Anchor work in purpose, empathy & responsibility: Dr. Annurag Batra

Setting the tone for a day dedicated to celebrating meaningful communication, Dr. Annurag Batra, Founder of Exchange4Media Group and Editor-in-Chief of BW Businessworld, delivered a thought-provoking welcome address at the e4m DoGood Awards 2025.

Through personal reflections, literary references, and sharp commentary on contemporary challenges, Dr. Batra urged marketing and media professionals to anchor their work in purpose, empathy, and responsibility.

The address began on a light and personal note, as Dr. Batra playfully engaged with the audience on their reading habits and sleep routines, using these anecdotes as a springboard to discuss themes of mindfulness and balance. “Sleep is the single biggest health hack,” he emphasized, linking it to broader issues of wellness and mental health—two of the key focus areas he identified for the industry.

Reflecting on the current state of global advertising, Dr. Batra noted that advertising expenditure had surpassed a historic $1 trillion in the past year, with $650 billion of it driven by digital platforms. He highlighted how dominant players like Meta (formerly Facebook) command a disproportionate share of this spending—$460 billion collectively—raising questions around ethics, accountability, and the societal role of large tech platforms.

Drawing from personal loss and literature, Dr. Batra wove stories of serendipity and humility, citing books like The Seek, Tuesday with Morrie, and Why We Sleep to illustrate his points. One particularly emotional anecdote recounted a couple whose changed morning routine, prompted by a tie, resulted in one surviving the 9/11 attacks—a reminder, he said, of how life is shaped as much by unseen forces as by our own actions. “We give ourselves too much credit for our success and too little for our failures,” he remarked.

Dr. Batra then identified three urgent issues for communicators and marketers to address:

1. Mental Health – With nearly 15% of Indians diagnosed with mental health conditions, and likely more undiagnosed, he emphasized the need for campaigns that foster awareness, compassion, and resilience.

2. Social Division – He cautioned against the rising intolerance and online polarization that stifle diverse voices and perspectives.

3. Sustainability – Dismissing climate denialism, he called for brands to prioritize sustainability not just in messaging, but in action.

“In your area of influence—as CXOs, marketers, storytellers—you have the power to shape narratives and inspire change,” he said. Dr. Batra encouraged the audience to use their platforms to “do good,” aligning with the spirit of the event, and hinted that the DoGood platform itself would evolve into a larger movement, not just an awards property.

He also touched on Exchange4Media's ongoing editorial and IP expansion—from the Marketech newsletter (which hit 30,000 subscribers in under six weeks) to BusinessWorld’s latest issues spotlighting leaders in consumer goods and building materials. Dr. Batra concluded with gratitude to his team and the community, stating, “The impact of communication lies in its ability to bring people together, energize change, and build better futures.”

His final message was simple yet resonant: “Enjoy the conference. Learn. Network. Engage. Get inspired. And above all—do good.”