JULY 30: Renowned actor and theatre veteran Shri Adil Hussain delivered the keynote address at the 20th session of Re-imagining Governance: Discourse for Excellence (RGDE), held on 28th July 2025 by the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya National Academy of Social Security (PDUNASS). The event, conducted in a hybrid format, was hosted under the aegis of the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), Ministry of Labour & Employment.
With the theme “Speaking to be Understood: From Informing to Connecting,” Shri Hussain captivated the audience through an engaging talk that merged personal anecdotes, theatre wisdom, and spiritual insights. Drawing upon Indian scriptures and his own journey in the performing arts, he explored how genuine communication transcends words and becomes a medium for human connection.
Hussain emphasised that communication in public life should move beyond mere information dissemination. He stressed that clarity of intention, emotional intelligence, and authentic engagement are essential in bridging gaps between citizens and administrators. “Communication is an extension of what one feels,” he said, encouraging civil servants to listen empathetically and remember that “everyone has a backstory.”
He also spoke about the importance of gratitude and self-awareness, noting that these qualities define effective leadership and public service. According to him, meaningful governance is rooted in recognising the human element in every interaction—be it with colleagues or citizens.
The event was chaired by Shri Ramesh Krishnamurthi, Central Provident Fund Commissioner, and presided over by Shri Kumar Rohit, Director of PDUNASS. The session’s proceedings were moderated by Shri Uttam Prakash, Regional PF Commissioner-I, and Smt. Udita Choudhary, Retired Additional Central PF Commissioner.
The RGDE series, launched on Good Governance Day (25th December 2023), has evolved into a flagship platform fostering thought leadership in the public sector. It brings together voices from governance, arts, academia, and civil society to spark interdisciplinary dialogue on excellence in administration.
Shri Hussain’s address added a unique perspective to the series, demonstrating how creative disciplines can contribute profoundly to public service by advocating for empathy, attentiveness, and genuine connection in governance.
