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Media Mantra sparks dialogue with MMDialogues365 anniversary celebration
MUMBAI: In an era where communication is both an art and a science, Media Mantra Group has once again taken the lead in shaping its future. To mark the first anniversary of its flagship knowledge-sharing initiative ‘MMDialogues’, the company hosted ‘MMDialogues365 – Decoding Effective Communications’ at The Roseate, New Delhi. The event gathered an illustrious assembly of 50 distinguished voices from the media and communications fraternity, engaging in thought-provoking discussions on PR’s evolving landscape, media’s transformation, and the trends redefining corporate storytelling.
The event commenced with a special address by veteran journalist GonewsIndia founder Pankaj Pachauri who reflected on his journey from newsroom to entrepreneurship, sharing insights on adaptability and the shifting expectations from news media. Setting the stage for a deeper exploration of the communication industry, a fireside chat featuring Media Mantra Group Director Puja Pathak and BW Businessworld chairman & editor-in-chief Annurag Batra dissected the balance between technical expertise and emotional intelligence in communication.
Two riveting panel discussions followed, where stalwarts from journalism and corporate communications offered their perspectives on the future of media and PR. The first panel, moderated by PRCAI CEO Deeptie Sethi featured Pankaj Doval (Times of India), Shweta Punj (Moneycontrol.com), and Shishir Sinha (Hindu Business Line). The discussion addressed pressing issues such as media fragmentation, AI’s role in journalism, and effective PR-media engagement strategies.
The second panel, helmed by renowned communications expert Arun Sudhaman, featured corporate communication leaders like Nandini Chatterjee (Shree Cement), Ajey Maharaj (Fortis Healthcare), Arpana Kumar Ahuja (Jindal Steel & Power), and Abhishek Mahapatra (Independent Consultant). The discussion delved into the creator economy, regionalisation of media, the impact of AI in content creation, and the challenge of measuring PR impact.
Reflecting on the journey of MMDialogues, Media Mantra Group founder director Udit Pathak said, “We launched MM Dialogues to bridge the knowledge gap in PR and communications by bringing together industry leaders for impactful conversations. MMDialogues365 celebrates this milestone while reinforcing our commitment to fostering learning and growth for communications professionals.”
Puja Pathak founder director Media Mantra Group stated, “The communications industry thrives on agility and continuous learning. #MMDialogues allows our teams to interact with the brightest minds, gaining perspectives beyond textbooks.”
Media Mantra Group CEO Rahul Mehta added, “MMDialogues has grown into an unparalleled knowledge-sharing platform, offering insights on strategic PR campaigns, digital transformation, impactful storytelling, and media engagement. As Media Mantra expands its presence both in India and internationally, initiatives like these will remain integral to training the next generation of communicators.”
With MMDialogues365, Media Mantra not only celebrated a milestone but also reinforced its role as an industry pioneer in fostering learning and collaboration. Rekha Gehani, People & Culture Leader at Media Mantra, highlighted the platform’s role in enhancing employee training and making industry insights accessible through social media.
As the event concluded, one thing was clear, the dialogue is far from over. With MMDialogues 2.0 on the horizon in 2026, Media Mantra is set to continue leading the way in redefining effective communication for the future.
MAM
Ameya Velankar steps down as Uber’s head of marketing for India & South Asia
Veteran marketer exits after more than seven years with the ride-hailing giant.
MUMBAI: After more than seven years of steering Uber through the bumpy roads of India’s mobility market, Ameya Velankar has decided to change lanes. Ameya Velankar has stepped down as Head of Marketing for India and South Asia, marking the end of a significant chapter at the ride-hailing company. He had been with Uber since 2019, taking on multiple roles in product and category marketing before rising to lead the marketing function for the region in 2021.
During his tenure, Velankar played a key role in strengthening Uber’s positioning in one of its most competitive and dynamic markets. He helped drive localised marketing strategies and scale adoption across key offerings such as Auto, Moto, Rentals and Intercity, tailoring global platforms to Indian consumer needs.
Prior to joining Uber, Velankar built his marketing expertise at leading consumer companies including SC Johnson and Marico, where he handled category and product leadership roles. His career began at RPG Enterprises.
Details of his next professional move have not been disclosed.
In a fast-evolving mobility landscape where brands constantly battle for attention, Ameya Velankar helped Uber stay relevant and resonant with millions of Indian users. As he moves on from the driver’s seat of marketing, the company will now look for fresh ideas to keep its wheels turning smoothly.
