Dr Rajeev Kumar Panda

Dean and Associate Professor

Welcome to the School of Mass Communication, KIIT Deemed to be University.

In an era where information travels faster than ever and intelligence (both artificial and human) reshapes society, communication has become a keystone of public life. It creates meaning, builds trust, and drives social change. At KSMC we do not merely teach how to communicate; we cultivate thinkers, storytellers, and ethical practitioners who will define the future of media, public discourse, and civic engagement.

The foundational spirit of KSMC is inspired and sustained by the extraordinary vision of our Honourable Founder, Dr. Achyuta Samanta. Through his pioneering institutions – KIIT, KISS, and KIMS – Dr. Samanta has demonstrated how education, inclusive social policy, and quality healthcare can be woven together to produce institutions of global standing with deep local relevance. His commitment to social justice, transformative learning, and community-centric development guides our pedagogy and our institutional aspirations.

The media landscape is rapidly evolving. The rise of Artificial Intelligence has transformed how we gather facts, create narratives, measure impact, and reach audiences. Yet technology alone does not guarantee value. It is insight, ethical clarity, cultural sensitivity, and a commitment to the public good that will decide whether media strengthens democracy or diminishes it. KSMC prepares students to navigate this complexity – to collaborate with intelligent systems, to interrogate algorithmic bias, to craft inclusive narratives, and to place human dignity at the centre of digital innovation.

We offer three flagship programmes designed to nurture depth and versatility: the Bachelor of Communication and Journalism (BCJ), the Master of Communication and Journalism (MCJ), and a rigorous PhD programme in Communication and Journalism. Our undergraduate and postgraduate specialisations – Convergent Journalism, Communication for Social Change, and Communications Management – allow students to build pathways aligned with their intellectual passions and professional ambitions.

KSMC’s pedagogy is practice-led and future-focused. Students learn in professional environments that include a state-of-the-art TV studio, a dedicated radio station, and advanced audio-visual laboratories. Our living laboratories extend across the KIIT ecosystem: the community radio Kalinga Bharati 90.0 FM, the 24×7 news channel Kalinga TV, digital platforms KNEWS and kalingatv.com, and our full-fledged Public Relations and Digital Media units – all providing invaluable experiential training.

We believe in education that opens doors. Strong industry linkages at KSMC help secure internships, placements, and mentoring. Our curriculum is reviewed regularly to reflect shifts in journalism, advertising, corporate communication, public relations, event management, and digital storytelling. Students receive hands-on training in print, radio, television, and online platforms; they also engage with strategic communication campaigns and community-based projects focused on development, health, and policy.

Beyond technical competence, we prioritize critical enquiry, ethical reasoning, and social responsibility. Communication for Social Change remains a central concern – whether it is amplifying marginal voices, designing behaviour-change campaigns, or documenting the lived realities of communities in flux. Our scholars and practitioners are encouraged to produce research that informs policy, uplifts communities, and fuels public debate.

KIIT’s vibrant campus life – enriched by cultural festivals, co-curricular activities, clubs, and sports – complements academic learning and builds confidence, leadership, and collaborative skills. Graduates from KSMC leave not only as media professionals but as reflective citizens ready to lead in a plural, fast-changing world.

I invite prospective students, researchers, and collaborators to explore the diverse opportunities that KSMC provides. Join us to learn, to question, to create, and to translate ideas into impact. Together, we will reimagine the future of communication – one that is equitable, accountable, and deeply human.

Dr Bidu Bhusan Dash

HOD and Associate Professor