The country is in need of Creative enterprises and cultural infrastructure across the country
Dr. Pandiri Harsha Bhargavi
With over 15 years of distinguished service in the government sector, Dr. Pandiri Harsha Bhargavi has made impactful contributions across various domains, including policy, art, and culture. As a regular columnist and researcher, she has penned thought-provoking articles for renowned journals. Known for her artistic talent and commitment to visual storytelling, Dr. Bhargavi has gained expertise in establishing innovation centers and promoting startups. She shares the profound impact that narratives can have on influencing society, shaping perceptions, and fostering connections with Gurbeer Singh Chawla.
What inspired you to pursue a career in communication and journalism, and how did you get started?
I have always been drawn to the power of storytelling and how it can influence society. My passion for communication and journalism began during my undergraduate years in advertising, marketing, and sales promotion at Loyola Academy, Hyderabad, Telangana. From there, I pursued a Master’s in Communication and Journalism, and my journey in public relations and media took off, eventually leading to my long-standing career in the government sector.
Can you share your experience working in the government sector for 16 years and your most significant contributions?
Working in various government departments for 16 years has been a rewarding experience. Some of my most significant contributions include coordinating media for high-profile events like the G20 and the Prime Minister’s Memento Auction, New Delhi, and handling crisis communication for Telangana State Police. My work with the Telangana State Information Centre and the Police Department helped shape public perceptions and promote key governmental initiatives. In my entire journey, i was upgrading my skills and innovative in my work delivery.
How do you think your artistic talent and visual storytelling skills enhance your work in communication and journalism?
My background in art and visual storytelling allows me to craft narratives that are not only informative but also visually engaging. Whether it’s developing museum-based pedagogy or contributing to coffee table books. I focus on blending creativity with factual communication to reach and engage a broader audience. My recent publications titled “Artonomics” and The Ramappa Temple presents a new perspective. Artonomics is all about the creative economy and the book on Ramappa temple brings in the way an individual has to understand a temple.
What advice would you give to young professionals aspiring to make a difference in their respective fields?
Stay curious, be adaptable, and constantly upskill yourself. The fields of communication and media are rapidly evolving, and success depends on one’s ability to embrace change, think creatively, and take calculated risks.
What motivated you to pursue a Doctorate in Communication and Journalism, and how has it impacted your work?
My desire to delve deeper into the academic and research aspects of communication led me to pursue a Doctorate. This degree has enhanced my analytical skills, allowing me to contribute to the field through research, publications, and book authorship. It has also empowered me to bridge theory with practical applications, especially in governmental and public relations roles. While pursuing Doctorate i was posted in Agriculture Department of Telangana Government. I have done my thesis on Agriculture Communication, it is a pioneer study to understand the farmers information requirements. The study has supported me to design the content for media releases accordingly.
Can you tell us about your experience leading workshops and training sessions for teachers on lesson planning?
I developed a unique pedagogy for preprimary and primary school children, combining art and culture with education. Leading these workshops for teachers allowed me to share innovative methods to make learning more interactive and culturally enriching. This approach fosters creativity and critical thinking in children. Teachers were innovative, they are in need for tools and access to the digital repository of our cultural heritage. This will enable them to prepare effective lesson plans integrating the art and culture.
How do you think your expertise in establishing innovation centers and promoting startups can be applied to various industries?
My work in promoting entrepreneurship, particularly through the creative economy, emphasizes blending creativity,disruptive technology, skiling and business acumen. By setting up innovation centers, I have facilitated environments that nurture startup culture, particularly in sectors like media, arts, and communication, encouraging young talent to innovate and contribute to economic development. There is need for Culture Incubation Center, which was proposed to the Ministry of Culture. The country is in need of Creative enterprises and cultural infrastructure across the country.
What are some of the most significant challenges you faced while working in the government sector, and how did you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges has been managing crisis communication during emergencies, such as handling sensitive situations in the Police Department. I overcame these challenges by developing strong media networks, remaining calm under pressure, and ensuring transparent and timely communication to maintain public trust. Another significant challenge I have encountered, and will likely continue to face, is working with team leaders or colleagues who have a limited mindset and display discouraging behavior. In the government sector, it can be difficult to find a supportive mentor and collaborative colleagues, which adds complexity to achieving professional growth and success.
Can you share your thoughts on the importance of creative economy-based entrepreneurship and its impact on society?
Creative economy-based entrepreneurship fosters innovation by combining art, culture, and technology, which is essential for sustainable development. It creates jobs, supports cultural preservation, and encourages young entrepreneurs to think outside the box, contributing to both social and economic growth. The creative economy will have major contribution to the GDP in coming days. Creative Economy is the only way which will support in achieving Seven Trillion Economy of Bharat.
How do you stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in communication, journalism, art and education?
I regularly attend conferences, read academic journals, and participate in discussions with industry professionals. Additionally, my involvement with organizations like the Public Relations Society of India and Industry Experts keeps me abreast of evolving trends, particularly in digital communication, AI tools, and social media.
Can you tell us about your experience working with AI tools in education and their potential applications?
AI tools can revolutionize education by offering personalized learning experiences. I have contributed to creating digital content for online courses and LMS platforms, utilizing AI to enhance the accessibility and engagement of educational materials. AI can analyze learning patterns and help design more effective curricula.
How do you balance your creative pursuits with your analytical and problem-solving skills?
I believe creativity and analytical thinking go hand in hand. My creative work in storytelling and visual arts is complemented by my problem-solving skills in public relations, where I assess situations, gather data, and implement strategic solutions, whether for crisis management or media campaigns.
Can you share your experience working on museum and artifacts-based pedagogy and its effectiveness?
I have worked on museum-based pedagogy, where I used artifacts and visual art to create educational content. This method is highly effective in engaging students, allowing them to connect with history and culture in a hands-on, interactive way.
How do you think your skills in SEO, social media management, and marketing can be applied to various industries?
SEO and social media management are crucial for any industry looking to build an online presence. My experience in these areas helps me effectively target audiences, improve visibility, and craft messages that resonate, which is valuable across sectors like education, media, and public relations.
