Beyond the Brief: How Indian PR Firms are showing up for the community

Burson, from its Genesis PR days, has long been active in supporting the community. That legacy carries on.

Deepshikha Dharmaraj, CEO, Burson Group India, says, "We recognise the importance of pausing to acknowledge a deeper purpose that extends beyond our daily professional responsibilities.

To support this, we introduced initiatives like ‘Because It Matters’, a company-wide framework for social impact. Backed by our ‘Pause for a Cause’ volunteering leave policy, the program enables our teams to participate in volunteering, fundraising and pro-bono communications work with our NGO partners."

These include work with the 'Earth Saviours Foundation', supporting elderly residents in shelter homes by distributing food, hygiene products and snacks, offering companionship, and engaging them in music and dance therapy. Additionally, the teams recently volunteered at the 'People for Animals' shelter in Bangalore.

"Our initiatives also extend to pro-bono partnerships with organisations like the Genesis Foundation, supporting its vital mission to raise funds for the treatment of critically ill, underprivileged children with heart disorders. We actively contribute by participating in fundraising campaigns and providing pro-bono blogs and articles to help amplify their important work.", adds Deepshikha.

PR Professionals backs several causes, including ongoing support of the children of the Uri Martyrs and children from Bihar who lost their parents to COVID-19

Dr Sarvesh Tiwari, founder & managing director of PR Professionals, says, "PR Professionals have always embraced a CSR-first approach, and in 2025, we took community engagement to the next level by launching #IOwnGurugram. This community-led campaign encourages citizens, corporates, and communities to take ownership of the city’s well-being. 

To kick off the movement, over 100 PRP employees at the Gurugram HQ tackled on-ground civic issues, filling hazardous potholes on MG Road and cleaning areas around the Guru Dronacharya Metro Station, collecting approximately one ton of garbage. We plan to continue such civic activities under #IOwnGurugram throughout the year."

PRP additionally supports MAYKA, an NGO based in Najafgarh, which shelters women and their children who have been destitute due to family circumstances.

Under Kaizzen Care, a social initiative by Kaizzen, the PR firm undertakes several CSR activities. In association with 'Rise Against Hunger, India (RAHI)', Kaizzen organised meal packaging and distribution for the residents of AiR Humanitarian Homes in Bengaluru.

In April 2020, at the height of the COVID pandemic, Kaizzen supported RAHI with 20,000 meals for vulnerable populations, including daily wagers, construction workers, street vendors and contract labour.

Kaizzen Care also actively organises art exhibitions and musical performances showcasing the unique talents of children on the autism spectrum.

 Vineet Handa, CEO, Kaizzen, says, “Every child is special in their way. Their skills, talents and the way they see the world around them are unique and cannot be compared with another. And kids with special needs are no different. They are exceptionally talented and see the world around them through a different lens. All they need is a little support and care to fulfil their dreams to reach great heights."

ON PURPOSE has always lived up to its name and values. They were the first among the Indian PR firms to introduce pet parent leave and have long had a mental health support programme for their team.

Says founder Girish Balachandran, "The genesis of ON PURPOSE has been to use communications for social change. Over the last 8 years, this commitment has extended beyond client work and manifested itself through 'The Purpose Project' - a nationwide hunt for a deserving NGO to receive pro-bono communications capacity building support. Previous beneficiaries of the Purpose Project include:

• Haq, a human rights organisation focused on rights for all children
• Azad Foundation, an NGO that empowers cisgender and transgender individuals from marginalised communities
• Civis, a community-driven non-profit platform built to increase citizen participation in the lawmaking process

In 2023, ON PURPOSE signed an MoU with Dasra's Rebuild India Fund to provide communications capacity building support to 500 NGOs over a period of 5 Years. We have completed 4 cohorts so far, with a total of 74 grassroots NGOs participating. These sessions helped train and also transformed how these organisations show up, secure funding, and scale their work."

Avian We. has long supported diversity and inclusion with its initiatives. 

Abhishek Shankar, national director, HR, Avian We. says, "We’ve been supporting LGBTQIA+ rights since our inception. Our intellectual property, Consciously Speaking — a guide to LGBTQ+ terminology — has been building impact since 2021, with 'Jaanivpoorvak Boltana', Marathi edition released in 2024. One of the volumes was even authored by a team member."

The firm is also a strategic partner and sponsor of the Rainbow Lit Fest - Queer & Inclusive 2025. Kass Sells, CEO of APAC and Global Partners at We. and Sharmistha Ghosh, senior vice president – health care and social impact, Avian We., are among the speakers at the festival.