Dr. Sheetal Thapar, Professor of Journalism at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, is the Nodal Officer, Content Operations, in the Office of the Vice-Chancellor, and heads the Department of Agricultural Journalism, Languages, and Culture. Beginning her journey at PAU in 1998, she rose to the rank of Professor in 2013. An alumna of St. Bede’s College, Shimla, she holds a Master’s in Journalism from PAU and a PhD from Himachal Pradesh University.

A meritorious scholar throughout her academic life, she earned distinction in Class X, a merit position in Graduation, and an academic roll of honour in Post Graduation. She was named ‘Ambassador of Culture and Goodwill to North Florida’ by Rotary International in 2000 and honoured as a Woman Achiever by the Ludhiana administration in 2025.

With over 27 years of teaching experience, Dr. Thapar has mentored 22 postgraduate research scholars and led an ICSSR-funded project on digital media use among Punjab’s farmers. She has authored eight books, 22 research papers, and numerous popular articles, contributing richly to the field of agricultural journalism.

Her teaching repertoire includes print and online journalism, corporate communication, development communication, media laws, and communication theories. A skilled editor, she has played a pivotal role in enhancing PAU’s publications and nurturing young writers.

Dr. Thapar is a dedicated communicator and educator who actively contributes to agricultural extension and media ethics. Her passion for responsible journalism and commitment to academic excellence continue to shape future media professionals with insight and integrity.

Professional Accomplishments

Research Projects completed

1. ‘Access and Utilization of Online and Mobile Media vis-à-vis Agriculture Among the Farmers of Punjab’ – Major Research Project funded by Indian Council of Social Science Research, New Delhi completed as Project Director (2018-2021). 

Research Publications:

Research Papers:

1. Thapar S and Kaur R. (2022) Information Needs of Punjab Farmers and Constraints in Online Access: A Snapshot.J: Media Mimansa16(2):7-15. UGC CARE listed. ISSN: 2229-5593.
2. Thapar S, Singh N P and Kaur R (2019) Utilization of New Media among Farmers of Punjab: A Study of Moga District, India. J: International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences.8(10): 2344-2357. ISSN: 2319-7692 (Print), ISSN: 2319-7706 (Online) DOI: https://doi.org/10.20546/ijcmas.2019.810.271 NAAS: 5.38 (Effective from January 01, 2019)
3. Kaur, R and Thapar, S (2019) Relationship between Socioeconomic Characteristics and Usability of Online and Mobile Media among Farmers of Punjab. J:Asian Journal of Agricultural Extension, Economics and Sociology. 36(4): 1-13. Article no. AJAEES.52363 ISSN: 2320-7027. NAAS: 4.35
4. Thapar, S and Siddappa, A. (2019) Online and Mobile Media Utilization Among Farmers: A Brief Review. J:Communication Today. 23(1): 103-108. ISSN: 0975-217X.
5. Thapar, S and Nayal, A. (2018) Online and Mobile Media Utilization Among the farmers of Punjab – Some Opportunities and Challenges. J: International Journal of New Media Studies.7(4): 41-46. ISSN: 2394-4331.

Books:

1. Thapar, S. and Goyal, H. (2024) Green Titans: The PAU Story. Published by Indian Ecological Society, College of Agriculture, PAU, Ludhiana. No. of Pages: 50. ISBN: 978-93-92405-47-1
2. Thapar, S. and Bector, V. (2023) PAU’s Museums: Preserving the Footprints, Inspiring the Generations. Published by Communication Centre, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. No. of Pages: 52. ISBN: 978-93-92405-88-4
3. Thapar, S., Singh N.P., Bector V. and Toor, A. (2023) Roots of Prosperity: The Incredible Saga of Punjabi Farmers in Foreign Lands. Published by Communication Centre, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. No. of Pages: 44. ISBN: 978-93-92405-20-4.
4. Thapar, S. and Toor, A. (2017) DrSardara Singh Johl – An Iconic Agricultural Economist. Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. No. of Pages: 72.ISBN: 978-93-86267-43-6
5. Thapar, S. (2017) Dr Gurcharan Singh Kalkat – A Quiet Hero of Indian Agriculture. Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. No. of Pages = 72. ISBN: 978-93-86267-04-7

Awards and Recognitions:

1. Award of Honour by Ludhiana Administration on the International Women’s Day (March 08, 2025).
2. Ambassador of Culture & Goodwill to North Florida in the year 2000 by Rotary International
3. Merit Holder in the PG programme ‘Master of Journalism’ at PAU (Rank 1, OCPA: 4 out of basis 4).
4. Merit Holder in Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla in BA Part I (Rank 4 in the State) & BA Part II (Rank 7 in the State).
5. Distinction Holder in CBSE Board in Class X.

Appointments: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.