their blog and guiding them to improve the writing skills. 
Another important aspect that I need to mention here is the perception of the students on the current media (Television and Print).  Many of them rate the credibility of the media at less than 50 percent.  Though, the students are very young, they seem to assess on what they see and hear.  From the pictures given below, the readers can see the amount of interaction, the students had with me on the various aspects of media and journalism. 
Please see the photo show:

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