"Shed I know it all attitude"- Prime Point Srinivasan

While inaugurating the ICTCON'16 (Information, Communication and Technology Conference 2016) at Saveetha Engineering College, Chennai, Prime Point Srinivasan advised the students to go for innovation, to make India strong at global level.  

"Though Indians have very great capability and knowledge of global standards, India has not brought out any global product like Microsoft or Adobe.  Many Indians are working behind these products.  At global level, India is at 81st position in the Innovation index.  Hence, Indian students should innovate more and patent their products. The main problem with Indian youth is the lack of self confidence.  They should realise their potential and work hard to achieve greater heights.  They should not give up with initial failures", he said.

He pointed out that another main hurdle was the 'I know it all attitude' amongst the corporates and many entrepreneurs.  Because of this attitude, he said, that many organisations were not able to compete at global level.  In the days of specialisation, the companies or organisations should approach the experts in the domain for guidance and support, instead of assuming that they have a better capability than the experts.  He also quoted the example of Dharmaputra playing dice alone with Sakuni, when Duryodhana invited him to play dice.  Dharmaputra, instead of playing himself, should have invited Krishna to play against Sakuni.  The attitude of Dharmaputra that he could manage Sakuni alone, without seeking the expert advice of Krishna, had led to lot of crisis, Srinivasan added.

During this Conference, 51 papers were selected for presentation.  The best paper award was received by Vimal Jenifer SJ and Naveen Kumar, University College of Engineering, Tindivanam.  They had presented a paper on "Clinical decision support system for classifying chronic kidney disease using data mining technologies".  

This National Conference was organised by the Department of IT of the College under the guidance of Dr Ganesh (Principal) and Mr Vijayaraj (HOD).  The entire faculty team enthusiastically participated.

Some of the photos

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Tenth International Public Relations Conference at Iran on 'Integrated PR'

10th International PR Conference at Iran 13th Jan 2014 - (Inset) Prime Point Srinivasan addressing through skype

Tenth international conference on public relations was held at Tehran on 13th and 14th Jan 2014 at the Department for Education and Research of Iran’s Foreign Ministry.

Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance Ali Jannati. Mohammad-Mehdi Mazaheri was the chairman of the conference and launched the conference with his opening speech.  Mehdi Baqerian, secretary-general of the conference and many communication experts shared their views.  Around 600 professionals participated in the Conference. 

I had the honour of addressing this Conference from Chennai (India)  through 'skype' on the topic "Integrating social media into PR strategies'.  My presentation was translated into Persian language simultaneously by a translator at their end.  The presentation was well received by the audience. 

My presentation and the photos sent by the organisers are embedded below.

Integrating social media into pr strategies from Prime Point Foundation, Chennai

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Demand for total prohibition by NGOs and Politicians

In the recent days, voices demanding total prohibition is increasing in Tamilnadu.  It is because in Tamilnadu, out of 6 crores of population, one crore people is in the habit of taking liquor.  The Government is earning a revenue of around Rs.25,000 crores, constituting approximately 25 to 30% of State revenue.

Tamilnadu is the only state in India where liquor is sold through the Government owned retail outlets TASMAC.  Two decades back, the Schools and Colleges were run by the Government, while the liquor shops were run by private licensees.  Now, the scene is reverse with Educational Institutions run by licensees and the liquor shops run by the Government directly.  

Since the Government is running the retail liquor shops with bar, even those who felt shy to take liquor in the earlier decades are now visiting proudly these Government owned liquor shops to take drinks.  Because of the increase in the drinking habits, large number of dalit families are affected badly.  Liquor habit spoils the health of the person also.  Mor ethan 60% of the road accident occur due to drunken driving.  

In the past few months, many of the NGOs and some of the political parties have started the movement against the liquor and demanding total prohibition in the State.

One Mr Sasi Perumal, a Gandhian from a village near Salem is on fast for the past 33 days (as on 3rd March 2013) demanding total prohibition.

