Ajaya Kumar Mishra is a doctoral scholar in Journalism and Mass Communication at the School of Mass Communication, KIIT Deemed University, with a specialization in Film Studies. His research focuses on the critical and practical dimensions of cinema, with particular interest in film language, editing, and media narratives. With over 30 years of industry experience, including 17 years of teaching Film and Television Editing at the School of Film and Media Sciences, KIIT Deemed University, Ajaya brings a rich blend of professional expertise and academic insight to his work. His career spans filmmaking, electronic media reporting, and post-production practices. In his free time, Ajaya enjoys watching films, reading books, and engaging in sports such as cricket and athletics

Multidisciplinary professional with more than fifteen years of experience connecting sound, music, filmmaking, and education with social and environmental transformation. Specialised in communication for NGOs and research-based audiovisual projects. Skilled in managing creative teams, designing communication strategies, and transforming complex knowledge into accessible formats. Currently pursuing a PhD in Mass Communication at KIIT University, India, under a full international scholarship. Combines artistic precision with academic research and field experience across Latin America, Europe, Africa, and Asia.

Aparna Mishra is a UGC-NET qualified doctoral candidate at the School of Mass Communication, with a Graduate degree in Sociology from Ravenshaw University and Post Graduate degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Utkal University. Her research interests include media pedagogy, feminist studies, and the evolving intersections of media, culture, and technology.Her current research explores the experimental student newspaper initiatives within Indian journalism schools, examining the platforms as essential pedagogical tools that bridge the gap between theoretical learning and professional practice. Her work critically analyses the alignment of journalism curricula with industry realities, addressing the challenges of traditional training in a digital-first era. Aparna has presented her work at international conferences, contributing to the global discourse on journalism education reform.Her creative interests extend to reading, music, art, photography and gaming.

I am a doctoral student at KSMC, admitted in 2025, with a research focus on how algorithm-driven content on social media shapes socio-political narratives in India. My work explores the role of digital platforms in influencing public opinion and communication patterns.

Indira Dash is a NET-qualified Doctoral Student at the School of Mass Communication, KIIT Deemed to be University, where she has been studying the disaster landscape and scenarios in Odisha, given her strong interest in Disaster Communication. Her areas of interest are environment & ecology, digital communication, and communication & technology. She holds a double master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Berhampur University, Berhampur, and in English Literature from Utkal University, Bhubaneswar. Her doctoral thesis leverages the scope of aligning digital tools and disaster mitigation. Ms. Dash currently leads the Documentation team in an IT organization.

I am a doctoral student at the School of Mass Communication, KIIT Deemed to be a University, Bhubaneswar, India. My research focuses on community radio and human development in Mali, with particular attention to social cohesion, participatory communication, and grassroots media practices. My academic interests include communication for development, media and democracy, and the role of local media in empowering marginalized communities. I aim to contribute to policy and practice by exploring how community radio can support inclusive development and sustainable social change in African contexts.

Simran Rout is a PhD Scholar at KSMC, with interdisciplinary training and professional experience across television, radio and public relations. Her research interrogates communication processes within marginalized communities, with a particular emphasis on agricultural communication and developmental transformation in tribal regions. Her work is grounded in critical and applied perspectives, engaging with issues of access, indigenous knowledge systems and inclusive development. She has presented her research at reputed international conferences, contributing to global scholarly discourse. Alongside her academic pursuits, she maintains strong interests in audio-visual editing, anchoring and event management, reflecting a dynamic engagement with both theoretical and applied communication practices.

Susanta’s research focuses on how the letters to the editor section in newspapers shape public opinion. Susanta received his MA in Journalism and Mass Communication from Utkal University, with a focus on women journalists in media houses in Odisha.Prior to his doctoral journey, he spent five years in an international PR firm, Adfactors PR, handling reputed corporate sectors in India such as Tata Steel and Tata Power. He has qualified for the UGC NET and Odisha’s Mukhyamantri Research Fellowship Test (MRFT).He is also a young columnist who writes on various social issues.