Here are some quotes from our judges on the types of things they look for when judging your pitches.
"What I’m really hoping to see in the PR League are teams who think on their feet, bring fresh ideas that feel true to them, and show how communications can actually move people or businesses forward. Come in with curiosity, courage and clarity, that’s what will set you apart."
Arpana Kumar, EVP & head, corporate brand & communications, Jindal Steel
"I look forward to seeing how young minds bring a new perspective with a clear sense of purpose. It will be interesting to see how these next-generation leaders go beyond the conventional methods and present strategies that blend innovation with impact."
Prashant Subramanian, VP-North, Kaizzen
"What I’ll be looking for is clarity of thought, creativity rooted in business impact, and the ability to tell a story that resonates beyond the campaign. Too often, we see ideas that are clever but don’t ladder up to real outcomes. The participants who stand out will be the ones who can connect bold ideas with measurable influence, whether that’s shifting perception, driving adoption, or strengthening reputation. That ability to bridge storytelling with ROI driven results is what sets the next generation of leaders apart."
Shonali Chakravarty, enterprise tech comms & public policy leader, Lenovo
“As we embark on this journey to identify the next generation of PR leaders, I am keenly looking forward to hearing fresh perspectives from participants who can combine sharp business acumen with practical real-world applications and demonstrate their ability to share feasible and innovative solutions. Essentially, for me, clear communication, logical flow and a sharp focus on business impact will be the key differentiators. I am also eager to see how they leverage strategic thinking and storytelling to create impactful campaigns, especially in the B2B space. This competition is an excellent platform for them to showcase their skills, and I am confident that we will witness some extraordinary ideas and strategies.”
Vandana Chopra, partner, markets and clients, KPMG India
“I’ll be looking for entries that demonstrate originality and innovation, delivering measurable impact beyond basic objectives. I’m especially interested in how teams leverage AI to develop personalised, predictive strategies through data-driven, interactive storytelling that resonates with audiences and achieves tangible results.”
Diksha Verma, Communications Specialist – India and APAC, HPE
"I believe communications is far more than media visibility. I am keen to understand its role within the organisation, how it has shaped internal alignment, influenced perceptions on key issues, and catalysed actions that translated into tangible business impact."
Sameer Bajaj, head of corporate communications and corporate affairs, MakeMyTrip
"I would expect a deep understanding of the political and economic environment and the media landscape, a differentiation in the product or service offering and harnessing of technology like AI without being a slave to it."
Paroma Roy Chowdhury, strategic comms leader and founder member, CXXO, A Kalaari Capital Initiative