Grassroots to Global: Dr. Aniruddha Jena Bolsters IIT Mandi Faculty

Fresh from IIM Kashipur Dr. Aniruddha Jena starts a promising new chapter at IIT Mandi, taking up the role of Assistant Professor in the School of Management. Drawing on his extensive experience at IIM Kashipur, he embodies the fusion of participatory communication and rigorous academics.

The year ahead looks international: Dr. Jena has secured the Charles Wallace India Trust Fellowship at King’s College London for 2025–26. His global profile shines through his role as Co-Vice Chair of the Participatory Communication Research Section at the International Association for Media and Communication Research (IAMCR). Yet, he credits his grounding to mentorship at the University of Hyderabad.

There, he completed his PhD (2017–2022) in the Department of Communication, guided by Prof. Vasuki Belavadi. He also played a key role in projects under the UNESCO Chair on Community Media, deepening his expertise in community-focused initiatives.

Joining IIT Mandi, Dr. Jena will enrich management education with insights on media, participation, and societal impact. His trajectory – from Hyderabad’s collaborative research hubs to worldwide stages – demonstrates how strong mentorship propels innovative scholarship.

This appointment elevates IIT Mandi’s School of Management, fostering cutting-edge studies in communication and leadership, participatory communication scholar Dr. Aniruddha Jena joins IIT Mandi as Assistant Professor, poised for a Charles Wallace Fellowship at King’s College London.