The Indian Institute of Management Kashipur last week successfully hosted the first-ever edition of Yuktika 2025 – The Media Conclave, bringing together leading voices from media, branding, entertainment, and digital communications. The conclave offered students an industry–academia interface to understand the new expectations of the digital-first media ecosystem.
The inaugural Media Conclave at also marked a significant step toward bridging the gap between emerging management professionals and the rapidly evolving media landscape. By bringing together industry leaders, storytellers, and digital innovators on one platform, the conclave created a meaningful space for dialogue, learning, and collaboration.
The first panel, “Redefining Talent Readiness: How Business School Graduates Can Meet Emerging Market and Brand Challenges,” opened with rich insights from distinguished speakers shaping the future of media and communication.
Cherryn Dogra, CMO, Bharti Real Estate, spoke about the growing need for cross-functional awareness and real-world decision-making. She stressed that “the walls between functions are getting thinner” and urged students to stay grounded in practical understanding. Use AI to help you, not to be you.” She further encouraged students to think like business leaders, adding that “simple consumer analysis is not simple anymore; wear multiple business hats and view challenges through financial and operational lenses.”
Pragati Deshmukh, Producer & former Head of Content, Zee Studios, spoke about curiosity, agility, and lifelong learning as key differentiators in the media industry. Emphasizing the importance of critical thinking, she noted, “No matter how experienced you are, always ask ‘Why?’. Agility is the foundation of a sustainable career.” She also highlighted responsible AI usage, saying, “Don’t let AI put you in a dumbing position. Use it to sharpen your thinking, not replace it.”
Pratishtha Kaura, Associate Vice President, Edelman, focused on the evolving nature of communication roles in an AI-powered world. Addressing the future of jobs, she stated, “AI is not replacing jobs, people who understand how to use AI are replacing those who don’t.” Her insights emphasized the significance of strategic thinking and technology fluency for tomorrow’s communicators.
Rutweek Deshmukh, Global Talent Acquisition Programme Specialist, Fujitsu, spoke passionately about clarity, ownership, and mindset during the early stages of one’s career. He shared, “Early in your career, you must stretch yourself. Talent readiness is not about the package it’s about your mindset.” He also highlighted the importance of inclusivity, adding, “Understanding digital accessibility and neurodiversity is essential for modern leadership.”
Shalaka Kulkarni, Author & Founder, Write Click, discussed the role of communication and clarity in creative industries. Speaking about simplifying complex information, she said, “Creativity lies in making technology understandable to the layperson. When you have clarity, you gain motivation. And never fear changing the trajectory of your life.”
Apoorva Mehandiratta, Marketing Director, ZEE5, shed light on the psychological depth required in modern marketing. She explained that “if you want anything to work, understand people’s psyche. Build networks, interpret data, and remember, every content piece carries the voice of its place of origin.” She further remarked on evolving entertainment trends: “In entertainment, the trailer is no longer the hero. It’s the long-term hype that builds influence.”
The second panel:
“Building Trust and Influence – The Evolving Role of Branding and Influencers in Media” brought together dynamic storytellers and digital leaders who are redefining trust, influence, and brand engagement in the rapidly shifting media landscape.
Hemant Shringy, Chief Creative Officer & Managing Partner, Wondrlab India, spoke about the transformative power of creative ideas and their cultural influence. Reflecting on the evolving role of branding, he emphasized how authentic, insight-driven narratives shape audience trust in an age of digital noise. His remarks highlighted the importance of purposeful storytelling and the responsibility creative leaders carry while building campaigns that resonate across diverse consumer groups.
Manan Kathuria, Founder, Rajman Productions, discussed the multidisciplinary nature of contemporary content creation. Drawing from his experience across film, theatre, and photography, he said that storytelling today demands both emotional depth and technical fluidity. He explained that creators must understand how audiences perceive honesty in content, noting that the future belongs to those who can merge creativity with cultural sensitivity.
Manjyoti Parasar, Public Speaker and Personal Branding Expert, spoke about authenticity being the cornerstone of personal and professional influence. He shared that in a world saturated with content, students must learn to build identities rooted in clarity, consistency, and genuine value. He encouraged them, saying that when individuals own their story, they naturally create trust and credibility. His insights inspired students to consciously craft their personal brand with intention and purpose.
Sagar Parekh, Chief Digital Officer, L’Oréal (Professional Products Division), brought an industry-leading perspective on digital transformation. Speaking about the shift in consumer expectations, he highlighted how brands need to be both data-driven and emotionally intelligent. He explained that digital journeys must feel personal, intuitive, and relevant, adding that the interplay between technology and human insight now defines the success of brand communication. His remarks underscored the importance of understanding platforms, consumer psychology, and strategic content creation in an era of accelerated digital adoption.