All India Prohibition Council and many of the Gandhians organised National Conference at Thakkar Bapa Vidyalaya, Chennai (the Vidyalaya founded by Mahatma Gandhi in 1933 for the poor and downtrodden).  Representatives from all the States participated.  Gandhian Mr Mahavir Thyagi, Secretary of the All India Prohibition Council and former Minister in Gujarat Government was the star attraction of the Conference.  

Many of the NGOs and Political leaders participated and shared their views, in the day long Conference.  At the end of the Conference, a resolution was passed requesting total prohibition in the country.  All India Prohibition Council is now working on the Action Plan for imposing total prohibition in all the States.  

A mention has to be made about Mr Annamalai, Gandhian and Director of Gandhi Study Centre at Thakkar Bapa Vidyalaya.  Mr Annamalai and his team planned this Conference meticulously, including the time management.  

Please see some of the pictures during the event.

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Communication skills for auditors - Ford sets a new trend

Generally, all the Companies arrange communication skills sessions only for their employees, who are communicating externally, like marketing, public relations professionals, etc.   In reality, communication is the 'live wire' of the organisation. 

Every employee in an organisation, whether he/she belongs to x department or y department, he/she needs to improve the communication skills.  Many of them may not communicate externally, like marketing professionals.  But they  communicate internally within their organisation.

Internal Audit Department of Ford Company at Chennai started thinking in this line.  Most of the time, the internal auditors in any organisation are the 'unwanted people' by others. because of their nature of job.  But their role is highly important in the smooth functioning of the system.  Most of the time, they become 'UnSung heroes' of the organisation, but they are subjected to  sharp criticisms from their own colleagues.  In all the organisations, a big gap exists between the auditors and the rest of the employees.

Ford organised a three day 'Annual Conference' at Chennai to review their performance from 26th June 2012.  Around 30 auditors from all the Units of Asia Paciic Region were the participants.

In order to bride the gap between the auditors and the other employees, the Audit Department of Ford invited me to present a session on 'Communication skills for auditors - Get the message across'.  After the formal inauguration by Mr Vadivelan, General Manager of the Audit Department, they asked me to handle the first and inaugural session.  This indicated the importance given by the Audit department for communication skills, for better relationship.

During the course of my presentation, I was explaining the various ways, the communication from the sender may get distorted leading to bad relationship and misunderstanding.  The  auditors have a great role to play in any organisation and their role cannot be compromised.  Hence,  they are required to handle the situations very carefully without demotivating the other employees and without getting misunderstood.  I shared some of my experiences and  gave tips for improving the communication skills.

This  concept of introducing a session on 'communication skills' in the auditors conference was conceived by Mr Vadivelan, General Manager and Mr Balachandar, Manager of the Audit Department.  Ford has set a new trend, which can be emulated by other companies.

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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.

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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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National Media Conference 2011 - Valedictory - 180911

Live reporting from Mount Abu

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

http://prpoint.blogspot.com/2011/09/media-and-conferance-exhibition-2011.html
http://prpoint.blogspot.com/2011/09/national-media-conference-2011-second.html

http://prpoint.blogspot.com/2011/09/national-media-conference-2011-second.html
http://prpoint.blogspot.com/2011/09/national-media-conference-second-day.html

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.

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National Media Conference - Second day - Panel discussion - 180911

Live reporting from Mount Abu

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

http://prpoint.blogspot.com/2011/09/media-and-conferance-exhibition-2011.html
http://prpoint.blogspot.com/2011/09/national-media-conference-2011-second.html

http://prpoint.blogspot.com/2011/09/national-media-conference-2011-second.html

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.

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National Media Conference 2011 - Second Day - Plenary Session 180911

Live reporting from Mount Abu

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

http://prpoint.blogspot.com/2011/09/media-and-conferance-exhibition-2011.html

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.

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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

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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.

