Dr. (HC) Prachetan Potadar is a nationally and internationally acclaimed media strategist, visionary storyteller, and voice for social impact. Holding honorary doctorates in Media Management and grounded in engineering, he has advised advertising agencies, startups, NGOs, and cultural leaders on crafting inclusive, transformative narratives worldwide.
Known in literary circles as PenPaperPrachetan, he blends strategic insight with poetic expression to champion causes like disability inclusion and gender equity. A passionate footballer who wears jersey number 24, his love for the game infuses his storytelling with sportsmanship, teamwork, and strategy.
As a sought-after keynote speaker and TEDx advisor, Dr. Prachetan has inspired audiences around the globe—from the G20 Educational Summit to United Nations-aligned SDG events—with talks that are equal parts humor, insight, and emotional connection.
In this interview, he shares his journey as a creative director, brand mentor, columnist, and speaker, pairing his personal philosophy with industry-shaping facts and market realities.
Q: As a creative director and brand mentor, what core philosophy guides how you help brands find their true voice?
Dr. Prachetan: I believe every brand is a living story—complete with emotions, values, and purpose. My job is to distill that essence into a narrative that connects deeply with people while delivering measurable business outcomes. Globally, brands using story-driven campaigns see engagement rates up to 22 times higher than traditional advertising.
It’s not about chasing trends or creating campaigns that look good for awards—authenticity wins in the long run. If your story moves people emotionally and retains credibility, you’ve built something that can stand years of change in the market.
Q: Your public speaking is celebrated. How do you approach talks that resonate across such varied audiences?
Dr. Prachetan: I see speaking as starting a conversation, not delivering a lecture. Stories, humor, and relatable analogies create instant human connection. My engineering background ensures structure; my creative background adds soul.
Whether I’m addressing 200 startup founders, learners in Mumbai or a global summit in Delhi , I tailor my message to the audience’s context. Neuroscience research shows that story-based talks activate up to 7 areas of the brain, compared to just 2 for data-heavy presentations—this is why I end every talk with a clear, actionable takeaway people can remember and use the very next day.
Q: Many know you as a columnist on social and cultural issues. How do these real-world case studies feed into your creative work with brands?
Dr. Prachetan: My column keeps me close to the pulse of society—regional language adoption, rural digital inclusion, gender equity in workplaces—these are real issues brands must be conscious of.
For example, in India’s Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, 80% of consumers now discover new products online. That’s not just a stat—it’s a cultural shift. If we integrate these realities into branding, campaigns become socially relevant, culturally grounded, and impossible to ignore.
Q: You’ve long championed regional language content. What facts demonstrate its growing dominance?
Dr. Prachetan: India has over 121 languages and 19,500 dialects. Over 90% of new internet users prefer content in their mother tongue. On YouTube India, regional language creators have grown audiences by over 120% year-on-year, while English averages just half that rate.
Globally as well, markets like Africa and Latin America are experiencing similar trends—localized content drives higher trust and brand recall. For brands, this isn’t just a marketing trick—it’s a trust-building imperative.
Q: Humor is a signature in your poetry and sometimes in brand campaigns. How does comic timing create impact in communication?
Dr. Prachetan: Humor builds bridges where logic alone can’t. In my poetry collection Meri Kavita Mere Liye, dark humor gets readers to laugh and think in the same breath.
Marketing studies show that funny campaigns are 33% more likely to go viral and enjoy higher long-term recall rates. But humor must be strategic—it should serve the message, never distract from it. Done right, it disarms resistance and opens minds to even the most challenging topics.
Q: Can you share a project where your mentorship achieved global success?
Dr. Prachetan: Mentoring Mohran’s Productions on their short film Just a Wrap is special. It earned a Guinness World Record, entered the India Book of Records, and screened at 16 international film festivals.
The process taught me something important—while 75% of creative projects fail to meet original goals due to lack of alignment, when the vision, emotion, and execution match, the results speak for themselves. Mentorship is often the connective tissue making that alignment possible.
Q: On a personal note, how has your family shaped your journey?
Dr. Prachetan: I owe everything to my Aai, Baba, and Tai. Their constant belief, sacrifices, and patience have been my foundation. I often say, I am a product after all the sacrifices they made. Success isn’t an individual medal—it’s a family’s collective victory.
Q: What’s your advice for new brands and creators navigating today’s chaotic digital marketplace?
Dr. Prachetan: Don’t chase every viral trend—find and live your truth. There are over 6 million active advertisers on Facebook and 500 million daily Instagram Stories—that’s the noise you’re competing against. The only way to stand out is authenticity backed by real audience insight.
Build inclusive narratives, keep your design language consistent, and let your audience feel your values—not just read them.
Q: As a speaker at summits like the G20 Education Summit and TEDx events, what makes a keynote unforgettable?
Dr. Prachetan: Research shows listeners remember only 10% of spoken words after 48 hours, but they retain 65% of information if it’s wrapped in a compelling visual or story. That’s why my talks balance clarity, emotion, and relatability, ending with a sense of mission the audience can carry home.
The right keynote changes perceptions. It doesn’t just inform—it transforms.
Invitation for Collaborations and Talks
Dr. Prachetan Potadar welcomes opportunities to speak on:
Brand storytelling & creative mentorship
Social impact narratives
Regional language content strategies
Digital media innovation & future trends
Contact:
📞 +91 95613 98225
📧 prachetanpotdar@gmail.com
Bring him to your stage and let his words spark lasting impact.
