Ludhiana, May 5
Dr. Sheetal Thapar, Professor of Journalism at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), has been appointed as the Head of the Department of Agricultural Journalism, Languages and Culture. The university fraternity extends its heartiest felicitations to Dr. Thapar on this significant and well-earned distinction.
Currently serving as Nodal Officer, Content Operations, in the Office of the Vice-Chancellor; and Honorary Director, State Training Centre for IAS/PCS/& OCE, Dr. Thapar began her professional journey at PAU in 1998 as Assistant Professor and was elevated to the position of Professor in 2013. She is an alumna of the prestigious St. Bede’s College, Shimla, holds a Master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from PAU, and earned her Doctorate in Journalism from Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla.
An accomplished academician, Dr. Thapar has maintained an outstanding record of scholastic achievements, securing distinction in Class X, a merit position during her graduation at St. Bede’s, and a venerable place on the academic Roll of Honour in her postgraduate studies at PAU.
Dr. Sheetal Thapar’s commendable accomplishments have been vastly recognised beyond academia as well. She was conferred upon the prestigious title of “Ambassador of Culture and Goodwill to North Florida” by Rotary International (2000). The Ludhiana District Administration honoured her with the distinguished “Woman Achiever Award” in recognition of her notable contributions to the cause of education and beyond (2025).
With over 27 years of extensive experience in teaching, research and extension, Dr. Thapar has guided research of 27 postgraduate students. She also successfully completed an ICSSR-funded research project focusing on “Digital media usage among farmers in Punjab”. Her scholarly output includes eight books, two biographies, souvenirs, compendiums, 26 research papers, and numerous articles of both academic and popular relevance, besides more than 300 official communiques.
Dr. Thapar’s areas of expertise include print and online journalism, corporate communication, development communication, media laws, and communication theories. As an accomplished editor, she has significantly contributed to enhancing the quality, visibility, and impact of PAU’s publications, while also mentoring and nurturing emerging writers.
Dr. Thapar is widely recognised for her dedication to agricultural extension, media ethics and responsible communication. Her appointment is expected to further elevate the academic and professional standing of the department and inspire students to pursue excellence in journalism and mass communication. The university had conveyed its best wishes to Dr. Thapar for a successful and impactful tenure in her new role.
