Draft:Mehak Jonjua

Dr. Mehak Jonjua

Dr. Mehak Jonjua (born 25 February 1984, Pune, Maharashtra, India) is an Indian journalist, author, researcher, educator, and activist. She is currently a professor of journalism and mass communication at Sharda University, Greater Noida, India.[1] Known for her interdisciplinary expertise, she contributes regularly to national and international publications, and has authored several influential books on media, communication, and gender studies.

As a Journalist

Dr. Mehak Jonjua began her journalism career with The Squamish Chief, a community newspaper based in British Columbia, Canada, where she gained valuable exposure to local reporting and developed a community-centered, international outlook on journalism. She later served as a financial reporter at Manchester Stalwart Capital Management in the United States, demonstrating her ability to examine and communicate complex financial topics.[2]

She is currently an active columnist for several prominent media outlets. In Greater Kashmir, one of the leading English-language newspapers in Jammu and Kashmir, she writes regularly on socio-political and cultural issues. Notable pieces include “Bazaar without buyers,”[3] which examines consumer behavior and market trends, and “Damaging the image,”[4] which explores reputational challenges in digital public discourse.

In addition, Jonjua contributes to The Indian Weekender, a New Zealand-based South Asian diaspora newspaper, where her articles address global Indian identity, women’s issues, and education reform.[5] She is also a columnist for The Heaven Mail, an independent news platform focused on public opinion and socio-political awareness in India, where she writes on themes such as gender justice, mental health, and media literacy.[6]

Her journalistic interests span media criticism, education, policy analysis, gender equity, and grassroots activism, reflecting a commitment to using journalism as a vehicle for public understanding and change.

As an Educationist and Academic Leader

Dr. Mehak Jonjua’s academic journey reflects a strong foundation in both the humanities and media studies. Over a span of more than 20 years, Dr. Jonjua has worked in various academic and administrative roles at leading Indian institutions. She has taught at DAV College and MCM DAV College in Chandigarh, followed by a tenure at JIMS, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University in New Delhi as Associate Professor.[7] At Amity University in Noida, she served as a Professor and Assistant Director (Academics), overseeing academic planning and faculty coordination.[8] Currently, she is a Professor of Journalism and Mass Communication at Sharda University in Greater Noida, where she continues to lead curriculum development, research supervision, and student mentorship.[9]

Educational Qualifications

Dr. Mehak Jonjua holds a Master’s degree in English from Panjab University, Chandigarh, India a Master’s in Mass Communication (MMC) from GJU, Hissar, and a Ph.D. in Journalism and Mass Communication from Punjabi University, Patiala.[10] Her multidisciplinary academic background combines humanities and media studies, providing her with a broad and nuanced perspective on communication theory, media ethics, and research methodologies.

Outreach, Media Projects, and Editorial Work

Dr. Mehak Jonjua has actively contributed to public education and social awareness through various media and grassroots initiatives. In 2023, she led a Snakebite Awareness Campaign in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, in collaboration with the Relief Commissioner’s Office, Government of Uttar Pradesh, aimed at educating communities about snake species, snakebite prevention, first aid, and safety protocols. The campaign featured educational workshops, camps, radio broadcasts, school visits, and door-to-door public engagement.[11][12]

She was also involved in the ITEC (Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation) program, where she delivered training sessions to Maldivian journalists in 2022 [13] and 2023 [14], promoting cross-border media collaboration and enhancing journalistic capacity with a focus on ethics, public interest reporting, and media literacy.

In the field of science communication, Dr. Jonjua directed, edited, and compiled several documentary films for Vigyan Prasar, a government body under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), India. The films were part of the Choking Oceans series focused on marine pollution, climate change, and ecological awareness. These include:

• Choking Oceans: Chemical Contamination from Food Industry. [15]
• Choking Oceans: Assimilative Capacity. [16]
• Choking Oceans: Plastic Pangs. [17]
• Choking Oceans: Do’s & Don’ts. [18]
• Choking Oceans: Elixir of Life – Healthy Climate. [19]

In 2022, she organized and curated the Amity International Film Festival, showcasing student and independent films on social innovation, identity, and climate themes in 2022 [20] and Sharda University International Film Festival on Wildlife, Environment & Sustainability in 2024. [21]

Additionally, Dr. Jonjua has contributed to academic publishing as Issue Editor of Amity Communication Review – Journal till 2023. She serves on the Board of National Members at Jammu & Kashmir Economic Association and distinguished fellow at Movastacon Foundation. [22]

Dr. Mehak Jonjua curated and organized the International Conference on Media and Design for a Sustainable Future in 2024 [23] and Digital Bharat Media Conclave in 2025 [24] at Sharda University, a significant event focused on emerging media trends, digital transformation, and the role of communication in contemporary India.

Published Works and Contributions to Media Scholarship

Dr. Mehak Jonjua has authored six significant books that contribute to media studies, feminist discourse, research methodology, and visual communication. Her publishing career began with A Journey into the World of Mass Communication (2010), followed by Insights into Research Methodologies (2018), both of which are widely used in journalism and communication curricula. In 2020, she published Patarkari Da Vishwakosh, a Punjabi-language media encyclopedia. Her scholarly interest in visual narratives is evident in Graphic Novels and Comic Books: Visual Rhetoric, Semiotics and Language (2021). In 2022, she explored gender dynamics in Shackles Unshackled: Feminism & Indian Patriarchal Perspective. Her most recent work, Life, Lessons & Learning (2024), reflects on personal and pedagogical experiences. All titles have been published by Mohindra Publishers, and her books are referenced in communication and media studies programs across India.[25]

In addition to her authored books, Dr. Mehak Jonjua has contributed numerous book chapters to international publications and has served as a keynote speaker at various national and international conferences and academic forums [26] and as a keynote speaker at national and international platforms. [27]