In a compelling convergence of intellect and strategic discourse, Mr. Rahul Kashyap, Executive Director at PR Professionals Group and an eminent expert in Media and Corporate Communications, chaired a high-impact Round Table on the “Role of Media and Academia During War” at the School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). The session featured prominent thought leaders and academics who explored the synergy between media and academia in times of conflict, emphasising their combined influence on public perception, policy formulation, and strategic narrative-building.
The keynote address was delivered by Prof. (Dr.) K.G. Suresh, a veteran journalist and media educator who has previously served as Vice Chancellor of Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism and Director General of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication. Prof. Suresh provided nuanced perspectives on the media’s role in shaping national and international discourse during conflict situations.
The Round Table also saw insightful contributions from Dr. Rajan Kumar, Associate Professor at JNU’s School of International Studies and an authority on international politics and India-Russia relations; Dr. Rahul Mishra, an Indo-Pacific geopolitics expert and Associate Professor at JNU, who has held academic positions across Asia; and Mr. Sandeep Mahapatra, Supreme Court advocate, former JNUSU President, and an expert in international law.
The session, marked by intellectual rigour and reflective dialogue, served as a meaningful attempt to bridge the often-perceived divide between media practitioners and academic thinkers. With participation from senior faculty and research scholars, the event reinforced the power of collaboration in enhancing national preparedness and informed discourse during times of geopolitical unrest.
For communication professionals, the session underscored the critical need for strategic storytelling, responsible media practices, and academic depth in navigating complex narratives during conflict. The event not only highlighted JNU’s enduring intellectual legacy but also emphasized the growing importance of informed media-academia alliances in shaping resilient public opinion and policy.
