Dr. Uma Shankar Pandey is a distinguished academic, media professional, and thought leader with over two decades of experience in the fields of journalism, mass communication, and media research. As the Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication at Surendranath College for Women, University of Calcutta, Dr. Pandey has been a trailblazer in advancing media education and research, both in India and globally.

A Ph.D. holder in Journalism and Mass Communication, Dr. Pandey has made significant contributions to media studies, serving as a Ph.D. Supervisor and leading various research initiatives. His prolific academic output includes the authorship of four books and over 25 research papers published in refereed journals. He is the Editor-in-Chief of Media Watch Journal (Sage Publications) and serves on the editorial boards of several prominent international journals. His professional accomplishments have earned him recognition as the Best Media Educator of India by Business World in 2018.

Proponent of the Ubiquitous Sphota Pratibha Model

Dr. Pandey is also recognized for his groundbreaking work in Indian communication theories. He is the proponent of the Ubiquitous Sphota Pratibha Model, the first-ever comprehensive model that integrates the essence of Indian philosophical thought into communication theory. This model draws inspiration from the ancient Sphota Theory of Bhartrhari, expanding it to conceptualize communication as a dynamic process that involves the cognitive and cultural underpinnings of language.

The Ubiquitous Sphota Pratibha Model is a pioneering contribution, offering an Indian perspective on how meaning is transmitted, received, and comprehended. It emphasizes Pratibha, or intuitive cognition, highlighting the role of both explicit and implicit understanding in human communication. By proposing this model, Dr. Pandey bridges traditional Indian philosophical insights with modern communication paradigms, creating a framework that has both cultural and scholarly relevance in the global communication discourse.

Professional Contributions and Recognition

In addition to his contributions to communication theory, Dr. Pandey is the first India Ambassador of the International Association for Media and Communication Research (IAMCR) and an alumnus of the prestigious Study of the United States Institute Programme, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. His work has been presented at major international conferences, including IAMCR, ICA, and AEJMC.

Before transitioning into academia, Dr. Pandey was a Senior Journalist at The Asian Age, Kolkata. This professional background has given him a unique perspective on both media practice and theory, enabling him to merge practical insights with academic rigor. His international reach is further evidenced by his visiting faculty positions at several national and international universities.

Educational Contributions and Content Creation

Dr. Pandey is passionate about media literacy and education. He has developed over 175 educational videos on media and communication, available on his YouTube channel, where he shares his knowledge with a global audience. He also conducts workshops on a wide array of subjects, including Data Journalism, Conversational Intelligence, and Media Literacy, catering to professionals, journalists, educators, and students.

His technical proficiency spans tools like R, SPSS, Atlas.ti, WordPress, Adobe InDesign, and Adobe Premiere, making him a versatile educator and researcher.