Have you ever thought about whether there is some difference between a journalist and a public relations professional, though both are part of the same media industry? Not many people would give it a thought, but Dr. Ajit Pathak, the first person to do a PhD in Public Relations, is different. He thinks differently, and it is reflected in his thought process.
While a journalist is always in quest of more information about everything, a PR person sees everything positively, he says, adding, “I give an example of a half-empty glass to media students. Journalists would see it as half-empty, public relations people would see it as half-full, and an advertising professional would try to make people see why this half-filled glass of water is better than the full bottle of water kept beside it.”
THE RTI CRUSADER
How did you get into the RTI movement, and how did you write a book on the subject?
When RTI was passed by the Parliament in 2005, the government didn’t have the wherewithal to popularize it among the masses. As PSRI president, I felt it was our responsibility to make people aware of this Act. I approached RTI chief Wajahat Habibullah about what we wanted to do, and he was more than happy to take our assistance. We made programs for the common man, for the media, and for NGOs as well. I was working for the Indian Oil Corporation, but the Central Information Commission (CIC) sought my services as a media advisor to the CIC. I appeared in a number of radio and TV programs with Mr. Habibullah to inform people how this new act was transformational for the country. Earlier people used to be in the dark about necessary information. Now, they can seek any info by furnishing a fee of Rs 10 only.
FUTURE OF RTI
Has RTI strengthened or weakened during the past 20 years? We have already come far from where we started. But, it is human nature. Officials and politicians don’t wish to part with information, and the common man wants full transparency. All political parties are unanimous on not parting with information about themselves. Mr. Habibullah was very clear on that. He was a strong advocate of transparency. The more information you put on the website, the better will be for people and the government.
I still recall that in the early days of RTI, one person had filed 800 RTI applications with the Delhi Development Authority (DDA). That made us sit and take note of the possibility of misuse of the facility. Someone can harass the government at a cost of Rs 10 only. The process evolved over the years, and it’s getting strengthened over the years.
ROLE OF PR’s ROLE
Gradually, top management of companies and corporations have recognized the role of PR in the dissemination of positive information about their enterprise. Now, PR personnel are being invited to the topmost meetings so that they remain aligned with the policies and decisions of the company at every step.
