Padma Shri Awardee Prasoon Joshi in the TRUTHtalks Series by Satya Vigyan Foundation
Chandigarh, (Gurpreet) : With an aim to inspire a higher ‘truth quotient’ in individuals and in the society, TRUTHtalks, an initiative of Satya Vigyan Foundation founded by Mr Vallabh Bhanshali, recently hosted a talk with Mr Prasoon Joshi, an advertising mastermind and a Padma Shri awardee who is also the current Chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
This two-time National Film Award-winner has given us numerous memorable songs, dialogues and ad campaigns like 'Thanda Matlab Coca-Cola' that remain etched in listeners’ memories.
In the talk, Mr Joshi shared many insights about his treasured life experiences and worldviews. Calling himself optimistic by nature, he opined that it is important that we keep talking about our country's and our society's strengths and do something rather than harp on what is amiss. Mr Joshi also shed light on what he thinks about the business industry and the advertising field. According to him, “Any business that is not in sync with the well-being of society, that does not have concern for society at the heart of their work, will eventually die.” Also, “I believe in the power of informed choice. Advertising doesn't hide behind anything. It clearly tells you I'm an ad and I'm expecting you to try me out. As an ad, I'm going to use exaggeration to entertain you and stay in your mind.”
While speaking about the entrepreneurs who seek his guidance, he remarked on his fondness for entrepreneurs and added that he tries to understand the deeper reasons for why they want to work on a particular idea or project, what he called the kernel of their truth.
He also touched upon the topics of science, spirituality and social media and the critical role that dialogue plays in navigating through some of the chaos in the world. He said that he comes from the world of anubhut satya, or experiential truth, and that the world is a thought projection of the cosmic mind. He explained this with the metaphor of a river: “The experience of someone swimming against an aggressive tide on the river is different from that of someone standing at the river bank to meditate; for the one standing on the bank, the river is calm and peaceful. Same river, different realities.”
Commenting on how some people react to his views and his work, he told the anchor, “The problem today is that before you have come to know and find yourself, the world is in a hurry to brand and define you. The world is uncomfortable when you are unpredictable. We need to remember that what is acceptable in society keeps evolving constantly; nothing is sacrosanct. I believe that those who are arrogant and feel they know the world will never find their truth.”
He also expressed that we have to learn to be comfortable with the state of confusion, as that is when we are most fertile and are thinking of options and possibilities and truly exploring. He emphasised on the importance of practice and preparation in order to be more fully ready to embrace the opportunities that one comes across in life.