Actor Adil Hussain Illuminates RGDE Series on Communication in Governance

In a profound confluence of art, empathy, and administration, the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya National Academy of Social Security (PDUNASS) hosted the 20th edition of its flagship thought leadership event, Re-imagining Governance: Discourse for Excellence (RGDE), on July 28, 2025. Organised under the aegis of the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), Ministry of Labour & Employment, the event brought together public servants, thought leaders, and communication experts in a hybrid format, symbolizing the spirit of accessible and participatory governance.

Art Meets Administration: Adil Hussain Delivers Keynote on Communication

Taking center stage at the 20th RGDE edition was acclaimed Indian actor and theatre personality Shri Adil Hussain, who delivered the keynote address on the theme: “Speaking to be Understood: From Informing to Connecting.”

Best known for his compelling performances across Indian parallel cinema and international films, Shri Hussain offered a rich, layered perspective on the art of meaningful communication. Drawing from his decades-long career in theatre and film, as well as references from Indian philosophical traditions and personal anecdotes, he delivered a talk that was as intellectually stimulating as it was emotionally evocative.

“Communication is not merely the transmission of information—it is the reflection of one’s emotional clarity and intent,” he remarked. “The words we use are vessels of our feelings. Unless we are aware of our inner state, we cannot communicate with authenticity.”

Hussain encouraged public servants to see beyond their official roles, stressing the importance of listening with empathy. “Everyone has a backstory,” he said. “And when governance recognises the human behind the form, it moves from informing to truly connecting.”

He also shared how principles of mindfulness, gratitude, and contextual sensitivity—drawn from both acting and Indian scriptures—can transform public interactions and build trust in institutions.

Senior Leadership in Attendance

The event was chaired by Shri Ramesh Krishnamurthi, Central Provident Fund Commissioner, whose opening remarks highlighted the growing relevance of human-centered governance in a technology-driven world. He emphasised that platforms like RGDE were critical in nurturing soft skills and ethical perspectives among civil servants.

Shri Kumar Rohit, Director of PDUNASS, presided over the session and applauded the inclusion of voices from the arts and civil society to enrich the discourse on public excellence. “Governance must go beyond systems and compliance—it must reflect compassion, clarity, and a sense of purpose,” he said.

The session was jointly moderated by Shri Uttam Prakash, Regional PF Commissioner-I, and Smt. Udita Choudhary, Retired Additional Central PF Commissioner, both of whom brought nuanced administrative insights into the conversation.

RGDE: A Growing Legacy in Public Thought Leadership

Launched on Good Governance Day, 25th December 2023, the Re-imagining Governance: Discourse for Excellence (RGDE) series has grown into one of the most anticipated forums within the Indian public sector ecosystem. Designed as a monthly platform for cross-sectoral dialogue, RGDE bridges the silos between bureaucracy, academia, civil society, and the creative arts.

Over the last 20 sessions, the platform has hosted policy thinkers, economists, technologists, artists, and reformers, each contributing a unique lens to improve public service delivery, institutional responsiveness, and ethical administration.

By choosing themes such as “Listening in Leadership,” “Ethics in Policy,” “Design Thinking in Government,” and now, “Speaking to be Understood,” the RGDE series affirms its commitment to humanising governance and fostering excellence beyond metrics and mandates.

Reflections and the Road Ahead

Attendees from across the country—ranging from junior-level officers to senior policymakers—participated in the interactive session, asking questions on conflict resolution, empathy in enforcement, and the use of narrative in policy communication. The live and virtual engagement underscored the growing appetite for values-based learning within public institutions.

As RGDE prepares for its next chapter, PDUNASS reiterated its vision to expand participation, publish proceedings for wider knowledge-sharing, and integrate lessons from these dialogues into training curricula for EPFO officers and beyond.

In the words of Shri Adil Hussain, which resonated deeply with the audience, “Governance is not a performance—but it must be authentic. And authenticity only comes when we speak not to impress, but to truly connect.”