Assam University media researcher Pompy Paul included in the prestigious NFI Media Fellowship list of 2021

The National Foundation for India (NFI) is a non-profit organization that aims to mobilize public opinion and generate resources for supporting development action to build a plural, equitable and democratic society by promoting social justice philanthropy. Set up in 1992, NFI has focused on mobilising resources for grassroots organizations to build capacity and strengthen the resilience of marginalized and rural communities. NFI also rolls out national media fellowship for independent media personnel and communication researchers all over the country. Pompy Paul, a media researcher from the Department of Mass Communication, Assam University, Silchar, has been included in this year’s list of 25 media personnel and researchers all over the country eligible for NFI’s prestigious media fellowship. She also happens to be the only one representing Barak Valley in this year’s NFI fellowship list, which is a commendable achievement in the field of academics in this valley.

Originally hailing from Shillong, Meghalaya, Pompy is currently based out of Silchar and has been pursuing her PhD at Assam University’s Mass Communication department. Most of the recipients of this year’s fellowship are independent journalists. Only three media researchers have been included in the list of 25, with the other two recipients belonging from IIT Madras and the University of Hyderabad. Her PhD research is on Media Framing of Prime Time News, under the supervision of Prof. Gyan Prakash Pandey, current Head of the Department.

While talking to Barak Bulletin, Pompy Paul said, “Of course I’m absolutely elated to get this prestigious fellowship of NFI. The fact that I’m doing my PhD under the Department of Mass Communication of Assam University makes me eligible for this fellowship. Hence, I want to give my sincerest thanks to my department and especially my supervisor Prof. GP Pandey Sir for guiding me throughout this journey, not just during PhD but during my 2 years of post-graduation here as well, and for providing me with this opportunity to learn and grow. I’ve spent the last 6-7 years in Silchar for my higher studies so this place has also played a pivotal role in my overall growth as a person.” Pompy was also the gold medallist of her batch in Masters for the year 2017 and has also previously worked as a Communication Officer at the Cachar Cancer Hospital in Silchar.

Prof. Gyan Prakash Pandey, who is the current Head of the Department of Mass Communication and also the Dean of the School, happens to be the supervisor of Pompy in her research work. He said, “This is a proud moment for us, not just for the department but for the entire University as well. She has always been one of our brightest minds and obedient students. Even during her post-graduation days, she had always strived hard for success and growth. Her current research work is also of national importance and I firmly believe that in the coming days as well, she will keep on working hard and achieve more such accolades. Till now she has been working for the development of this region and in future, I’m sure her work will make difference in the national level as well.”