GK

Guarav Kumar

Maharishi Markandeshwar University, Mullana, Gautam Buddha University

ORCID iD 0000-0003-0159-4499
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About

Dr. Gaurav Kumar is an accomplished academician, media researcher, educator, and media literacy practitioner whose professional journey reflects a deep commitment to the advancement of journalism, media education, and responsible communication in the digital age. With a strong interdisciplinary foundation in media studies, communication research, and digital media practices, he has emerged as a significant voice in the areas of media literacy, fake news studies, science communication, and the ethical dimensions of contemporary journalism.
He was awarded a Doctorate (Ph.D.) in Media Studies in 2025 on the topic of “Media Literacy and Fake News: A Study of Social Media users in India, marking a major milestone in his academic career. His doctoral journey was further strengthened by his selection as an ICSSR Doctoral Fellow at the Indian Council of Social Science Research, New Delhi, where he received structured research training and exposure to national-level academic discourse. This fellowship not only refined his research capabilities but also shaped his scholarly orientation toward evidence-based communication studies and policy-relevant media research.
Academically, Dr. Kumar possesses a strong and consistent educational background, having qualified the UGC-NET twice, which reflects his academic rigor and subject mastery. His academic training includes an M.Phil. in Mass Communication, MJMC, and a Bachelor’s degree in Science, providing him with both analytical depth and interdisciplinary perspective. This unique combination of scientific reasoning and communication expertise enables him to approach media studies with methodological clarity, research precision, and social sensitivity.
Professionally, Dr. Gaurav Kumar currently serves as an Assistant Professor at Maharishi Markandeshwar Deemed to Be University (NAAC A++), where he plays a multifaceted academic and administrative role. His responsibilities extend beyond classroom teaching and include academic coordination, curriculum development, institutional accreditation processes, and digital education management. He has been actively involved in teaching undergraduate and postgraduate management and media-related courses through online and blended learning modes, thereby contributing to the evolving landscape of digital higher education.
Within the university ecosystem, Dr. Kumar has taken on several leadership and coordination roles, including Media Coordinator, ERP Coordinator, and committee member for curriculum design. He has contributed significantly to the framing and alignment of BAJMC and MAJMC syllabi in accordance with NEP 2020 and UGC guidelines, reflecting his vision of future-ready media education. His involvement in NAAC processes, particularly in institutional criteria development, demonstrates his understanding of quality assurance frameworks and academic governance in higher education.
Prior to this, he served as an Assistant Professor at IIMT University, where he actively contributed to accreditation activities and led academic initiatives such as newspaper production and student development programs. He has also been associated as a Guest Faculty with the Delhi School of Journalism, reflecting his recognition as a competent educator and subject expert in journalism education.
A defining dimension of Dr. Gaurav Kumar’s professional identity is his extensive engagement with media literacy, fact-checking, and fake news awareness. He is a certified trainer with the FactShala India Media Literacy Network, a national initiative launched in collaboration with Internews and DataLeads, with support from Google.org and the Google News Initiative. Through this platform, he has conducted more than 20+ training sessions across universities, colleges, and rural communities, promoting critical media consumption, misinformation awareness, and digital responsibility among diverse audiences.
He is also a trainer in the BBC Young Reporter India Project, an initiative of BBC News World Service in partnership with Internews and DataLeads. Through this programme, he has contributed to youth engagement, ethical reporting training, and grassroots journalism capacity-building, thereby strengthening participatory communication and civic journalism practices in India.
Dr. Kumar’s professional exposure is enriched by hands-on experience in radio production, newspaper editing, and media production workflows. His internship with community radio and experience in newspaper page layout and editing have provided him with practical industry insights that complement his academic expertise. This rare blend of theory and practice enables him to train students in both conceptual understanding and professional skills.

Employment

  • Maharishi Markandeshwar University, Mullana Assistant Professor
    2025 - Present
  • Gautam Buddha University PhD Scholar
    2020 - 2024

Education

Education history is unavailable.

Projects & Funding

Projects & funding information is unavailable.

Publications (14)