keynote address at the annual flagship summit on Branding and Marketing, hosted by ASSOCHAM, Shashi Shekhar Vempati, former CEO
of Prasar Bharati, elucidated the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation on the marketing landscape. Delving into
the intricacies of technological advancements, Mr. Vempati underscored the critical significance of data privacy and ethical considerations
amidst the proliferation of AI and deepfakes. His address resonated with industry leaders and attendees, setting the stage for a dynamic
exploration of the future of marketing in an increasingly digitized world.
The summit, themed "Future of Marketing," included the prestigious Excellence Awards, celebrating innovation and excellence in the field
of marketing. During his address, Mr. Vempati underscored the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation in shaping the future of marketing. He highlighted the significance of data privacy and ethics in navigating regulatory frameworks, highlighting the
importance of maintaining trust in an era dominated by AI and deepfakes.
Giving the example of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's invocation of cultural metaphors in nudging behavioral change through his monthly
radio program Mann ki Baat, Mr. Vempati highlighted how the summit's focus on Bharat@100 inspires a vision for the future of branding
and marketing. He called for that vision to be rooted in Indian Languages and Indian Cultural Metaphors, Traditions, Icons and Festivals
consistent with PM Modi's call to action for a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
"The future of marketing lies in embracing AI and automation while upholding the values of data privacy and ethical practices," remarked
Mr. Vempati. "Innovative technologies such as generative AI not only break language barriers but also offer invaluable insights for crafting
exceptional customer experiences," the former CEO of Prasar Bharati under whom the All India Radio produced PM Modi’s Maan ki Baat in
over 100 languages and dialects said.
Reflecting on his tenure at Prasar Bharati, Mr. Vempati shared insights into the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic,
particularly in combating misinformation. He pointed to the need for trust and transparency, stressing the importance of countering fake
news to ensure accurate information dissemination. “Trust is paramount, especially in the age of AI and deepfakes," Mr. Vempati
emphasized. "Our experience during the pandemic highlighted the critical role of media in dispelling misinformation and fostering trust,” he
said.
The annual flagship summit on Branding and Marketing by ASSOCHAM, also comprised of technical sessions, panel discussions, and
master classes, provided a comprehensive exploration of the evolving marketing landscape. The event concluded with Excellence Awards
recognizing outstanding campaigns that set industry standards and made a lasting impact being given out.