Building a better tomorrow: Sarvesh Tiwari’s legacy of empowering communities

Dr. Sarvesh Tiwari is a lively leader and visionary in the PR and Communications realm, known for his ability to introduce new innovations and social impact in the PR industry. But what many don’t realize is that Dr. Tiwari is also deeply involved in social work and contributes extensively for the betterment of society. From education and women’s safety to youth empowerment and community development, he blends love for PR with a strong commitment to social causes to drive tangible difference.

Today's story will be an interesting ride, starting with Tiwari’s journey from the small town of Champaran to his two decades of career as a PR leader. We will explore what inspired his path to social advocacy, his contributions to society and communities, the challenges he faced and conquered, how he galvanized the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection) of Children Act, 2015, his remarkable campaigns, and much more.

His Journey from Champaran to PR Industry

When asked about his childhood, Tiwari describes, “I grew up in Champaran, which, as you might know, is famously known as the Karm Bhoomi of Mahatma Gandhi Ji. I was born in a small town called Bettiah, where I studied until the 8th standard.” But everything changed when he moved to New Delhi and joined the Air Force School.

In school, Sarvesh discovered his passion for public speaking and leadership. “I ended up becoming the Head of the Debating Club, played football at the international sub-junior level, and got deeply involved in debates, declamations, quizzes, and athletics,” he notes. As he transitioned into the professional realm, Tiwari continued to embrace opportunities that shaped his career. His first professional role was with an event management company for the Times of India Gold Festival. “That was my first real taste of the professional world,” he briefs.

After this, he worked with a media production house called Ankho Dekhi, followed by a position at Aaj Tak, and ultimately, he found his place as a Communication Officer with Delhi Metro.

His Enriching Two-Decade PR Career

Tiwari describes his more than two decades of journey as “a truly fascinating profession,” highlighting that “it’s never monotonous—every day brings something new, whether it’s a challenge or an opportunity.”

From working as a PR & communications expert for corporations and governments to founding his own firm, PR Professionals, he has donned many hats throughout his career. He reflects on the enriching nature of these varied experiences, noting, “The variety and diversity of experiences have been incredibly enriching and have kept me motivated throughout.”

What Inspired His Path to Social Activism?

Tiwari's journey into social activism is rooted in the powerful stories of his childhood. “When I was a child, a few of our neighbours used to tell me stories about my grandfather. One story that really stuck with me was about how compassionate he was. They’d say that if an ant ever got crushed under his foot or my father’s foot, he felt it was his responsibility to make amends. That’s really where my passion for social causes started,” he states, highlighting how these values shaped his outlook on life.

Other than his family values, he draws inspiration from universal principles across various faiths. He highlights concepts such as Dāna in Hinduism, Zakat in Islam, and Dasvandh in Sikhism, which collectively emphasize the importance of giving back. He believes it is not only logical but also a moral duty to contribute something back to society, and reckons, “It’s not just about money; it’s about giving your time, your effort, your knowledge—whatever you can.”

How Did He Transform Challenges into Opportunities?

Challenges often come hand in hand with the pursuit of meaningful change. Similarly, Tiwari explains the numerous obstacles he faced during his journey, stating “One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced as a social activist is managing expectations. For every person you help, there are so many more who need assistance, and that can feel overwhelming.”

The sheer volume of need can often feel insurmountable. He vividly recalls a moment during the COVID-19 pandemic that encapsulated this struggle, sharing, “I remember during the COVID-19 pandemic, I was one of the first in my community to start distributing masks. At first, it was really frustrating trying to get people to come forward, to make a change, and to volunteer.” During that time, he faced resistance as people were hesitant to step forward but he didn’t let that discourage him. With determination and the help of local village elders and enthusiastic young children, he shifted his approach to a more decentralized model that allowed him to extend his reach and make a bigger impact.

Lastly, he elucidates, “Whether it’s advocating for women’s rights with the Nirbhaya Jyoti Trust or working with RAWS for the specially-abled, every effort has been deeply fulfilling. My journey in social activism has reinforced my belief that when you invest in society, the returns are profound—both personally and for the community.” 

His Views on The Crucial Role of PR in Social Advocacy

Discussing the crucial role of PR in promoting social causes and driving meaningful change, Tiwari reveals, “Public relations is central to promoting social causes and driving social change. It serves as the bridge between organizations that are advocating for these causes and the larger community, including the public, stakeholders, and policymakers.” In his view, the essence of public relations lies in its ability to elevate important issues to the forefront and communicate them effectively to those who need to hear them. 

