A memorial is an object which serves as a memory of something, usually a person (who has died) or an event.

A lecture is an oral presentation intended to present information or teach people about a particular subject.

Lectures have a significant role outside the classroom, as well. Academic and scientific awards routinely include a lecture as part of the honor, and academic conferences often center around "keynote addresses", i.e., lectures. The public lecture has a long history in the sciences and in social movements.

The Nandi Sloka in the Ramayana states ‘‘ajano-sujano-bhavati‘‘ meaning those who are no more are in our midst. Both Mr. Gyan Haksar and Mr. M. Gopalakrishnan were very passionate about the use of Public Relations in organisations. Hence this lecture on ‘‘Best Practices in Public Relations‘‘ was thought of as being the most fitting memorial to them.

A memorial lecture on ‘‘Best Practices in Public Relations‘‘ was instituted by the Department of Public Relations to honour Mr. Gyan Haksar and Mr. M. Gopalakrishnan, who were nomiated by the University of the Madras to the Board of Public Relations - B.A. in 1975. Mr. Gyan Haksar was co-founder of Chennai Chapter of PRSI - Public Relations of Society and founder of IPRM - Institute of Public Relations and Management