Prof. (Dr.) Sanjeev Bhanawat

PROFILE OF PROF. (DR.) SANJEEV BHANAWAT

Prof. (Dr.) Sanjeev Bhanawat, a distinguished academician and media professional, established and headed the Centre for Mass Communication at the University of Rajasthan, Jaipur. Acknowledged as a pioneer in the field of Journalism and Mass Communication, he is also a prolific author and an influential teacher who has significantly contributed to media education and research in India. He served as the Honorary Director of the Centre for Jain Studies and the Administrative Services Pre-Entry Training Centre at the University of Rajasthan.

Early Life and Academic Journey

Prof. Bhanawat was born on 19th July 1958 in Udaipur, Rajasthan. He completed his M.A. in Hindi Literature and P.G. Diploma in Journalism from Rajasthan University. He began his career as a lecturer in the State Education Service of Rajasthan and joined Rajasthan University as a Lecturer of Journalism in January 1982.

Academic Contributions and Leadership

Prof. Bhanawat has been acknowledged as the architect of the growth and development of media education in Rajasthan. He played a pivotal role in launching Bachelor’s and Master’s degree courses, along with a Ph.D. program, under the Centre for Mass Communication at Rajasthan University. Despite various challenges, he established the Centre as a reputed institution for teaching, training, and research in Mass Communication.

He served as a member of the Senate, Academic Council, and Convener, Committee of Courses at Rajasthan University from 2000 to 2018. He has also guided 34 scholars to successfully complete their Ph.D. degrees.

Prof. Bhanawat was the Director of the Communication Bureau at Rajasthan University from 1989 to 1996. He participated in over 200 national and international seminars, symposiums, workshops, and conferences in various capacities. Additionally, he has organized numerous events in collaboration with prestigious organizations such as NCERT, Public Relations Society of India, ILO, Friedrich Ebert Foundation (Germany), UNICEF, and many more.

Awards and Recognition

Prof. Bhanawat is the recipient of numerous prestigious awards, including:

Radha Krishna Khetan Gold Medal for academic excellence.
सुमनेश जोशी प्रथम कृति पुरस्कार (Sumesh Joshi Pratham Kriti Puraskar) by Rajasthan Sahitya Academy for his book आचार्य हजारी प्रसाद द्विवेदी के उपन्यासों में सांस्कृतिक बोध (Acharya Hazari Prasad Dwivedi Ke Upanyason Mein Sanskritik Bodh).
Babu Rao Vishnu Paradkar Award for his book पत्रकारिता के विविध परिदृश्य (Patrakarita Ke Vividh Paridrishya).
Young Research Talent Award from Samyak Gyan Pracharak Mandal, Jaipur.
Pradeep Kumar Rampuria Memorial Award from All India Sandhumargi Jain Sangh, Bikaner.
Ganesh Lalwani Samman by Jain Vichar Manch, Kolkata, for his book संस्कृतिक चेतना और जैन पत्रकारिता (Sanskritik Chetna Aur Jain Patrakarita).
Young Achiever Award by Indian Junior Chamber Zone V.
Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi Award by Rural Journalist Association of India.
Media Guru Award by the Newspapers Association of India.
Hall of Fame Award by the Public Relations Council of India.
Lifetime Achievement Award in the 3rd All India Media Educators’ Conference held in Jaipur.
Jansampark Shree Award by Public Relations Council of India (Jaipur Chapter).
Lifetime Achievement Award by exchange4media and BW Businessworld.
Credint Shree Award by Credint TV.
Eminent Media Educator Award by the Global Media Education Council.

Publications and Editorial Contributions

Prof. Bhanawat has authored and edited over 35 books on Journalism, Public Relations, and Mass Communication, including notable works such as:

प्रेस कानून और पत्रकारिता (Press Kanoon Aur Patrakarita)
आचार्य हजारी प्रसाद द्विवेदी के उपन्यासों में सांस्कृतिक बोध (Acharya Hazari Prasad Dwivedi Ke Upanyason Mein Sanskritik Bodh)
पत्रकारिता का इतिहास एवं जनसंचार माध्यम (Patrakarita Ka Itihas Avam Jan Sanchar Madhyam)
समाचार लेखन के सिद्धांत और तकनीक (Samachar Lekhan Ke Siddhant Aur Takneek)
संस्कृतिक चेतना और जैन पत्रकारिता (Sanskritik Chetna Aur Jain Patrakarita)
पत्रकारिता के विविध परिदृश्य (Patrakarita Ke Vividh Paridrishya)
मीडिया एंड रूरल डेवलपमेंट (Media and Rural Development)
प्रभावी जनसंपर्क (Prabhavi Jansampark)
मीडिया एंड कोविड 19: इश्यूज, इंप्लिकेशन्स, इंफरेंसेस (Media and COVID 19: Issues, Implications, Inferences)
100 इयर्स ऑफ मीडिया एजुकेशन इन इंडिया (100 Years of Media Education in India)

He has been the editor of Communication Today, a leading quarterly media research journal, since 1997. This journal, with over 13 special issues, has gained recognition among media scholars nationwide. Prof. Bhanawat has also been associated with several academic journals and newsletters as an editor and contributor.

Media Engagement and Webinars

Prof. Bhanawat is actively associated with All India Radio, Doordarshan, and other TV channels since 1974. His programs have been telecast on local and national channels. He also reviews political broadcasts for AIR and Doordarshan during elections and has served as an observer for the Press Council of India.

In addition, he is running a successful YouTube channel under the name ‘Sanjeev Bhanawat’, focusing on media, literature, and culture. With over 450 videos, the channel has gained significant traction for its in-depth and engaging content. Since October 2, 2020, he has been conducting a webinar series on media-related subjects. This series has featured over 400 experts from various domains, fostering knowledge exchange and dialogue on contemporary media issues.

International Exposure and Initiatives

Prof. Bhanawat has represented India at numerous international conferences, including the World Hindi Conference in New York and media education studies in China. He has also participated in South Asian Media Educators’ Conferences and collaborated with global organizations like UNICEF, ILO, Friedrich Ebert Foundation (Germany), and NCERT. Additionally, he has visited Singapore, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Dubai for academic and professional engagements.

Personal and Philanthropic Contributions

To honor the legacy of his parents, Late Prof. Narendra Bhanawat and Late Dr. Shanta Bhanawat, he established an advanced research center at his residence. The center houses over 13,000 books, offering valuable resources for researchers in Hindi Literature, Rajasthani Literature, Journalism, and Mass Communication.

Prof. Bhanawat’s dedication to education, research, and media excellence continues to inspire students, academics, and professionals across the nation.

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