Moreover, Tiwari stresses out that PR plays a significant role in countering misinformation and asserts, “In today’s world, where misinformation can spread like wildfire, having a strong PR strategy helps ensure that the correct messages reach the right audiences. This is critical for successful communication, especially when it comes to social causes. By protecting the integrity of the information and guiding it to the appropriate channels, PR ensures that the message not only reaches the masses but also makes the intended impact.” 

Lastly, he concludes and states that PR is the most effective means to ensure that government initiatives, social campaigns, and important causes reach the masses and create a tangible difference in society.

His Efforts in Galvanizing the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection) of Children Act, 2015

When the Nirbhaya incident shook the nation, Tiwari was one of the few who refused to let the weight of despair and fear keep him from action. “Nobody was even ready to come together for something as simple as a candle march.  I remember how disheartening it was when a few of my friends and I went to different residential societies in Dwarka, trying to convince people to join us,” he says, painting a vivid picture of the situation. 

People were scared and unsure, but Tiwari sought out support from women’s organizations, youth groups, and colleges, knowing that any movement, however small, could spark a bigger change. “Slowly, momentum started to build. These organizations came forward, and the atmosphere began to shift,” he asserts. At the same time, the media's involvement became a turning point. He recalls that the coverage brought critical attention to the issue, spurring discussions, raising awareness, and pushing social organizations and NGOs to join forces.

“The existing laws were just not enough. We realized we had to push for changes in the law, not just gather people on the streets,” he discerns. He further mentions that their legal fight began in tandem with the public movement. They gathered lawyers, research reports, and alarming statistics on juvenile crimes, all in a bid to arm their legal team with everything they needed to make a compelling case. He mentions that the entire battle was a wild ride but after relentless efforts of him and his team efforts, victory came to them in the form of a revised Juvenile Justice Act.

“This change had a profound impact because it sent a clear message: society would no longer tolerate such acts, and there would be serious consequences,” he states firmly. 

His Game-Changer Campaigns

Tiwari has been a powerful driving force in creating tangible impact for various communities throughout his life. 

One of the standout initiatives he mentioned was the WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) campaign in partnership with UNICEF. Equally close to his heart was his work with the Kalam Centre on Tribal Nutrition. He shares that the campaign's core focus was addressing malnutrition in tribal populations by creating sustainable nutrition programs tailored to their unique needs.

Tiwari's collaboration with the Rise Always Welfare Society (RAWS) also stands out for its advocacy in para-sports. His team worked tirelessly to provide specially-abled athletes with the equipment and training facilities they needed to pursue their sporting ambitions. “Whether it’s improving sanitation, addressing malnutrition, supporting para-sports, or advocating for children’s rights, these projects have given me a deep sense of purpose,” he proudly remarks. 

His Contributions as the Chairman of the Public Relations Society

Tiwari’s vision as the Chairman of the Public Relations Society, Delhi, is the one where the profession grows in both its influence and its responsibility to society.

“We’ve prioritized professional development by conducting workshops and seminars on digital media strategies, crisis management, and other essential skills, helping PR practitioners stay competitive in a rapidly evolving industry," he mentions. 

Moreover, through carefully curated networking events, he has created opportunities for PR professionals, industry leaders, media, and government representatives to come together, exchange ideas, and learn from one another. “We’ve worked to establish high professional ethics, representing our members’ interests across various forums,” he says, underlining his belief in the integrity of the profession. Additionally, his focus on corporate social responsibility (CSR) has encouraged PR practitioners to play a role beyond their immediate professional responsibilities, inspiring them to contribute to public awareness campaigns and make a meaningful impact on society.

His Personal Mantras for Success

Balancing multiple roles while achieving success often feels like walking a tightrope, but Tiwari's secret to balancing his life lies in something much deeper than just time management or goal-setting. 

He shares, “My personal mantra is simple: Value people and people will value you.” He defines respect as not a one-way transaction but a mutual exchange and believes that when you truly honor and respect others, the same is naturally reciprocated. Moreover, “I believe in giving importance to relationships, going the extra mile when someone is in need, and never abandoning those who stand by you in difficult times,” he exclaims.