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Dr Abdul Kalam honours cartoonists at Cartoon Festival 2011

Dr Abdul Kalam

Cartoon Watch, the only cartoon magazine in India organises Cartoon Festival every year and honours the senior cartoonists since 2003.  Cartoon Watch is being published from Raipur.  Cartoon Festival 2011 was held this year at New Delhi on 29th April 2011.  Dr A P J Abdul Kalam, Former President of India launched the Cartoon Festival by drawing a symbolic cartoon and honoured senior cartoonists Mr Ajit Ninan, Mr Kaak, MrMr Hussain Zamin, Mr B V Panduranga Rao, Mr Jagjeet Rana and Mr Sudheer Nath for their lifetime achievement in the field of cartoon.  

Mr Triambak Sharma, Editor, Cartoon Watch organised this event. Mr Triambak Sharma is also the cartoon Editor of our ezine PreSense and the cartoon character PRince created by him was also launched by Dr Kalam three years back at Chennai.  Dr Kalam also made a reference about the cartoon characters like common man and PRince in his speech.

During his speech, he also advised the cartoonists to set their mission. Dr Abdul Kalam is one of the admirers of cartoons and wherever he goes, he always encourages the media to use more of cartoons, to convey the message to the people in an effective manner.

Full text of Dr Kalam's speech is available in the official site of Dr Abdul Kalam and may be read by clicking this link.

Mr Ashish Agarwal, cartoonist has given the full account of the event in his blog.  Please read this blog in the following link.

http://ashishagarwal.net/cartoon_festival.html

Please watch the photo stream of the event.

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Image audit helps to foresee and manage crisis

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/economy/article1699725.ece

Mr K. Srinivasan, Chairman, Prime Point Foundation, and Chief Strategist, Image Audit, addressing management students of the Sri Manakula Vinayakar Institute of Technology, Pudhucherry, at a Business Line Club lecture at the institution.

CHENNAI, APRIL 15: 

While a company undertakes annual audits of its finances, stock, costs, and the health of its employees, it does not audit the ‘hidden perceptions' of its internal and external stakeholders.

Studying hidden perceptions could unearth lot of information, and could help it foresee even impending crisis, said Mr K. Srinivasan, Chairman, Prime Point Foundation, and Chief Strategist, Image Audit.

He was addressing management students of the Sri Manakula Vinayakar Institute of Technology, Pudhucherry at a Business Line Club lecture presented by Tata Photon.

STAKEHOLDERS' PERCEPTIONS

Internal and external stakeholders form their own ‘perceptions' based on various factors such as performance, their personal experience, hearsay and rumours.

Normally, they do not reveal such hidden perceptions to the management for different reasons. Such ‘hidden perceptions' affect the image of the organisation, he added.

CRISIS AVOIDANCE

“A regular audit of their image by companies can help them avoid crisis by making mid-course corrections.

This will also help companies understand the mindset of the employees of target companies during the M&A process,” Mr Srinivasan added.

During the interactive session, Mr Srinivasan also shared some of the live case studies where Image Audit had helped organisations overcome challenges in time

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Mahatma Gandhi's grandson Mr Gopalkrishna Gandhi speaks on 'electoral and political reforms'

National Election Watch conducted their 7th National Conference on Electoral and Political Reforms at Indian Institute of Technology, Chennai on 12th and 13th Feb 2011.  The current Chief Election Commissioner of India and Former Chief Election Commissioners, political leaders, NGOs participated to discuss the theme.

Shri Gopalkrishna Gandhi

Shri  Gopalkrishna Gandhi, Former Governor of West Bengal and the grandson of Mahatma Gandhi and Rajaji inaugurated the Conference. In his speech, he traced the history and quoted how in the past, great national leaders were giving importance to electoral and political integrity.

His inspiring speech may be downloaded in the pdf format (80k) from the following link:

http://www.prpoint.com/gopalkrishnagandhi-speech-120211.pdf

Please watch and listen to excerpts from the speech of Shri Gopalkrishna Gandhi (10 minutes).

The video may also be watched from the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRfdZiwQjYs

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National Election Watch - Political party reforms -13th Feb 2011

The Second day session of the 7th National Conference of National Election Watch was held on Sunday the 13th Feb 2011 at IIT, Chennai.   The proceedings (recorded through live blogging) is given below:

The earlier 4 proceedings of the first day sessions are available in the following links.

