MICA faculty prof. Manisha Pathak Shelat gets 'MEDIA AND COMMUNICATION EDUCATION' award

Ahmedabad: The Global Media Education Council has awarded MICA faculty Prof. Manisha Pathak-Shelat the prestigious 'Media & Communication Education’ award for her stellar contribution to Media & Communication Education.

The Global Media Education Council (GMEC) is a global professional body of media educators, practitioners, media institutes, and departments of universities. The Council has constituted awards to eminent Indian and international stalwarts for their lifetime contribution to media and communication studies through a 75-day online conclave.

Prof. Shelat, Chair, Center for Development Management & Communication (CDMC) at MICA, Ahmedabad, received the award during the Global Communication Education Conclave (GCEC) on November 24, 2021.

Dr. Shailendra Raj Mehta, President & Director, MICA, said, "MICA is privileged to have Prof. Shelat as part of our community. She has done pioneering work in the field of Media and Communication. This award by the Global Media Education Council (GMEC) is a recognition of her commitment to Media and Communication Education. She is also the recipient of MICA's annual AGK award for meritorious service."

Speaking about the recognition, Prof. Manisha Pathak Shelat said, "This award gives me special delight for two reasons. First, it came to me as a pleasant surprise during a unique celebration of media and communication education, and I did not need to apply or send a huge dossier and recommendations. Second, it is conferred by my peers, and peer recognition is the most valuable form of recognition in academia. I have had much joy and fulfillment being an educator, strong bonds with colleagues and students, and opportunities to interact with a wide variety of people. This award is an affirmation of my love for the life I have chosen. I thank MICA for providing me a vibrant community to carry out my work.”

Dr. Shelat is a Professor of Communication & Digital Platforms and Strategies at MICA and has worked with various social sector organizations such as Gujarat Energy Development Agency, Centre for Environment Education, SEWA, The Adani Foundation, Mahila Samakhya, The United Way of Baroda, UNESCO and UNICEF among others.

She is also the editor of the Journal of Creative Communications published by MICA for SAGE. In addition, she has led several capacity-building programs for non-profits, various state governments, the corporate sector, and international organizations in communication and information management.

She recently co-authored a book titled 'Raising a Humanist: Conscious Parenting in an Increasingly Fragmented World' published by SAGE that looked at challenges faced by parents and educators on various issues that include religion, class, caste, gender identities, and body image.

Her research over the years has addressed how ordinary individuals engage with media to experience agency, explore identities, and participate in social change. Her work has been published in the Journal of Youth Studies, Journal of Adolescent and Adult Literacy, New Media & Society, Journal of Children and Media, and chapters in several books.

Established in 1991, MICA is the first residential institute in the country and perhaps in the Asia-Pacific region, dedicated to creating Leadership in Strategic Marketing and Communication.

Its spirit lies in its grasping of contemporariness, addressing the needs of an ever-changing environment. The MICA brand assures effective delivery of Strategic Marketing and Communication solutions to the industry, government and community.

Today, it is the alma mater of professionals serving in leadership positions in some of the best-known companies in India and the world, in marketing, brand management, research & analytics, advertising, media, digital and other strategic marketing and communication-driven businesses.