Pune, 01-04-2012: Department of Public relations and Media of SIO Maharashtra South Zone organised a PR & Media training workshop on March 30 & 31, 2013, at Azam Campus, Pune. Participants from SIO Maharashtra and Gujarat zones participated in the 2 day workshop. The objective of the workshop was to make the cadre media-friendly through discussions and interaction with media personnel and field experts.

During the two day workshop, Suhail KK (Director Public Relations at Vision 2016 & CEO at KK Productions), Afroz Alam Sahil (Editor, Beyond Headlines & RTI Activist), S.Ameenul Hasan (Renowned Islamic Scholar), Dr.M.A Baseer (Renowned Career Counsellor), Sharique Ansar (PR Sec, SIO of India) & Dr.Salman Mukkaram (State President, SIO Maharashtra South) were among the panelists.

Mr.Suhail KK addressed the gathering on the topic “PR, Why and How” and explained why communication is an important tool for any organisation to function. He also expressed his views about the new trends in social media and how to utilise the various social media platforms. “It is the responsibility of PR Department to monitor what people say about your organisation online/ offline and look at ways of combating negative comments”, he said.

The workshop covered important subjects like how to conduct interviews and press conferences, how to write effective press releases, Memorandums, how to plan for and implement media campaigns, communicating during crisis, internal and external communication and media outreach followed by expert comments by Mr.Afroz Alam Sahil. He also shared his experience of RTI cases filed by him.

Dr.M.A Baseer explained RTE Act in detail while S.Ameenul Hasan addressed on “Fikre-Islami” followed by Q& A.

“Maintaining good relations with the influential people, Govt officials, Politicians and Media is the prime responsibility of a PR secretary”, said Sharique Ansar. He also gave tips on how to prepare a PR Kit.