Inaugural Session

http://prpoint.blogspot.com/2011/02/national-election-watch-7th-national.html

Discussion on Electoral Integrity

http://prpoint.blogspot.com/2011/02/national-election-watch-discussion-on.html

Discussion on Election bound states

http://prpoint.blogspot.com/2011/02/national-election-watch-election-bound.html

Media and Elections

http://prpoint.blogspot.com/2011/02/national-election-watch-media-and.html

Photo stream of the second day sessions:

Live report of Second day proceedings from Central Lecture Theatre, IIT Madras. (Reported by Arun Sudarsan, Binny Alexander and Chandni Chandran)

(Live reporting starts at 9.30 am)

POLITICAL PARTY REFORMS (Inner Party Reforms and Financial Accountability)

Chair: Prof. Jagdeep Chokkar

Panelists: Mr. T K S Elangovan (DMK), Mr. Gnana Desikan (INC), Mr. Madhavan Kutti (CPI-M), Dr. Maithreyan (AIADMK), D Raja (CPI) 

Chair: The Election Watch and ADR have been working in the scene for many years. The aim is to bring about transparency into the system. Two major issues that stick out are internal party democracy and financial accountability.

Dr. Maithreyan (MP, AIADMK): Happy to represent my party here in the Conference. The present system of first-past-post system has not allowed the party system to crystallise and stabilise. There is a large number of criminals getting elected to the representative bodies. There are large instances of cash for votes scam. Does this imply that a large section of the electorate is forced to be corrupt? In a recent study, it has been estimated that in the upcoming Tamil Nadu elections, each candidate will spend approximately 5-10 crores. For years, ECI had remained a passive institution. But with the coming of T N Seshan, the scene changed. Of late, ECI has been more successful in curbing money and muscle power during elections. Though I may be digressing from the topic of discussion, I feel the main issue is to make elections free and fair. Talking about inner party democracy may be futile since dynastic rule is the order of the day though it is a very important issue to be tackled.

Mr. Desikan (MP, INC): Good morning everyone. Reform must start from the political system itself. INC has a constitution which provides for election rules for each of the PCCs in the country. INC has made a parallel election authority at the centre and state level which has been quite successful in more than half the states in India. In a democracy, dissent is a right. One is entitled to voice his opinions. But a party member may not be allowed to air his views outside his party. The dissent has to stay within the party system to maintain the political system of India. INC allows it members in legislature to voice their opinions during Question Hour, discussions on Private bills etc. 

Mr Madhavan Kutty (CPM):  One of the things I will be talking about is the RTI act. It is an important tool for developing a democratic ethos in our country.  A public interest broadcasting system which challenges the biased mainstream media will also do much to improve the state of democracy in the nation.Decentralisation of power will also lead to less corrupt parties. Despite the increase of financial capital, our democracy teeters dangerously on the brink of collapsel. Our rural voters are voting in larger numbers than ever before - this should not make us forget the plight of the agrarian system and of farmers. Political reforms should be organic. Corporate tycoons get elected in our country with surprising regularlity. It is immature to talk of innert party democracy at this stage.We should try to influence the political environment to ensure that political parties act democratically. If we are not to succumb to a 'media'ted election, a public broadcasting system is a must.


Mr. CA S B Zaware (ICAI): I am here to present the views of the  study group of the Institute of the Chartered Accountants of India. These views after being divulged to the public, and their opinions/ reactions being factored in, will be presented to the Election Commission. Under the Income Tax act of 1961, every political party is required to submit annual returns to claim the exemption from tax. For this , accounts need to be regularly and accurately audited by chartered accountants. The party should maintain books of accounting on accrual basis.  According to me, the annual earnings is a public document and as such, should be freely available to the common man. Further, we hold that financial documents should be submitted  within 6 months after March 31st. Right now, these financial documents are prepared and audited, but not submitted or exposed for public review. This should be changed. It should also be published in English in the national newspaper and in the local languages in the regional newspapers. Source of income of political parties is sale of coupons. We are unable to track this money. Therefore, it is said that there should be a system of checks and balances. Political parties should follow accounting standards - related party disclosures are part of this. The auditee appoints the auditor now - that is, the political party. We suggest the auditor be chosen for the political party and be rotated on a regular basis to ensure independence and forestall corruption.

