Seldom has our country seen a candidate a year into politics becoming a Chief Minister. Not only did the said leader resign from his seat and was widely criticized but soon (in a span of roughly one year) he came to power again. Of course I am talking about Mr. Arvind Kejriwal. Around the same period, our present Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi won the national elections by promising the citizens of India the advent of ‘Acche Din’.
Both the campaigns greatly demonstrated the power of communications and how it decided the future of world’s largest democracy. Both the campaigns concentrated on intelligent communications- whether it was Arvind Kejriwal’s apologies or both of their active presence on every communication platform. They spoke of their goals and key messages which were covered on every possible communication medium- TV, Radio, social media and print outlets.
The last general and Delhi assembly elections are fitting proof of the fact that the ‘growth of political communications has begun’. The elections also proved the significance of communications in politics by the Congress party’s failure to use his communications apparatus effectively. This only goes on to prove that it is now necessary for political parties to have a well thought out two-way communications strategies when planning their campaigns. This directly correlates to the scope of Political Communications as a career opportunity for young Indians. Also, the growth of technology will further fuel the development of this area as communications is highly dependent on it.
I am extremely happy to be a part of the organization that is supporting the cause for the first time in India. Indian School of COmmunications and REputation (SCoRe) is India’s first school to introduce a flagship programme in Political Communications. There is no school in India that teaches Political Communications and Public Affairs as electives. SCoRe will also introduce shot-term courses for existing professionals who are interested in Political Communications as a career but lack adequate skills. At SCoRe, we will not only teach our students the tactics and strategies of political Public Relations but will also teach them to be ethical while doing so. I believe our school will contribute greatly to the profession and also to the future of our nation at large.