HISTORY & GROWTH OF PUBLIC RELATIONS: INDIAN & GLOBAL CONTEXT

Public Relations (PR) is the process of creating and maintaining a positive relationship between an organisation and its publics. PR involves communication with employees, customers, media, government, investors and the general public.

PR has existed in some form for centuries, but it developed as a professional field mainly during the 20th century.

A. Evolution of PR in the Global Context

1. Early Period: Even in ancient times, rulers and governments used communication to influence public opinion.

Kings used Public announcements, Symbols and monuments, Speeches, Festivals, Messages to create a favourable image among people.

2. Growth of Newspapers: The development of newspapers provided organisations and governments with a new way to communicate with large audiences.

Businesses began using newspapers to Promote products, Share information, Build reputation

3. Development in the 19th Century: The Industrial Revolution resulted in the growth of large businesses. Companies needed to communicate with customers, employees and the public.

Press agents and publicity professionals became increasingly important.

4. Professional PR in the 20th Century: During the early 20th century, PR became more organised and professional. Two important figures were Ivy Lee and Edward Bernays  They helped establish PR as a professional practice.

5. Growth of Modern PR: After World War II, PR expanded rapidly because of:

• Growth of mass media
• Radio and television
• Large corporations
• Government communication
• Advertising
• International business

Today PR uses:

• Newspapers
• Television
• Websites
• Social media
• Events
• Influencer communication
• Digital campaigns

B. Evolution of PR in India

PR in India also has a long history.

1. Traditional Indian Communication: In ancient India, rulers communicated with citizens through royal announcements, inscriptions, messengers and public gatherings. The inscriptions of Emperor Ashoka are an important example of communication between the ruler and people.

2. Growth During British Rule: During British rule, newspapers and other forms of communication became important. The British government used publicity and information services to communicate government policies. The Indian freedom movement also used newspapers, speeches and public meetings to influence public opinion.

3. Development After Independence: After 1947, PR became important for government communication and nation-building. The government needed to communicate information about Development programmes, Agriculture, Health, Education, National campaigns, Government schemes

The Press Information Bureau (PIB) became an important government communication organisation.

4. Growth of Corporate PR: With the growth of industries and private businesses, companies began developing their own PR departments. After the 1991 economic reforms, private companies and multinational corporations increased their PR activities.

5. Digital PR Today Indian PR uses Social media, Websites, Blogs, Online news, Influencers, Digital campaigns, Podcasts, Online events. PR has therefore moved from mainly press publicity to integrated communication.