Dr. Sheetal Thapar appointed Head of Agricultural Journalism Department at PAU
Babusbhahi Bureau
Ludhiana (Punjab), May 4, 2026: Dr. Sheetal Thapar has been appointed as the Head of the Department of Agricultural Journalism, Languages and Culture at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU).
A senior Professor of Journalism, Dr. Thapar currently serves as Nodal Officer (Content Operations) in the Vice-Chancellor’s Office and Honorary Director of the State Training Centre for Civil Services. She began her academic career at PAU in 1998 as an Assistant Professor and was elevated to the post of Professor in 2013.
An alumna of St. Bede's College, Shimla, she holds a Master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from PAU and a PhD in Journalism from Himachal Pradesh University. Known for her academic excellence, she has received multiple distinctions throughout her education.
With over 27 years of experience in teaching, research and extension, Dr. Thapar has guided 27 postgraduate students and completed an ICSSR-funded research project on digital media usage among Punjab farmers. Her academic contributions include eight books, two biographies, a memoir, and several research papers and articles.
She has also been recognised beyond academia, receiving the ‘Ambassador of Culture and Goodwill’ title from Rotary International and a ‘Nari Puraskar’ from the Ludhiana district administration for her contributions to education.
Widely respected for her work in agricultural communication, media ethics, and journalism, Dr. Thapar’s appointment is seen as a significant step toward further strengthening the department’s academic and professional standing.