Dr. Sumit Narula is the Director of the Amity School of Communication at Amity University Gurgaon. He holds a PhD in Electronic Media and Conflict Resolution from Panjab University and has two master's degrees and two postgraduate diplomas to his credit. Prior to his present role, he was the Deputy Dean of Research (Publications and Citations) at Amity University, Madhya Pradesh. Dr. Narula has published two books in Mass Communication/Journalism and edited seven books.

Furthermore, he has also published several national and international research papers in reputed journals. He has also been to London, Dubai, Slovenia, Nepal, Singapore, and Amsterdam for research and paper presentations. The core areas for his research are Media Research, Fake News Detection, Peacebuilding, and Conflict Resolution. He is also the Editor in Chief of the bi-annual SCOPUS indexed Journal named Journal of Content Community and Communication and the Chairman of the Centre of Excellence for Detection of Fake News and Disinformation at AUMP.

Dr. Sumit has taken 400 plus workshops on the topic ‘How to catch Fake/Predatory/Cloned Journals in Academics’ and has developed a course with Taylor’s University, Malaysia on it and he was also awarded the Innovation Research Award by them. He is the Honorary Brand Ambassador for Emerald Publishing: South Asia and also the voluntary Ambassador for Cross Ref. He has also taken many workshops with Emerald, Elsevier, Cabells, and Turnitin as their Resource Person on Academic Integrity and has also been covered by various newspapers and the AAJTAK channel.

Amity University, Gurgaon

How do you ensure student has holistic exposure not just academics?

A holistic approach for students helps expand their skills, knowledge, and experiences beyond academic learning. A choice-based credit system helps students take an interdisciplinary approach that goes beyond just learning the core subjects and gives them a broader understanding of the world at large. Experiential learning encourages students to put their learning to use in a real-life setting, this is done through internships and community services. Practical experiences help them test their knowledge and skills through application. At Amity University, we have the Study Abroad Program that gives students opportunities to learn about different cultures, languages, and educational systems. Industry interactions help them learn from the best in the industry. Extra-curricular activities help them develop physically and mentally. The mentor-mentee programme at AUH helps in conducting dialogues to help the student channelize their own potential.

How do you try to bring in practical approach towards subjects and how students get practical experience from studying the subject?

A practical approach helps prepare students for the real world. This is why at Amity we have a well-equipped, state-of-the-art studio, where students can produce shows independently. There is also a graphics lab where students can create designs and work on software. Students are taken on industry visits, which help them see how things unfold in a studio in real-time. Hands-on workshops are held frequently by industry professionals to give them an edge. Students work on live projects and freelance to understand the industry ecosystem.

What are the best practices offered by the department to the students which help them gain necessary skills?

In our department, there are many industry-experienced faculty members who bring real-world insights to the students. The curriculum is constantly updated to keep up with changing technology. Faculty members undergo FDPs to get updated with industry know-how. Alumni interactions help students network with the industry through alumni. ASCO and AUH have a very inclusive and diverse environment where all students are welcomed and treated as one.

Check Amity University, Gurgaon Courses & Fees

How do you help your student to cope with the competition being so high in the outside world?

We provide ample industry exposure through internships, workshops, and networking events for our students. These support our students in understanding the current media landscape. Students work on their portfolios and projects that they show in the industry. How to write resumes and mock interview sessions are also conducted by faculty members.

What do you see as the department’s/ college’s greatest strengths and how it helping students to excel?

ASCO's and AUH’s greatest strength is providing a comprehensive and practical learning approach to students. The curriculum is vetted by industry experts, leading to the curriculum being constantly updated with new technologies and know-how making the students more marketable. The department also focuses on media ethics, media research, and critical thinking, leading to responsible media practitioners.

What valuable advice would you like to the students for them to have a prosperous career ahead?

I wish to share with them my passion for lifelong learning. I also want to advise them to learn diverse skill sets. Learn how to network and collaborate in the industry. With the industry's unpredictable nature, students must become adaptable and resilient. They must learn to be ethical in all spheres of life. It is pertinent to be proactive and take initiative. Last but not least, become a good human being and have a humanistic approach to life.