Mr. T.K.S Elangovan (DMK): As organisation secretary of the DMK, I will speak of inner-party democracy.  In the DMK, democracy is followed in the truest sense. Office bearers will not be changed before their alloted term of 5 years runs out, except in cases of wrongdoing. Party accounts are audited by internal auditors and then handed over to external auditors- everything is transparent. A point about dynastic rule - the party itself is a family affair. However, one particular family does not dominate. The entire DMK is a family. However, that  does not make us compromise on inner-party democracy.

D. Raja (CPI):  The country is passing through a moral crisis today. Credibility crises exist in all spheres- judiciary, bureaucracy, defense included. In such a situation, national conferences like these are very important. What is a political party? What is my party? We are a party of the working-class. Our hierarchy is not personality-centric. We are going to enter a life of contradictions. Ambedkar said : In politics we will have equality while in social and economic life we will have inequality. But in our social and economic life, we shall by reason of our social and economic structure, continue to deny equality. This places our democracy in peril. If this continues for long, those who suffer will blow up our democracy. 
  We do not recruit criminals in our ranks and when there is no question of recruiting criminals there is no question of electing criminals to our ranks.

Mr. R. Velu (PMK),Former Railway Minister : Our party policy advocates against liquor and tobacco. Campaigning on this platform lost  us the election. If we ever come to power, the first measure will be to eradicate drinking. No other political party can make this claim. Women are the ones most affected by the curse of alcohol. 
We feel that greater funds should be allocated in the budget for education and health.Focus on rural youth. 
We maintain proper accounts and submit returns on time. Financial transparency and inner party democracy are assured with the PMK.

 We now have a question and answer session with the panelists.Here are a few questions posed by the audience:

 Why are you not getting pre-approval from the Election Commision for the sale of donation coupons?
Why do we not have open book-keeping for the party's finances?
Why is service tax  not imposed on proceeds from the sale of donation coupons?
Do members get receipts for donating money?(posed to the CPI)


The panel answers:


Service tax is applicable only when services are rendered or received, therefore it is said that sale of coupons is beyond the purview of service tax.

Mr. Gnana Desikan(INC): In the future, political parties will discipline themselves. I am willing to entertain any discussion/debate on inner party democracy and auditing.Political leadership is built on psychophancy and I stand by it. Praising a leader is something I am free to do, without license or permission. We also support the amendment made by Manish Tiwari allowing MPS to disagree with their political party.


Mr. Elangovan(DMK):  Educated people who are critical of government should enter politics . The only power available to many people in India is the power to vote. To exercise this power, they take money. So power does corrupt. My party's government in TN has provided employment for 5.5 lakh people in government in the past 5 years. Political parties are essential and inseparable from the system of democracy.


Mr. Madhavan Kutty(Leftist): A political cycnism damages the political system. Politics plays an important rule even at the grassroots level. There is a kind of hypocrisy in the middle-class cynicism.Cynicism is not the answer. The Election Commission is toothless and so cannot monitor party elections.


Mr. D.Raja(CPI): Our accounts are properly audited. All donations to our party are transparent and accounted for.We have electoral tactical lines which decide our alliances. Black money debases value and undermines our electoral system. Try to understand while bashing politicians, that not all politicans are bad. Be objective in your criticism and your statements. In a democracy, it is political parties that form our government. Respect that fact - politician-bashing is futile and pointless. A politician's life is always under scrutiny. Our lives are difficult. At the end of the day, we try to serve the nation and its people.

Mr. R.Velu(PMK): No other party in the country has provided for the general secretary to be a Dalit. Ours is not a communal party. The ruling party wants to suppress opposition parties and it will adopt any tactic to achieve this end. Our party has enlightened leadership.


Moderator's closing remarks: Democracy is in peril because of the contradictions inherent in providing both social and political equality. We as citizens expect more and better governance and cannot be faulted for this.


 

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