Punjab Newsline, Bathinda-
In a significant academic recognition, Dr. Rubal Kanozia, Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Mass Communication at the Central University of Punjab, has been selected for the prestigious Training of Trainers (ToT) programme under the ADiRA – AI for Digital Readiness & Advancement initiative. The programme is a part of the AI Opportunity Fund, supported by the Asian Venture Philanthropy Network (AVPN) in partnership with Google.org and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
The ADiRA initiative, spearheaded by DataLEADS, aims to equip media professionals and healthcare workers across India with hands-on aTiwarirtificial intelligence (AI) skills to navigate an economy increasingly shaped by digital transformation. The training is designed to build a network of master trainers who will lead AI integration in their respective domains and institutions.
Dr. Kanozia’s selection comes in recognition of his continued contributions to media education, research, and misinformation and digital literacy. A journalist-turned-academic, he has over 15 years of experience spanning broadcast journalism, media teaching, and public communication. He is well known for his research and training work on misinformation, fake news, and ethical journalism.
He has been actively associated with the Google News Initiative’s Fact-Checking Network and FactShala, two major national initiatives focused on building media literacy among journalists, educators, and the wider public. Through these platforms, Dr. Kanozia has trained hundreds of media professionals in verifying information and curbing the spread of fake news across India.
Dr. Kanozia has also served as Principal Investigator for several national research projects funded by the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), Ministry of Education, Government of India. These include his widely acclaimed studies on “Understanding the Sociology of Fake News” and “The Impact of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan in the Majha, Malwa, and Doaba Regions of Punjab.”
His academic work has received attention beyond Indian borders. He has presented his research at international forums, including the University of Oregon in Portland, USA, and the American University in Dubai, where he discussed emerging global trends in digital misinformation and media literacy. His contributions to media studies earned him Research Awards in Humanities and Social Sciences for two consecutive years (2020 and 2021).
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Raghavendra P. Tiwari congratulated Dr. Kanozia, stating:
"Dr. Kanozia’s selection for this prestigious national programme reflects his academic excellence and the university’s commitment to interdisciplinary innovation.
Dr. Kanozia also expressed heartfelt gratitude to the leadership at his university:“I am especially thankful to Prof. Raghavendra P. Tiwari, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of the Central University of Punjab, for his visionary leadership and consistent encouragement of interdisciplinary innovation.”
Dr. Kanozia shared his thoughts on the opportunity: “Being part of the ADiRA Training of Trainers programme is a major responsibility. As media professionals and educators, we must not only understand AI but also train others to use it ethically and effectively. This initiative aligns perfectly with India’s digital future and the role of media in that journey.”
He further added that such initiatives are crucial for building a digitally literate society in times of rapidly advancing technologies like generative AI, algorithmic decision-making, and synthetic media.
With this selection, Dr. Kanozia will be joining a select cohort of trainers who will contribute to advancing India's AI literacy mission, particularly in the fields of journalism, communication, and public health. His work will support integrating AI tools into classrooms and newsrooms, helping professionals adapt to the demands of a technology-led information landscape.